Witchfire

I haven't read her first book yet, but I'm going to. I loved this book, and I read all the mysteries I can get my hands on. I've bought copies for three friends. Someone asked me why I read a mystery that has some gay characters. Frankly, I couldn't care less. These characters, all of them, are well drawn, mostly lovable, except the 'bad guys'of course, and the plot is gripping. It's magical, a little gory in spots, very spooky, and the setting is so vivid I want to visit Glastonbury. I can't wait until the next one in the series.

Connor Hawthorne finds herself drawn into a complex mystery after her grandmother's grave in England is desecrated and there's a murder at the house of some friends of her grandmother. Connor and her partner Laura travel to England to strengthen their relationship and investigate these baffling events. As the events take more sinister turns, Connor's father Benjamin and their friend Malcolm join them in England in time to discover that what's happening now is connected to events that happened centuries ago, in all their past lives. Lauren Maddison follows up her stellar "Deceptions" with this enthralling action thriller, unfortunately plagued by many minor editorial errors. Skilfully weaving in pagan spirituality, politics, and fast-paced action, Maddison has written one of the best books of the year, lesbian or straight. The best part of her books is her characterizations. The reader can easily connect with the characters, which is key in any successful book series. This story just begs to be made into a movie!

I am not particularly an avid mystery fan, but I was recommended this book by a friend and maybe now I will be! I was impressed with Lauren Maddison's skill with storytelling,and her uncanny ability to convey the very fabric of British life; but even moreso with with her ability to take a classic murder mystery format and add a "New Age" twist convincingly. I think this writer has found a unique niche for herself within the mystery genre. And I appreciate her sweet portrayal of the affection and loyalty between Connor and her soul mate Laura. I was impressed with "Deceptions" and even more impressed with "Witchfire". When PBS is ready to bring a lesbian murder mystery series to television, these two are the ones to start with!

I really enjoyed her first book, Deceptions, and I think this one is even better. I am a die-hard mystery fan, but I usually anticipate all the plot twists. NOT this time. It had me going to the very end. These characters are people you care about. I got to know them in the first book and now they're becoming old friends. Isn't that the best kind of story? Wish I hadn't read it so quickly. Who knows how long it will be until the next one.

After reading Lauren Maddison's skillfully written DECEPTIONS, I couldn't wait for the sequel to appear. And I must say, WITCHFIRE certainly lives up to the standard set by Maddison's first Connor Hawthorne mystery. The characters and dialogue are so well-drawn and realistic that you can't help believing the supernatural plotline. Everything falls into place in Maddison's skillful hands. And it's such a pleasure to read a lesbian mystery that isn't 180 pages long. The ending sets the stage for a third Connor Hawthorne mystery, and I can't wait!