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A review by lynguy1
The Witchkin Murders by Diana Pharaoh Francis
5.0
THE WITCHKIN MURDERS by Diana Pharaoh Francis is the first book in her Magicfall series. To me, this was a combination of urban fantasy, murder mystery and supernatural police procedural, with a little paranormal romance.
Four years ago, Magicfall, an explosion of wild magic, occurred and the world was forever changed. While this story takes place in Portland, Oregon, the rest of the world is in similar or worse shape. There was a war between some supernaturals and those that were human and many died on both sides. Lives changed overnight. Some humans became something else and are known as Witchkin.
The main protagonist, Kayla Reese, was changed into something else and left her job as a police detective to become a scavenger. One day on her way home, she senses something is wrong and finds three individuals murdered as part of a black magic ceremony. She calls her old detective partner, Ray Garza. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The book hooked me immediately. It combines some of my favorite genres into one enjoyable, entertaining read. The characters are three-dimensional, compelling and have their own flaws and virtues. Their motivations are believable and well-drawn. The relationships between Kayla and Ray as well as with the other characters are a little predictable, but I did not mind that in this case. The tension throughout the book made it a page turner. The author did a great job of world building with vivid descriptions that gave a clear sense of time and place.
This is the only book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I believe those readers that enjoy combining police procedurals with supernatural suspense in an urban fantasy environment will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to BelleBooks – Bell Bridge Books and Diana Pharaoh Francis for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Four years ago, Magicfall, an explosion of wild magic, occurred and the world was forever changed. While this story takes place in Portland, Oregon, the rest of the world is in similar or worse shape. There was a war between some supernaturals and those that were human and many died on both sides. Lives changed overnight. Some humans became something else and are known as Witchkin.
The main protagonist, Kayla Reese, was changed into something else and left her job as a police detective to become a scavenger. One day on her way home, she senses something is wrong and finds three individuals murdered as part of a black magic ceremony. She calls her old detective partner, Ray Garza. With this scenario, the story is off and running.
The book hooked me immediately. It combines some of my favorite genres into one enjoyable, entertaining read. The characters are three-dimensional, compelling and have their own flaws and virtues. Their motivations are believable and well-drawn. The relationships between Kayla and Ray as well as with the other characters are a little predictable, but I did not mind that in this case. The tension throughout the book made it a page turner. The author did a great job of world building with vivid descriptions that gave a clear sense of time and place.
This is the only book that I have read by this author but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I believe those readers that enjoy combining police procedurals with supernatural suspense in an urban fantasy environment will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to BelleBooks – Bell Bridge Books and Diana Pharaoh Francis for a digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.