Jack Spirelli describes the Coven of Light as a cult-like organization, with dangerously powerful members, and no love for mundane humanity. He was also on record as categorically refusing to involve himself in a case that took him anywhere near the Coven.
Why then had Jack agreed to take the case of a defecting Coven member? His dragon side-kick Marin may not speak to him again--ever. But sometimes the right thing to do isn't convenient, comfortable, or safe. And there was that stash magical potions he'd been promised for taking the case.
Kate Baray writes page-turning urban fantasy with relatable characters.
When Kate's not tapping away at her keyboard or in deep contemplation of her next fanciful writing project, she's sweeping up hairy dust bunnies and watching British mysteries.
Kate is from Austin, Texas (where many of her stories take place) but has recently migrated north to Boise, Idaho, where soup season (her favorite time of year) lasts more than two weeks.
She's worked as an attorney, a dog trainer, and in various other positions, but writer is the hands-down winner. She's thankful readers keep reading, so she can keep writing!
Kate's series include Lost Library and Spirelli Paranormal Investigations. Under the pen name Cate Lawley, Kate (aka Cate!) writes Vegan Vamp Mysteries, Death Retired Mysteries, Fairmont Finds Canine Cozy Mysteries.
Spirelli Paranormal Investigations is quickly turning into a new favorite series for me. “The Fleeing Witch” chronicles the tale of Sylvia, the aunt of a former client of Jack’s who is a member of a witch coven called The Coven of Light. They are very cult like and don’t take it kindly when a member decides to defect.
Sylvia knows that the IPPC won’t/ can’t help her so she hires Jack and Marin to keep her safe long enough for her to get out of the country. Marin is none too pleased but she goes along with the job. Little do they know but more than just Sylvia’s life is in danger when a band of witch hit men go after them with a vengeance.
I enjoyed this read but in all honesty one thing really bothered me, why did Sylvia want out? This question or the answer was never really brought up. I don’t know why Jack or Marin didn’t find this question important but for me the read felt incomplete without the answer. If I am to be honest, this read is my least favorite in the series so far. If they had just brought up this question I might’ve cared more.
Kate Baray continues her Episodic, and it keeps getting better! An offshoot of her Lost Library series, Spirelli Paranormal Investigations, Episode 3, continues the story of Jack Spirelli, Paranormal investigator and Marin, his dragon sidekick. The story in Episode 1 was the first Jack and Marin worked together – and a ghost is determined to ascertain that it is their last. It was lovely fun. In Episode 2, Jack and Marin’s next case take them back to Louisiana, where a single case of “something odd is going on . . .” becomes much more, and much more dangerous, than they ever expected.
Now, in Episode 3, Jack and Marin bite off an even bigger chunk of “paranormal pain-in-the-ass” as they take on protecting Sylvia, a coven witch determined to escape the coven’s control. But Jack has a truly bad history with the coven – and that history may get the three of them dead just as much as the coven’s determination to make sure Sylvia doesn’t escape their grasp.
I’m not a lover of episode storylines, but Kate does it right. These are complete novelettes, with beginning, middle, and end – something that most don’t offer, and Kate blows out of the water. If you haven’t read the Lost Library series, I highly recommend it.
Thanks Kate, for once again offering me the opportunity to read and review your stories! I love, love your work!
I love these episodes.......short stories for when you don't have time for a full book but still want something interesting to read. This story has Marin and Jack dealing with a Witch who wants to defect from the Coven. Each episode has dealt with different types of 'magic' and this one also brings in characters from other stories and explains why Marin really is working for Jack when she clearly has more connections and abilities than him. Their relationship is developing and their interactions with each other are great. As always, this story is complete on its own with a satisfying ending and it is a 'stand alone' and enjoyable all be itself...but treat yourself and read the other episodes and also the other books by Kate Baray
I received this episode in exchange for an honest review. Like the other items if this author, I LOVED it! There are elements of mystery, magic, lots of humor and DRAGONs. Who doesn't love dragons? Healers and witches and escapes, oh my. Read it...you will love it.
“The Fleeing Witch”, third episode in the Spirelli Paranormal Investigations series, continues the story of Jack and Marin – this time they are trying to help a witch, Sylvia, escape her Coven – she's been rising through the ranks but isn't willing to take the next step towards the dark side. Only problem is, Sylvia is being magically tracked and the Coven is hot on her trail. When the pursuers close in Jack takes one for the team. As always there is a novel solution to the problem. Again there is no cliffhanger – thank you Kate Baray. This episode was more like a short story than a novella, but I doubt that there is a definitive line between the two. In my mind this is a series of loosely connected short stories with a little bit of character development in each one. I'm enjoying it!
Jack and his assistant Marin, a dragon, are tasked wth a witch who was fleeing her evil covenant. They find it a lot tougher than they first thought.
This is the third episode in the Spirelli Paranormal Investigations series. This is a great story with non stop action, and unique magical spells that hold your interest until the completion. The characters are well developed, full of personality complete with strengths and weaknesses. The attempt to help the fleeing witch, was a twist on most witch stories. I loved the witty banter between the various characters. The storyline was great, flowing quick and smooth. The overall effect is a fun, interesting paranormal series. I look f Onward to episode four.
There is a lot of unresolved hinkiness, and this book. There are also a bunch of references to other stories or incidents that happened outside of this series.
Spirelli get hurt all the time in your storytelling do you think he could make it thru without damaging. The series is a likeable one due to the characters and the fact it doesn't prevail into one continues story. Yes, the main characters do, but the storyline change from novel to novel. I also enjoy the fact it's a fast read and I could complete it in several hours. Allowing me to move into others. Worthy read keep it up Kate.