Although this novel featuring Tess Chaykin and Sean Reilly is very good it loses one star for the very simple reason that there was very little mention of the events, and therefore the relevance of them, from 1700s Mexico. Usually with books in this series we get a hefty dose of well researched and thoroughly engrossing history which adds something special to the modern day story, dipping into these excerpts periodically more of the impact on modern day events is revealed and explained, not so this time around. Having said that, though, there are aspects to this outing for our lovebird heroes which delve into realms of what may be considered supernatural or paranormal. Khoury very deftly introduces these in an absolutely plausible yet shocking way, which not only jolts our heroes but us too! Having read around this particular phenomena in the past I must state my admiration for Khoury for his utilising it in this way. I found my jaw hitting my knees and then I grinned as the pieces all fit together. I won't say what it is because that would spoil things for future readers, but it is a jolly good twist. El Brujo is a Drug Lord of unparalleled wealth and resources, and absolutely no moral code, he's also highly intelligent and has studied his product well. A product which is incredibly dangerous and highly addictive as it happens (the description of its effects is chilling and would surely be enough to put off potential addicts for life!!). In the pursuit to put it out on the street Reilly and co thwart his plans and El Brujo seeks revenge. He is truly evil and will stop at nothing to get what he wants, as a consequence we are treated to a genuinely gripping cat and mouse type chase as bullets fly, blood is spilled (oh, so much blood!!) and gore galore leaves a trail to the ultimate showdown. It is well written with some nice wry humour dotted about amongst the thrills, mayhem and the gore. It will be interesting to see if some of the outcomes of this novel impact on the next. I for one will be on tenterhooks until then.