Review - The Last Grave

This is a new-to-me series that I jumped to read.  The concept of the story intrigued me enough to take a break from the historical mystery reading challenge (click here) and read it.  

Author: Debbie Viguie

Copyright: March 2013 (Penguin) 370 pgs

Series: 2nd in A Witch Hunt novels

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Supernatural Police Procedural

Main Characters: Samantha Ryan—homicide detective and witch

Setting: Modern day, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

Samantha Ryan left Salem for San Francisco, hoping to forget the horrors of her past. Her past includes a very dark magic side of herself from a mother who raised her in a destructive and black magic coven...and the last novel in which she takes out the last of the coven to save many lives. 

So Samantha runs to San Francisco and takes a job as police detective. But after the magic she indulged in to take down the coven in Salem, she is struggling to fight her own desire to turn to magic to handle everything in her life. 

She is teamed with a partner that nobody else will work with and is handed a murder case of a local historian named Winona Lightfoot. Samantha quickly realizes all leads in the case point to the Santa Cruz Mountains and witches practicing black magic. As Samantha is working the case clue by clue, earthquakes keep rocking the area.  After each earthquake, reality is shifted, such as the hair color of her roommate and friend.  Samantha has to dodge showdowns with witches and piece together what is actually happening before the black magic causes a devastating earthquake.  But she might have to dredge up the bad-ass witch she had been raised to be in order to fight this coven, and there maybe no return if she takes that step.

Samantha Ryan is the troubled heroine with a dark past and near addiction to magic. I wanted to like her, and mostly I did with the exception of her digging into her own psyche and unlocking her past selves in her self treatment sessions. This proves to be dangerous and takes the character someplace I completely didn't like at the end. Presenting her as turning to a cross around her neck like a talisman and other Christian trappings made her even more conflicted. Her difficult partner, Lance is difficult to get a handle on.  He doesn't seem as unsociable and difficult as he was first made out to be. Actually he is often covering for Samantha off investigating on her own.  Lance is a character that seemed a bit undeveloped, part of that might be that he goes through a radical change after one of the earthquakes so the reader starts over getting to know him, which is a drawback in the story I felt.  Anthony, the love interest left behind in Salem, has tremendous potential but is left to a few phone scenes. The room-mate seems to just be minor character moved around as needed.

The rugged Santa Cruz mountains are a great location for this power hungry coven to work its diabolical magic - bwahaha.  It manages to sound beautiful and scary at the same time.

The plot was pretty clear cut with the intriguing idea of the magic triggered earthquakes causing shifts in the planes of alternate dimensions.  At times those shifts could be confusing, but it added a needed umph to the storyline. The pacing was difficult.  At times the story had hold of me and was racing right along, then there were times when it fell a little flat.  I think the characters were lacking and those parts in the book were when the characters would have carried the story forward and it started to flounder a bit.

There is a pretty dramatic climax and confrontation, but it is the wrap up that lost me.  The wrap-up is the setup for the next book and the last minute development with Samantha lost my interest.  As I mentioned, the ending is taking a clear direction with Samantha that looses any likable aspect of the character for me. 

This book has some interesting paranormal aspects and an interesting plot that falters occasionally from under-realized characters and a finish that alienates the reader from the main character.

Rating:  Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Review - Hard Spell

This week Ken reviews a rather hard boiled Mike Hammer meets Dragnet mixed with the paranormal.  In this reality vampires, ghouls, goblins, werewolves, and witches all exist and have legal rights.  Ken really got into the spirit of the book (no pun intended) as you will find out.

This is a grittier book than is usually reviewed here with swearing, some gore, and a rough-around-the-edges policeman (Mike Hammer's attitude, even with women), but sometimes it is good to mix it up a little. After all, Halloween is approaching.  Bwa ha ha!  This book will also be one of the offerings in the Spooktacular Blog Hop giveaway at the end of October.

Title:  Hard Spell 

Author:  Justin Gustainis
 
Copyright:  2011; Angry Robot (distrib. in the U.S. by Random House, Inc.); 382 pgs. 

Sensuality:  Violence, Language, some gore (probably an "R" rating)

Mystery sub-genre:  Police Procedural; Urban Fantasy 

Main Character:  Stanley Markowski, police detective  
 
Setting:  Present day; Scranton, PA

Obtained book through:  Author for an honest review

He carries a badge.  He’s like Joe Friday (played by Jack Webb) of Dragnet fame (“All we want are the facts, ma’am”) but with a lot more humor that goes along with his dry-wit and heart-felt emotions.  Stanley Markowski is one of Scranton, Pennsylvania’s finest. 

Stan takes us on a “ride-along” as we experience his life as a detective with an extra-ordinary unit.  You see, life is not normal in his world.  He not only carries a badge and a 9mm Beretta but also silver bullets, a crucifix, a few wooden stakes, and some holy water.  Markowski tells us America has been having to deal with the supernatural element for over 50 years, and Scranton has a “live and let unlive” relationship with the supes.  No more just lions and tigers and bears, oh my… More like werewolves, vampires, ghouls, goblins, trolls, and witches.  Some of these supes can be rather sensitive.  Officers must be trained in the proper manner, customs, and protocol to use when dealing with the various species.  For example, it is very important to know when it is okay to use cuss words.

He’s a street-smart detective with the Occult and Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit – the Supe Squad.  When things go bump in the night or a vamp puts a bit into crime, the savvy and dedicated Supe Squad are the go-to guys and gals.  They’re supported by SWAT; not your typical door bangers with high-powered weapons, this bunch are called the Sacred Weapons and Tactics Unit and their unique arsenal includes splash-bang grenades.

Markowski and his trusted long time partner, Detective Paul di Napoli take a nasty robbery/hostage call involving some meth-head goblins.  SPD consultant and white witch, Rachel Proctor, is called upon to unitize her special skills in ending this situation.  Unfortunately, due to circumstances and a lapse in proper procedure, Paul is killed.  

Stan gets a new partner.  Karl Renfer is an experienced street cop, but an untested new detective.  He strikes me as being kind of like Dragnet’s Bill Gannon (played by Henry Morgan), the witty but intelligent sidekick to Joe Friday.  Karl appears to be a very competent law enforcer, but his courage might be questionable. 

Then the “fun” begins.  They respond to a call reference some Satanists holding sacrifices.   Turns out to be a human sacrifice and demon summoning ritual.  Markowski gets grabbed by a Hell spawn, but Renfer arrives in the nick of time, grabs one of the cultists, and yells, “Here’s dinner, Hellfu(#!”  Stan is saved and any doubt as to Karl’s courage is laid to rest.     

Next they catch a really bad one – a gruesome torture-murder.  It’s unusual in that the victim is a supe.  George Kulick was a wizard.  An open safe, but money left intact.  What was taken?  Who and what really was Mr. Kulick?  After several days of investigation, no leads, no evidence, and no witnesses, the case had reached a dead end.  Only one thing to do – necromancy, which is legal with a court order.  Rachel does the ritual.  It worked…it didn’t work…a wisp of smoke, the outline of a man, then poof!  Rachel collapses.  Magic gone bad?  Rachel in hospital heavily sedated and comatose.  Poof again, and Rachel just disappears.  How, why, where?

The murder investigation continues.  Old and cold Ernst Vollman shows up.  Strange character; claims that Kulick was killed because he was the guardian of an ancient and sacred artifact – the Opus Mago.  A forbidden book containing potentially deadly magic, rituals, and conjurations for invoking and controlling the darkest powers. 

Another murder – ritualistic, sacrificial, occult symbols carved into flesh.  How many more sacrifices will turn up before the killer is run to ground?  What insane ritual is the killer trying to invoke?  For what purpose?   

Some weird informants an other interested parties join the supe soup pot.  There’s the irony of Christine, Markowski’s daughter.  One cannot leave out the Witchfinders – the men in gray.  Where’s Rachel?  

New leads develop-some hinky, some like a slinky, and some like a switchback on a mountain road.  Add some possession (and not of the druggie kind), some hoodoo and woowoo, some rock ‘em and sock ‘em, and you’re brought to one hellistic and ironic conclusion.  But then, you know, the Devil’s definitely in the details.

One great read!  Sam Spade, Mike Hammer, and Dick Tracy better watch out.  Vivid prose with colorful details and gritty descriptions.  Cop talk with some cussing, some bawdy language, some gore.  Fast paced, meaty action and dramatic twists and turns laced with humor.  Many “unique” characters. Magic, mayhem, and spells bouncing all around.  Kicks like a splash-bang grenade!  Justin Gustainis has given us one of the best supernatural cop stories I’ve ever read.   

You know  it wouldn't be complete with a book trailer video (rated PG)!

 

Because there were the Dragnet references 
I had to share this classic!

Review - The Divine Circle of Ladies Rocking the Boat

For our final Halloween read, I just couldn't put off this book any longer. I am still one behind in the series. Let's forget

 about the coming cold weather and take a cruise...to the Bermuda Triangle...on Halloween...with a group of five witches who solve crimes...what could possibly go wrong?

Author:  Dolores Stewart Riccio

Copyright:  December 2009 (BookSurge) 306 pgs

Series:  6th in Divine Circle Mysteries

Sensuality:  Mild, occasional swear word

Mystery Sub-genre:  Paranormal Amateur Sleuth

Main Character:  Cassandra Shipton

Setting:  Modern day, Norse Goddess Cruise and Plymouth Massachusetts

Obtained Through:  Purchase


I must provide a disclaimer right up front - this is my favorite paranormal mystery series.  I think it rocks!  This series started long before a paranormal mystery was the "in" thing. 

Let me introduce you to the five phenomenal women who are the Divine Circle:

Cassandra, the viewpoint character, is an herbalist and reluctant clairvoyant.  

Phillipa, a cookbook author and poet who reads the Tarot a little too accurately.

Heather, an heiress and animal lover.  She makes magical candles and runs the local pet rescue.

Deidre, recently widowed who makes dolls for sale and magical amulets besides being a mother of four young children.

Fiona, the eccentric librarian who dowses with a crystal.  Don't let her "mature" age fool you!

The story is as much about the dynamics of women's friendships as it is about crime solving and their Wiccan faith.  In this novel Heather talks everyone into a Halloween cruise to Bermuda to lift Deidre's mood out of her mourning.  She recently lost her husband and needs a diversion.  

So the ladies are out for some great cruise food, entertainment and lazing about.  Unfortunately this very same ship had a newlywed disappear on the cruise just a year prior and it happens again during this cruise.  Cassandra gets a psychic flash of the young bride's last moments and knows their is a serial rapist and murderer on the cruise.  Unfortunately the vision didn't provide  the killer's identity.  The ladies rally trying to protect those they fear maybe in danger while trying to unveil who the murderer is.  In this novel one of the circle will be in dire danger not once, but twice.

Deidre, who was the reason for the cruise, realizes that she has developed the ability to see and even talk to the dead when she has the deceased bride from last year in her cabin.  And that is just the beginning.  Hang on to your socks or reading glasses.  The highlighted characters on the cruise are all suspect and a bit eccentric, including a novelist with his overbearing mother.

As often happens with these five ladies, they nurture those around them.  Cassandra has an affinity for teens from troubled homes and she finds Rikyu Ogata who is being raised by his uncle, Ken Ogata the Japanese Tea Master.  While Fiona joins the uncle for a formal Japanese Tea, Cassandra forms a friendship with Rikyu that finds him joining Cassandra and her grown children at the holidays after the cruise.

This series has steadily built a fan base because of the expert character development.  You truly grow fond of these women and feel for their individual challenges, root for them to prevail, and miss them when it is done.  The plot is well thought out and brings the plausibility factor up.  

The climax was an edge-of-your-seat ordeal (at least for me!)  The wrap up puts a smile on your face and makes you want to pick up the next one to stay in the company of these amazing women.  Give this book a try, I think you will be surprised at how good a paranormal mystery can be.

There are some recipes in the back for Halibut Spetsiota, Baked Beef Barley Mushroom Soup, and Pear-Ginger Crisp.  I think I am going to try the Pear-Ginger Crisp for Thanksgiving!

We are approaching the end of this year and I would truly appreciate your vote if you haven't already.  If each follower voted for me I would win!!

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Review - Night of the Living Deed

Fall is creeping up on us and that means Halloween can't be far behind.  I have been waiting for this season to read all my paranormal mysteries!  So here is the first in my line-up, a new mystery series by a kinda-sorta new author.

Author: E.J. Copperman

Copyright:  June, 2010 (Berkley) 336 pages

Series: #1  in the Haunted Guesthouse Mysteries

Sensuality: N/A

Mystery sub-genre: Cozy (Paranormal) 

Main Character: Alison Kerby, recently divorced mother of nine year old Melissa 

Setting: Modern day New Jersey Shore

Obtained book through:  Publisher for an honest review

Alison Kerby moves back to her hometown to start over after divorcing "the swine".  She acquires an old Victorian fixer-upper mansion with the express mission of restoring it and turning it into a guesthouse to support herself and her daughter, Melissa.  She quickly finds out this Victorian has "lots of character" in the form of two resident ghosts, the former owner and the private investigator she hired to protect her and find out who was threatening her.   Alison is soon pressured to help the ghosts uncover who killed them - particularly when she begins getting death threats herself.

Alison is a truly likable character with a sense of humor and a touch of sass.   She is handy with power tools and knows her way around a saw horse and Spackle.  She has a "can-do" attitude and doesn't shy away from a lot of hard work. I enjoyed her quirky way of looking at things which made the story a pleasant ride.

The interactions with the two ghosts can be either humorous interchanges or frustrating situations - for both Alison and them.  Imagine having a ghost chiming in on your design/decoration plans or being a conflicting influence for your child!  The ghosts, Maxie and Paul, are wonderful characters who appear to be permanent fixtures in the house and possibly the series.  Alison's mother adores her daughter, which is a pleasant change from so many cozies that have obnoxious mothers.  But as we get to know her, mom has a bit more spunk than even Alison realized.  Some nice touches there!

"We heard something fall, and we thought someone might be hurt," Paul told me.

I experimented with standing up, but my head was not pleased with the attempt..."No, that's not what happened," I told Paul.  "Paul, right?  I remember, you were yelling at her."  I indicated Maxie.  "You said she might have killed me."

Paul's eyes widened in an "uh-oh" sort of way for a flash, and he clearly avoided the urge to look quickly at Maxie.  "I wasn't talking about you.  I was talking about our dog."

"Your dog."

Paul nodded.  "Yes, Maxie left our dog in the car with the windows closed.  In this heat..."

"Heat?" I asked.  "It's October.  It's maybe sixty degrees out.  What heat?"

His stammering got worse.  "Dogs feel the heat more than we do," he said.  "All that fur..."

"I got hit on the head," I told Paul.  "It hurt, but it didn't make me stupid."

Maxie laughed.  "Good one," she said.

I turned to Maxie.  "Don't look at Paul," I said.  "What kind of dog do you have?"

She wasn't chewing gum, but she should have been.  "We don't have a dog," she answered.

"Then what's going on?"

"We're dead."  She cocked her head defiantly.

Paul looked aghast.  "Maxie!"

I opened and closed my mouth a few times.  It was worse than I thought.  I wasn't just woozy - I was hallucinating.  I decided to lie down and close my eyes for a moment.

It wouldn't be a cozy without the ensemble of interesting town's people.  The mayor who was a prior beautician, the "perfect" mother who works for Alison (and coincidentally Maxie's) real estate agent, the developer wanting to snatch up Alison's house and Melissa's history teacher who is over-eager to explore the house in spite of repairs being done.  A stand out minor character is the local newspaper's one-and-only staffer, Phyllis who has been around long enough to know the goings on.

The plot is solid without being overdone.  The story moves along easily and before you know it the story is wrapping up.  The writing is smooth and flows expertly.  Told from Alison's viewpoint, it is easy reading and funny.  I enjoyed the wrap up which set up the next works to be equally as enjoyable.  As a cozy it is spot-on and entertaining and as a debut novel it foretells a delightful series I am looking forward to reading each addition to.

For added mystery, this prior-published author is apparently assuming a pen-name to keep his/her identity quiet.  Hmmmmm, who could it be???

 I liked how the title is a tip-of-the hat to "Night of the Living Dead" with zombies....so here is a zombie cat for you.

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Review: Dead and Kicking by Wendy Roberts

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Author: Wendy Roberts

Copyright: Dec 2009 (Signet); 280 pgs.

Series: #3 in Ghost Buster’s Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild

Mystery sub-genre: Paranormal Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Sadie Novak, owner of Scene-2-Clean, a cleaning company that specializes in cleaning up death scenes

Setting: Seattle, Washington

Obtained book through: Library Find

Sadie Novak sees and talks to the dead, which makes her job of cleaning up death scenes interesting and occasionally dangerous. This series caught my eye initially because of the unique concept of a psychic trauma clean specialist. This series does mention some oogie things that Sadie must clean up from death scenes. I think that aspect is handled without overdoing or elaborating on gruesome details too much.

In this installment of the series Sadie is now living with what had just been a developing boyfriend from the last book. I felt as though a year or so was missed in Sadie’s life from the last book to this one. The story opens at the wake for Sadie’s father in her folks’ home and – you guessed it – his ghost is there. Sadie has already lost here brother a few years earlier and she finds that what she considers her duty to help dad cross over into the light is hard since she would rather he stay around.

The mystery in this story comes from her now live-in-boyfriend Zack taking a clean-up job from his former girlfriend. The job is to clean out her “horder” mother’s house. Yes, Paula’s mom was a world-class horder so that there are barely pathways through the canyons of boxes and trash. The wrinkle in the job is the aggressive and angry ghost who refuses to allow the upstairs to be cleared.

...She motioned for Sadie to follow but movement at the top of the stairs caught Sadie's eye.

A deep male voice shouted "Get out of here!"

Sadie stared up the stairs to see the furious face of a large middle-aged man standing on a pile of boxes in the hall above.  She froze.

"Get out!" he roared, waving an angry fist.

Sadie realized Paula was talking.  She and Zack had entered the den up ahead and were oblivious to the meaty Neanderthal screaming angrily from the top of the stairs.

Sadie narrowed her eyes at the man who stood shouting and positively snarling at her.  Saliva dripped from his ghoulish grin and his massive hands opened and closed into tight fists.  Even though Sadie was positive he was a ghost, she couldn't help but feel a little intimidated.  The spirit was well over six feet with a barrel of a chest straining against a sweatstained undershirt and long hairy legs protruding from ugly green boxers.  His lips were ruby red cherries against the gray complexion of the dead.

This ghost manages to throw heavy objects and even breaks Zack’s ankle. Among the items being thrown around by the ugly brutish ghost in green boxers is a box containing the 17-year-dead body of a baby. Enter the police.

To complicate Sadie’s life, Zack is up to more with his ex-girlfriend than just lending a helping hand…could he be falling into his old bad habits again?

I have noticed that each book has considerable developments happen between books and I have to say that Zack and Sadie’s relationship mostly developed off the pages. I think readers typically like to get to know the romantic interest over a few books and have some tension there. Thus it seems sudden that their relationship is going through serious problems already.

Wendy Roberts does a great job of bringing you immediately into the middle of Sadie’s world. Sadie is an interesting character who is facing industrial strength stress in this book which seems the major focus rather than the mystery. Will Sadie deal with her grief over her father’s death and finally help him cross-over? Will Zack get his act together or is this the end for them? Will Sadie get rid of the big angry ugly ghost so the police can investigate?

This seems the darkest of the books so far with all Sadie is facing personally. Sadie missed some obvious clues and was totally oblivious to threats and danger closing in. Danger draws closer with each chapter and there is a bit of a nail-biting climax.  It seemed that Sadie was completely distracted with her personal life and the mystery unfolded around her rather than her doing any serious sleuthing. Don’t get me wrong - it is a good story that kept me reading but I would have appreciated more of an emphasis on the mystery. It pulled me into the drama and I felt emotionally involved which is a testament to Ms Robert’s talents.

Maeva (of Madame Maeva’s Psychic Cafe) and Louise are return characters for the paranormal aspect of the story and I enjoy both for the fun and flavor they add. Also returning in this installment is good old detective Petrovich, the recently divorced middle-aged cop who is becoming one of my favorites. A new addition and potential future romantic interest is Detective Floyd Grayson. The supporting cast is strong with these well-drawn characters and I look forward to watching them progress.

What do you think?  Is this the sort of book for you?

For your convenience, you may purchase your copy here.

For your enjoyment, here is a recipe I love.

Pink Lemonade Pie

Prep Time: 10 Min

Ready In:  2 Hrs 10 Min

Original Recipe Yield 2 - 8 inch pies

Ingredients

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (6 ounce) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate (or limeade),thawed
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 (8 inch) prepared graham cracker crusts.

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together sweetened condensed milk and lemonade concentrate.
Fold in whipped topping. Pour into pie crusts. Refrigerate until completely chilled.

Amount Per Serving Calories: 253

Total Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 8mg

Until next Monday, I wish many mysterious moments.

Review: A Witch In Time by Madelyn Alt

- If you have enjoyed this blog, then PRETTY PLEASE vote for this blog as best Entertainment Blog (proving reading is entertainment) and also as best Hobby Blog. Thank you most sincerely. There are voting buttons on the sidebar too. You will have to register with Blogger's Choice, but it is a simple process. I am listed under Mysterysuspence.Blogspot.com.

Author: Madelyn Alt

Copyright: April 2010 (Berkley); 304 pgs.
Series: #6 in Bewitching Mysteries
Sensuality: Mild with adult themes
Mystery sub-genre: Paranormal Cozy
Main Character: 29 year old Maggie O’Neill
Setting: The small town of Stony Mill Indiana

Obtained book through: ARC from publisher for honest review

If you are making your way through this series from the first book, the last edition, Where There’s A Witch, ended with a decision concerning which of two guys Maggie goes with. Well, this review will be a bit of a spoiler.

Over the last several months Stony Mill has had an increase in crime. While some might write it off to new people moving in etc, Maggie and her paranormally minded friends know it is something else taking place. A few eyebrows rise over the news of a young man’s death possibly from a drug overdose.

In this book we have much more about Maggie and the dark and dangerous Marcus who turns out to be quite the boyfriend. While Maggie is at the hospital (sister Mel is having some complications in delivering her twins) enduring her mother’s disdain for her new boyfriend, she manages to get stuck in an elevator and overhear a suspicious conversation that filters to her. Later that night as she is trying to sleep in a chair in Mel’s room she overhears an argument from down the hall and the man involved ends up dead the next day. Is this death connected with the suspected drug overdose and how does the suspicious conversation Maggie overheard in the elevator tie in? Through all these developments there are indications that Maggie is developing into a psychic, to her chagrin.

"That would be my eldest daughter and her boyfriend."  My mother's voice came drifting down to us from the general vicinity of the nurse'es station, just down the hall.  "You might know him, actually - in an official capacity?  Tom Fielding.  Of the Police depart...ment."

I could tell by the way her voice went all funny that she had caught sight of me...and more important, of Marcus.

She hurried toward me, her eyes fixed on Marcus the whole way.  I braced myself.

"Maggie?"  She transferred her attention from Marcus's lean good looks to my frazzled form.  Her brows stretched high, an open inquiry that demanded an answer.

"Brought the coffee," I told her, pressing one instantly into her hand.

She ignored the coffee.  I  knew it as a long shot.  "And who might this be?" she asked, inclining her head toward Marcus in a way that was surprisingly regal and demanding for a plain old small-town housewife.

This book is less about the mystery and more about Maggie’s relationships with family and Marcus which I must admit was a disappointment. I missed Felicity, Maggie’s boss, she has a bit part in this one and even with Maggie’s developing powers there is much less about the paranormal than the usual books in the series. For fans this will be a delight of a read for the developing relationship between Maggie and Marcus, but if you are new to the series this is probably not the book to start with nor the one for a good puzzler mystery to solve.

The story is a light entertaining read with a sideline mystery.  It isn't difficult to figure out.  Maggie’s family is spotlighted and her mother is much like Marie Ramono from “Everybody Loves Raymond” and gossip-queen-sister Melanie has her life start to unravel which may result in that character growing a little. I am looking forward to the book where Maggie stands up to her mother's controlling ways, but it isn't this one.  I love Maggie’s grandfather in this one - he is a hoot. So for fans this is a fun addition but if you are new to the series this is not the best book to start with.

For your convenience you may purchase your copy here.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ And for a little something extra ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Graham Cracker Toffee


Ingredients:

About 12 whole (24 squares), (honey) graham crackers (perforated) broken into quarter sections

1/2 lb butter (2 sticks)

3/4 C light brown sugar

3/4 C chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

3/4 C Chocolate chips

Line up the graham crackers  in a jelly roll pan (or cookie sheet with low sides), sides touching so nothing can leak out. Over low heat melt butter. Stir in the sugar – simmer (not boil) about 10 minutes – until it melts. Occasionally stir. Pour mix over crackers – spread evenly. Sprinkle w/nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Take out and sprinkle chocolate chips over them and allow them to soften from the hot crackers.  Then spread the soften chocolate chips with the back of a spoon to cover the the surface.  Regrigerate for a few hours before breaking up into pieces.

Until next time, I wish you many mysterious moments.

Mystery & Crime Fiction Blog Carnival - Feb 2010

February is here all ready!  2010 is already flying by.  It is time for the Blog Carnival again and we have another chock full carnival.  I hope you enjoy it and a special thank you to all the contributors who submitted their work.  Another celebration of the Mystery and Crime Fiction Genre - wahoo.  Hey, if you haven't become a member or follower of the blog, please do.  We have the Google followers and also Facebook Blog Network.

Police Procedural Book Review


Kerrie at Mysteries in Paradise presents TRUTH by Peter Temple. Kerrie says it is the latest from an Australian master and Ned Kelly Award winner. It is excellent, both for crime fiction and a taste of Australia. This one will be short listed in this year's Ned Kelly awards.

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Whack A Mole by Chris Grabenstein.  The third book in a feel-good series featuring charming characters, suspense-filled stories and, for audio book fans, a brilliant narrator.


Susan at You Can Never Have Too Many Books reviews The Tin Roof Blowdown by James Lee Burke set in Louisiana after Katrina

Lesa at Lesa’s Book Critiques reviewed Assassins of Athens by Jeffrey Siger. She says "It's a complex police procedural involving politics, powerful, wealthy people, and men who have their own motives for violence."

Bernadette presents The Rule Book by Rob Kitchin. A brilliant debut that depicts the desperation that police must feel when faced with a lack of evidence and a city screaming for answers.

Maxine (Petrona) presents Dead Before Dying by Deon Meyer. Translated from the Afrikaans by Madeline van Biljon.

KerrieS presents SKELETON HILL by Peter Lovesey. Wonderfully told tale from a master story teller - two of the dead share a beer during a Civil War re-enactment near Bath, England, and one goes missing.

Maxine (Petrona) presents Truth by Peter Temple.  Excellent novel by superb Australian author. A sort of sequel to The Broken Shore (winner of 2007 Gold Dagger).

Gaby at Starting Fresh reviewed  When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson

Maxine presents Blood Sunset by Jarad Henry. Australian police procedural thriller set in Melbourne, well worth a read.

KerrieS presents THE BRASS VERDICT by Michael Connelly. Top-notch legal thriller set in Los Angeles. Winner of 2009 Anthony Award for best crime fiction.

Mostly Fiction Book Reviews reviewed Blood Sins by Kay Hooper.  Featuring highly trained Special Crimes Unit of the FBI all of whom have one or more psychic ability that they use in their work.

Bernadette presents The Killing Hands by P D Martin. This procedural by Australian author P.D. Martin offers a unique slant on the genre by featuring an FBI profiler who has psychic abilities which she can sometimes use to help her investigations

KerrieS presents BLOOD OF THE WICKED by Leighton Gage. Set in Brazil: the first in the Mario Silva series: only 3 to read in this series so far. A bishop steps from a helicopter and his head explodes in a red mist.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed the novel Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs.

Private Investigator Book Review

Maxine (Petrona) presents City of the Sun by David Levien. Supense-filled page-turner as parents try to find their son who vanished a year ago.

KerrieS presents BLOOD BORN by Kathryn Fox.  Forensic physician Anya Crichton features in her 4th novel by Australian author Kathryn Fox.  Well worth looking for.

Bernadette presents Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin. A historical mystery offering a delicious reading experience loaded with wit, terrific period imagery and details, an intriguing mystery and unpredictable, fascinating characters.

Amateur Sleuth book Review

Mervi’s Book Reviews gives us the novel The Hippopotamus Pool by Elizabeth Peters.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

Tina over at Tutu's Two Cents reviewed Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke.

Stephanie at Laughing Stars reviewed the book Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, a historical kind-of private investigator story.

Julie at Booking Mama reviewed the novel Living the Vida Lola by Misa Ramirez.

KerrieS presents CONSEQUENCES OF SIN by Clare Langley-Hawthorne. Story set mainly in Edwardian London. Introduces Ursula Marlowe, suffragette, outspoken, and the daughter of one of England's wealthiest businessmen. A murder mystery.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviewed The Witch’s Grave by Shirley Damsgaard.

Cozy Mystery Book Review

Bernadette at Reactions to Reading presents Falling Star by Patricia Moyes. Bernadette says although originally published in 1964 the book is not 'dated' and is recommended for Anglophiles who like a good puzzle and no blood.

Reactions to Reading did a mini review of Snake in the Glass by Sarah Atwell.

The Friendly Book Nook reviewed Dying In Style by Elaine Viets.

Deborah at Books, Movies and Chinese Food reviewed the cozy Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo.

Tracy's Book Review gives us a young adult mystery review of The Long Way Home by Andrew Klavan.

AF Heart at Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Dial Om for Murder by Diana Killian.

AF Heart at Mysteries and My Musings reviewed Avenging Angels by Mary Stanton

April at Café of Dreams reviewed The Devil in Merrivale by Jackie Griffie.

Suspense Fiction Book Review

Amy Steele at Steele on Entertainment presents TETHERED by Amy MacKinnon.

April at Café of Dreams reviewed The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer.

KerrieS presents DEVIL'S PEAK by Deon Meyer. A wonderfully told story of rough justice, set in South Africa, by an author you will want to read more of.

Laura de Leon at I'm Booking It reviewed the novel Exit Music by Ian Rankin.

Glenda at Book Reader's Heaven reviewed the novel Dead Game by Jennifer Chase.

Kris at Not Enough Books reviews The Last to Know by Wendy Corsi Staub.

Maxine presents Death in Oslo by Anne Holt. The presumed kidnapping of the US president on a state visit.

Bookin’ With Bingo reviewed the novel Last Snow by Eric Van Lustbader.

Petrona reviewed the novel The Reunion by Simone van der Vlugt.

Diane at The Book Resort reviewed the novel Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline.

Diane at The Book Resort also reviewed Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson.

All About Book Reviews gives us a review of The Good Guy by Dean Koontz.

Harvee Lau over at Book Dilettante reviewed the novel The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer.

Author Interview

Beth at Mysteries and Chitchat posted a must read interview with 14 year old author Kieryn Nichols.

Mysteries and My Musings posted an interview of author Camille Minichino.

Mysteries and My Musing posted an interview of author Julie Hyzy.


Writing Tips and Advice

Livia Blackburne presents "Voice Finding Techniques from Cathy Yardley".

Jurgen at Time to Write posted "How it can help your writing to change your lens".

Meanderings and Muses has writer Robert W Walker guest blogging "On Becoming An Artful Writer".

Alan Rinzler at The Book Deal gives us "Help with Transitions and Bridges".

Gracie Turner presents "100 Little Ways You Can Dramatically Improve Your Writing".

Livia Blackburne presents "Writing Lessons from Gossip Girl".

Nancy at Nancy’s Notes from Florida posted "Printed Promo Materials" regarding all the printed materials used in promoting your book and how needed each is.

Livia Blackburne presents "The Art of Internal Observation".

Nancy at Nancy’s Notes from Florida posted a great piece on "Self Editing".

Livia Blackburne presents "Subtle Narration in the Graveyard Book".

Ashley Grayson Literary Agency has a post "Authors, Treat Your Work as an Investment".

The Write Type have posted "The Basic Tenets for Good Writing".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~WOW - what a great carnival this month? ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I hope you got some ideas for new books or authors to read and even some tips and insights for writing.

For more information on the specifics of the Carnival and how to submit your blog posts go here.

And please help spread the word about this Blog carnival, it is very easy to submit a post and be included.

Until Thursday's next book review I wish you many mysterious moments and a fantastic year ahead.

Review: Avenging Angels

I have reviewed Mary Stanton's second book in the series (read review here), so I am delighted to give you all a sneak peek into the new book due out in February.  Also don't miss the interview with Miss Stanton here.  She is a tallented author spinning an entire alternate reality and accompanying history as the series develops.  I think she is doing a great job creating entertaining paranormal mysteries.

Author: Mary Stanton


Copyright: Feb 2010 (Berkley); 304 pgs.
Series: #3 in Beaufort and Company mysteries
Sensuality: N/A

Mystery sub-genre: paranormal cozy
Main Character: Brianna Beaufort, lawyer for both regular court and Celestial Court
Setting: Savannah Georgia

Obtained book through: ARC

The book starts with Brianna at an Estate auction where the spirit of the Russell O’Rourke, who supposedly committed suicide after loosing a fortune, contacts her via a desk up for auction and asks for her help. The majority of the furniture up for auction is being deceptively bought back from the bank (due to a bankruptcy) by the widow of the “suicide” victim, Tully, who seems more interested in starting the Shakespeare Theater that her husband disapproved of than grieving. Before Brianna knows what happened, Mrs. Tully O’Rourke – who never believed it was suicide, has hired her to find out who killed her husband. A former New York police detective who staunchly believes that it was murder is also in town and doggedly investigating too.

There are several suspects for Brianna to investigate including the widow and none of them are obvious killers, but then it wouldn’t be any fun if they gave it up too easily. Soon a second murder takes place and it may have been the killer’s mistake and Brianna’s chance. Sideline plots include Brianna finding out the physical results of her celestial duties, some good and some not so good. Brianna also opens a secondary office to handle her living clients and her newly hired assistant, Mrs Emerald Billingsley, for that office promises to be a delightful addition to the series. The author is doling out details of a celestial world with its own history with tidbits dropped here and there that I gobble up and want more.

She took a breath. “Do you all…I mean…Do you actually need…” She stopped, momentarily flummoxed.

“You’re going to cut our paychecks?” Ron said.

“You’re going to stop payin’ rent? Lavinia said. "Oh my. And the social security doesn’t cover all it should.”

“My sister, Rose, depends upon my contribution to the household,” Petru said heavily….

…I didn’t mean I can’t pay you, I just wondered if you needed…” she trailed off.

“If we spent our off hours on some other plain of existence?” Ron said. “We don’t”

“We have lives of our own, you see,” Petru said.

Nice twist ending which I didn’t see coming, wrap up is good and a solid start of a romantic relationship for Brianna round out the story. I really like the character Striker who is an angelic warrior who makes appearances to protect Brianna (or keep Brianna’s temper from wreaking havoc). I would like to have seen more of him since he is a fascinating secondary character.

This tall, battle-ready member of the Company only showed up when something serious threatened – or when Bree herself was a serious threat to somebody. Bree smiled at him. “If something’s after me right now, they can have me. And I’m too tired to whale on anybody.”

“Maybe you should have had some of Lavinia’s tea.”

Bree raised her eyebrows. “Really? I didn’t think magic potions were part of our arsenal.”

He laughed, “No magic potions. Just a lot of caffeine.” He turned and swept the mist with his gaze, and then he looked under the car. Bree bent and looked under it too. He straightened up and slapped the car roof. "Everything looks okay, get in.”

“All this is waking me up at least.” Bree folded herself into the driver’s seat and looked up at him. “Anything I should know about?”

Guess not. But I am puzzled. Everything is quiet.”

“Too quiet?” Bree said cheekily.

“Yeah.” His coin-colored eyes looked steadily back at her. “Way too quiet.”

More is revealed about the supporting cast of angels at her celestial law firm as well as the rest of Brianna’s family as the series continues, which lends to the sense of actually getting to know them. Brianna’s Savannah is being carefully woven with each book and I look forward to being apart of the developing layered tableau with each novel.

For your convenience, you can preorder your copy here.
Until next Monday and our next author interview, I wish you many mysterious moments.

Author Interview: Mary Stanton

I am very pleased to welcome Mary Stanton to our little piece of the blogosphere.  Mary graciously agreed to this interview and I am so thankful.  I think you will find her answers conversational and very interesting.  Mary started her writing career in 1984 and sold her first mystery in 1994.  She publishes the Hemlock Falls mysteries under the name Claudia Bishop.  Mary is well known for her middle-grade books as well.  You may read my review of her book Angel's Advocate here.  Welcome Mary Stanton (cue loud aplause and cheering.)

I love Brianna Winston-Beaufort in the Beaufort & Company, what is your process for developing a character? Do you use pictures, a worksheet or just let the character tell you about him/herself as you write?

I'm so glad you like Bree! I'm not sure I can tell you how she came about, because it's a very fuzzy process for me. I do know this, though. All my characters begin with a name and a single quality of character. Bree emerged as Brianna Winston-Beaufort 20 years ago. I wrote a short scene; she was arriving in Savannah to take her first job as a newly licensed attorney. Then I stuck the scene in my 'Think about it' file. Eighteen years later, I pulled the scene out and decided that her defining characteristic was as an avenging advocate. And I thought that a woman like that would look like a rapier; slim, silvery-haired, and very fit. So she had a job, a physical presence, and a mission.

The second step in my process for character development is deciding on speech patterns. This includes locutions (what words does she use?), rhythm (short or long sentences?) and vocabulary (including cuss words).

Then I add family, friends, and all the other parts of a character's life.

It's an evolving process, that's for sure, and that can be a problem for a series character. There's only so much you can decide on up front, and then the character takes over.

Do you outline the plot or some variation of that (use a strict 3 act structure or not and little/a lot of detail) before sitting down and writing?

When I start a new series, I have to outline like crazy for the first two books at least, and then sometimes beyond that. I usually write down a list of the new characters, beginning with their names. Then I write a paragraph describing the crime. Then I list all the clues to solving the case. After that, I list fifteen chapters, with a sentence describing what action will occur in each. Once in a while, I'll do a timeline, but that's not my favorite job.

After the series settles into my head, I don't have to do that. I'm on my 19th Hemlock Falls novel (which I write as Claudia Bishop) and I don't have to outline at all. I just have to write down the answer to three questions: Who's dead? Who did it? and What kind of group is going to be a guest at the Inn?

How do you find time for writing - what works for you?

Argh. I am not a disciplined person. Well, I am actually, once I get started, but I hate getting started. So I'll do ANYTHING rather than write that first chapter. Play with my pet goats, if I'm at the farm. Go to the beach if I'm in Florida for the winter. Clean the basement, alphabetize my spices....whatever.

When I do start, I work all day. I'm up early, before five, and I work until I've hit at least three thousand words.

For your mystery series there is some detailed information - how much research goes into your work and do you complete that up front or "just enough" as you go?

My alter ego (Claudia Bishop) doesn't have to research anything except recipes, so that's a breeze. Mary Stanton, on the other hand, has to work like a dog. I have a pretty good library at home, and, of course, there's the Internet, god bless it! My biggest problem is getting sidetracked. The history of angels is really interesting. The world's great religions are fascinating. I can spend hours reading up on things which turn out to be non-essential to the book at hand. And since I don't stop work until I've hit three thousand words, it can make for very long days.

Setting seems as important as the characters in your mysteries, any tips on conveying a sense of place well?

Mary Stanton frets herself to death over setting. (Claudia Bishop doesn't; she lives in the middle of Hemlock Falls, so all she has to do is go for a walk). I've been to Savannah four time in the past three years. I have maps, guide books, photos, botanical books, and I still feel as if I'm missing the essence of that lovely city.

I read once that a romance writer would put on sexy lingerie to prepare for writing - do you have anything special you do before writing, particular music or a special room/location that helps you get in the zone and write?

I get dressed in very nice casual clothes, put on makeup, a little perfume, and make sure my hair looks nice, and sit on the couch with my laptop. I need to feel as if I'm 'going to work.'

Do you have any secrets to success for editing?

Get somebody else to do it. Seriously. I depend on my little sister. I am a very very poor editor of my own work. I hate to delete, and I hate to redo. Now, if I let my work sit for long enough--say six months--I can go back and fix stuff on my own. But I write from two to three books a year, and I've never given myself that luxury. So my little sister gets my first drafts, and then I nag her endlessly to read it right now!!!! And she's tough!

Can you recommend a fiction book that provides a great example of the writing craft to dissect and learn from?

Hmmm. In mysteries, I guess, for pacing, I'd recommend Lee Child's Jack Reacher novels. For scholarship, tone, and character development, Reginald Hill. For setting, P.D. James. For structure, any of the good, classic Golden Age mysteries; Cyril Hare is just brilliant.

How did you get your first break towards getting published? Was it sending in a query or meeting an agent at a writing conference etc?

I went to a science fiction convention with a friend of mine and met an editor with a small press who liked what I told him about my first novel. (It was titled THE HEAVNLY HORSE FROM THE OUTERMOST WEST, and featured horses as the main characters.) He bought it. I got an agent (much easier to do after you made the sale). Then the press went bankrupt and my agent placed the book with another publisher.

You have a new book due out Feb 2010 - tell us about your upcoming book! What aspect of the new book did you particularly enjoy?

The new novel is called AVENGING ANGELS and I loved loved LOVED writing toward the penultimate scene. I wanted the reader to shriek with surprise. let me know if you do!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
 
Mary, thank you for such a great interview!  I found it facinating that your main character started eighteen years prior with an idea you jotted down and stuck away.  Your character development process is interesting to me with your detail to speech patterns.
 
I will be reviewing Avenging Angels here shortly dear readers, so hang in there.  Mary and I are discussing this blog as part of a book blog tour for her February release also.  I hope you have enjoyed this interview.

Review: Knockout by Catherine Coulter

Author: Catherine Coulter
Copyright: June 2009 (Putnam Adult); 432 pgs.
Series: #13 in FBI Thrillers
Sensuality: Adult references
Mystery sub-genre: Police Procedural
Main Character: FBI Agent Dillon Savich
Setting: Washington DC, Titusville Virginia, and Georgia
Obtained book through: Library Find

The book opens with FBI Agent Dillon Savich as a customer in a bank when it gets robbed. The robbery goes bad and Savich has a hand in killing the leader of the robbery gang. The leader of the “Gang of Four” was a cold-blooded woman whose daughter is injured in the robbery and vows revenge on Savich. The daughter, Lissy, breaks out of the hospital and goes on a killing spree on her way to avenging her mother’s death by taking out Savich.

While Dillion and his wife, Sherlock - also an FBI agent, are absorbed in finding Lissy a second plot line comes into play when Dillon is contacted by seven year-old Autumn. She saw the media coverage on Dillon as a hero. Autumn is in desperate need of a hero to save her mother and herself from a rabid cult that will stop at nothing to take Autumn. The cult wants her because she has the ability for mental telepathy and Dillon knows it first hand, since that is exactly how she was able to contact him.

The first time she spoke to him was midnight.

"It’s you, it’s really you. I can see you, Can you see me?"

It was a child’s voice, high, excited, with light bursts of breathing.

He heard her voice at the edge of sleep. At first he didn’t understand, thought maybe it was Sean, but then he saw her – the shape of her small head, then a tangle of long dark brown hair, and he thought, Yes, it’s me. Who are you?

I felt this was a gripping read from the first sentence. Dillon is the main character while a sheriff in Virginia, Ethan, gets sucked into the drama as he attempts to protect Autumn and her mother. The two story plots are juggled well and keep the tension cranked up. Lissy proves to be a psycho-path and clearly she and Dillon are headed for a showdown at some point. The cult members after Autumn seem unstoppable and I could not have guessed where that ride would end.

Dillon is a grand hero type while Ethan demonstrates he is pretty heroic too. Dillon’s parental side shows a good bit in this installment as he often thinks of his son Sean. The paranormal obsessed cult is done convincingly I felt, but I can understand if you are looking for strictly a police story that this aspect may not be your cup-of-tea.

Ethan is well developed and you often commiserate with him as he comes to deal with Autumn’s situation and her talents. Autumn’s character is wonderfully portrayed and I became quite fond of her character.

There are good twists and turns in the story and you will find yourself rooting for Dillon and Ethan as they jointly and separately move through the events. There are some good twists and tension is maintained believably. The ending was satisfying and wrapped up nicely.

Knockout is a suspenseful ride and I recommend it.

For your convenience, you may purchase your copy here.

Until next Monday, I wish you many mysterious moments.

Review: Divine Circle of Ladies Playing with Fire by Dolores Stewart Riccio

This is the fourth paranormal book review warming us up to Halloween. This is also the fifth book in the Divine Circle series and it is a no holds barred roller coaster ride. Warning: this book is about a crime fighting witch's coven for those who may find that objectionable. In the series we started with the five dynamic women tackling a serial killer, then the murderer of a local family, murderer of the residents of the rehab facility, a serial poisoner, and now they deal with a serial arsonist. The members of the Divine Circle are Cassandra (the Main Character) who runs an herbal business, wise woman and librarian Fiona, doll designer Deidre, wealthy animal advocate Heather, and television chef Phillipa. Each woman has her magical specialty: Cassandra has psychic visions which often leads them to their next case and she communicates with animals, Fiona is the groups "finder" with a pendulum, Deidre makes magical dolls and amulets, Heather makes magical candles, and Phillipa is scary accurate at Tarot readings.

The story is as much about the dynamics of women's friendships as it is about crime solving and their wiccan faith. In this installment the ladies are particularly challenged when an arsonist sets fires to animal filled buildings - the Fresh Meadow Stables and even an animal shelter. Young native american recurring character Thunder Pony - aka Tip (tracker par excellent) returns as well as Winifred "Freddie" who is a young psychokinetic whiz. The criminal arsonist is one of two men in town, each of which has a champion in the circle that threatens to tear the close friendships apart.

"A hooded figure slipped silently out of the dark pines and dashed toward the burning stable where horses were screaming in terror.  Firefighters, who had just roared into the stable's driveway and were jumping off their trucks, shouted at him but he paid no attention.  He ran swiftly and surely, never hesitating even when the heat and acrid odor of the fire hit him in the face.  As he sprinted forward, he stripped off his jacket and grabbed one of the hlaters hanging outside the bard door.  With the aid of the halter and the jacket as a blindfold, he pulled the first horse he encountered, a trumpeting stallion, out of the stable door to safety.  Someone grabbed the horse and led it into a fenced paddock, and the man darted back into the stable.  Three times he entered the burning building until the roof collapsed on the remaining animals.  When the shrieks and the stench of burning flesh had subsided, Fire Chief Mick Finn wanted to thank the hero who'd rescued three of the eighteen horses being boarded at the stable, but the man had disappeared into the woods from which he'd come."

Each Divine Circle story has a humanitarian outreach of the circle (Freddie was one such outreach in book two). This time out the circle takes in a battered woman to nurture and protect her from a sadistic ex-boyfriend.  Sylvia was sent to Cassandra by Patty Peacedale - a local pastor's wife and friend of the circle.

Cassandra may have discovered a way to spur her visions on demand, which has been an ongoing problem - now she just has to deal with seeing things she would rather not know. Tragedy will touch a member of the circle in this adventure and tears will flow. As spell wielding believers and passionate women they are tempted more than ever when the tragedy strikes to use their powers towards vengence and the reader feels their ethical struggle acutely.

This novel grabs you, surrounds you with these amazing women and historic Plymouth Massachusets so much you feel they somehow are your personal friends. When you reach the end of the story you feel empty - as if a lifelong friend has gone away. You immediately want to know when you will hear from your friends again (i.e. the next book is released.) This is the true magic of this series and this particular book. The author brings each woman alive, the setting is real in your mind's eye and the danger is palpable. The ending is of both main storylines are concluded to satisfaction.  Great read.

My only complaint would be several typos that the editing process missed. I find this a small annoyance compared to the sweeping drama of the book. Give this book a try, I think you will become a Divine Circle fan in short order.

Obtained book through: personal purchase


Until next Monday I wish you many mysterious moments.

Part of the Book Blog Carnival

Review: Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell

Lily Ivory feels that she can finally fit in somewhere and conceal her "witchiness" in San Francisco. It is in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of the Bay area that she opens her vintage clothing shop named Aunt Cora’s Closet, outfitting customers both spiritually and stylistically. She has not been in town long when the dark and dangerous Aidan Rhodes, leader in the local magical community, greets her with a housewarming present. Her powerful heriditary witchcraft has been noticed.  Lily is not happy to have the attention, even though Aidan is as handsome as he seems dangerous.

An elderly client is murdered and children start disappearing from the Bay Area. Lily has a good idea that the legendary spirit La Llorona is behind it. Lily starts snooping around to confirm her suspicion. She also tries to help Max Carmichael, a myth buster attempting to expose ghost-hunter scam artists. He does not understand her at all, yet she keeps saving him from dangerous situations.

Lily Ivory is a very powerful witch, but in this story she may be up against something more powerful than her considerable talent and skill. Even though she is resistant to seeking help, will she reach out to her employee’s women’s circle for help…or even Aidan?

To our right, I noticed a red sedan coming down the steep hill.  It seemed to be picking up speed, so I hurried a bit to get across the street and urged Maya to do the same. 

The car sped up.

We increased our pace and reached the curb on the other side.

Suddently the vehicle swerved to toward us.

I grasped Maya by the arm to get her attention.  We broke into a run and leaped over the sidewalk.

The car was still headed straight towards us.

Racing up the short driveway, we ducked into a small alley between the house and its neighbor.  A barred metal security gate kept us from going back farther than a few feet.   Maya and I plastered ourselves to the wall, huddling in the farthest corner.

The car careened into the metal garage cans, sending the heavy missiles sailing towards us.

A fraction of a second later we heard the terrible screech of steel on concrete as the car itself crashed into the buildings.  The force of the impact shook the ground.  Part of the nose of the car jutted through the opening between the two houses, coming to a stop a mere two feet from us.

Everything seemed to freeze for a moment...All I could hear was my own ragged breathing, and that of Maya.  We were clutching each other, squeezing our eyes shut.

Finally we looked up.  The grille of the car was close to us, far too close, trapping us between the walls of the houses and the metal gate at our backs.

We stood, still shaky, to peer inside the car.

There was no driver.  No one in the car at all.

I classify this new series as paranormal that is a cozy. It is too light and funny for an urban fantasy but has a strong spirits and witches element. There is plenty of humor and Lily is easy to like as she attempts to make real friends and let people into her otherwise isolated life.

Both Aidan and Max are potential love interests for the series and her employees and fellow shop owners In Haight are colorful characters. I felt the story had a strong ending with good drama as Lily and La Llorona face off. The author took a Spanish traditional legend and gave us a sinister evil. San Francisco comes alive, particularly the neighborhood where the children are disappearing. Good pacing, the story kept my interest and I did not want to stop reading it. This was an excellent first book in an exciting new series and I recommend it, and not just for a halloween read. The second installment, The Cast-Off Coven, is scheduled for June 2010 release and I am looking forward to it.

Obtained book through: Personal Purchase


For your convenience you may purchase a copy here.

Check back in on Monday for another Musings and until then I wish you many mysterious moments.