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A Hollystone Mystery #1

To Charm a Killer

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When a third witch vanishes from Vancouver, the witches of Hollystone Coven spin a charm to catch the killer. But spells ripple with repercussions, and in the ensuing chaos, an innocent seventeen-year-old girl gets caught up in the charm. As obsessed with the killer as the killer is with him, High Priest Estrada vows to stop the man. Then, at their Samhain ritual, Hecate speaks through their high priestess and shocks everyone with her prophecy:

As one of you has spun the charm, now none of you are safe from harm.

One who all felt they could trust, breeds deception cloaked in lust.

One will gain their heart's desire, while yet another pays with fire.

Before the dark of winter night, four souls pass over into light.

Once begun it cannot end, but circles round as circles bend.

To save the girl and catch the killer, Estrada journeys from the West Coast of Canada to Ireland and Beyond. Abduction, death, fire, and faeries. Who is the killer? Why is he killing witches? And how can he be stopped before Hecate's prophecy unravels?

WL Hawkin weaves threads of Macbeth and ancient Irish myth with edgy romance in this mysterious urban fantasy. To Charm a Killer is the first in the Hollystone Mysteries series.

313 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2010

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About the author

W.L. Hawkin

7 books25 followers
W. L. Hawkin writes myth, magic, and mayhem designed to inspire and entertain. Described as “intoxicating, lush, magically-edgy, page-turners,” her Hollystone Mysteries series features a coven of witches who solve murders using their wits and ritual magic with a little help from the gods. Wendy is also a published blogger, book reviewer, Indie publisher, and poet, with a background in Indigenous Studies and English literature. She loves myth and magic, so when she’s not writing, she’s studying Druidry, shamanism, and mediumship. Although she is an introvert, in each book, her characters go on a journey where she has traveled herself.

She defies genre by writing character-driven fast-paced mysteries and thrillers that involve fantastical characters. See her four book series: To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, and To Kill a King.

Her latest book, Lure, is set on a Chippewa Reservation in the American Midwest and tells the story of Jesse & Hawk.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for L.P. Kirkbride.
Author 2 books1 follower
February 4, 2017
A Bewitching and Magical Murder Mystery

W.L. Hawkin is like the Agatha Christie for Wicca. She'll really put a spell on you with a great cross genre story--murder mystery and magic.
You travel from Vancouver, Canada to the pubs in Ireland, while enjoying an intriguing murder mystery plot all woven in with witchcraft and great characters such as Estrada the magician, the young and inquisitive Maggie, the Scotsman Dylan and many more. The descriptive language the author uses is also very beautiful and poetical at times.
Will Estrada and his coven find the murderer in time? I recommend you read this to find out! It really works a charm!
Profile Image for Nikki.
54 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2017
Synopsis: Witches are vanishing in Vancouver and the Hollystone coven cast a charm in order to catch the killer. There are consequences to that spell that the coven didn't count on like an innocent 17 year old girl getting caught in the after effects. The coven does a Samhain ritual invoking Hecate and the message she gives the coven only leads to more questions. High Priest Estrada, will stop at nothing to stop the killer from taking another witch even if that includes completely losing himself in the process.

WL Hawkin over at bluehavenpress.com commented on one of my reviews and she suggested that I go and check her book out. And I'm so very glad she did. This book was truly awesome. I read it in 5 days. I couldn't put it down. I was actually supposed to be reading another book but once I read the sample of the book I knew I had to read it.

From the very beginning of the book you are spellbound. The author bounces around from character to character throughout the story which helped make it a little more real in my opinion. There are some characters I feel could have been a little more developed or at least some of their backstory told. But considering this is book 1 I'm going to assume that eventually we will get that.

Estrada and Michael were by far my favorite characters because of just how free they were. The lived their lives the way they wanted to and I honestly think we all wish we had that kind of freedom, at least I do. Maggie, the young girl that got caught up in the charm that the coven cast was a bit of a pain sometimes. But not in a bad way just in the way that you forgot that she is this young girl brought into a situation that she didn't necessarily have any control over and may not have handled it in the best way. The other characters I loved but they didn't play as big a part as I would have hoped.

Because a few of the characters are Irish the book takes us to the land of Ireland (which I want to visit myself one day). I liked the way the author took us on a field trip through the country side. I'm pretty sure I didn't say all the words right because they speak so differently there. But that didn't keep me from imagining that I was there with them the whole time.

Without giving too much away I didn't see the ending coming. The entire time I was reading the book I kept changing my mind about who I thought the killer was and still once I found out I was shocked. All in all if you like witchy stories with a little romance and mystery this is definitely a book you should check out. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars and I can't wait for the second book.


Nikki
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,819 followers
August 6, 2021
‘When in full vampire persona he wore fangs and red contacts – too bad he was a fraud’

Canadian author WL Hawkin earned her degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, Ontario, and in the Art and Humanities from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. She has taught high school, published poetry and Native rights articles, is a book reviewer and a published blogger. Her novels to date – the Hollystone Mysteries: TO CHARM A KILLER, TO SLEEP WITH STONES, TO RENDER A RAVEN and TO KILL A KING. She lives in British Columbia.

The author’s interest in prehistory, archeology, myths and magic is evident in her Hollystone mysteries – Hollystone is the name of a coven of witches who use their wits and ritual magic to solve murders! Adding time travel to her prehistoric thriller creates a series with a flight of fancy built so solidly that the odysseys related become credible adventures. She graciously supplies a glossary and pronunciation guide of terms and places to enhance the readers’ experience.
In initiating a series of novels, bringing the central figures of the series into focus is important, especially when the characters include witches! Slyly, Hawkin hints her theme as the book opens: ‘I came to the club that night to meet a witch named Jade but left wanting something else – something I’d never known or wanted before. Jade arrived at midnight, her long dark hair flying wild about her face, and I flashed the sign – the blood red pentacle etched on my forearm…’ Imagery and tone established, the odyssey begins.

The provided summary outlines the story well: " When a third witch vanishes from Vancouver, the witches of Hollystone Coven spin a charm to catch the killer. But spells create ripples and in the ensuing chaos, an innocent seventeen-year-old girl gets caught up in the charm. As obsessed with the killer as the killer is with him, High Priest Estrada vows to find the man and stop him. Then, at their Samhain ritual, Hecate speaks through their high priestess and shocks everyone with her prophecy: As one of you has spun the charm, now none of you are safe from harm. One who all felt they could trust, breeds deception cloaked in lust. One will gain their heart’s desire, while yet another pays with fire. Before the dark of winter night, four souls pass over into light. Once begun it cannot end, but circles round as circles bend. To save the girl and catch the killer, Estrada journeys from the West Coast of Canada to Ireland and Beyond. Abduction, death, fire, and faeries. Who is the killer? Why is he killing witches? And how can he be stopped before Hecate’s prophecy comes true?’

Hawkin writes with such fluid prose that the stage upon which she places her magical tale becomes visual and near cinematic. Superb characters and a keen sense of history and mythology blend with romance in this involving galaxy of a novel. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,284 reviews135 followers
August 31, 2021
To Charm a Killer (A Hollystone Mystery #1)
by W.L. Hawkin
A refreshing look at magic and its varied reality. A young coven on the edge of Vancouver, Canada is caught up in the international rampage of a serial killer. One who targets those who use magic to enhance their lives. The Wicca practitioners use all their combined skill and intellect, not only to protect themselves, but the women around them unwittingly in danger of crossing this man. It is the light overcoming the darkness, as they use their abilities, and self sacrifice to save others from this demented and troubled soul. The book not only shows the true beauty of Canada, and the Vancouver area, but also takes the reader to Ireland, and its linked past to magic, and witches.
1 review
May 23, 2020
Awesome read, fun, creative, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! All of the characters are so beautifully written and Real! I loved all the land references, local geography and the Vancouver feel!! I’ve burned enough sage, banged enough drums and been part of a circle long enough to nod along and thoroughly enjoy the Wiccan aspects of Wendys writing, and I must say there were definitely some eye openers there too! Thank you so much for this exciting earthly and ethereal journey, I’ve enjoyed reading this trilogy so very much. I can’t wait for number 4.....
399 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2020
A Wild Tale Spanning Continents and Millennia

Amazing characters who share their deepest emotions. Nothing is held back. Every person lays everything bare in both their thoughts and actions. Woven throughout is a tragic story of love, lust and murder. Causes one to really think about their beliefs. A great read.
1 review
June 28, 2012
A very interesting story that takes magic and mystery and blends them into a fast-paced, modern setting. The characters are interesting, and they go where many fear to tread!
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books199 followers
August 27, 2022
The Review

I have had the pleasure of reviewing quite a few books this past year from W.L. Hawkins. Her work always entertains and inspires me both as a reader and a writer, and the interesting thing about this series, in particular, is that I came into it starting with book 2 and then jumping around a bit. I’ve become quite invested in Estrada’s journey throughout this series, and getting to see the genesis of this character and the supporting cast was such a pleasure to read about.

The balance of action and mythos was so strong in this first novel. The way the author is able to integrate the supernatural and paranormal elements into the world so naturally was amazing to read. As someone who is fascinated with the real-world applications of magick, the paranormal, and the supernatural as a whole, it was great to see just how close the author was able to go through real-world practices and mythologies before integrating the more fantastic elements of the narrative.

Yet it was the mystery and suspense of the narrative that was truly great to read about. The shocking murders and the cat and mouse element of the plot between Estrada and the killer kept me hooked on the author’s narrative. Being able to keep the reader guessing the killer’s identity as the clues begin to unravel before them was such a fun aspect of the plot, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

The Verdict

Captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking, author W.L. Hawkins’s “To Charm a Killer” is a must-read novel and a great first book in the Hollystone Mystery series! The twists and turns in the narrative and globe-spanning mystery blended well into the mythology and supernatural deep dive into witchcraft, magick, and the paranormal as a whole, making this a thrilling story.
Profile Image for Sionnach Wintergreen.
Author 28 books48 followers
November 26, 2019
To Charm a Killer is a murder mystery of a different stripe. It’s about a coven of Canadian witches who try to stop a serial murderer. But wait—this isn’t Sherlock meets Bewitched. This is a beautifully written book with sexy, complex characters and a cleverly-concealed mystery. For a genre book, it has a distinctly literary feel to it. Those who love a good turn of phrase and vivid descriptions will appreciate Hawkin’s lovely prose style, which remains clear and readable despite its poetic flourishes.

A serial killer is hunting witches in southern British Columbia, and the news of his latest victim infects the equinox ritual of the Hollystone Coven. Estrada, the sensual and dynamic high priest of the coven who works as a magician at the local goth nightclub, soon finds himself tied to the killer in an unnerving way.

Meanwhile, teenager Maggie finds herself inextricably drawn to the coven—and into the book’s events. She is becoming a young woman and trying to find her own way, a different one from her uptight, Catholic parents.

Besides lushly-described locations, the book boasts a cast of unique, interesting characters. (Estrada and goth club owner/ wannabe vampire Michael Stryker really need their own book….) There’s enough steamy bisexual polyamory here to make Anne Rice swoon.
And it will keep you guessing! I was sure I had it figured out at a couple of points only to discover that I was wrong. All in all, this book certainly charmed me. I'm glad there's a series!
Profile Image for Didi Oviatt.
Author 30 books193 followers
July 19, 2017
To Charm a Killer has a style of its own. Sentence by sentence it reads as magically as the story line it self. It's like an entire novel of poetically penned story content. There were quite a few times I had to re-read certain paragraphs, as I was so caught up with the magic of wording I actually missed the story line. The best way I can think of to describe the writing style is extremely creative intelligence. I'd love to spend a day in the mind of W.L Hawkins, just to see what it's like in there.

I love the way all the characters are unique and cleverly developed. They are one of a kind and tied to together with ease. My favorite is character is hands down Estrada. He's witty, well drawn, and so full of quick-witted banter and steamy thoughts you just can't help but to be drawn to his complexity.

Hawkin is also able to weave in quite the magically edgy coming-of-age story with another Maggie. She's a teen with an in-explainable pull to the Coven, although she's brought up in a very strict Catholic home. Maggie's story alone is one of a kind, and the way she is tied in through out is genius.
Profile Image for Gail.
Author 4 books2 followers
May 7, 2020

To Charm a Killer as reviewed by Gail Murray

To Charm a Killer is an edgy, urban fantasy. For the uninitiated “urban fantasy is a hybrid genre that lives at the crossroads between fantasy, horror, hard-boiled thriller and romance… Every urban fantasy involves supernatural beings and/or beings with magical abilities yet it’s rooted in reality.” (A. J.Blakemont). Hawkin embraces all these features and delivers in spades. This novel is the first in her series introducing the reader to Estrada her hero/antihero, a complex, sensuous man who is the high priest of the coven turned detective. The novel moves between actual locations this author has researched from the old growth forests of B.C. to charming Irish pubs. Hawkin’s creativity blends the literary with the wild and fantastical, weaving threads of Macbeth and ancient Irish mythology into the action. I particularly like her chapter headings straight out of Macbeth. Maggie is such a sympathetic character we await Estrada’s rescue. Although this novel stands alone, I am sure you will want to read more of Estrada’s adventures.

A
Profile Image for Danielle Urban.
Author 12 books166 followers
April 30, 2023
To Charm a Killer by W.L. Hawkin is an impressive read. As a literary enthusiast, I fell hard for this novel. Trouble, suspense, and a deadly vibe all caught my full attention. As the story unfolded, I was even more lured than I thought. I was hooked. The characters cast a spell over me. It was a mystery upon another mystery. I love a good book that keeps me guessing on what might just happen. W.L. Hawkin is definitely skilled at writing fantasy reads. This one had all the right elements. Danger, danger, and more danger with every page. To fight the original danger, another danger was created. Now, both dangers are just as deadly. Overall, the I loved every word. It reminds me so much of Ilona Andrews' A Hidden Legacy series.

I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Trevor Atkins.
Author 3 books4 followers
November 19, 2021
Reading the acknowledgements at the back of "To Charm a Killer" confirmed the feeling that I had throughout the story about Estrada, Michael and the author – they know each other well. Also enjoyed the setting descriptions – they read as if they were places the author had actually seen in person. This carried over to Ireland as well, making it enticing to visit. The whodunit was a bit of twist, but the red herring was strong. Liked how their backstories were tied together so their issues felt reinforced through each other.

Finally, I was left thinking that I would like to be able to bring my daughter a message like John Taylor did if there was ever the need. Thanks for these characters and their story!
Profile Image for J.P. McLean.
Author 15 books80 followers
June 5, 2021
A deliciously sensuous dive into Wicca

I’m always in search of new and interesting urban fantasy and was thrilled to find Hawkin’s To Charm a Killer. TCAK is the first in the Hollystone Mystery series. It’s a deliciously sensuous dive into Wicca with a diverse cast of characters, a coven, and a killer on the loose. I love the Vancouver setting, and when the story takes us to Ireland, Hawkins brings the Emerald Isle to life. Readers who love a taste of magic, an intriguing plot, and the promise of more to come, will love To Charm a Killer.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
106 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2021
A beautifully written murder-mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The characters are so uniquely developed and I never knew how they would behave. I can honestly say the twists and turns in this book were so well done and I had no idea who the murderer was. It was such a surprise. It's evident that the author did an incredible amount of research on Wicca, witches, fairies and folklore and she really created a masterpiece. I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Shannon Bayless.
35 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2019
This was such a fun read! I loved Estrada, the main character who is also a magician, and Michael, his flamboyant lover. Estrada is bi and polyamorous and gorgeous, which makes this mystery pretty sexy. I loved the concept of a Wiccan coven solving a mystery, and the mystery kept me guessing all the way through.
1 review
July 1, 2012
It's like Harry Potter for adults, it's good to see something more adult with great characters and a fast paced plot, a must read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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