But when her old partner is promoted, she’s paired with a “Sixer,” a specially trained agent chosen for his ability to lock into a sixth sense. It is easy to suspend disbelief for the snap and spark between these characters and the thrilling rabbit hole THE FINAL SEVEN jumps down.
Following the trajectory of a typical romance, the partners start off their time together on the wrong foot. Micki is a self-described “skull crusher” who believes in the power of right and wrong, black and white—and wants her rules followed to a T. Zach Harris, the “Sixer,” is a wealthy, handsome young man used to wielding his powers to get what he wants (although never explicitly catalogued, his sixth-sense powers most importantly involve an ability to read people’s minds through touch). They stumble through the first clues of their investigation, bickering and standing ground. Once they recognize the other’s special talents, however, they work together as a powerful investigative team.
In addition to strong, multifaceted characters, THE FINAL SEVEN is engaging for its fast-paced plot. Someone is kidnapping young women on their birthdays and leaving an engraved numerical “7” as their calling card—with Zach’s help, though, the pair soon realize they are really looking for something. Every crime scene is infused with a destructive, angry energy that knocks Zach off his feet—finding and stopping the energy becomes part of a much larger plot.
The supernatural elements do get a little kooky toward the end. The drama of the investigation only partially makes up for the fact that the reader is rarely left in suspense, as the clues follow some well-trodden crime-drama clichés.
THE FINAL SEVEN is an expertly plotted crime drama with some supernatural flare and a dash of romance for good measure.
~IndieReader.