One Less Warlock

by Judith Post

1st Babet/Prosper novella
A Lunch Hour Read

Emile, River City's most powerful warlock, has been stabbed in the back and murdered in his own home. When the police can't get inside the warlock's house--which is protected by magic--Detective Prosper turns to Babet Spellbound for help. Babet, a witch, slowly begins to release Emile's wards and in doing so, is plunged into a locked room mystery. But as Babet helps detectives, the case becomes more If no enemy could get past the warlock's protections, then how was he killed? And by whom? Finding the answers leads Babet to question Lillith--a succubus madam--and leads her to a settlement of women and children on the river banks that she never knew existed...a tight group of females who don't welcome outsiders into their midst.

22 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2012

About the author

USA Today best-selling author for The Body in the Attic, as Judi Lynn. I first published writing urban fantasy as Judith Post, but when I switched to writing romances and mysteries, I used the pen name Judi Lynn. I live in Indiana, and the Midwest is often the setting for my books. I love it here! When we got married, my husband and I bought a 1920 small bungalow, and we've never moved. It needed lots of work. We're still working on it. That's where I got the idea for a fixer-upper mystery series. I love to cook, so food sneaks into most of my stories. I include two or three recipes at the end of my Jazzi mysteries.

Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's hard in a short story to create a unique setting, characters, etc., and still get some sort of story line in. In One Less Warlock, Judith did an excellent job of molding the story in such a way that we got a taste of a distinct world and character personalities, and a complete story to go with it. In this short story Judith was able to pack in witches, vampires, a sexy Were, succubus, voodoo, murder, and mystery, all in only about 20 pages. Pretty amazing.

I enjoyed the story and Babet, the main character, and am looking forward to more of her in the future.

[Amie's Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first work of Judith Post's that I have read and I believe that I have stumbled upon an incredibly talented author.

It takes some serious talent to engage a reader in such a short novella. She has managed to convey an entire paranormal/human integrated society in just a few pages.

Babet is a witch who lives in River City. Prosper is a were who works for the Enforcers (a type of police).

When a warlock is found dead in his home, Babet is called in to help the Enforcers solve the crime.

This novella is short in length, but long on talent.

I am definitely now a fan of Judith Post. I am eager to read more in this series.

[Angel **Book Junkie** · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 2 Stars
Author 4 Stars
Total 3 Stars

I really think that the author is wonderful the book not so much. It is another case of a really short story that left a lot to be desired and to the imagination. I really like reading a story that gives you substance the entire book. Maybe because this is a short story with no series in site. I hate leaving a non-series book wanting more and this normally causes low ratings. This book was entirely too short to review so I will give the author a solid 3 stars!

[Zouagie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning to a point but then it just kinda fell out of line for me. Just finished reading it in about 45 min and it WAS delightful till the plot ended right after it happened. I mean it is still a good read but not if you're into long stories. I HAVE to have a long story. This just sorta caught my eye.

[Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this on my kindle as a freebie and enjoyed it so much that I bought the remaining 5 Babet/Prosper Lunch Hour Novellas. I really enjoy how Judith Post writes. I will be reading her other novels and novellas in the near future.

[Sia Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Judith Post's writing style! It's just like having your hand on the protagonist's pulse. It's sharp and firm and Post is in complete control of her storylines. I loved the characters and found the format just right for this "lunchtime read".

[Jenn Swanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story that is worth reading.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is considered a "lunchtime read." It was only about 25 pages, but really quite good.

[Ron Voigts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got a bit lost in all the characters. Seemed like a lot going on in a short read. Would have read better being more fleshed out, but still enjoyed it.