Tag: author Helen Harper

Review:  Night Maze (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 4) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

Night Maze was excellent. And it builds around the plot from connected series /story, Squib (The Coldstream Chronicles Book 1). It’s not necessary to read that book but it’s fun and adds layers to this story.

Kit McCafferty is sent out on a mission to discover what happened to the Vampires missing giant worms who travel the Understream, the worms being a vital part of their undead community. 

One aspect of Night Maze that makes this so special and well written is that the vampires up until now have been a lesser known or even a one-dimensional entity. And the Understream, an entire city and mysterious community that exists behind secretive entrances has been an enigma. Only briefly in previous stories has Kit and others journeyed into it and then swiftly out noting the dangers and hidden tunnels. 

Harper shines a narrative light, if you’ll excuse me, on the emotional depths and hidden history of the vampires and their communities in the Understream, including the fabulous giant worms. Really, I wanted so badly to have more of them once I got to see intriguing glimpses of their personalities. 

And the vampires too, especially one. She’s magnificent.

The investigation is terrific, dark and fascinating. And gives us a new feline character to mull over and know that he’s going to pop up in the oncoming novels. 

But we get to see Kit flex her skills in multiple ways and in different challenges. She’s a powerful paranormal being and she plays a role,  “cat lady persona” , most of the time. Only occasionally does she really her “true self” out in these situations. It’s fantastic here to see her being able to be that type of shifter that none suspects she is. 

The relationship between Kat and  Thane Barrow, the lone werewolf, is admirable. They understand each other, their need for individual lives and space while also supporting each other,  insuring separate territories within Coldstream.  It’s a great element here. 

I love Night Maze and Kit. The next novel threatens to shatter the stability that Kit has built so hard for herself. I can’t wait. What an incredible character and series. 

Highly recommended! A winner and one for those who love urban fantasy series. 

Book Cover created by Covers By Juan

The Cat Lady Chronicles (5 book series):

Waifs And Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3

Night Maze #4

A Killer Heart #5 – Sept 18, 2026

Related series:

Squib (The Coldstream Chronicles Book 1)

Buy link 

 Book 4 of 5: The Cat Lady Chronicles 

Blurb 

It’s one thing to be dealing death. It’s quite another to deal with the undead.

Kit McCafferty has never been fond of vampires but she can’t refuse the opportunity to learn more about their kind. When she is invited into the clandestine underground world of the Understream to investigate the mysterious disappearance of some giant worms, she soon discovers there is far more to the fanged creatures than she’d ever realised.

Danger, secrets and mysteries abound in every dark, twisting tunnel. Is there anyone in the depths who Kit can trust? Or will she have to rely on her wits – and her cats – alone?

This is the fourth book in the thrilling urban fantasy series The Cat Lady Chronicles.

May 29, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

286 pages

Book 4 of 5

The Cat Lady Chronicles

Review: Squib (The Coldstream Chronicles Book 1) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Squib is a side story to The Cat Lady Chronicles that features Kit McCafferty, retired assassin/agent living in the paranormal city of Coldstream. 

Harper has chosen two of her more intriguing, often irritating secondary characters from The Cat Lady Chronicles to feature in the first of The Coldstream Chronicles, the crossover series. And it works beautifully on multiple levels. 

Mallory has popped up numerous times in Kit’s stories because she’s a powerful information broker. She trades in secrets and the ability to deliver items that no other person or company is capable of doing. What she deals in is absolute promises. Which as a “mere” human in a paranormal world makes her powerful.

Her companion in the story is another frequent character as well in Kit’s series. Another powerful player in Coldstream, the werewolf Alpha Enter Alexander MacTire.  He’s got an interesting mission for her. 

Harper has their interactions playing out with intelligence, great dialogue, and believable chemistry. 

Plus a terrific mystery that’s not totally resolved but will have ramifications for both series. 

I am very excited to see how Harper is going to weave in the storylines and sustain the many characters that crossover throughout this mystery.

Another great winner. And honestly, I loved how these characters became so much more well developed and relatable here than they were in the first series. 

The Coldstream Chronicles 

Squib #1

Crossover from:

The Cat Lady Chronicles 

Buy link

 Book 1 of 1: The Coldstream Chronicles 

Blurb 

She’s supposed to find him the perfect match. Falling for him herself was not part of the deal.

Mallory has zero magic. No spells, no shape-shifting and no flashy Preternatural strength. But in the magical city of Coldstream, Mallory has made knowledge her power and she turns secrets and favours into currency. 

Enter Alexander MacTire: alpha werewolf, wealthy businessman, and walking temptation. He wants Mallory to find him a mate. She wants absolutely nothing to do with him.

But MacTire isn’t used to hearing no—and Mallory’s not immune to his charm, no matter how hard she tries. What starts as a reluctant business arrangement soon turns into something dangerously personal. Because the more she gets to know him, the less she wants to help him find love … with anyone but her.

The first book in the Coldstream Chronicles is jam-packed full of magic, mayhem, and slow-burn heat. It can be read as a standalone or alongside The Cat Lady Chronicles.

January 13, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

303 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Coldstream Chronicles

Review:  Dark Whispers (The Firebrand Series Book 5) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 4⭐️

Dark Whispers is one of the longest books in the series and a little drawn out for the investigation and cases involved. But it’s ultimately, an entertaining story that makes a statement about bigotry, prejudice and intolerance and its impact , on a large and more personal scale. 

Parts of this book aren’t as believable, especially as it’s the fifth in the series, so the actions, both of the police officers and actually the other supernaturals should have been more “tightly” controlled or just better suited for their roles than was otherwise written here in the dramatic scenes. 

And some supporting characters like Emma’s new DC is little more than a cardboard image at the moment but with the potential for more.

Enjoyed it.

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link

        Dark Whispers (The Firebrand Series Book 5)

    

Blurb 

The Supernatural Summit is about to start at the DeVane Hotel in London. Vampires and werewolves, ghouls and gremlins, and pixies and druids have all come together to find better ways to get along with the human community and address the strict laws which govern their existence. It’s a real opportunity to change the world for the better and I’m proud to be a part of it.

But there are protestors camped outside the hotel and dangerous rumours circling about one of the delegates. When a dead body is discovered, I know it’s only a matter of time before all hell breaks loose.

I have to find the murderer. And I have to find them quickly.

Dark Whispers is the fifth book in the action-packed urban fantasy Firebrand series.

  • Publication date: December 2, 2021
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 258 pages
  • Book 5 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4) by Helen Harper

Rating: 4.25⭐️

Scorched Heart is a terrific story in that the author answers the reader and main female character’s questions about her phoenix origins. Harper’s best elements here are those dealing with Emma’s emotional return to the small village of her parents brutal murdered and the beginnings of her own life of traumatic experiences. 

The small details of that community and how, years later, that tragedy still lingers was so vivid portrayed that it was remarkably raw. 

The investigation and true “evil” character behind the events here was imaginative and horrifying. It would have been better if there had been some foundation laid out for this aspect of the story somewhere in the series but as it was it revealed as a complete surprise twist.

Same goes for exactly how Emma became a Phoenix. New powers, brand new characters that have entered into the story with enormous impact on Emma and her past. But they’re without any magical legs or previous knowledge to make them a real force here. 

Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4) by Helen Harper is a terrific read but the writing and character development is beginning to show some strange signs of having issues being solved by “surprise elements “ rather than well written and well conceived aspects of a deeply rooted framework. 

Still recommended but each is a short read which is helps when deciding whether to read or not. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link

        Scorched Heart (The Firebrand Series Book 4)

    

Blurb 

My parents were brutally murdered when I was five years old. Their killer has spent the last twenty five years in prison for his terrible crimes – but I still have unanswered questions. After all, I am the phoenix. When I die, I am reborn in fire and brimstone. It happens again and again and again.

I have no idea where my strange ability came from and nobody to ask. Now another shocking murder has been committed in the small village where my parents died and there is evidence which suggests the killer is supernatural. The crime gives me the perfect reason to return to my childhood home. I can offer my expertise as a Supe Squad detective – and seek the truth behind what I really am.

The trouble is that I might not like what I find.

Scorched Heart is the fourth book in the action-packed urban fantasy Firebrand series. Events occur at the same time as The Noose Of A New Moon in the Wolfbrand series, although the books do not have to be read together to be enjoyed.

Review:  Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 5⭐️

This had so many wild elements to it. It also introduced new important characters to the series as well as moved Emma’s role as the main Supe Detective in a more matured, and more complex personality. She’s settling into that world, and shifting her perspective. 

The respective wolf shifter houses, the vampires remain otherworldly, with aspects of their lives and histories still hidden and evolving here. 

Infernal Enchantment is a fascinating aspect of the story. And I don’t think the author is through with it, even though the book is over.  

Another exciting story and winner for me. 

Check it out but read them in order. 

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Infernal Enchantment (The Firebrand Series Book 2)

    

Blurb 

A gruesome case of grave robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy’s desk.  But is there more to it than meets the eye? 

Being the sole police detective in London’s Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead – especially when I’m confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death…

A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city.

Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies.

And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord.

Infernal Enchantment is the second book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical adventure.

  • Publication date: October 1, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 290 pages
  • Book 2 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  Brimstone Bound (The Firebrand Series Book 1) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 4.5⭐️

I’m a real fan of author Helen Harper and her female main characters. She writes layered fully realized women who often have painful pasts and trauma to work through. And often, whether it’s naturally occurring or something that happens within the story, they become magical, for most of Harper’s series are paranormal or urban fantasy thrillers with some slow burn romance elements. 

Brimstone Bound, the first in the 7-book complete The Firebrand Series by Helen Harper, is a splendid example exactly why I enjoy this author’s style and writing so. 

Emma is a young police officer in the UK just completing the course work to become a Detective when she’s assigned to the Supernatural Squad for her final assignment. 

Emma’s a character who will grow exponentially as each book and story see different challenges and new revelations about her and those characters around her. 

But this is the beginning. Where she dies. And wakes up soon after. And doesn’t understand why. 

There’s mystery. Plenty of world history and building going on. And foundation is laid for her new journey here. 

Each story is about 20 or so chapters, a great length to easily binge which is what I’m doing. 

Highly recommended! Have fun meeting a new character and series!

BOOK COVER DESIGN BY YOCLA DESIGNS

The Firebrand Series 

  • Brimstone Bound
  • Infernal Enchantment
  • Midnight Smoke
  • Scorched Heart
  • Dark Whispers
  • A Killer’s Kiss
  • Fortune’s Ashes

The Wolfbrand Series

  • The Noose Of A New Moon
  • Licence to Howl

Buy link:

        Brimstone Bound (The Firebrand Series Book 1)

Blurb :

A werewolf killer. A paranormal murder. How many times can Emma Bellamy cheat death?

I’m one placement away from becoming a fully fledged London detective. It’s bad enough that my last assignment before I qualify is with Supernatural Squad. But that’s nothing compared to what happens next. 

Brutally murdered by an unknown assailant, I wake up twelve hours later in the morgue – and I’m very much alive. I don’t know how or why it happened. I don’t know who killed me. All I know is that they might try again.

Werewolves are disappearing right, left and centre. 

A mysterious vampire seems intent on following me everywhere I go. 

And I have to solve my own vicious killing. Preferably before death comes for me again.

Brimstone Bound is the first book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical whodunnit. 

Ideal for fans of Annabel Chase, K.F. Breene, Shannon Mayer, C.N. Crawford and BR Kingsolver.

“Readers will quickly come to adore the quirky characters, sharp dialogue, and exquisite world building. Combining the urban fantasy stylings of Ilona Andrews with tense British mystery that will put readers in mind of Agatha Christie, this spellbinding series opener promises good things to come.”

  • Publisher: Helen Harper
  • Publication date: September 3, 2020
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 272 pages
  • Book 1 of 7: The Firebrand Series

Review:  The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2) by Helen Harper

Rating:  5⭐️

The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.  

I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith. 

The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries. 

But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves. 

There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet. 

Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure. 

It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic. 

I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon. 

Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check. 

Another great book and winner of a series.  Check it out now. 

COVER DESIGN BY COVERS BY JUAN

The Cat Lady Chronicles:

Waifs And Strays #1

The Dark Hiss of Magic #2

A Skirl of Sorcery #3 – Oct 13,2025

Buy link

        The Dark Hiss of Magic (The Cat Lady Chronicles Book 2)

    

Blurb 

There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.

When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares. 

Kit is determined to change that.

At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe. 

Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.

One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.

Review:  Sparkle Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Magic, #3.5) by Helen Harper 

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

So adorable and hilarious. It’s the last one in the series but what a wonderful story to see where our favorite characters are in life and heartwarming story to see them out. 

Ivy and Winter are an established couple, settled and happy in their own ways, living together and each having their own unique identity in the Order, he as the Ipsissimus, Head of the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment and she as the head Ghost Whisperer, not the title . Plus their familiars. And all the other great characters we’ve met the other books in this series. 

It’s a short story about their pending first Christmas together and the chaos at the Order. And it will make you yearn for more novels about this fantastic woman and her unique universe. 

A absolutely wonderful story and a winner for the author and readers.

Cover by Yocla Designs. an accurate representation actually . She’s a fantastic character.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #3.5- a holiday novella 

Buy link 

        Sparkle Witch: A Novella (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 4)

    

Blurb 

You would think December would be Ivy’s ideal time of year. After all, festivities abound and witches everywhere are encouraged to put their feet up and relax. That’s not quite the case when she has various Order members attempting to finagle her into Christmas activities and a special artefact from the top of the Christmas tree goes missing. Either someone is attempting to sabotage Winter or something very strange is afoot indeed.

This is a short holiday novella.

  • Publication date: December 4, 2017
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 80 pages

Review:  Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3) by Helen Harper

 

Rating: 5⭐️

Ok I read this at 3am in the morning  because I’d just finished Star Witch with its shocking ending and had to rush here to see what happened. 

Whew! 

What is it with this trend of authors killing their main characters? This is the third book in a row and series where this has been a major element.  Not sure my heart is ready for more at this point.

But this sets up Ivy for several new stages in her life. A new romance with Winter, who’s all in now, especially after losing her and getting her back. Because Ivy definitely was dead but was brought back. 

And Ivy can now see and communicate with the dead. And a livelier, albeit dead, group has never been seen. Or heard than here. 

She’s asked for help to find a missing person, which leads her into a serial killer case involving dead witches and a threat to her friends and lover. 

Harper leans into the intimate details of Ivy’s new relationship with Winter, who has resigned from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, blaming the Order for Ivy’s death, even though she was resurrected.  But he’s struggling, and so is she in the new dynamic, a very realistic scenario.

Comedic relief in this story comes in many forms, sometimes it’s with the ghost who demands Ivy’s attention , with an outdated idea of attitudes towards women and the world. Or , in a scene that still has me giggling, it’s Ivy herself, attempting to enter through a second story window.  I’ll not spoil it, but needless to say, I’ve reread this scene several times. 

The story is harrowing, funny, well executed , full of several layered plot lines that are balanced and compelling. From a tight investigation into various murder mysteries to the intimacy of their personal relationship, the book continuously weaves both together until it reaches a great conclusion. 

Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3) by Helen Harper is a fantastic book. In many respects it feels like it could be the series finale as it beautifully ties together so many characters storylines and gives them a great ending.  I was so happy when I was done. 

There is another story, a holiday novella to read, which I’m onto next.

Ivy is a character who I wish there were more of in the books I read. She’s outside of the main character norm and I absolutely adore her.  The series is terrific and the characters around her just as compelling.

A must read.

Cover by Yocla Designs. an accurate representation actually . She’s a fantastic character.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #4 – a holiday novella 

Buy link 

        Spirit Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 3)

    

Blurb 

If anyone appreciates what it means to be dead to the world, it’s Ivy Wilde.

Barely recovered from her brush with necromancy, Ivy is flung once more into a world of intrigue, adventure and potential death and disaster. It’s not her fault – it just so turns out that she’s now the only person in the entire world who can communicate with the dead. And they’re a chatty bunch with a list of demands. 

When the ghosts offer information about a witch-hating mass murderer in return for Ivy’s help, she has no choice but to get involved. She might be getting herself into more trouble than she realises though – and that’s even before she’s dragged to Sunday dinner so she can meet Winter’s family…

This is the third book in The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic series.

  • Publication date: August 23, 2017
  • Language: English
  • File size: 1.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech: Enabled
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 288 pages

Review:  Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 1) by Helen Harper

Rating:  4.75⭐️

Star Witch is a deceptively read, a book that looks to be a very quirky paranormal take on the popular tv survivor shows but with witches as contestants.  Throw in a murder mystery or two and a reunion of lovers, and this is a fabulous quick mystery thriller with a romantic couple involved in the investigation. 

That’s not enough? Then the author decides to add in another hidden storyline that darkens the entire aspect of the novel, throwing the whole plot, the future of everything and everyone into jeopardy.  

Then , boom. Gives us a scene that will change everything. For all the characters. Forever.  

Never saw it coming. Just shocking.

It was at 2am in the morning when I finished this. But with that ending I had to go immediately to read the next book, Spirit Witch, to pick up the events that will occur. 

You’re going to want to do the same.  Outstanding series. And the characters are amazing, starting with  Ivy Wilde, a FMC we definitely need more of. She’s fine with her looks, including the fact she’s full figured, her clothes are worn jeans and comfy  shoes, and she’s not the tallest person out there or the most energetic. But she’s perceptive, kind, inventive and good at hiding exactly how intelligent and talented she’s always been.  I adore her. And the characters around her, including her maybe suitor, Raphael Winter.  And her snarky familiar. 

Run to grab up this series and books. Read them in order for character and plot development. Each is about 20 so chapters long but beautifully written and well crafted. They go quickly.

 Highly recommended.

Cover by Yocla Designs. an accurate representation actually . She’s a fantastic character.

The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic:

Slouch Witch #1

Star Witch #2

Spirit Witch #3

Sparkle Witch #4-a holiday novella 

Buy link 

        Star Witch (The Lazy Girl’s Guide To Magic Book 2)

    

Blurb 

Lights. Camera. Inaction. Ivy Wilde, the laziest witch in the West, is still entangled with the Hallowed Order of Magical Enlightenment. That’s not a bad thing, however, because it gives her plenty of excuses to spend more time with sapphire eyed Raphael Winter, her supposed nemesis. And when he comes knocking because he needs her to spy on the latest series of Enchantment, she jumps at the chance. Hanging around a film set can’t be hard … or dangerous … right?

  • Publication date: July 10, 2017
  • Language: English’s
  • Print length: 334 pages