Against a Brightening Sky (Delia Martin, 3) Hardcover – October 6, 2015

As another chapter in the saga of Delia Martin Ryan and family, this book excels. It’s a gripping story that doesn’t let you go. However, as a conclusion to the series? Dismal failure.As usual, Moyer knows how to tell a gripping story. I loved all the new bits she included from the supernatural: how the ability to see ghosts manifested in a child, how the powers of a necromancer interacted with Delia’s and Dora’s abilities, and the strengthening of Delia overall in her abilities and confidence using them. Seeing her grow as a supernatural user and face off with a truly terrifying entity kept me enthralled.I loved the historical background to the story as well as the crime fighting parts (though those were in lesser evidence than previous volumes). Using the Russian Revolution and the assassination of the tsar’s family tied in very well with the overall aura of the time period with the bubbling fervent feelings of revolution, anarchy, and change. The author also incorporates fantastic period details to make her setting come to life like the eerie San Francisco fog, period speedster cars, and the era’s fascination with Spiritualism.Her characters also continue to shine. Delia’s growing confidence and courage in facing ghosts and supernatural entities, both enemies and allies, is always a treat. I love her with Gabe. His strengths in observance of details and putting all the pieces together continue to be a joy to read. His growing awareness of his own supernatural inclinations was also a nice change.I also enjoyed the secondary characters, especially the ones that were introduced in this volume. Jordan was a special favorite. I loved seeing how he didn’t let prejudice influence his sense of dignity and justice; he did what the job required so that the victims of crime could have justice. I loved the window that his character provided into the world of police and how people of color were treated back then.The only problem I have with this book was it being touted as a “conclusion”. It in no way reads as such. This is just another chapter in the life of Delia and allies as they battle the evil supernatural influences that seem to gravitate to early 20th century San Francisco. There is no wrapping up of overall story threads; the author even introduces some such threads in this volume, the last book in the series.So there is no real closure as we say goodbye to these characters. I’m going to be very sad to see Delia and company go. I enjoyed her adventures every October; it was one of the things I looked forward to for the past few years. I can only hope that maybe the author is going to pursue a series about Dora?? If that’s the case, sign me up for that waitlist!!! I’d love a series about her.A great addition to the series, this volume will keep you engaged with a gripping story, great characters, and wonderful supernatural additions. While this doesn’t read as a conclusion, it still stands as a great book under its own merits. I’ll be sad to see this series go, but here’s hoping the author intends to write one about Dora, ‘cause I’ll be there with bells on. Still a recommends volume for those who love historical supernatural mysteries.

This is the third book in Jaime Lee Moyer's series and is just as good as the first two. The story picks up were the second one left off; at the end of WWI in San Francisco. The story centers around a string of murdered Russian immigrants. Delia and Dora are spiritualists who aide Delia's husband, Captain Gabe Ryan, as he attempts to bring a killer to justice. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. All of the characters from the first two novels return and a few new ones are introduced. The book is an easy read; I do wish there was more of a back story on some of the Russians and Dora' s history explained in depth but those are my only complaints. I know this is supposed to be the last in the series but I hope Ms Moyer writes a few more.

This was an excellent addition to the series that began with Delia's Shadow. The characters are engaging, the story moves fast and the historical context is extremely interesting. Although the book wrapped up nicely, I was very disappointed to read that the the publisher has decided to not release the concluding volumes of Delia's story. I am never inclined to start a series when I know it will be cut short. In this case, there is no cliff hanger at the end. I encourage new readers to start this series. I hope the publisher will reconsider, and at least release the final volumes as e-books. And give them a little PUBLICITY.

I don't know why it took me so long to get myself a copy of this book, when I like the series so much!Okay, actually I do: so many books, so little time. But seriously, it's got a great historical setting, plotting, pleasant characters (not every book has to be full of snarky characters!) - it pretty much hits all my "like" buttons. I'm glad I finally got around to it, and sorry that it looks like the series is over already.

Back in 2012, I read the opening pages of a book called Delia’s Shadow by Jaime Lee Moyer and immediately fell in love with the beautiful prose, the complex and rounded characters, the setting of turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and the magical blend of paranormal and crime thriller. Now I’ve finished the third book in that trilogy and I’m happy to say that everything I loved about the first book (and the second) is still there—and many wonderful new elements have been added.Ms. Moyer has done another splendid job of coming up with a solid and riveting plot mixed with the urgent needs and half-understood messages of the ghosts haunting Delia Ryan. Ms. Moyer’s villains are always haunting and harrowing, and this book is no exception, giving us a truly unique and shiver-inducing baddie. The confusion and turmoil of the world right after World War I is captured with striking immediacy. Desperate European refugees from the chaos of the war’s conclusion seek to find new lives for themselves only to be ruthlessly—and supernaturally—hunted by those they left behind. But Ms. Moyer never loses the human dimension, making even minor characters memorable people the reader cares about.It’s been a joy to see the central characters grow, change, and deepen over the course of these three books, and I will miss them. I can only hope we meet again sometime. The Delia books have been a rich and satisfying read, first to last.

Set post-World War I, San Francisco is awash in refugees - both of the living and dead variety. Delia is visited by a new spirits just before a St. Patrick's Day Parade - one marred by violence. Evil begun during the Great War has far-reaching effects for both Delia and her loved ones along with the larger world.A truly fantastic read, the only thing wrong with this book is that this is the final book in the Delia series. If you've read first two - and they are a must - you have to read the concluding volume. Ms. Moyer has created a fantastickal world much like our own where magic exists, and none of her books disappoint.