Veil of Thorns

Jamie Breen struggles to maintain her late father’s landscaping company when she and Tony Rizzo discover a chain-bound coffin during an excavation for wealthy widow Deidra Westbrooke. Chris Holmes, known for horror and urban fantasy with romance and dark humor, structures this narrative around the release of a centuries-old spirit seeking revenge. The plot follows the disappearance of Rizzo, police investigations, and the involvement of a greedy lawyer alongside a suspected vampire and a possessed widow. The story weaves together elements of gothic fiction and supernatural thriller traditions. Holmes organizes the tale through the formation of an unlikely alliance among townspeople who must confront their own buried secrets to stop the evil overtaking their rural community. The narrative includes specific plot points such as a blood-drained corpse and rumors of an ancient curse. This book suits readers who enjoy character-driven horror with romantic subplots and dark humor. It may not appeal to those seeking pure gore or fast-paced action without emotional depth. The setting remains grounded in a small rural town, emphasizing the isolation and community dynamics typical of classic horror. Holmes draws on established traditions of vampire lore and curse-based narratives to create a cohesive story. The inclusion of a lawyer and police investigations adds procedural elements to the supernatural conflict. Readers interested in urban fantasy blends will find this work aligns with his other titles like Vamped and Light A Candle.