Finished Shadow Touch by Marjorie M. Liu. It’s the second book in her popular Dirk & Steele series — about a detective agency whose members all have paranormal talents, like telekinesis and shapeshifting.

I read the first book in this series, Tiger Eye, a while back. I remember enjoying it well enough, but not being blown away by it. Then again, I’ve never really been fond of genie stories, which is sort of what that book was. (I say sort of because to describe it fully would make this post way too long.) Anyway, I thought I might pick up another D&S book someday.

I’m glad I did.

Shadow Touch focuses on Artur Loginov, a D&S operative who can absorb people’s memories with just a touch. He’s kidnapped, along with healer Elena Baxter, by The Consortium, a shadowy group who wants to exploit the couple. The Consortium plans to unlock the D&S secrets in Artur’s head and have Elena heal their leader. Oh, and they want to take over the Russian mafia too.

There’s a lot going on in this book, but Liu balances it all quite nicely. Shadow Touch is an excellent blend of romance, fantasy, and action. Liu’s writing is descriptive and beautiful, and the developing relationship between Artur and Elena is realistic and powerful. I can see why the book was nominated for a RITA award. It’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read this year, and I can see why people are buzzing about Liu.

My only quibble is that the internal, mind-to-mind communication between Artur and Elena got a bit hard to follow at times, even with the italics to set it apart from spoken dialogue. The end is also a bit confusing if you haven’t read Tiger Eye, as The Consortium’s connection to D&S is revealed. I couldn’t recall all the details Liu was referencing from that book in this one.

Still, a big thumbs up.

Up next: A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore.

What about you? What have you read lately? Inquiring minds want to know …