Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked? For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it. The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him? Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all. (from Goodreads)
Flo's Review
Another beloved series comes to an end. I'm not sad to see it go, though -- even as I was reading this one, I felt that it was time for the series to wrap up. That's not to say that I didn't really enjoy my time spent there -- the world of the Curse Workers examines everything and leaves the ideas of "good" and "bad" open to much discussion. I love the detail that Holly gives in these books -- Cassel is so clever and I love to see how he comes out in the end. The writing is beautiful, too -- in this world of crime, the writing is like poetry. I am even satisfied with the ending -- I was actually thinking that is how it should end. Of course, there are a few things that are left up in the air: Barron's request, for example. Did Cassel ever do it? And Cassel's friends. And... {comment removed to avoid spoilers}. But I know it's impractical to neatly tie off every loose string, and better for the reader to leave some to her imagination. I highly encourage you to travel into the world of the Curse Workers if you haven't. It will transform you -- and yes, that's a pun. If you've read any of them, you'll catch the double meaning :)
Read my review of Red Glove here.
