Helpful Score: 2
As a pagan, I found this book very refreshing in its fairly accurate portrayal of a "real" Wiccan protagonist as well as a good representation of Wiccan principles, beliefs and general practices. (I realize that many pagans have variations in their ritual and beliefs, etc. but this was at least accurate as to what some of us believe.) This is NOT a cozy mystery. There is some very graphic violence and descriptions of the murder scenes, but very realistic, too, and not done gratuitously. Though this book nears 400 pages, it reads quickly and I can't believe how fast I got through it. Very well done and I plan to get the whole series. In fact, I plan to purchase the rest of them and support this author's efforts with my pocketbook rather than just waiting around for a trade.
Helpful Score: 1
Intersting start start to a series about a wiccan investigator.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was a tremendous disappointment. It gets rave reviews, so I expected a really good, really well-written book. It is neither. The author has no understanding of basic grammar, basic usage, or even basic Wicca come to that. He doesn't know the difference between a Watchtower of the Golden Dawn and a directional elemental. He doesn't know the difference between its and it's. He has the worst case of Said Bookism I have ever seen. (This is when the author will do anything to avoid using the almost invisible word "said" -- With the result that his characters grunt, grin, and groan whole sentences and paragraphs. Try it. It's very difficult. Especially the grinning, which involves no expelled air.) If you're of the Wicca, or you just care about the English language or good mysteries, save yourself an appalling experience: don't order this book.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely great book! Loved Rowan Gant and his wife, Felicity. This book will keep you wondering up until the very last minute.
Helpful Score: 1
Top-notch!
The ritualisticly mutilated corpse of a young woman . . . A pentacle scrawled in the victim's blood . . . A cynical police department with biased misconceptions . . . And one cop who isn't willing to take things at face value . . .
Seeking further meaning from the symbol, St. Louis City Homicide Detective Ben Storm contacts his friend, Rowan Gant--a practicing witch. Rowan explains the benevolence of the rune but is himself horrified to learn where it was found and the method by which it was scribed. Since a witch's creed is to 'Harm None,' a new mystery unfolds. Why was a symbol related to witchcraft found at the murder scene. Moreover why is the killer pretending to be a witch, or is he only pretending?
This copy is outographed by the author.
The ritualisticly mutilated corpse of a young woman . . . A pentacle scrawled in the victim's blood . . . A cynical police department with biased misconceptions . . . And one cop who isn't willing to take things at face value . . .
Seeking further meaning from the symbol, St. Louis City Homicide Detective Ben Storm contacts his friend, Rowan Gant--a practicing witch. Rowan explains the benevolence of the rune but is himself horrified to learn where it was found and the method by which it was scribed. Since a witch's creed is to 'Harm None,' a new mystery unfolds. Why was a symbol related to witchcraft found at the murder scene. Moreover why is the killer pretending to be a witch, or is he only pretending?
This copy is outographed by the author.
Helpful Score: 1
I did not like this book. I disliked the characterization of the native american side kick in it -- while it wasn't racist, the characterization just wasn't likely.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book entertaining, informative, well written and just an all around good story. The author doesn't try to delve to far into the specifics of Wicca but gives enough background to make the story easy to read and not "freak out" the reader. I can't wait to read book 2.
The first in the Rowan Gant series. Rowan Gant, a practicing witch, is called by his homicide detective friend when a pentacle is found at a murder scene. Rowan helps the police department with information about witchcraft and helps solve the murder.
This, the first in the series, is a very well-written, fast paced novel. And, if you can get past all the typos, it is an excellent read. I couldn't wait to get to the next novel after the first!
This, the first in the series, is a very well-written, fast paced novel. And, if you can get past all the typos, it is an excellent read. I couldn't wait to get to the next novel after the first!
In the first of the Rowan Gant Investigation series we are introduced to Rowan, his wife Felicity and his friend Ben Storm. Ben just happens to be a St. Louis homicide detective. Rowan and Felicity also happen to be Wiccans. So when Ben comes across a case that has occult overtones he consults Rowan for some insights. Rowan offers some useful information and then all hell breaks loose. Rowan finds himself being contacted by the spirit of the murder victim (who just happens to have been a former student). The murder is especially brutal and disturbing and, unfortunately, only the beginning.
In his efforts to help the spirit he finds himself more involved in this murder investigation than he ever intended. In addition to trying to find the serial killer, we follow along as Rowan tries to deal with his new (and unwanted) psychic talents.
Rowan, Felicity and Ben are flawed, sometimes annoying and ultimately human characters. None are perfect and all of them are disturbed by the case. I really appreciate that Sellars treats spellworking in a realistic way and not as something that creates fireworks and leads to flying on broomsticks.
When this book was done, I was glad I had the next one ready to start reading.
In his efforts to help the spirit he finds himself more involved in this murder investigation than he ever intended. In addition to trying to find the serial killer, we follow along as Rowan tries to deal with his new (and unwanted) psychic talents.
Rowan, Felicity and Ben are flawed, sometimes annoying and ultimately human characters. None are perfect and all of them are disturbed by the case. I really appreciate that Sellars treats spellworking in a realistic way and not as something that creates fireworks and leads to flying on broomsticks.
When this book was done, I was glad I had the next one ready to start reading.
