Witchfire

Rating:
Summary: Lived up to my expectations
Review: "Witchfire" is the second installment of the Connor Hawthorne mystery series. In this book Connor's beloved grandmother's grave is desecrated in Glastonbury, England in addition to other mysterious killings. Connor, along with Laura (lover), Malcolm (best friend), and Nathaniel (father), fly to England to investigate. All of them get swept up in a tangle of ancient mythology and spirituality that threatens all of their lives and the balance of humanity.

Overall, I was pleased with "Witchfire" and happy to see Connor and Laura (finally) declaring their love for each other. Maddison always does an excellent job establishing the physical presence of the places such as Glastonbury, England ("Witchfire") and New Mexico ("Deceptions"). On the other hand, there were plenty of minor editing errors that got annoying real fast. I also got a little tired of how the love between the four characters was constantly over-emphasized. I frequently said to myself, "Okay I get it already, they all share a special bond. Let's move on." Although Maddison does a good job integrating the events of "Deceptions" into "Witchfire," I think it might be a benefit to read the first book to fully appreciate the developing plot. I enjoy this series so much that I already pre-ordered the third book which is not due to be published for three months!

Rating:
Summary: A Fast-Paced Page-Turner
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Spellbound
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Not a Mystery Fan
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: excellent, magically spooky story, couldn't put it down
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Could NOT put it down!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Great Read!
Review: Lauren Maddison has a great way of writing talking, like regular people would talk to each other. I like her writing style and this series of books featuring Connor Hawthorne is a great adventure. I hate to come to the end of the story and yet I can't put these books down. I recommend all three of these books, and I hope there's more to come very soon. Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Great Read!
Review: Lauren Maddison has a great way of writing talking, like regular people would talk to each other. I like her writing style and this series of books featuring Connor Hawthorne is a great adventure. I hate to come to the end of the story and yet I can't put these books down. I recommend all three of these books, and I hope there's more to come very soon. Highly Recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Lambda Literary Nominee! And I can see why!
Review: This author reaches for more than just standard mystery themes. There are levels within levels, and a lot of food for thought. Plus it is written with an engaging, intelligent style--a big cut above your average so-called "lesbian" fiction, and I've read it all. This book isn't obsessing about the main character being a lesbian, it's focused on the joys and challenges of an admirable and very real human being who wishes life could just be simple even though it isn't. I like that.

If you like mysteries that also make you ponder things about yourself and your beliefs, you'll love this book as much as I did. I'm particularly drawn to the myths and spiritual lore of ancient religions and Ms. Maddison has obviously tapped into a source of inspiration there. Thanks for writing it. By the way, I also enjoyed her first book, Deceptions, but I think Witchfire is even better. I called the publisher to find out if there's another in the series. YES! Coming out next fall. I can't wait.

Candance R. Gates

Rating:
Summary: Tedious!
Review: This would be a great book for current readers of Nancy Drew mysteries. Written on the same didactic, wordy, obvious, and pre-adolescent level. Read a Mabel Maney book for an intentionally funny (and racy) take on Nancy!