Tag: urban fantasy

Review: The Wolfing Hour (Smokethorn Paranormals  #4) by C. P. Rider

Rating: 5⭐️

From Book 1: “Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.”

Such an excellent series, my only regret being the wait time between releases. But its absolutely worth it as proved by the newest book in C. P. Rider’s Smokethorn Paranormals series, The Wolfing Hour.

In a series already bursting with thoughtfully crafted, complex and compelling storylines about multi dimensional damaged characters, this story took them all to new levels. 

Of betrayal, pain, loss, self discovery, recovery and revelation. New depths to their relationships and, of course, a cliffhanger of a twist in one or maybe two of the series plots. 

Never has the writing been better or more engrossing, able to pull the reader immediately into the story and the ongoing conflicts and never losing their interest. 

Betty’s character here undergoes an extraordinary transformative growth.  It’s startling and terrifying. To her, those characters around her and the readers who have come to know her. It’s truly a remarkable piece of her journey and the story.  And we’re not done yet. 

A thriller of an urban fantasy romance that’s absolutely amazing and satisfying in every way.   I’m highly recommending this series. And eagerly awaiting the next one to come. 

Cover design by The Book Brander

The Smokethorn Paranormals Series (5 book series):

Strike It Witch #1

Any Witch Wolf #2

Wicked Witch of the Wolf #3

The Wolfing Hour #4

Last Witch Effort #5 – July 31,2026

Buy link

        The Wolfing Hour: The Smokethorn Paranormals Series Book 4

    

Blurb 

“Ah, Ronan. This witch is about to make your life a whole lot more complicated.”

Just when Betty Lennox thought she had a handle on her life—reconnected with her earth magic, brought the saguaros back from the dead, sexy alpha wolf sharing her bed—everything goes sideways.

Turns out she’s not just an earth witch. Thanks to dear old Grandpa Sexton, she’s got a demon side that’s tired of being locked away. A powerful and ruthless demon side with zero qualms about damage control when someone threatens her people. When Demon Betty takes the wheel, Witch Betty ends up doing morally questionable things like killing people who really, really need to die.

Meanwhile, Ronan’s birth father—Alpha Floyd Pallás, certified creep and all-around evil person—has kidnapped his sister to force him into submission. The pack is in chaos, shifters across the county are dying, and Betty’s running out of time to find her before the convocation where Ronan must challenge Floyd for the pack.

But here’s the thing about power-hungry wolves: they cheat. And here’s the thing about Betty: She won’t let the people she loves get hurt—even if it means embracing the monster within.

For fans of urban fantasy.

VC Group, LLC

Publication date

July 31, 2026

Accessibility

Learn more

Language

‎English

Simultaneous device usage

Unlimited

ISBN-13

978-1969799013

Book 5 of 5

The Smokethorn Paranormals Series

Review:  Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5) by Lara MacKenzie

Rating: 5⭐️

Little Bean brings Maya’s Blog to a close, with tears, drama and, yes, more growth and more hopeful happiness  in the future for her and her growing family and friends. 

Maya’s undergone so many dramatic changes from the broken abused human who started a blog she wasn’t sure anyone would want to read to a paranormal being herself with readers in the millions from many realms (it’s listed at the top of every chapter).   She’s documented her journey, her fears and the challenges, every milestone and every step backwards. Her successes and her failures. 

And each one has been one that’s had resonated with me, deeply, with this remarkable character that the author has framed out in this great blog format. 

There’s side stories about women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. And the organization that offers them and their children more than just food and shelter. 

It’s about recovery, healing, and the ability to accept help to move forward when needed. It’s emotional magic and it’s honestly so hard to put into words, what it means to read this series and reach the end. 

I’m not ready.  Truly I’m not.

So I’ll leave you with this small piece at the end. 

From Maya to her readers as she writes as she thinks about what comes next, just one tiny bit.  

“You’re allowed to take up space. You’re allowed to want more than survival. 

You’re allowed to fall apart and rebuild yourself into something new. 

You’re allowed to be scared and brave at the same time.”

I can’t even get past the rest without going back and starting over. With tissues. 

Given the current state of our world, especially for women, this character and series hits hard. An emotional gut punch, book by book. 

Laughing, crying, recovery, loss, and renewed strength to move forward. 

It’s a series I never expected when I first started reading. New author and format. But it’s one that’s stuck with me and it’s been a great read and source of comfort. 

Now I’m passing it along to you.  It a special kind of treasure, something to share with the next person who you think might be want a special voice in their lives. 

The cover has a tag, An Umbrafore novel, which might possibly promise more novels to come in this chaotic universe. I can always hope. 

Cover Illustration Main image by Manuka Madushan, Digital Illustrator.

MAYA’S BLOGS:

Espresso Yourself #1

Brew Diligence #2

Uncharted Grounds #3

Flat White Flag #4

Little Bean #5 – series finale 

Buy link

        Little Bean: A Paranormal Comedy with Heart (Maya’s Blogs Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Maya Draven thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do. She was wrong.

As she faces escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid baby doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

And Maya is about to face her biggest challenges yet.

This is the explosive conclusion to Maya’s journey from anxious barista to fierce mother, where she proves that sometimes the best response to people trying to silence you is to speak even louder.

  • Publication date: November 2, 2025
  • Language: English
  • File size: 2.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage: Unlimited
  • Screen Reader: Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting: Enabled
  • X-Ray: Not Enabled
  • Word Wise: Enabled
  • Print length: 322 pages
  • Page Flip: Enabled
  • Book 5 of 5: Maya’s Blogs

Review:  Ride Or Die (The Body Shop Book 5) by Hailey Edwards 

Rating : 4.75⭐️

Ride Or Die wraps up this fantastic series with mythical battles, high stakes, epic magical revelations, and an absolutely satisfying ending for all the characters. 

The Body Shop series has followed Frankie and her adopted siblings, the Mary’s as they call themselves after the official ‘house of horror’ they were forced to live as children, they’ve come through perilous events and horrific experiences that’s seen them come out more powerful individually and as a found family. 

From one where Frankie was the one who provided and held everything together to a family that worked together as a unit for a common purpose.  The character development and plotting was even, strong and often compelling. And Edwards didn’t leave any character behind in bringing relationships and old friendships forward as things went further into new developments. 

Kierce sacrificed himself for Frankie and now she’s going to save him. It’s time for revelations, god comeuppances, and the final showdown. And some real surprises. 

Dis Pater is shown to be even worse than thought to be. But the biggest bad is a well crafted evil, multi dimensional villain who’s horrific in his clarity of vision.  

It’s reasonable and believable and makes this credible that’s there’s a cost of defeating him.  It wouldn’t have made sense otherwise. Or been in keeping with the types of magical powers and abilities that were used by all of the characters here. 

In the end, we get a sense of how the characters are in their lives and how they feel going forward. It’s contentment and happiness. And that makes The Body Shop a well written, highly compelling and satisfying series, one I’m happy to recommend. 

Love the covers. Every single one.

Cover by Damonza

Illustration by Marouane Hs

The Body Shop – series complete: 5 books:

Fair Market Value #1 

Amber Gambler #2 

Midnight Auto Parts #3 

Cheater Slicks #4 

Ride or Die #5 – series finale 

Buy link

        Ride or Die (The Body Shop Book 5)

    

Blurb 

Kierce sacrificed himself to save Frankie, and now it’s her turn to rescue him. Whether he wants her to or not. That means venturing into Abaddon, the land of the dead, and hoping she can locate him within its shadowed depths before Dis Pater notices his favorite toy is missing. But Dis Pater isn’t the only deity she has to fear.

Frankie’s father has learned of her journey down to his domain, and he won’t take no for an answer when he welcomes her into his home. As if one MIA parent materializing wasn’t bad enough, her mother arrives with her own emotional baggage in hand. Forget the perils of traversing the underworld. Navigating this family reunion just might be what kills her.

  • Publisher: Black Dog Books
  • Publication date: September 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 241 pages
  • Book 5 of 5: The Body Shop

Review:  Magic Betrayed (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 2) by Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Magic Betrayed picks up right after the events of Magic Forsaken, the flow almost uninterrupted in the storyline.

Raine is still trying to walk the tightrope between keeping her found family and their past hidden yet work for Callum because they desperately need the funds for food and shelter. 

While the reader might acknowledge the naïveté, it’s also realistic to assume that the hardship and fear has made Raine just as desperate as to accept his conditions.  

Davidson makes us believe in the story unravels on the pages. The suspicions, fears, and doubts, from all parties exist in this shaky political landscape and paranormal world where there has been such turmoil and infighting.

The growth in the relationships, between Callum and Raine, Raine and Kira, and others is warmly described and real. The suspense and action scenes are vivid and well executed.

My only complaint is the last book isn’t released yet so I need to wait until November to see how it all plays out. 

Another recommendation for those who enjoy urban fantasy novels!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

 Book 2 of 3: The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue 

Blurb 

Well that didn’t go quite the way I expected…

So the short version is, I used my forbidden magic. But weirdly enough, I’m still breathing. Not only that, but I have a job, a great apartment, and a boss who isn’t nearly as grumpy as he wants everyone to think. The only flaw in all this happiness? I can’t leave the Shadow Court. Ever. Which means there’s no way of finding out whether Callum-ro-Deverin hates my guts.

I get it. He’s a fan of law and order, and my very existence is now a crime. That must be why, when he does finally return to the city after the Symposium, he makes no effort to even talk to me. I feel like a fool for thinking we were friends. For considering for even one moment that there might be a spark of something more.

But when a mysterious enemy attacks me and kidnaps my family, I’m left without options. I’m going to need help—powerful help—and I’m going to have to master my unwanted magic as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, the only help available is a gorgeous dragon king who may or may not want to lock me up forever. But if it will save my family from a fate worse than death? I’m willing to sacrifice anything… including my future and my freedom.

Magic Betrayed is the second book of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, gorgeous dragon shifters, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1) by  Kenley Davidson

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

Another new to me author, another urban fantasy universe to explore. Be still my heart.  I stumbled across Kenley Davidson when looking for more strong women main characters and found her name among other writers I’ve read and loved (K.M. Shea for example).

Magic Forsaken is the first in Davidson’s The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue urban fantasy series. It’s a direct sequel to The Dragon of 23rd Street , a 3 book series which sets up the world and some of the characters met here. 

However, I haven’t read that series and the author does an excellent job in introducing the series foundation, the issues faced, and world building that I felt secure in my understanding of the story and how the characters were able to use their powers and abilities in the magical system. 

Raine, a former human and prisoner of a psychopathic Fae Queen who experimented on both humans and paranormals alike, has fled, along with her found family of fellow escaped prisoners,to a refugee/safe city. 

Davidson has immediately crafted a group of characters and situations that the reader will empathize with and feel able to relate to. Raine, in her desperation to protect and provide her family for food, shelter and safety is a great figure from the beginning.

And letting her other secrets (as well as those of the small family members) slowly trickle out during the story is perfect for her and the manner in which she has had to live her life.

Callum, the shifter King and his family is another fantastic element. Each of them has a well defined personality and back history, and their relationships feel like a family bonded together. 

The mystery and action scenes are well written. The plot is fast moving. There’s a romantic interest but this is a slow burn, with no real sexual content. More magical action scenes and high adventure. 

I really enjoyed the energy of the narrative and the characters. Definitely a winner!

Published by: Page Nine Press 

Cover Design by: Trif Book Design

The Dragon of 23rd Street (3 book series)- preceding series 

The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue (3 book series)- incomplete:

Magic Forsaken #1

Magic Betrayed #2

Magic Claimed #3 – Nov 14,2025

Buy link

        Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)

    

Blurb 

I used to be human.

Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten…

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.

Review:  The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

Rating: 4.5✨⭐️

The description for this book was the draw for me, as well as another new author to read. 

I’ve always thought of books as gateways to adventure and the way to immerse myself in worlds and places I’ll never get to explore outside of their pages. They are compelling, comforting, revelatory, and magical.

So are the bookstores that are still my refuge.  So you can imagine I find the idea that a bookshop is actually a fabulous magical place is one o can readily accept. And want to read about. 

“Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. “

The Midnight Bookshop is centered around, yes the mystical bookstore The Midnight Bookshop, and its mysterious bookshop keeper, Fay Livre that appears when 3 complete strangers arrive at a time in their lives when each person is most desperate for a change.

It’s a three person narrative, as we see what dire circumstances each one is facing and how they will meet up, and eventually find themselves at The Midnight Bookshop. 

This is an incredibly complex and often dark story as Jo, Adelaide, and Kye have some stark, dangerous and disturbing elements in each of their lives to overcome and heartbreaking moments ahead. 

Their road to healing and recovery begins through the words of books that choose them through a highly emotional and personal journey in a magical world of books and small group of souls who will be forever friends. 

If I had a small issue, it was that I wish I knew more about Fay and her role but then I guess, she wouldn’t be that mysterious mythic benefactor that she’s so clearly meant to be here. 

I’d love to see another story with her reappearance and a new group of people who need her help. 

This is for all of us who have lost ourselves in our books, who gave our hearts away to characters and worlds of  endless pages and found endless solace and joy amongst them. 

Highly recommended. 

Love that cover. 

Buy link

Amazon.comhttps://www.amazon.comThe Midnight Bookshop: Your next favourite magical realism book – for fans of cosy, small- …

Blurb 

You don’t choose the book. The book chooses you…

‘A book I was sorry to finish.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A timeless story that emphasizes the healing and transformative power of books.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

–

Long ago, a bookshop was born – the beating heart of all those who find hope within the pages of a book. With the words penned upon the echo of old forests, new worlds are created. 

It’s ready and waiting to welcome all those who know where to find it…

Strangers Jo, Adelaide and Kye are the least likely people to find themselves across the threshold of a bookshop.

But as their midnight book club shows them that a single book can change everything, all three realise that their own stories can be rewritten.

  • Publisher: One More Chapter
  • Publication date: May 16, 2025
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 385 pages

Review: The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth Book 6 by Lauretta Hignett 

Rating: 4⭐️

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae picks up right after the cliffhanger ending of the last book where Prince Romeo had been kidnapped by the fae back to their Realm. Purposes unknown. 

There’s elements I enjoyed here and others I find that are either getting annoying, underdeveloped, or left dangling, without any explanation. 

Let’s take the things that are working against the storytelling for me. This is the sixth book and it’s very “talky” as opposed to action driven. Things are talked about endlessly. Especially when it’s the main character of wolf shifter Daphne.  Daphne’s been through years of time traveling abusive experiences as an adolescent to adulthood, slavery etc. Through alien worlds and realms. What she did to survive has shattered her personality into two parts, brain and heart.  They are constantly talking or arguing about everything. Every single situation. Plus she’s got a Pandora’s box or world of evil inside of her. 

But it’s mainly the two voices. They talk so much she gets nothing accomplished. Which is the point made here. But it’s just as annoying to read. Because while she’s not actively going forward, the whole narrative is standing still too.  While it’s talking. 

There’s good points made about how they should have recombined into one a while ago, but still not happening. 

Then there’s a really great case that opens the book. One where Daphne rescues two young kids. And it’s centered around one coven and family of powerful witches. A big event happens at the end of the case that’s dropped. We have no mention about it and the ramifications of the case. Nothing.  Sigh.

Last big issue I’ll bring up is that Daphne’s horrific history in the Fae realm isn’t consistent with her current experiences here. I understand parts of the Fae situation changed, still there should be more representation of that dark history than what is seen here.

Positives.  The cases and revelations concerning Romeo’s background. Daphne’s interactions with the other participants in the Bride races as well as the brutal races themselves. 

Those were exciting moments. 

Still enjoyable but I’m not as engaged as I was at the beginning.  

Book Cover by Atra Luna Graphic Design”

Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth:

The Wolf Vs The Vampire #1

The Wolf Vs The Warlock #2

The Wolf Vs The Shifter #3

The Wolf Vs The Witch #4

The Wolf Vs The Monster #5 

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae #6 

The Wolf Vs The Dragon #7 – Sept 15,2025

The Wolf Vs Santa: A Little Christmas Mystery

Buy link 

 Book 6 of 7: The Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth 

Blurb 

I never thought I’d find myself back here.

At least, I hoped I’d never have to leave the mortal realm ever again. But Romeo is missing, and I have to find him. I know who took him, and I know why. 

And I know how hard this fight is going to be.

I survived this wild-magic place once before, and I’ll do it again. But this time, I’m not a scared little girl. 

This time, I know exactly what I’m doing.

Let the games begin.

The Wolf Vs The Shadow Fae is book five in the Hidden City Supernatural Sleuth, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.

Big Demon Energy (Bedeviled Book 1) by Deborah Wilde

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Deborah Wilde writes such wonderful books and great unusual main female characters that once I found her it’s been hard not to just binge her entire catalog. 

Elements that Wilde includes into her storylines and universes as well as character designs are those of Jewish history, culture, and religious traditions. From the names of the characters to their stories and even the agencies they serve, what it is to be a Jewish person is part of their identity and this book.

And her stories are mostly urban fantasy. So how she continues to fold Jewish mythology, history and religious beliefs and traditions into her urban fantasy worlds and series is smooth, unique, and fascinating. 

Aviva Fleischer is an agent for the Maccabees, a government agency that regulates and deals with otherworldly events and beings. This includes having a team of diverse individuals, including vampires. 

What’s not so inclusive is anyone or being that’s identified as a demon. Or part demon. Which is what Aviva is hiding, she’s part demon. And the daughter of a high ranking official in the Maccabee organization. 

Wilde excellently crafts both an alternative world where vampires and humans now exist, although not exactly in harmony. Otherworldly realms can be visited but it’s a dangerous place to go if you’re a human, and there’s hidden secrets and agendas everywhere waiting to be revealed.

Aviva is a complicated character, with mother issues. An ex-boyfriend who’s come into play again and a murder mystery that’s as complicated as she is.

Just a fabulous story and it lays the groundwork for the next story to come. 

Highly recommended! As is this author. 

Cover by: Covers By Christian.

Bedeviled:

Big Demon Energy #1

Demon on Deck #2

Better the Demon You Know #3

Demon in Disguise #4

The Demon’s Due #5 – Aug 18,2025

Buy link 

        Big Demon Energy: An Enemies-to-Lovers Urban Fantasy (Bedeviled Book 1)

    

Blurb 

She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him. 

Aviva Fleischer hides a dangerous secret. She’s carefully concealing her infernal heritage, a.k.a. Cherry Bomb. Maybe it’s weird naming her demon side and referring to her in the third person, but guys do the same with their junk, and unlike most of them, Avi isn’t deluded about Cherry’s prowess.

Avi’s been working her ass off, climbing the ranks of a supernatural policing organization to enact change and empower those like her forced to hide their true nature. Sure, she’s bent the rules now and then, but her arrest record speaks for itself. Her promotion is in the bag.

Instead, the director strikes a deal with Avi: spy on the operative sent in to work a rash of bizarre murders and prove she can be a team player, or kiss that new rank goodbye.

No problem.

Okay, maybe just one.

Her co-leader, Ezra Cardoso, is a charming, ruthless vampire with his own agenda, whom she fantasizes about: mostly staking him then vacuuming up his remains.

But when the killer sets Aviva’s team firmly in their sights, she’ll have to decide whether to keep playing by the rules or show everyone exactly what she—and Cherry Bomb—are capable of…

Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.

Dive in now for a fiendishly good time!

  • Publisher: Te Da Media Inc.
  • Publication date: August 21, 2023
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 358 pages
  • Book 1 of 5: Bedeviled

Urban Fantasy, vampire thrillers, humorous fantasy, paranormal suspense 

Review:  Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1) by Ilona Andrews

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Yes, Magic Burns (Kate Daniels Book 2) by Ilona Andrews is exactly what I was looking for when I saw llona Andrews recommended (a wife/husband writing duo) as a author I should check out for great female characters. Andrews has created a vividly wild universe of familiar,crumbling destroyed landscapes, whether skyscrapers or city high lines. Setting’s believable and terrifying, that between them, the incredible characters, compelling stories and a world constantly being explored and warped by the magic of recently historic world events, then you’ve got a series that hard to put down. 

Kate Daniels is a merc in a changed world, one where the world pendulum between mech and magic has swung catastrophically out of control, causing universal destruction, where magic is causing cities to crumble, eliminating all but the occasional uses of electricity when the magic fluctuates.  Cars out, horses and mules in, trodding the highways and overpasses, faepowered lanterns lighting buildings.  It’s a strange, complicated world. And it’s one that’s expanding into other areas and places of mythology and power as new events and storylines emerge. 

This storyline gives us a great introduction to her character, glimpses into her past life and powers. It’s the beginnings of important relationships and her journey into a more complex and involved life. 

I’m burning through this series, each of these stories is extremely well developed and engaging.

It’s a huge winner for me and one I’m really excited to recommend. 

Cover art by Juliana Kolesova 

Cover design by Jason Gill

Kate Daniels (10 book – complete series):

Magic Bites #1

Magic Burns #2

Magic Strikes #3

Magic Bleeds #4

Magic Slays #5

Magic Rises #6

Magic Breaks #7

Magic Shifts #8

Magic Binds #9

Magic Triumphs #10

The World of Kate Daniels 

gunmetal magic

 “A Questionable Client” was previously published in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights.”

Buy link

        Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)

    

Blurb 

Ilona Andrews invites you to experience the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series featuring the intriguing fantasy world of mercenary Kate Daniels…

Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up magical problems. But when Kate’s guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta’s magic circles. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she’s way our of her league—but she wouldn’t want it any other way…

 

This edition includes in-depth information about the world of Kate Daniels with descriptions of its characters and factions. Explore Kate’s Atlanta like never before with a quiz to find your place there and with answers to frequently asked questions. And don’t miss the prequel story “A Questionable Client” as well as scenes of events in Magic Bites from Curran’s point of view.

  • Publisher: Ace
  • Publication date: March 29, 2009
  • Edition: 1st
  • Language: English
  • Print length: 353 pages
  • ISBN-13: 978-1101041970
  • Book 1 of 10: Kate Daniels

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.