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The Witch on Twisted Oak
A powerful psychic is brutally murdered. Secrets are revealed. An old enemy is out for revenge.
Detective Ruben Marquez is thrust back into his childhood memories when he investigates a gruesome murder that occurs only feet from his mother's home. Is the killer somehow connected to his own past? Is the beautiful, mysterious daughter of the victim, someone he can trust? Or is her revelation that she’s a witch a sign he should stay clear. But how can he, when it appears she’s next on the murderer’s to-do list?
In the ultimate test of courage, he uses himself as bait to protect all he holds dear . . . his career, his family, and the Witch on Twisted Oak.
Detective Ruben Marquez is thrust back into his childhood memories when he investigates a gruesome murder that occurs only feet from his mother's home. Is the killer somehow connected to his own past? Is the beautiful, mysterious daughter of the victim, someone he can trust? Or is her revelation that she’s a witch a sign he should stay clear. But how can he, when it appears she’s next on the murderer’s to-do list?
In the ultimate test of courage, he uses himself as bait to protect all he holds dear . . . his career, his family, and the Witch on Twisted Oak.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 27, 2013
94 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Susan C. Muller
16 books75 followersSusan C. Muller is a fourth generation Texan. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University where she studied creative writing. Her novel, The Secrets on Forest Bend, has won several awards. The next novels in her Occult series,The Witch on Twisted Oak and Voodoo on Bayou Lafonte, have received excellent reviews..
She enjoys speaking to book clubs and writer’s groups.
She loves to travel and has been fortunate to see much of the world. Her favorite places include Kenya, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. She has been to every continent except Antarctica. She has been spotted shopping for a heavy parka, just in case.
When not writing, she can be found doing volunteer work at a local hospital. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, snorkeling and taking long walks.
She can be found at: www.SusanCMuller.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 28, 2013
Police Procedural With Paranormal Twist
The whimsical beginning of this gritty police procedural suspense novel sets you up for a shock when the story explodes.
Detective Ruben Marquez is thrust into a grisly murder investigation that is much too close to his mother's home. The first twenty-four hours, crucial to every homicide investigation, proves frustrating to Ruben and partner Adam Campbell.
What's even more frustrating than an investigation going nowhere is his mother's behavior. Although she says she knows nothing, Ruben finds himself questioning Mamacita's official statement. To make matters worse, Ruben is alarmed by the sudden change in Mamacita's physical appearance and attitude.
Muller deftly weaves a suspenseful investigation around Ruben and his family, showing their closeness as well as the cracks in what had once been an impermeable familial bond. The author never makes a misstep as these two homicide detectives try to find the murderer and protect Mamacita who has been proclaimed a witness by the local newspapers.
To Ruben's surprise, Tessa Reyna, the woman who steps up as the victim's only Houston relative, is someone who pushes all his buttons-and not necessarily in a way he likes. Tessa clings to her secrets until the very end just as Ruben clings to his deeply-held beliefs and stubbornly resists a the truth that is revealed.
Even when the murderer is unmasked, questions remain to the very end, keeping the reader turning the pages. Can Ruben and Tessa overcome their pasts and accept the other, including their respective beliefs, in order to be together?
Don't miss The Witch on Twisted Oak, a taut police procedural with a paranormal edge and a well-rounded cast of characters who are, refreshingly, Hispanic rather than the usual Anglo, adding a different dimension to this mystery set in Houston.
The whimsical beginning of this gritty police procedural suspense novel sets you up for a shock when the story explodes.
Detective Ruben Marquez is thrust into a grisly murder investigation that is much too close to his mother's home. The first twenty-four hours, crucial to every homicide investigation, proves frustrating to Ruben and partner Adam Campbell.
What's even more frustrating than an investigation going nowhere is his mother's behavior. Although she says she knows nothing, Ruben finds himself questioning Mamacita's official statement. To make matters worse, Ruben is alarmed by the sudden change in Mamacita's physical appearance and attitude.
Muller deftly weaves a suspenseful investigation around Ruben and his family, showing their closeness as well as the cracks in what had once been an impermeable familial bond. The author never makes a misstep as these two homicide detectives try to find the murderer and protect Mamacita who has been proclaimed a witness by the local newspapers.
To Ruben's surprise, Tessa Reyna, the woman who steps up as the victim's only Houston relative, is someone who pushes all his buttons-and not necessarily in a way he likes. Tessa clings to her secrets until the very end just as Ruben clings to his deeply-held beliefs and stubbornly resists a the truth that is revealed.
Even when the murderer is unmasked, questions remain to the very end, keeping the reader turning the pages. Can Ruben and Tessa overcome their pasts and accept the other, including their respective beliefs, in order to be together?
Don't miss The Witch on Twisted Oak, a taut police procedural with a paranormal edge and a well-rounded cast of characters who are, refreshingly, Hispanic rather than the usual Anglo, adding a different dimension to this mystery set in Houston.
April 6, 2018
Hotness Rating 1 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
August 29, 2013
I am so so glad I came upon the publisher looking for reviewers to review The Witch On Twisted Oak. I loved this mystery! You have Detective Ruben, who I think is going on my book boyfriend shelf just for his 6’8” frame alone and Tessa, who I instantly adored. Mamacita, I kind of wish she was mother in law, not that I don’t adore the mamacita that is my mother in law. :) There is witches and murder and a bit of romance plus a dog that just can’t stay put.
I loved Ruben’s attitude. Perfect alpha male (and of course, he has commitment phobia). Tessa is the heroine we all love. She is strong, willful, and able to stand on her own two feet, she was definitely an interesting character. Our villain(s) were evil and didn’t give up without a strong fight. The entire cast was filled with colorful characters that I really enjoyed reading about.
I love books like this, a strong storyline, characters I can relate to, and an ending that I loved.
Susan C. Muller is now on my favorite author list. I can’t wait to go grab her other books. Check her out if you haven’t. She is a talent worth noticing.
I loved Ruben’s attitude. Perfect alpha male (and of course, he has commitment phobia). Tessa is the heroine we all love. She is strong, willful, and able to stand on her own two feet, she was definitely an interesting character. Our villain(s) were evil and didn’t give up without a strong fight. The entire cast was filled with colorful characters that I really enjoyed reading about.
I love books like this, a strong storyline, characters I can relate to, and an ending that I loved.
Susan C. Muller is now on my favorite author list. I can’t wait to go grab her other books. Check her out if you haven’t. She is a talent worth noticing.
January 11, 2015
I received this book as a review copy and I finally got to reading it!
I loved it. Simple. I love all books with witches and the progression of the characters was really good. I thought the bad guys motive was a little weak but it also was sad and made sense.
Good job!!
I loved it. Simple. I love all books with witches and the progression of the characters was really good. I thought the bad guys motive was a little weak but it also was sad and made sense.
Good job!!
December 26, 2013
A thrilling story with lots of romance, action and some rather spooky paranormal elements!
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 Dec/Jan Holiday issue of InD’tale Magazine.
January 1, 2018
I enjoyed every sentence in this novel. It was very fulfilling in dialogue and well written. The characters are believable, and the paranormal is at minimal. I liked that the author didn't go overboard with Wiccin, magic,and hexes scenario. The paranormal gave just the right amount of spice to the suspense. The romance was a nice treat which enveloped the storyline between realism and creativity. The novel was very thorough and a great page turner. Only thing I do not like is reading a book with characters in it that's in another novel that's connected. Even though it's not see series, there are three more characters in the novel that have their own stories and I just don't like the innuendoes that bring in a no cliffhanger novel.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 28, 2019
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Muller. I would definitely read more. She's very good at putting together the plot and making it a page turner. I like the fact that she has novels expanding on characters already playing a role in her other works. The only thing I noted was that it needed better editing. Good thriller with a strong plot.
May 12, 2019
Great Book From A Great Author
This is the seventh book I have read written be Susan C. Muller. All of them have been excellent.
She builds very good characters and mixes them in interesting stories. Her books are hard to put down. And when you finish your sad that there isn't one more chapter.
Please keep writing!
This is the seventh book I have read written be Susan C. Muller. All of them have been excellent.
She builds very good characters and mixes them in interesting stories. Her books are hard to put down. And when you finish your sad that there isn't one more chapter.
Please keep writing!
August 29, 2013
Ruben Marquez may be a tough Houston cop, but when he gets called in on a murder his first thought is for his mother's safety since she lives next door. During his investigation, he meets the supposed niece of the victim, Theresa Reyna, but he immediately senses she's not telling the whole story.
Right from the first pages, I knew I was going to enjoy this novel. I enjoyed the mis-direction of Molly. A unique character that I didn't expect to play such an important role. By the time I was 30 pages into the book, I felt as though I'd know Ruben for ages and that I could easily be trading recipes with his mother later at coffee.
I wasn't disappointed in my expectations. Mamacita, Ruben's mother, grew on me and I wanted to help with her problem. While she was dealing with that, Ruben was dealing with the revelation that witches and their powers/intuitions were real. A very interesting twist for a police detective to encounter.
I was kept in suspense the entire way and wasn't able to figure out what was going to happen next or why. I would have stayed up all night reading if it weren't for obligations early the next day. The only thing that I was left wanting, was the recipes for the dishes that Mamacita made in the opening chapters. They had my mouth watering, but then she stopped cooking, a sure sign that she had much bigger problems to worry about.
Ruben's good looking partner, Adam Campbell, has his own story that's told in an earlier book The Secrets on Forest Bend. Also in the works is the story of Detective Remy Steinberg.
Right from the first pages, I knew I was going to enjoy this novel. I enjoyed the mis-direction of Molly. A unique character that I didn't expect to play such an important role. By the time I was 30 pages into the book, I felt as though I'd know Ruben for ages and that I could easily be trading recipes with his mother later at coffee.
I wasn't disappointed in my expectations. Mamacita, Ruben's mother, grew on me and I wanted to help with her problem. While she was dealing with that, Ruben was dealing with the revelation that witches and their powers/intuitions were real. A very interesting twist for a police detective to encounter.
I was kept in suspense the entire way and wasn't able to figure out what was going to happen next or why. I would have stayed up all night reading if it weren't for obligations early the next day. The only thing that I was left wanting, was the recipes for the dishes that Mamacita made in the opening chapters. They had my mouth watering, but then she stopped cooking, a sure sign that she had much bigger problems to worry about.
Ruben's good looking partner, Adam Campbell, has his own story that's told in an earlier book The Secrets on Forest Bend. Also in the works is the story of Detective Remy Steinberg.
August 30, 2013
Susan C. Muller starts you off for the first two pages with what you think will be a paranormal story that quickly becomes a murder mystery with a touch of romance. Tasked with solving a brutal murder that occurs a little too close to home, Detective Ruben Marquez finds himself running into dead ends. When he is forced into body guard duty for the murdered victim’s relative Theresa Reyna, both of them are placed in danger.
This is a story of discovery for Rubin, and ultimately Teresa, as they solve the murder, work through their problems, and discover unexpected love. The book is an enjoyable read with fast paced, exciting chases and fight scenes. A police investigation that runs into roadblocks at every turn, secrets from the past, and a chilling killer keeps you reading until the last page
This is a story of discovery for Rubin, and ultimately Teresa, as they solve the murder, work through their problems, and discover unexpected love. The book is an enjoyable read with fast paced, exciting chases and fight scenes. A police investigation that runs into roadblocks at every turn, secrets from the past, and a chilling killer keeps you reading until the last page
October 14, 2013
I gave this 5 stars because it was not at all what I was expecting (in a good way). From the first sentence it had me hooked. The PoV was unusual and drew me into the storyline immediately , but as soon as I anticipated that this would be predominant throughout, it changed, as did the whole tone of the story. The author cleverly weaves paranormal into a detective novel.
The characters are well drawn and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns which kept me guessing. To add to the mix, the developing romance between the two lead characters is full of suspense, as is the rest of the story.
This is the first novel I have read from this author and it works as a stand-alone read. I will definitely be checking out her other novels!
The characters are well drawn and believable, and the plot is full of twists and turns which kept me guessing. To add to the mix, the developing romance between the two lead characters is full of suspense, as is the rest of the story.
This is the first novel I have read from this author and it works as a stand-alone read. I will definitely be checking out her other novels!
October 23, 2013
A combination of traditional suspense, paranormal witchery, and romance, the author of this story brings to the reader an experience that is both pleasurable and fun. I would have like a little more identification for who the characters are at the beginning. However after their rapid introduction, as the plot progresses, they become fully developed and believable in a story that expertly combines make believe with real life. The pace of the story keeps the pages turning. I found the book enjoyable and recommend it to those looking for a good read.
February 7, 2014
WHAT A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL STORY LINE. I USUALLY DON'T LIKE THIS TYPE OF STORY AND TRY TO AVOID THEM BUT I'M GLAD I READ THIS ONE. I FIGUIRED I LOVE FAIRY TALES WITH WITCHES, SO HOW BAD WOULD IT BE. I LOVED THE MAGICAL, MYSTERY FEEL OF IT AND THE ROMANTIC PARTS. THE CHARACTERS WERE ALL SO LOVABLE (not the bad ones ;D). ONCE I STARTED READING I COULDN'T STOP, FALLING ASLEEP DID ME IN THOUGH. WHAT A GREAT BOOK!! ;>
February 17, 2014
Well done!
I put off reading this and shouldn't. This book is quite well written and, interestingly, told from the hero's viewpoint. This is unusual in a romance. The romantic elements weren't pervasive; the touch was light. The suspense built nicely, too. There were a few bubbles with incorrect objects to prepositions, misspellings, etc. But they did not greatly distract from reading. Highly recommended.
I put off reading this and shouldn't. This book is quite well written and, interestingly, told from the hero's viewpoint. This is unusual in a romance. The romantic elements weren't pervasive; the touch was light. The suspense built nicely, too. There were a few bubbles with incorrect objects to prepositions, misspellings, etc. But they did not greatly distract from reading. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2013
Susan has done it again! A powerhouse of a mystery with a wonderful mix of suspense, a great villain, an enigmatic heroine, and a sexy hero. What more could you ask for? Really. This was a great follow-up to The Secrets on Forest Bend and I enjoyed seeing old friends, and I'm really looking forward to the next in this series!
March 16, 2014
I really was very intrigued from the beginning of this book, it started out with the dog telling the story and then on to the characters.
I read it in one sitting, while our electricity was off due to a storm here in Texas. It was really good, and now I need to go back and get the one
that has Adam's story.
I read it in one sitting, while our electricity was off due to a storm here in Texas. It was really good, and now I need to go back and get the one
that has Adam's story.
May 22, 2015
A stranger's murder strikes too close to home when Reuben is called to the street where his mother lives. But as he investigates, he uncovers more clues that link the murder to his family and his own past. Richly drawn characters show the challenges of family life along with a difficult job in a suspenseful thriller that keeps your attention till the very end.
September 3, 2013
Susan has a knack for creating characters and scenes that draw you in... and surprise you. I love a good suspense and this was certainly worth the read. So glad I found this author. Can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
February 2, 2014
Needs editing. There were places in the story that even with re reading you know the author had done a re write but it well gapped leaving you wondering and filling in the gaps yourself. It was a good story, suspense and a tiny bit of paranormal, but good if edited.
February 2, 2014
This book was good, but not great. I really enjoyed the Hispanic mother and the subtle witchiness. I wasn't so sure about the love interest, though, and I think I was held back a little bit by the main character being male.
February 11, 2014
I liked this a lot, I wanted something different and this was a good choice for me.
I liked the characters immediately and enjoyed the supernatural undertones, would have loved a bit more of the occult side but I am conscious that this was not the authors intention.
I liked the characters immediately and enjoyed the supernatural undertones, would have loved a bit more of the occult side but I am conscious that this was not the authors intention.
February 13, 2014
Good story
Good story
fast moving story kept me interested right from the start. Happy endings are always a bonus. I would definitely read more books by this author.
Good story
fast moving story kept me interested right from the start. Happy endings are always a bonus. I would definitely read more books by this author.
February 16, 2014
I don't know why I waited so long to read these books. I really like the paranormal twist with the mystery. I love the characters and wish I had a Mamacita too. I'll be reading the next one soon.
July 2, 2014
As a free book' I was surprised how interesting it was. When I put it down to do other things, I found my thoughts returning to the plot. It held my attention, was not boring in any segment of the plot.
June 15, 2014
Good read
I loved the characters in this book. The heroine has just enough sass to knock the hero on his butt. The hero thinks he has it all under control, but he gets hit head on. You kind of know who the bad guy is, but not completely. Highly recommend.
I loved the characters in this book. The heroine has just enough sass to knock the hero on his butt. The hero thinks he has it all under control, but he gets hit head on. You kind of know who the bad guy is, but not completely. Highly recommend.
August 1, 2014
It's not often that I find a book that I'm anxious to get back to. This book was one. The Witch on Twisted Oak is witty, suspenseful and a little scary at times. A recommended read. I look forward to reading The Secrets on Forest Bend.
January 10, 2016
Drawn out and boring
Adam and Rueben are cops investigating a gruesome murder of a psychic, who lived in the same neighborhood as Rueben's mother. All the characters lack animation and any real development. The story drags on for pages with no relevant movement.
Adam and Rueben are cops investigating a gruesome murder of a psychic, who lived in the same neighborhood as Rueben's mother. All the characters lack animation and any real development. The story drags on for pages with no relevant movement.
February 2, 2014
Terrific!!!! A new and talented author!!!
February 3, 2014
NICE READ
The author throws in some twists,most of which you see coming. Still a good read with likeable characters. I would recommend.
The author throws in some twists,most of which you see coming. Still a good read with likeable characters. I would recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews