Judge Shivers

by Scott Bell, Jay S. Bell

As a Judge for the administrators of the Codex Magica, Calico Shivers makes life-and-death decisions about wizards gone bad… then carries out the sentences. But nothing in his career has prepared him for his next assignment: termination of a wizard who time travels, creates monsters for fun, and skateboards to his evil-wizard lair. During an epic battle of magic and mundane munitions, Shivers is cast back to the 19th century American Old West, a time and place with limited magic, deep-seated prejudices, and no flush toilets.

Shivers rides into Geyser Falls, a town beset by beings out of myth and legend and run by a smirking sheriff who mistakes Shivers for a real judge of the legal variety. Shivers’s first trial involves a blue-haired, free-spirited witch sent back in time by the rogue wizard.

In no time at all, Shivers is mired in murder, deceit, and treachery, all complicated by a tribe of angry cannibals with a grudge against the people of Geyser Falls. The future looks very grim for misplaced wizards of the 21st century, and Shivers is caught between protecting the beleaguered townspeople and the need to get back to his own time.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 28, 2023

About the author

Scott Bell writes because that way he can daydream and claim it on his taxes. A Certified Fraud Examiner and professional Suburban Man, Scott has a wife, two grown kids, and at least one cat sleeping on his keyboard. (The cat, not the wife and kids. They have their own keyboards to sleep on.)

When he's not writing, Scott fights a relentless battle against weeds, slow drivers, and ever-shrinking pants.

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was a little unsure when I started reading this novel. A wizard with special powers works to kill rogue magicals. I should know by now not to be concerned because this author has an incredible, creative way of writing which sucks the reader in and doesn't let them go until the end.
Judge Calico Shivers is a no nonsense wizard with a job to do. He suddenly finds himself thrust back to the late 1800's to a small town with a big problem. Hundreds of little people have an agenda and townsfolk are getting in the way of their goal. It is up to the judge and his newfound friends to figure out the mystery at Geyser Falls.

[Marsha Hubbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Judge Shivers” was a surprise, although having read author Scott Bell in the past should not have been. No one creates a more caustic, quick-witted, smart aleck character than Bell or writes a more exciting non-stop adventure. Judge Calico Shivers goes after wizards gone bad. That’s his job, and he does it well. This time around, however, he finds a wizard who can time travel and suddenly ends up in the American Old West. Not only does he have to find a way back, regain his magic, and battle monsters, he’s got to do it without getting killed or being stuck in the past. Fans of Harry Dresden will enjoy “Judge Shivers.”

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Judge Shivers searches for an evil wizard who time travels and skateboards and in doing so finds himself in the 1800s. The Judge receives help along the way. This is a mature and visually descriptive story with plenty of pop culture throughout the book, dropping celebrity names and books.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bookworm52732 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems this offering begs for a sequel. Or is it just me?