REEVE OF VEILS

In this fourth volume of a paranormal series, a Londoner tracks down his aristocratic twin to learn why his brother believes their father committed murder.

Frederick d’Arcy finally finds his brother, Quentin, who fled England for San Diego, California. Though the 25-year-olds are fraternal twins, Quentin, a few hours older, is heir apparent to their duke father’s estate. Quentin has fallen in love with Laurence Riley, who runs a flower shop with his mother. Both lovers have supernatural abilities, from Laurence’s precognition to Quentin’s telekinesis. Frederick has an ability as well, though he stays mum about his telepathy. He plans to use it to resolve his mother’s mysterious death. Six years ago, Quentin accused their father of killing their mother at her funeral. Quentin had an apparent telekinetic fit and then passed out, evidently forgetting the incident afterward. To get answers, Frederick tries diving into Laurence’s mind, with the hope that the man will be able to see into the d’Arcys’ past. At the same time, Frederick’s background check on Laurence—partly to ensure he’s not a gold digger —includes looking into the Californian’s former drug dealer, Mikey Brennan. Despite Mikey’s sordid profession, Frederick finds himself sympathizing with him, as he’s suffered abuse throughout his life. The two men’s mental connection, courtesy of Frederick’s telepathy, leads to a physical bond. Meanwhile, there’s another threat: Kane Wilson wants Laurence and Quentin to join his superpowered group for a rescue. But digging further into Wilson’s history—or mind—may reveal he’s much more sinister than he appears.

After centering on Laurence and Quentin in the first three volumes, Faulkner shifts narrative perspective to Frederick and sometimes Mikey. This isn’t an introduction for either character, as they’ve both had prior appearances. Frederick, in particular, had a sizable role in the second book; in fact, much of this novel takes place during the same time as the earlier installment. Accordingly, there are prolonged scenes directly from Book 2, and while this time they come from Frederick’s perspective, the abundant dialogue is verbatim. Even a climactic scene from the earlier work reappears, which will surely have a lessened impact for readers familiar with the series. Still, it’s intriguing to see Laurence and Quentin from Frederick’s viewpoint. As he’s refined his ability more than the other two, Frederick reads most people’s minds with ease and judges them on their genuine thoughts. This makes Laurence even more likable, as, dissimilar to most, his thoughts closely match what he voices. Frederick, too, is an appealing protagonist; his powers entail implanting suggestions into others’ minds, which he uses to his benefit but also to help people. Wilson is an effective, albeit returning, menace while the mystery of the twins’ mother’s death, which may not have been murder, remains captivating. Fans of the series anticipating the author’s typically sublime passages will be more than satiated: “Frederick ran imaginary fingers over illusory skin and resolved to do all of this for real as soon as possible.”

A thoroughly riveting installment of a supernatural saga.