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The Witches of Cleopatra Hill #9
Defender
Murder…mayhem…and no place to hide.
Ever since the moment when Kate Campbell realized she wants more, deserves more, she’s known it would come to this — delivering divorce papers to her estranged husband. Creepy silence greets her knock, and she finds him brutally murdered, arcane symbols slashed across the walls in blood.
The last thing Detective Jack Sandoval needs is another witch-related crime to sweep under the rug. As the de la Paz witch clan’s expert in defensive magic, Jack knows there is some deeper form of ritual dark magic involved…and one look into Kate’s beautiful, stricken face tells him she isn’t the culprit.
He also knows this isn’t any ordinary ritual murder. It’s the tip of a cold iceberg of revenge that not only threatens Kate’s life, but could reach deep into the clan to rip out its heart.
When the two of them take refuge at Jack’s isolated house, deep in the Arizona desert, desire creates a magic all its own. But the killer will use any means to draw Kate into the open…where the fight for her life could be only the beginning of a more brutal war to come.
Warning: Contains a high body count, witches, warlocks, dark magic, blood spatter patterns not found in any detective handbook, and a tale of romantic suspense that will curl your hair along with your toes.
Ever since the moment when Kate Campbell realized she wants more, deserves more, she’s known it would come to this — delivering divorce papers to her estranged husband. Creepy silence greets her knock, and she finds him brutally murdered, arcane symbols slashed across the walls in blood.
The last thing Detective Jack Sandoval needs is another witch-related crime to sweep under the rug. As the de la Paz witch clan’s expert in defensive magic, Jack knows there is some deeper form of ritual dark magic involved…and one look into Kate’s beautiful, stricken face tells him she isn’t the culprit.
He also knows this isn’t any ordinary ritual murder. It’s the tip of a cold iceberg of revenge that not only threatens Kate’s life, but could reach deep into the clan to rip out its heart.
When the two of them take refuge at Jack’s isolated house, deep in the Arizona desert, desire creates a magic all its own. But the killer will use any means to draw Kate into the open…where the fight for her life could be only the beginning of a more brutal war to come.
Warning: Contains a high body count, witches, warlocks, dark magic, blood spatter patterns not found in any detective handbook, and a tale of romantic suspense that will curl your hair along with your toes.
- GenresFictionScience Fiction
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 30, 2017
125 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
215 books1,093 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 21, 2023
I really like Jack and Kate. However, some of the author's world views - or people views, I should say - increasingly annoy me as I read more 'Witches of Cleopatra Hill' books. She mentioned the Santiago Prima in earlier books, and more so in this one. The prima fell down the stairs, ending up in a wheelchair. For some reason, the wheelchair is enough reason for her to no longer be fit to act as prima. Ableism sucks, and it was even more present in this book, where Kate understood why the prima wasn't fit to lead due to being in a wheelchair, since that meant she wasn't 'on top of her game'. The prima is also referred to as being 'an invalid', which is a terribly backward, offensive term. It may surprise the author, but it is perfectly possible to be 'on top of your game' when disabled. And none of the books about the Cleopatra Hill witches show you have to have all body parts functioning perfectly to cast spells.
All the books show a certain view about what's 'desirable': men who are muscled and tall, woman with slim waists and long hair. I can understand how you're looking for a typical, old-fashioned beauty standard if you're writing one or two books, but after all these books, it'd be nice to have some diversion. They're all pretty much interchangeable, just like the 'woman in trouble, man comes to the rescue' plot. Yes, there are a few lines thrown in about the woman paying for something (apparantly outlandish enough to have to be mentioned) and being able to defend themselves, but that doesn't change the fact that the woman has a problem and the man comes in to save the day. Also, every single man in every single book doubts whether he's able to 'restrain himself' when the woman he desires stays over at his place, which happens in every book and usually before they know the other person is interested. Come on, get real. We don't live in a time where 'I can't help it, she stayed over and she looks good' is an excuse. Even in romance novels.
All the books show a certain view about what's 'desirable': men who are muscled and tall, woman with slim waists and long hair. I can understand how you're looking for a typical, old-fashioned beauty standard if you're writing one or two books, but after all these books, it'd be nice to have some diversion. They're all pretty much interchangeable, just like the 'woman in trouble, man comes to the rescue' plot. Yes, there are a few lines thrown in about the woman paying for something (apparantly outlandish enough to have to be mentioned) and being able to defend themselves, but that doesn't change the fact that the woman has a problem and the man comes in to save the day. Also, every single man in every single book doubts whether he's able to 'restrain himself' when the woman he desires stays over at his place, which happens in every book and usually before they know the other person is interested. Come on, get real. We don't live in a time where 'I can't help it, she stayed over and she looks good' is an excuse. Even in romance novels.
February 23, 2019
Defender (The Witches of Cleopatra Hill Book 11)
This was a tough and sad story start to finish. There is much death, fear, terror, dark magic and some graphic sexual situations.
The story involves Kate Campbell, who is a civilian or of no magical talent, Detective Jack Sandoval, a warlock with the de la Paz clan and evil dark magical forces.
Kate's life throughout this story is one sad, life threatening incident after another to her and her family members. Jack is a new person in Kate's life, who is trying to keep her safe, members of the de la Paz clan safe and find out whoever is killing both civilians and magical people alike in Arizona, where he and Kate live and in California. Most of the story shows he has not been able to do a very good job
Jack and Kate fall in love, but there is so much death and dark magic throughout the story, it really is a low point in the story, as a whole. Not one of my favorite books of the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 2/22/2019
This was a tough and sad story start to finish. There is much death, fear, terror, dark magic and some graphic sexual situations.
The story involves Kate Campbell, who is a civilian or of no magical talent, Detective Jack Sandoval, a warlock with the de la Paz clan and evil dark magical forces.
Kate's life throughout this story is one sad, life threatening incident after another to her and her family members. Jack is a new person in Kate's life, who is trying to keep her safe, members of the de la Paz clan safe and find out whoever is killing both civilians and magical people alike in Arizona, where he and Kate live and in California. Most of the story shows he has not been able to do a very good job
Jack and Kate fall in love, but there is so much death and dark magic throughout the story, it really is a low point in the story, as a whole. Not one of my favorite books of the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 2/22/2019
May 25, 2017
More from the Witches from Cleopatra Hill series and, yes, this one is every bit as good as all of the previous books in this series!
I feel it is better to read them in order, just me being pedantic, but they can be read by themselves.
This series is, to pinch a bit from Shrek, like layers of an onion, each book exposes a bit more about the family and extended family and just leaves you wanting more!
Well done Christine Pope!
I feel it is better to read them in order, just me being pedantic, but they can be read by themselves.
This series is, to pinch a bit from Shrek, like layers of an onion, each book exposes a bit more about the family and extended family and just leaves you wanting more!
Well done Christine Pope!
August 22, 2017
You can do much better!
A little bit of a cheat. Starts well, but then too many shortcuts. I am finding the sexual portions in the series are repeated . This title seemed rushed. This sister appeared out of thin air. Although I read entire book, I was disappointed with quick ending.
A little bit of a cheat. Starts well, but then too many shortcuts. I am finding the sexual portions in the series are repeated . This title seemed rushed. This sister appeared out of thin air. Although I read entire book, I was disappointed with quick ending.
May 20, 2017
Love it.
Absolutely love this. There is so much sadness but beneath it all comes a love story. Can't wait to see what happens with the Escobar family and how the other families handle everything.
Absolutely love this. There is so much sadness but beneath it all comes a love story. Can't wait to see what happens with the Escobar family and how the other families handle everything.
November 20, 2023
Ending to soon
I liked the characters. Thought they could have used a few more from the other books. I hope the next book continues this storyline. This book could have done more.
I liked the characters. Thought they could have used a few more from the other books. I hope the next book continues this storyline. This book could have done more.
February 17, 2024
Another cracking tale.
Book 11 of the series. Every bit as compelling as the first 10 ! Really enjoyed the “civilian” view of the witch life. Can’t wait to read no 12. Christine Pope writes a great story.
Book 11 of the series. Every bit as compelling as the first 10 ! Really enjoyed the “civilian” view of the witch life. Can’t wait to read no 12. Christine Pope writes a great story.
May 8, 2017
Intense
I have read this whole series! Can't wait for a New one!
Romance and action! Unlike any other author. Real talent keeps you in the book
I have read this whole series! Can't wait for a New one!
Romance and action! Unlike any other author. Real talent keeps you in the book
June 2, 2017
A series you cant put down
Not giving away any of this story, its brilliant. Every book from the author is though to be very honest
Not giving away any of this story, its brilliant. Every book from the author is though to be very honest
October 5, 2017
Magical
Great continuation of this wonderfully bewitching romance / paranormal series..,
Love that the cop warlock finally found his soul mate
Great continuation of this wonderfully bewitching romance / paranormal series..,
Love that the cop warlock finally found his soul mate
December 25, 2017
This is the best book in the Witches of Cleopatra Hill series.
October 17, 2020
Just can't wait to start on next one
May 2, 2017
Kate Campbell has managed to remove herself from her wreck of a marriage. She just needs to get her soon to be ex to sign on the dotted line. But when she turns up at the appointed time she finds her husband has been mutilated!
Jack Sandoval is a warlock in the La Paz clan. They hind in plain sight rather then in little enclaves like the McAllisters and Wilcoxes. He gets assigned the murder and meets Kate at the crime scene. He realises that the murder has bee But as the tension mounts, he realises that Kate has become a target herself and he takes her into hiding.
Kate and Jack realise that her tenuous link to the McAllister Clan maybe why she is being targeted and they take steps to ensure her safety but not before terror strikes close to Jack's clan. But Kate feels torn, she should be mourning her husband. shouldn't she? Yes they were getting divorced but surely she can't be lusting after the hot detective when her husband is so freshly murdered?
This will keep you on your toes! Just when you think you have it sussed, more twists wreck your solution! Kate is brilliantly portrays the torn, distressed female and feels so terrible lusting after Jack. Jack is tall, dark and oh so Alpha! He knows that Kate is his, he just has to get her to see that, even though the timing sucks! Brilliant read!
Jack Sandoval is a warlock in the La Paz clan. They hind in plain sight rather then in little enclaves like the McAllisters and Wilcoxes. He gets assigned the murder and meets Kate at the crime scene. He realises that the murder has bee But as the tension mounts, he realises that Kate has become a target herself and he takes her into hiding.
Kate and Jack realise that her tenuous link to the McAllister Clan maybe why she is being targeted and they take steps to ensure her safety but not before terror strikes close to Jack's clan. But Kate feels torn, she should be mourning her husband. shouldn't she? Yes they were getting divorced but surely she can't be lusting after the hot detective when her husband is so freshly murdered?
This will keep you on your toes! Just when you think you have it sussed, more twists wreck your solution! Kate is brilliantly portrays the torn, distressed female and feels so terrible lusting after Jack. Jack is tall, dark and oh so Alpha! He knows that Kate is his, he just has to get her to see that, even though the timing sucks! Brilliant read!
Read
June 7, 2017Very good book it has an interesting plot and lots of suspense.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
Read
July 14, 2017Fabulous book.
I would highly recommend this book. But the others prior should be read first for a better understanding. This is a edge of your seat story
I would highly recommend this book. But the others prior should be read first for a better understanding. This is a edge of your seat story
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews