Samhain Secrets

It’s that time of year again when ghosts come out to play. But attorney Keli Milanni discovers it isn’t just restless spirits who walk the night, so does murder. After her recent promotion to junior partner, Keli is putting in overtime to juggle her professional career and private Wiccan spiritual practice, and her boyfriend. With Halloween fast approaching, her duties include appearing as a witch at a “haunted” barn and hand-holding a client who’s convinced her new house is haunted. But it’s the disappearance of Josephine O’Malley, her aunt that has Keli spooked. Keli’s aunt is an environmental activist and free spirit who always seemed to embody peace, love, and independence. When Josephine is found dead in the woods, Keli wonders if her aunt’s activities were as innocent as they seemed. As Keli comes to terms with her loss, her live-in boyfriend and demands at work, she must wield her magic to banish negative energy. If she’s going to catch a killer this Samhain season, it's going to take a bit of magic. Series: A Wiccan Wheel Mystery - Book 4 Author: Jennifer David Hesse Genre: Cozy Mystery/Witch/Paranormal Publisher: Kensington Books Jennifer David Hesse is a gifted storyteller; her Wiccan Wheel Mystery series is thought-provoking and timely. In a world where everything is out of balance, it is refreshing to find a book series that reminds us that we need balance in all things. This series is quickly becoming a fan favorite and should continue to enthrall readers for many years to come. Samhain Secrets is a well written, fast-paced and highly enjoyable book. This is the 4th book in this series and is a great fit. At long last readers get to meet Keli’s enigmatic aunt. Unfortunately, that aunt has been murdered. Keli sets her sights on finding out why her aunt was so mysterious, and why someone wanted her dead. Keli is a likable character who continues to evolve, both personally and in her beliefs. She isn’t as averse to being around other Witches, or Wiccans and finds that she enjoys the company of others who have her same beliefs and religion more and more. She is a character who knows that things aren’t always what they seem, even murder. She has her hands full with work, boyfriend, and community, adding murder to the mix has become almost mandatory in her world. She handles everything well and shows that she is stronger than she ever thought she could be. All the characters in this new addition to the series are memorable. They each have a role to play in Keli’s life. They help comfort and on occasion remind Keli of who she is. They are not just friends but have become part of her family. They, like Keli, are evolving and becoming more well-rounded individuals. Most are lovable, and it is easy to connect to one or more of them. he setting is wonderful with just enough forest and city combined to make anyone want to visit or move there. It has a quality that allows the reader to think of it fondly, like a treasured place from childhood. All in all Samhain Secrets is a fun, enjoyable and highly entertaining book that adds flavor and intrigue to the series. Readers will love Keli and the other characters that charm and delight throughout the book. I highly recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys a good who-done-it, magic and the wonder of the world around us.

I learned so much while reading this book and it wasn't dry lecture either. Keli has to wrestle with the loss of an aunt she's long tried to get to know while balancing solving the mystery, a rather demanding client, funeral arrangements, the faith she has now verses the faith she was raised in when her family comes to visit, and a whole lot more. The end held a plot twist that tied it all together in a way that I never saw coming. This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it. Thank you to Jennifer David Hesse, NetGalley, and Kensington Books for allowing me the chance to read this book and share my thoughts and opinions with others.