by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Bell, Book, & Candlemas, and a link to purchase it from Amazon and an indie bookstore.

Keli Milanni, family law attorney and borderline yuppie, has a secret even her BFF doesn’t know. She is also a Pagan…a “Solitary Wiccan” practicing her faith in private not with a coven. She guards her secret from public scrutiny, since her Wiccan faith could be misconstrued by her associates and friends, and possible derail the budding relationship she has with artist/photographer Wesley Callahan. However, the recent rash of burgled businesses, vandalizing of a Wiccan shop, revelation of cryptic notes vilifying the Wiccan community, and an oddly staged book burning stunt has Keli suspecting her private life could become a public casualty.

First, there is Mila Douglas, owner of Moonstone Treasures, upset by being twice vandalized and receiving cryptic notes with biblical references to Old Testament style punishments for psychics, fortune tellers, and witches. Then, there is Reverend Nathanial ‘Natty’ Schmidt, leader of the First Church of the New Believers, very vocal with his congregate expounding on the evils of the new age practices, alcohol, and the like. Next, there is the local realtor, Yvette Prime, eager to persuade Mila to sell her property, and Trish Holiday, tourism director, hoping to create a certain image for the town to attract upscale visitors. Last, there are the thieves and vandals plaguing certain local businesses, and the body…yes, a body has been discovered.

Keli and Farrah, her BFF, join together to find clues to all that is happening in Edindale, Illinois by participating in a murder mystery dinner theater, discreetly asking questions of the various guests, discovering a possible pattern with the robberies, putting into action “Operation Alley Cat,” and getting a palm reading at the scene of the crime. All this while Keli deals with a nosy reporter, searches for a murderer, untangles the clues behind the robberies, and tries to find time for romance. Lots is going on, but could it put Keli or her friends in danger?

This second book in the Wiccan Wheel Mystery series is engaging and entertaining…I loved it! It shares a realistic, not fanciful, view of the Wiccan faith where celebrations and spells for protection and strength are ritual, not hocus pocus. Keli is a down-to-earth young woman who enjoys her work, cares for her friends, and is devout in her faith, and the romance with Wes is fun to see evolve. I enjoyed the unfolding mystery—robberies and murder, the characters—some quirky, some boisterous, some suspicious, and pondering the conflicts many face whose faith is said to be outside the norm. I was so intrigued that I went on my own journey of exploration—the history behind the Wiccan faith and its current practitioners. It is rich with deep spiritualism, respect of nature, and sense of community. This is a not to miss reading adventure.

Bell, Book, & Candlemas earns 5/5 Amethyst Crystals and Aromatic Herbs!

Be a Fan!
Facebook – Author Jennifer David Hesse
Website – Author Jennifer David Hesse
Goodreads – Author Jennifer David Hesse
Amazon – Author Jennifer David Hesse
Twitter – Jennifer Hesse

To enter to win a copy of Bell, Book & Candlemas, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “bell,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen January 14, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

Bell, Book & Candlemas

You can use this link to purchase this book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying year 2 of retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband of 26+ years.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.