Heart of the Witch

I am a voracious reader and this is one of the best books I've read in a long time. I am amazed that this is Alicia Dean's debut novel. This is an unpredictable suspenseful tale with nonstop action. I quickly cared about Ravyn, a unique heroine who became a real person to me. The Tin Man was equally three-dimensional--a truly real and frightening villain. The plot has many twists that keeps you turning the pages. The chemistry between Ravyn and Nick flows naturally and the romantic tension between them builds all the way through this unusual tale. The author's style and intriguing flare with words adds to the fun. I would love to see this book made into a movie. I am a suspense junkie, and this was a wonderfully satisfying read. Alicia Dean is one of my new favorite authors.

Alicia Dean, in her debut novel, weaves a spell-binding tale of murder, love, and redemption. With a fond nod to the classic movie, The Wizard of Oz, Alicia creates original characters in a familiar place--Oklahoma City. Talk about clicking my heels and and chanting, "There's no place like home!" This cross-genre novel ratchets up the suspense while creating a world with good witches, bad witches, and a mortal with a hole where his heart should be--a must read for fans of both romance genres.

In Okalahoma City, the Tin Man serial killer abducts witch Rayvn Skyler planning to rape her before he kills her. Irate, she breaks the prime rule of her coven by setting his crotch ablaze before escaping. He survives her counter assault, but is outraged that his chosen prey harmed him and escaped before he could inscribe on her corpse in blood his moniker The Tin Man, irate he vows vengeance. Meanwhile mortal former homicide detective Nick Lassiter knows he finally has the bait to run down the Tin Man whom he obsesses over ending the psychopath's terror. He plans to use Rayvn who wonders about this Nick who seems to be nearby every time she blinks. At the same time her former lover Kayne has become apparently insane as his soul is filled with ambitious evil plans for world domination. Between Kayne and the Tin Man ruining her life and anyone close to her like her sister and mom, Rayvn fears most for not so mundane Nick. This is a fast-paced fun to read serial killer romantic urban fantasy, but has too many major subplots that lead to abrupt transitions. The readers and Rayvn know the bad guys from almost the beginning, but that enhances those two thriller threads as the audience anticipates confrontations. With a deep look inside the politics of a coven on top of the non-stop action, sub-genre readers will agree with Nick that the Heart of the Witch is captivating and bewitching. Harriet Klausner

I had the pleasure of reading this for a quote and was blown away by first-time author, Alicia Dean's skill at storytelling. Rereading it for my own entertainment was even better the second time around. Great suspense. Great characters. Amazing plot. Looking forward to her next one.

I picked this book up on Saturday and read it in one sitting -- well, two with a dinner break. The writing is superb, the mystery taut, and the characters will tug at your heart as they race to take down a vicious killer. Can't wait for Alicia Dean's next novel!