A Melanie Release Day Review: The Disciple (The Wheel Mysteries #4) by Susan Laine

Rating: 4 stars out of 5

the-disciple-by-susan-laine Gus Goodwin witnesses a young man acting strangely at his occult shop—and a day later the same youth is found brutally murdered at a secluded Radical Faerie sanctuary in the mountains. Gus and his private detective boyfriend, Niall Valentine, once again find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery.

First to cross their path is Professor Alex Kittridge, Gus’s ex-boyfriend. Then into the picture stumbles Autumnsong, the biggest enigma they’ve ever encountered, to complicate the already confusing case. As Gus and Niall try to decipher the meaning of the cryptic poems left at the murder scenes, their pasts not yet laid to rest put a strain on their relationship.

Gus and Niall must uncover a slew of secrets within a spiritual group of queer social rebels before the vile killer strikes again—or the investigation could very well end up being their last.

The fourth book in The Wheel Mysteries by Susan Laine, The Disciple, finds Gus Goodwin and Niall Valentine one year into their relationship. Each book in the series has a Wiccan holiday at its center and for The Disciple, its Lughnasadh or Lammas. Laine intends for the series to run the length of the Wiccan sabbat or holiday calendar so we have a ways to go yet. Lucky us!

I have long adored this series, not only for its characters and its murder mysteries but for its accurate use of the Wiccan religion. Wiccan beliefs are beautifully interwoven throughout the story, including its connections to nature, practices…its a lovely way for those unfamiliar with this religion to meet it. And through Gus Goodwin a Wiccan, whose nonjudgemental mind and sharp intelligence, often brings us into learning about other forms of pagan religions as well. This time it is the Radical Faeries, another group that gets a compassionate and open-minded treatment from Laine. At his side? His fiance’, P.I Niall Valentine, who’s mind has become more accepting while remaining just as suspicious as it needs to be. They are a great combination.

Unfortunately, a member of this group has been murdered and that brings our favorite couple into the investigation.

Gus and Niall’s relationship is always a work in progress, a factor that makes them and their partnership believable and feel real. They fight, make up, have doubts, and work through their issues like mature adults. I love that. Plus their sex scenes are very hot! But its as a couple I appreciate them so much. Their love and appreciation for each other shines off the page. That also improves with each story as their love has deepened and gotten stronger as its been tested with each murder case and crisis.

Laine doesn’t disappoint us here with the mysteries either. We find out about the murders, the culprits and maybe something far more sinister. It did feel a little long towards the end. It felt as though it had wrapped up only to continue on. But then we get something so marvelous waiting at the end. No spoilers but oh how I loved this book! I had no idea that was going to happen. I was stunned with joy.

Love murder mysteries? How about romance too? Here’s a whole series to gobble up! Start at the beginning and work your way through until you reach The Disciple. I highly recommend them all. Susan Laine has laid the ground work for the next book to come and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us there. I wonder if it will be out by Yule? That’s the next Wiccan holiday on the calendar! I’ll be waiting.

Cover Artist: Brooke Albrecht. What a gorgeous cover. A true favorite of mine.

Sales Links

Book Details:

ebook, 200 pages
Expected publication: October 21st 2016 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1634776623 (ISBN13: 9781634776622)
Edition LanguageEnglish

SeriesThe Wheel Mysteries

Its Lammas Day, Dog Days of August Are Here and This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Dog Days of August Are Here
Its Lammas Day

Dog Days of August Are Here and finally I can start to talk about some of my favorite summer subjects. From the dog star Sirius to Mad Dogs and Englishmen prepare to be bombarded with all sorts of things starting this Sunday pertaining to the heat, the stars, folklore and crazy stuff. Oh and books too.

The month of August and the heat associated with it has long brought out the craziness in humans and animals. From the ancient Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans and even musicians such as Joe Cocker who pulled Mad Dogs and Englishmen”,from it’s the title of a famous song by Noel Coward (who credited Kipling and it probably went back further )for his song Mad Dogs and Englishman, the dog days of summer have been both an inspiration and more. See what I mean?

But today or more accurately tomorrow, its Lammas Day. August 1st. So that’s our first topic of conversation this month. What’s Lammas Day you say? Well, I should be asking author Susan Laine here to answer that question. Her wonderful stories, The Wheel Mysteries, books 1 & 2 are now combined in one collection, revolve around a Wiccan main character and his P.I. boyfriend and take place during a Wiccan/Pagan holidays also called Sabbats.

Wiccan holidays, or Sabbats, are timed to the seasons and the Earth’s natural rhythms. Sabbats celebrate the Earth’s journey around the sun, called the Wheel of the Year, and Wiccans refer to commemorating the Sabbats as Turning the Wheel.

Most Wiccans celebrate these eight Sabbats annually:

Yule, Winter Solstice: December 20, 21, 22, or 23

Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year’s beginning or the end. This is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It’s a time of renewal and hope.
Brigid, Imbolc, Candlemas, Imbolg, or Brigid’s Day: February 1 or 2

Brigid, or Imbolc, is a preparation for spring. At Brigid, Wiccans clean and organize their living environments, as well as their minds and hearts, in preparation for the upcoming season of growth. It’s a time to shake off the doldrums of late winter and light the fires of creativity and inspiration.
Eostar, Spring Equinox, Ostara, or Oestarra: March 20, 21, 22, or 23

Winter is now over. Light is increasing. The day and night are equal in length at the equinox. Spring has arrived or is coming soon. Eostar is the time of fertility, birth, and renewal. The ice is thawing, and the growing season for plants and animals begins. Growth is the theme of the day.
Beltane, May Eve, Beltaine, Bealtaine, or May Day: April 30 or May 1

Beltane is the time of the marriage and union of the Goddess as Mother Earth and the God of the Greenwood. It is an ancient fertility festival marking the beginning of the planting cycle. The festival was to ensure a good growing season and a bountiful harvest. Beltane is light-hearted and joyful.
Litha, Summer Solstice, or Midsummer: June 20, 21, 22, or 23

Litha is the longest day and the shortest night of the year. Light triumphs, but will now begin to fade into darkness as autumn approaches. The crops are planted and growing. The woods and forests have reached their peak fullness. This is the time of abundance for wildlife, including people! The holiday is joyous.
Lughnasad, Lughnasadh, or Lammas: August 1

For the ancient Pagans, Lughnasad was a time of both hope and fear. They held hope for a bountiful harvest and abundant food, but they feared that the harvest wouldn’t be large enough and that the cold months would be filled with struggle and deprivation. At Lughnasad, modern Wiccans also face their fears, concentrate on developing their own abilities, and take steps to protect themselves and their homes.
Mabon, Fall Equinox, or Harvest Home: September 20, 21, 22, or 23

At Mabon, the day and the night are equal in length, in sublime balance. For many locations, Mabon coincides with the final harvest of grain, fruits, and vegetables. Mabon, also called Harvest Home, is the time of thanksgiving. The beauty and bounty of summer gives way to the desolation of winter, and the darkness overtakes the light.
Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve, Hallowmas: October 31 or November 1

For many Wiccans, Samhain marks the New Year and is the most important Sabbat. It’s the time to remember the ancestors, and the time to celebrate the harvest and all that has been accomplished over the year.

Lammas. August 1st, Lammas Day, is generally celebrated as the “cross-quarter” day), the midpoint of summer. For most of northern hemisphere, it coincided with the harvest of wheat. So Lammas is known as (Anglo-Saxon hlaf-mas, “loaf-mass”), the festival of the wheat harvest, and is the first harvest festival of the year. On this day it was customary to bring to church a loaf made from the new crop, which began to be harvested at Lammastide. The loaf was blessed, and in Anglo-Saxon England it might be employed afterwards to work magic: A book of Anglo-Saxon charms directed that the lammas bread be broken into four bits, which were to be placed at the four corners of the barn, to protect the garnered grain. In many parts of England, tenants were bound to present freshly harvested wheat to their landlords on or before the first day of August. In the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, where it is referred to regularly, it is called “the feast of first fruits”.

So tomorrow, if you have the time…why not bake some fresh bread, think about your talents and how you want to develop them, or any of the things that Lughnasad or Lammas stands for. And why not pick up Susan Laine’s Wheel Mysteries while you are at it. I love them. There are three out at the moment, I keep waiting the rest to follow. She is writing one for each Sabbat. Happy Lammas Day.

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This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 31 – Goodbye July!

Its Lammas Day, Dog Days of August Are Here
This Week At Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Monday, August 1:

Cover Reveal – His Premier by Jessie G. (cover reveal and giveaway)
Cover Reveal Blitz for “Lord of a Thousand Steps” (cover reveal and excerpt)
Far From Home blog tour with Lorelie Brown (a Riptide Publishing Tour and Giveaway)
A MelanieM Release Day Review: Stranded with Desire by Vivien Dean and Rick R. Reed
Counting Daisies by Nicola Haken Excerpt Tour and Giveaway
An Alisa Release Day Review: Never Lose Your Flames by Frances Gideon

Tuesday, August 2:

Given the Circumstances by Brad Vance Blog Tour and Giveaway
In Our Spotlight – Dawn to Dusk (Lover’s Journey – Book One) by Alina Popescu (Blog Tour, excerpt and giveaway)
A Stella Review: Daniel & Erik’s Super Fab Ultimate Wedding Checklist by K. E. Belledonne
A BJ Review: Junk Mage by Elliot Cooper
A Jeri Review: The Wicked West Collection by Shannon West

Wednesday, August 3:

Paul’s Paranormal Portfolio – Online Stories from Castle Roland
Release Blitz – Amber Kell – Mate Call (Dragon Men Series #5) tour and giveaway
A Lila Release Day Review: Normal Enough by Marie Sexton
An Ali Audiobook Review: For Real by Alexis Hall
A Paul B Review: Werewolf Tutor (Shreds #1) by Jade Astor
A Jeri Review: Jersey Heat by DC Williams

Thursday, August 4:

Audio Review Tour: Sorting Out (Fitting In #2) by Silvia Violet (giveaway)
Its Volume 1 of the End Street Detectives by Amber Kell and RJ Scott (Recap Tour and Giveaway)
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Sorting Out by Sylvia Violet
A MelanieM Review: Seeing Red: Scorched by T.C. Orton
A Stella Review: Into the Blue by Penny Henson
A Barb the Zany Old Lady Audiobook Review: Treasure by Kim Fielding

Friday, August 5:

A Barb the Zany Old Lady Release Day Review: Fallow by Jordan L. Hawk
A Jeri Review: Fight the Tide by Keira Andrews
An Ali Audiobook Review: Tigers on the Run by Sean Kennedy
A Stella Release Day Review: Unbreak My Heart by K-lee Klein
A MelanieM Review: Diary Dates by TJ Masters

Saturday, August 6:

In the Spotlight: Roadside Rescue by Caitlin Ricci
A BJ Audiobook Review: Patchwork Paradise by Indra Vaughn
A Stella Review: Roadside Rescue by Caitlin Ricci
An Alisa Review: Tagging Mackenzie by LM Somerton

A MelanieM Review: Fireworks & Wild Cards (The Wheel Mysteries #3) by Susan Laine

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

Sequel to Devil’s Own
The Wheel Mysteries: Book Three – Litha Festival

When Gus Goodwin’s friend and mentor, Juliette Hayes, asks him to find out who’s stealing small sums from the cashbox of her Moonlight Haven Coven, Gus agrees. What’s the worst that could happen? They catch a small-time thief and, with any luck, retrieve a few bucks. Gus enlists the help of his boyfriend, PI Niall Valentine, and Niall’s retired police officer father, Owain, to go undercover and solve the mystery.

On the night of the next full moon ritual, however, the coven is struck with a fatal blow.

Now Gus and Niall face more than a murder mystery. The coven is torn apart, and along comes an eccentric psychic and Tarot master—plus a familiar face both Gus and Niall had hoped was long gone. As fireworks ignite and wild cards are spread, Gus and Niall have their work cut out for them.

Last year after I finished reading the first two stories in The Wheel Mysteries, (Sparks & Drops, Devil’s Own) I interviewed the author, Susan Laine, to talk about the Wiccan religion and the series, which I love. One (of the many) things that came from that fascinating interview, was that this is an eight-book series, one story for each Wicca festival. Fireworks & Wild Cards focuses on the midsummer solstice festival of Litha, the celebration of the longest day of the year. Into the fabric of this story of murder, mystery and love, Laine continues to weave in-depth knowledge of the Wiccan religion, its fundamental tenets, history, rites and fight for acceptance. This unique framework has made this series not only one of my anticipated “reads” as each new story rolls out, but the author’s wide scope of knowledge and ability to make this religion accessible through her characters and plot make it a highlight of the year.

This book picks up directly after the events of Devil’s Own, a book that moves its characters, all of them, into a time of change and uncertainty. The main characters, Gus the Wiccan bookstore owner, and Niall, the private detective, are 3 months into their new relationship and it’s a little unsteady on its new feet. For some readers, that will be a little surprising. Most of us are used to books that move the romance and relationship right along at a steady clip. That doesn’t happen here (8 books remember). So the opening scenes and chapter where a simple conversation blows up into something unexpected might take some readers aback. That’s when you have to remind yourself that this is still a very new relationship between two very strong people who weren’t even sure they were looking for love when it smacked into them. Niall and Gus are still trying to find their way with each other and their new status as lovers. I really like that about this couple and story.. Their attraction and feelings for each other were quick to form but we never question that they are deeply felt and real. But like any believable couple, they question their partnership, feelings and course of the relationship. Miscommunication happens!

So believable a couple. I just love that and them.

Now add in two or more plots that move across a landscape of the Wiccan religion and things turn engrossing. Each story involves a self contained mystery and murders that normally get solved by the end of the story. However, there is also a larger intrigue at work in the series. And each book moves that umbrella storyline forward clue by incremental clue. How I love the layers the author weaves into these books and relationships.

Another strong element here and throughout the series are the multidimensional characters. This includes women and men. There are the members of the Moonlight Haven Coven, including head priestess, Juliette Hayes, Owain Valentine (Niall’s retired police officer dad), and the return of Autumnsong, an enigmatic persona as elusive as the mist. It’s primarily through their interactions with each other and the mysteries that center on the Coven and Gus that allows Laine to explore the rites and beliefs of the Wiccan religion. And the prejudices that exist against it.

The only issues I have with this book and the others is the fact that I feel they end too soon. Perhaps that’s because I always want more…of the couples and their relationships and more of the series storyline. I am beginning to see more than just the vague outline of a sinister plot at work, the clues are pointing a certain way but the speculation is killing me! And I have 5 more books to go!

So what’s in store for us in The Wheel Mysteries stories to come? Let’s hear it from Susan Laine herself.

From my interview with Susan Laine:

“There are eight wiccan festivals, or sabbats, in a year that coincide with similar festivals in other religious and secular calendars: Samhain or Halloween, Yule or Christmas, Imbolc or Candlemas, Ostara or Easter, Beltane or May Day, Litha or Midsummer Festival, Lughnasadh or Lammas, and lastly Mabon which has no historical or modern equivalent. The cycle of these eight seasonal celebrations together forms the Wheel of the Year.

Lughnasadh, the harvest festival, is up next, and that story will feature Autumnsong more prominently, as we get to know what makes him tick.”

I can’t wait! Until then you will find me rereading the first 3 stories, looking for clues and enjoying the start of an unusual and deeply loving relationship. And yes, I highly recommend this story and series!

Cover art by Brooke Albrecht. Love these covers. The design is beautiful, its relevance spot on, and it forms a cohesive branding with the other stories and covers. Great job.

Sales Links: Dreamspinner Press – All Romance (ARe) – Amazon Buy It Here

Book Details:

ebook, 210 pages, also in paperback (DSP)
Published June 1st 2015 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN139781632169358
edition languageEnglish
seriesThe Wheel Mysteries #3
other editions (1)

The Wheel Mysteries to date in the order they should be read:

Sparks & Drops (The Wheel Mysteries, #1)
Devil’s Own (The Wheel Mysteries, #2)
Fireworks & Wild Cards (The Wheel Mysteries, #3)

In The Author Spotlight: Susan Laine of The Wheel Mysteries Series! (contest)

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Sparks & Drops (The Wheel Mysteries #1) and

Devil’s Own (The Wheel Mysteries #2)

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The Wheel Mysteries by Susan Laine

Susan Laine is in the Author Spotlight today and she has brought along a contest to enter. The winner can choose from either the first or second book in the series. If the winner has read both, then they can choose a book from Susan Laine’s back shelf. Just leave a comment and an email address where you can be reached. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Contest ends 8/27~

Wiccan Wheel & Murder Mysteries by Susan Laine

My name is Susan Laine. Iím the author of The Wheel Mysteries series which revolves around two men and their developing relationship as they get entangled in murder mysteries. Gus Goodwin is a laidback wiccan shopkeeper and Niall Valentine is a hardboiled private detective. Valentine is usually the reason he and Gus get involved in murder mysteries with occult themes. Where Valentine is a quiet, reserved ex-military man turned PI, Gus is a jovial, social entrepreneur and wiccan practitioner with a serious green thumb. Itís a case of opposites attract.

Wicca is a modern pagan religion, focusing on a balance between a mother goddess and a horned god. Their practices also center on magic and nature worship, notions of karma, morality and equality, ecological responsibilities and life-affirming rituals in moonlight (nudity is optional). Wicca is a pacifist faith with loose or non-existent priesthoods, as people can initiate and practice alone by themselves or become a member of a coven.

In Finland, wicca is not a registered religious community and has no official religion status, which makes it impossible for the practitioners to go to court when their rights are violated. I studied new religious movements at Helsinki University, so when I became a writer, I wanted to write something about wicca.

There are eight wiccan festivals, or sabbats, in a year that coincide with similar festivals in other religious and secular calendars: Samhain or Halloween, Yule or Christmas, Imbolc or Candlemas, Ostara or Easter, Beltane or May Day, Litha or Midsummer Festival, Lughnasadh or Lammas, and lastly Mabon which has no historical or modern equivalent. The cycle of these eight seasonal celebrations together forms the Wheel of the Year.

Each story in the series happens against the backdrop of one of these festivals. As such, this series will consist of eight stories in total. Two are out now Sparks & Drops, and Devilís Own and more are in the works. In Sparks & Drops, Gus and Valentine meet as Valentine gathers information from Gus about wicca due to a case involving a missing girl. In Devilís own, Niall investigates an attack on a classy married socialite by her husband, and things get complicated when the husband is found murdered inside a locked bedroom.

Thatís about it this time. Thank you all for accompanying me, and thank you kindly, Melanie, for having me here today 🙂

You can find Susan Laine on the internet:

Dreamspinner Press: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=55_561
The Wheel Mysteries: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/index.php?cPath=991
Author Website: http://www.susan-laine-author.fi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.laine.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Laine_Susan
Email: susan(DOT)laine(AT)hotmail(DOT)com

Thanks, Susan, for stopping by today and for the great contest prizes! Don’t forget to leave a comment and your email address where you can be reached.

Review: Devil’s Own (The Wheel Mysteries #2) by Susan Laine

Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

It’s been almost 2 months since PI Niall Valentine and his occult shopkeeper boyfriend, Gus Goodwin, began their relationship over several mysteries and murders they solved together. Now all they wish to do is find time to spend together and get used to being a couple. Instead they find themselves once more pulled into magic, mystery, and murder.

Niall’s latest client, Angelina Talbot, is convinced that her new husband attempted to kill her. Florian Talbot appeared in their bedroom half-naked and covered in blood. Scared out of her mind, Angelina hit him with a lamp and ran away, convinced she had killed him. But his body never appeared and his family assumes he’s alive and well. Is Florian dead? And did she kill him? Angelina Talbot wants to know and she wants Niall to uncover the truth about her husband.

The Talbot family is full of eccentrics, devil worshippers, and downright criminals. It’s the Satanists that draw Gus into the investigation. No one and nothing is as it seems. As more people disappear and the body count rises, Niall and Gus are sure only of one thing….their love for each other. But will that be enough with a psychotic killer on the loose and kidnapping on the mind?

I fell in love with Gus Goodwin and Niall Valentine in the first The Wheel Mysteries story, Sparks & Drops (The Wheel Mysteries, #1). It felt fresh and captivating. And the element that really set it apart from other mysteries was the use of the Wiccan religion as a basis for the investigations and the character of Gus Goodwin. Susan Laine delves deep into the rituals, beliefs, and common misconceptions held about the Wiccan religion and uses that knowledge as story lines and the foundation for her series.

With her characters, Susan Laine offers the reader both sides of a familiar argument. Is magic and witchcraft real? Who are those people who not only believe in it but practice the Wiccan religion as others worship more recognized, commonly held religious beliefs such as Christianity and such? Coming down on the side of Wicca is Gus Goodwin, a practicing Wiccan. He runs The Four Corners, a shop devoted to Wiccan accouterments, books and such. How he gets to own that store happens in the first book. Gus is a devout practitioner and the rituals he observes are relayed in one absorbing scene after another.

On the other side of the argument is PI Niall Valentine. Thoughtful, open minded. Niall retains that acerbic, questioning attitude necessary for his profession and part of his persona. Niall may research the topic of Wicca, and become knowledgeable but that certainly doesn’t make him a believer. Together, they form a unified investigative front for the paranormal and supernatural mysteries that come their way. They make a terrific duo, on equal level with each other and they know it. How refreshing and adult.

Another thing I love about their relationship and storyline? No instant love. This is the second book and they are only a month and a half into figuring out their romance. They live apart, see each other when they can, and haven’t said the L word because it is much too soon. They are working on their emotions, and relationship dynamics. They also haven’t had anal sex because they can’t seem to find the time to make the preparations necessary for that type of sex. That realism works to connect us to Niall and Gus on a basic level and their hurried, full lives make them relatable as well.

The mysteries here are good ones. Yes, more than one. Once again, Gus and Niall bring in members from the local Wiccan society to help with their investigation which turns very dark early on. There are murders and one particular practitioner of the occult seem to have a role to play in the books to come. Sinister thy name is……nope, can’t give that one away. And yes, their relationship takes several more serious steps forward.

Susan Laine gives the reader so many wonderful elements to enjoy in this story. A romance just getting under way, several mysteries, a couple of murders, and a deeper insight into the Wiccan religion and its worshippers as a whole. I can’t recommend this story and series enough. It’s entertaining, sexy, and yes, fascinating too. If you’ve read the first story, you will want to pick this up immediately. But if this is a new series to you, start at Sparks & Drops to see how Niall and Gus meet and the romance starts. The Wheel continues to turn and more stories will come. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Cover Artist: Brooke Albrech. I thought this was a great cover. Visually interesting and perfect for the story.

Buy Links: Dreamspinner Press eBook All Romance eBook (ARe) Amazon Devil’s Own

Book Details:

ebook, 192 pages
Published July 2nd 2014 by Dreamspinner Press
ISBN 1627988033 (ISBN13: 9781627988032)
edition languageEnglish
seriesThe Wheel Mysteries #2

Books in The Wheel Mysteries in the order they were written and should be read:

Sparks & Drops (The Wheel Mysteries #1)
Devil’s Own (The Wheel Mysteries #2)

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Dog Days of August Are Here Its Lammas Day

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This Week at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words

Sunday, July 31 – Goodbye July!

Monday, August 1:

Tuesday, August 2:

Wednesday, August 3:

Thursday, August 4:

Friday, August 5:

Saturday, August 6:

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Dog Days of August Are Here
Its Lammas Day