by Terrance Mc Arthur

Details at the end of this review on how to win a copy of Witches in Red.

The first book in Barb Hendee’s Mist-Torn Witches series introduced the Fawe sisters, Céline and Amelie. Céline, an apothecary who was trained in herbal lore by her Gypsy mother, could touch a hand and see the future; Amelie’s touch revealed the past. Together, they helped Prince Anton stop the plans of his brother to succeed their father as Prince of the land.

Witches in Red takes place a few months later, when Anton calls on the sisters to solve another mystery. Soldiers at a silver mine are turning into wolf-like beasts. That would be enough of a problem for most people, but the monster situation has brought mining to a standstill, and if Anton can’t solve the mystery, nasty Prince Damek will get to try to rid the mines of the killer beasts…and earn their father’s favor.

Céline and Amelie are not pleased to travel with Anton’s trusted warrior-advisor, Lieutenant Jaromir. Céline was growing close to Anton, but feels she is only considered a useful tool by the prince. Amelie doesn’t want to go because she is a fighter who favors men’s attire and weapons, and she will have to dress as a lady. She is also confused by her feelings for the lieutenant, who is known for relationships without commitment.
The young women are forced to face their recently-discovered talents and their heritage as they deal with gypsies who have their own unusual abilities. Marcus is terribly handsome and filled with anger over his family’s fallen state.

Captain Keegen, the reluctant commander of the guards who are turning furry with alarming frequency, seems more interested in his own creature comforts than the safety of the workers and his troops.

Hendee, author of the Vampire Memories books and co-author of three series of The Noble Dead Saga, has managed to graft a cozy mystery (amateur, not-always-willing sleuths with a not-always-positive relationship with local law enforcement that sometimes turns into a long-term commitment) onto a world of spells, shape-shifting and mind-reading powers, and an urban fantasy in a medieval era.

Witches in Red will appeal to fantasy readers who appreciate a good mystery, and to mystery fans who could use a little magic.

To enter to win a copy of Witches in Red, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Red,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen May 31, 2014. U.S. residents only.

Check out more fantasy book reviews in our fantasy and fangs section.

Terrance V. Mc Arthur is a Community Librarian for the WoW! (WithOut Walls) Division of the Fresno County Public Library, roaming the Valley to meet the public’s information needs.