Banshee Cries

Walker Papers #1.5

by C.E. Murphy

The last thing reluctant shaman Joanne Walker wants is to be assigned to a case of ritual murders. It’d be creepy enough all on its own, but her boss, already trusting her magic more than Jo does herself, suspects there’s more to it than just a serial killer. As Joanne is pulled more deeply into the bloody mire, she begins to realize this is a murderer with a deadline—the changing winter moon seems to be key to the power they’re building.

But Joanne's not the only one entangled in the increasingly dangerous magic raised by the she has a protector, someone who has already given up their life to keep Joanne safe…and who may be the only person able to stand between Joanne and a dark power far greater than she’s ready to handle….

Publisher's Banshee Cries was originally published as part of the Winter Moon anthology, and was fondly numbered '1.5 of the Walker Papers.' With the reissue of the series, Banshee Cries has been elevated to book two, and the series numbering henceforth reflects that change.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2005

About the author

CE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.

She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.

She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.

Reviews

[Jorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banshee isn’t the only one who cries

Returning to this story, properly placed as the 2nd book in the Walker Series. Revisiting it with fresh eyes and knowing Walkers journey forward makes this read even more impactful. Originally a short it really adds weight to her growth so I’m very glad it its placed properly in the series now. There are some really powerful moments that brought up feelings I didnt expect through he lens of our hero.

This story also serves to flesh out the world as a whole which will be important in future books. Keep an eye on Mrs Murphy she’s an amazing Author!

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good x 5!

I am really enjoying this series so full of humor, friendships and a woman learning reluctantly to take on her role as a shaman. Feisty and stubborn, Joanne Walker, steps up to the magical bad guys and kicks them in the knees. Then she takes them out. Binge reading here is a must.

[L.B. Tea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oooh, adding this story to the series chronology was a great move. I remember when originally reading the series there first few books clipped along. This installment gave a depth to Joanne’s backstory. I loved getting to see the struggle accepting her heritage on her mother’s side due to their estranged relationship. I’m glad this was published and added to the sequence in later years.

[Amber Anderson Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic creativity and storytelling!

The first book was really good, but this one was fantastic. I'm captivated by her writing style and and the characters are wonderful. The story is so unique and flows beautifully. I read this book today and am going to start the next very soon.

[Susan Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little, short story between the first two full-length stories. Joanne is still struggling with being a beat cop and not just the mechanic who keeps the police cars on the road. On top of that, she is also in denial about her shamanic powers. She gets thrown into the deep end again when a murderer turns up. This one was nemesis of her late mother’s.

[Beenee Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay!!! I’m glad I found this book! I already have the collection it was initially published in but there’s nothing like having a favorite authors novellas and short stories in their own, individual book!!

[Kimberly Fellenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avid Reader

I enjoyed this book, it was too short though. It feels like one book that is being broken into short stories, like The Green Mile, and this is my only complaint. Otherwise I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

[Adricrisuruta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this little story.
A danger that stalked Joannie's life appeared after thirty years with the intention of achieving her goal again.
Although not pretty I loved the aftermath of this horrible encounter.

[Maggie Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the body count rises, Joann Walker struggles to understand and control her newfound " powers" with the instruction of her dead mother and her spirit guide - Coyote.....not always successfully...
Strong 4.75 read!

[Rayvn Whyt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very intense read. Loved it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banshee Cries (The Walker Papers, #1.5) C.E. Murphy -- There are a ton of shorts in this series, but this is a really fun one! Happy Reading!

[Manola Dobbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bananas Cries

Amazing story and a great introduction to Jo's mother. For new shaman she is still learning, and she needs all the help she can get. A book worth reading.

[Ruth Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mom

Jo' s mom barters to save her from an ancient enemy. But she has been dead three months at this point. Read what happens.

[Cynthia Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the whole series.

[Liz Pietz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

C.E. Murphy knows how to take you into the story so you don't want to leave. I look very this series.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joanne faces off with a banshee, the Irish monster of legend. She also finally has a chance to say goodbye to her mother that she lost three months before.

[Tanya Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noce series

Good read series has me hooked


so far. Will continue to read the rest to see what walker has in store for her.

[Anne V · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent novella

Awesome to see these on kindle unlimited. The series was one of the first great explorations of the urban fantasy genre, and it is still among the best.