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Cori Sloane Witchy Werewolf #2
Dead Man's Hand
When the body of a man closely connected to the founder of Castle's Bluff turns up dead, clutching the notorious dead man's poker hand, Cori must battle ancient vampire politics to bring the killer to justice. Cover-ups no longer cut it in her town, and she's determined to bring order, even if it means defying orders straight from her pack alpha and the leader of the vampire community.
While she puts herself directly on everybody's burn list, a mysterious man shows up, claiming to be her roommate's long-lost brother. Trust isn't one of her strengths and she's determined to get to the truth before her best friend's heart is broken - and her bank account drained.
To top it off, her powers as a witch are growing faster than she can keep up, even with her foxy medium, Chaos, there to guide her.
With Alex by her side, she rushed head first straight into a tangle of magic, politics, and family discourse, but can she balance it all and find the answers before she loses her job and her standing in both her community and her pack?
While she puts herself directly on everybody's burn list, a mysterious man shows up, claiming to be her roommate's long-lost brother. Trust isn't one of her strengths and she's determined to get to the truth before her best friend's heart is broken - and her bank account drained.
To top it off, her powers as a witch are growing faster than she can keep up, even with her foxy medium, Chaos, there to guide her.
With Alex by her side, she rushed head first straight into a tangle of magic, politics, and family discourse, but can she balance it all and find the answers before she loses her job and her standing in both her community and her pack?
142 pages, ebook
First published June 30, 2018
541 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Tegan Maher
98 books342 followersI was born and raised in the South and even hung my motorcycle helmet in Colorado for a few months. I've always had a touch of wanderlust and have never feared just packing up and going on new adventures, whether in real life or via the pages of a great book.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 16, 2020
This is a fun cozy series - I think I was missing more Vampire/Werewolf vibes like we saw in the first one. More tracking and just general use of their abilities. But definitely still staying with this series.
December 14, 2019
Another book from the one borrow per month part of the kindle lending library.
2 - 2.5 stars
2 - 2.5 stars
December 19, 2022
Not bad at all. The characters are evolving. Cora and Alex are growing in their powers. Zach is settling into his new life and there’s a murder that Alex, Cora and their vampire mentor are working on solving. Additionally, Kat, suddenly has a visitor claiming to be her long lost brother, something her friends are suspicious of and immediately investigate.
January 2, 2019
No sex, violence or bad language, just a nice way to pass the time.
Although this world is full of supernatural people, vampire werewolves etc, everyone manages to get along with each other for the most part. When they don't get along, that's where Cori comes in as the sheriff and local werewolf pack leader it's her job to keep the peace and see justice is done whether human or supernatural. Half witch half wolf Cori has problems managing her magic, which can be a bit spotty at best but now Alex is there sent by her mother to help her with managing her duties to the lack and her skills as he is also a half witch half wolf. This the second book sees a vampire found dead, really dead, outside a local bar and Cori is up against it again as the local vampire leader is pressuring her to find the killer or they will impose vampire law on the situation. Added is a problem with her housemate,.Kat, she's a three hundred year old vampire who has no memory from her life score she was turned, a very unusual situation. But, out of the blue there's a vampire in town who claims to be Kats brother and She believes him, having wanted a family forever, but Cori is not so sure she senses something not right with the situation and only hopes.it doesn't cost her her friendship with Kat. I really enjoy these cosy mystery series they are a breath of fresh air, not so dark.and violent as the typical murder books with usually a rich vein of humour running through them.
Although this world is full of supernatural people, vampire werewolves etc, everyone manages to get along with each other for the most part. When they don't get along, that's where Cori comes in as the sheriff and local werewolf pack leader it's her job to keep the peace and see justice is done whether human or supernatural. Half witch half wolf Cori has problems managing her magic, which can be a bit spotty at best but now Alex is there sent by her mother to help her with managing her duties to the lack and her skills as he is also a half witch half wolf. This the second book sees a vampire found dead, really dead, outside a local bar and Cori is up against it again as the local vampire leader is pressuring her to find the killer or they will impose vampire law on the situation. Added is a problem with her housemate,.Kat, she's a three hundred year old vampire who has no memory from her life score she was turned, a very unusual situation. But, out of the blue there's a vampire in town who claims to be Kats brother and She believes him, having wanted a family forever, but Cori is not so sure she senses something not right with the situation and only hopes.it doesn't cost her her friendship with Kat. I really enjoy these cosy mystery series they are a breath of fresh air, not so dark.and violent as the typical murder books with usually a rich vein of humour running through them.
October 8, 2018
Hit or a miss
Again I'm not sure with this. Half the time I feel it's child like and then other times it feels ok. The book it either going slow or boom it's there it's done. I just don't know what to mAke of it
Again I'm not sure with this. Half the time I feel it's child like and then other times it feels ok. The book it either going slow or boom it's there it's done. I just don't know what to mAke of it
September 10, 2018
Sheriff Cori has her hand full in Castle's Bluff. You can't choose who you are genetically tied to, but you can choose your family and I wouldn't mind being part of Castle's Bluffs' community supernaturally or otherwise.
When one of there supernatural patrons turns up dead pack law and vampire law intermingles with human law. No stone will be left unturned when Cori teams up with Sean and Alex to bring justice to the vampire community.
The one thing blocking the investigation is that Charles V. was not exactly the most liked man around. And his choices for a romp in the sack are not exactly forthcoming.
Cori is in a hard place as she is trying to solve this case at the same time Giovanni chooses to turn up and get Kat mixed up in nonsense. When the people in their community, pack , hoard or family are under any threat, it seems resources are bountiful and they all come together to protect thier rather unorthodox family.
Just like Keyhole, Castle's Bluff has engrained itself in my psyche and my heart. When I read the writters stories I am transported to the scenes. I feel the written words and they come to life in my imagination.
When one of there supernatural patrons turns up dead pack law and vampire law intermingles with human law. No stone will be left unturned when Cori teams up with Sean and Alex to bring justice to the vampire community.
The one thing blocking the investigation is that Charles V. was not exactly the most liked man around. And his choices for a romp in the sack are not exactly forthcoming.
Cori is in a hard place as she is trying to solve this case at the same time Giovanni chooses to turn up and get Kat mixed up in nonsense. When the people in their community, pack , hoard or family are under any threat, it seems resources are bountiful and they all come together to protect thier rather unorthodox family.
Just like Keyhole, Castle's Bluff has engrained itself in my psyche and my heart. When I read the writters stories I am transported to the scenes. I feel the written words and they come to life in my imagination.
July 3, 2018
Tegan Maher doesn't just add in Southern charm in this book, she heaps out a double helping of Southern sass! Book 2 of this series, I'm still getting used to her having different paranormals but I must say I love it. As a paranormal cozy mystery book, this hits the right notes for me.
She added some more depth to the characters this time. I loved seeing the banter between some of the characters but more than that I loved seeing some introspection as well. The world building is detailed to the point I feel like I actually could draw a map of the town. For anyone that's lived in a small town, especially in the south, some of the characters become recognizable and it's easy to have that fun connection. Even without that, her sense of humor is amazing.
As for the storyline itself, I was unable to determine the person who committed the crime. That's exactly how I like it. By hitting the paranormal aspect, the mystery aspect and the dose of humor, Tegan Maher gave me everything I needed for an enjoyable read.
5 stars for a sassy mystery! Highly recommend.
She added some more depth to the characters this time. I loved seeing the banter between some of the characters but more than that I loved seeing some introspection as well. The world building is detailed to the point I feel like I actually could draw a map of the town. For anyone that's lived in a small town, especially in the south, some of the characters become recognizable and it's easy to have that fun connection. Even without that, her sense of humor is amazing.
As for the storyline itself, I was unable to determine the person who committed the crime. That's exactly how I like it. By hitting the paranormal aspect, the mystery aspect and the dose of humor, Tegan Maher gave me everything I needed for an enjoyable read.
5 stars for a sassy mystery! Highly recommend.
February 9, 2021
A Fool's Hand
Sean Castle, ancient vampire founder of Castle Bluff, is very unhappy. His vampire friend for centuries is found dead in the alley behind Sully's. Seems Charles Vanderveer liked to play poker & play around with married women. He was very good at both. Cori Sloane, werewolf/witch sheriff, has her hands full trying to keep Sean in check. Vampire law is swift & savage but if a human is responsible then human law must take precedence. Charles has made enemies with his winning every game but could the husband of his latest conquest be the killer? Time is running short as Cori works to solve the murder before Sean runs out of patience.
Full of Southern small town quirky characters & charm, Castle Bluff blends paranormal b & human populations, just not always so seamlessly.But Cori manages to keep order. Very good series although each story can stand on its own.
Sean Castle, ancient vampire founder of Castle Bluff, is very unhappy. His vampire friend for centuries is found dead in the alley behind Sully's. Seems Charles Vanderveer liked to play poker & play around with married women. He was very good at both. Cori Sloane, werewolf/witch sheriff, has her hands full trying to keep Sean in check. Vampire law is swift & savage but if a human is responsible then human law must take precedence. Charles has made enemies with his winning every game but could the husband of his latest conquest be the killer? Time is running short as Cori works to solve the murder before Sean runs out of patience.
Full of Southern small town quirky characters & charm, Castle Bluff blends paranormal b & human populations, just not always so seamlessly.But Cori manages to keep order. Very good series although each story can stand on its own.
August 9, 2025
This one is better than the last one. She realize the childish love isn't going to work out and she really need to stay with her species..
This one also talk about Zach who had the dream of opening a sporting eatery/café, so the brainwash Sean installed in Zach's mind wasn't too sad for him. It also seems the brainwash didn't really take away Zach's feeling for Cori, because Zach don't like Alex, Cori's new love.
Someone killed a vampire. a vampire that like to go out with married woman. At the same time, Kat's long lost brother showed up. Really!!
I like that part where Cori froze this nasty woman in her office so she can sneak out and her assistant put the nasty woman's finger up her nose before she unfroze the woman. that part make me fantasize what I would do if I can freeze some unpleasant person.....
This one also talk about Zach who had the dream of opening a sporting eatery/café, so the brainwash Sean installed in Zach's mind wasn't too sad for him. It also seems the brainwash didn't really take away Zach's feeling for Cori, because Zach don't like Alex, Cori's new love.
Someone killed a vampire. a vampire that like to go out with married woman. At the same time, Kat's long lost brother showed up. Really!!
I like that part where Cori froze this nasty woman in her office so she can sneak out and her assistant put the nasty woman's finger up her nose before she unfroze the woman. that part make me fantasize what I would do if I can freeze some unpleasant person.....
July 1, 2018
Past regrets or vengeance
A great read. When the body of a vampire turns up in an alley she has her work cut out for her. Depending on who killed him it could have a grievous effect on the community. The vampire's do not take things lying down. The more she finds out, the more suspects she uncovers. Then to add to the turmoil, her BFF has suddenly had a family member turn up. Is it really as innocent as it seems? Can she keep her friend from getting hurt and find the killer before a fuse is lit that will have an explosive effect on all. The plot was a good one, tight and well thought out. Plus the characters were as great as ever thought I do wish that Chaos had had more of a leading role.
A great read. When the body of a vampire turns up in an alley she has her work cut out for her. Depending on who killed him it could have a grievous effect on the community. The vampire's do not take things lying down. The more she finds out, the more suspects she uncovers. Then to add to the turmoil, her BFF has suddenly had a family member turn up. Is it really as innocent as it seems? Can she keep her friend from getting hurt and find the killer before a fuse is lit that will have an explosive effect on all. The plot was a good one, tight and well thought out. Plus the characters were as great as ever thought I do wish that Chaos had had more of a leading role.
July 18, 2018
This second Cori Sloane book is a great addition to the series! The author does a terrific job blending the paranormal aspect with characters that are very realistic and likeable. With a bit more character development in this book, I feel we are really getting to know Cori. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to solve the mystery in this one - and happy to say I did not figure it out! A well-written story that continued to keep my attention throughout. I like how the title of the book was explained - didn't know that fact. I am eagerly awaiting Book #3!
Note: Although I did receive an ARC of this book, my review is voluntary and a pleasure to write because I truly enjoy this author's books and hope others discover them as well!
Note: Although I did receive an ARC of this book, my review is voluntary and a pleasure to write because I truly enjoy this author's books and hope others discover them as well!
June 12, 2023
In the first book, Alex and Cori had just met and had an attraction and Zach was considering staying in the area. This book Cori mentions that Alex is her best friend and Zach has an entire restaurant that is doing well. I had to keep checking to make sure I had picked up the correct book as the timeline made it seem like I had missed a book between. This story seems to focus more on all of their relationships with each other and less on their supernatural sides. However, while the focus is shifted we do see Alex and Cori tap into their witch magic a little more this time. on the whole its a decent story with some good twists and turns. I will likely continue with the series as its cute and decently written; a good palate cleanser as I've said before.
July 8, 2018
I enjoyed the second book in this series as much as the first. We got to know some of the secondary characters as well as Cori in more detail I did feel for Zach, and agreed with Cori's trepidation at the way tell situation with him was handled, but I also agreed that it was the best outcome from the previous book. Once again this was a good story, and an interesting mystery. Looking forward to more.
September 21, 2020
At least as good as the first book! I have quickly fallen in love with the writing style, setting and especially the characters and their relationships! Tegan Maher managed to develop a wonderful cast of major and minor characters, each with their quirks and special role in the stories. Not one character feels forced or out of context and I feel right at home in Castle's Bluff. The careful balance that Cori has to keep between sheriff and shifter duties is a thing of beauty and I am starting Book 3 right away!
July 6, 2021
A bit haphazard
I just love Cori Sloane and her fox familiar, Chaos! The series is magical and fun, and the misdirects in the murder mystery keeps the reader guessing; however, Cori and Alex are adults, so a bit of sexual tension would be welcome. And the situation with Kat and Gio feels very random and unrealistic for her character; also, photos from 300 years ago? Really?! There are also occasions where the speaker is obscure. I'm a fan of this author and series, but this installment feels a bit haphazard/rushed.
I just love Cori Sloane and her fox familiar, Chaos! The series is magical and fun, and the misdirects in the murder mystery keeps the reader guessing; however, Cori and Alex are adults, so a bit of sexual tension would be welcome. And the situation with Kat and Gio feels very random and unrealistic for her character; also, photos from 300 years ago? Really?! There are also occasions where the speaker is obscure. I'm a fan of this author and series, but this installment feels a bit haphazard/rushed.
October 27, 2023
When the body of a man is found dead holding the notorious dead man's hand Cori Sloane the half witch half werewolf hybrid sheriff of Castle's Bluff must figure out how to find the killer and keep them alive long enough for a trial, before Shawn Castle the vampire founder of Castle's Bluff finds them first since the murdered "man" is a vampire that is Shawn's friend. Cori finds that the man was possibly a cheat and also a womanizer....she wonders if she can keep the person responsible for his death alive or not.....
July 12, 2018
Fun, quick enjoyable read. Tegan Maher is rapidly becoming a one click option for me; her books are interesting, well written and well edited and the stories each have a slightly different twist on the paranormal plus the characters are well defined and often people you wish you knew or remind you of people you do know, particularly if you have any southern connections in your life. This series continues that tradition and I look forward to reading more.
December 30, 2018
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery
And entertaining supernatural which he/werewolf cozy mystery series. A small Georgia town where werewolves witches and vampires and humans all live. The sheriff is a half which half werewolf and her father is the alpha wolf in the regional Wolfpack. Follow along as the sheriff and the rest of the characters solve mysteries murders crimes etc. in an entertaining and southern spiced urban fantasy/cozy mystery series
And entertaining supernatural which he/werewolf cozy mystery series. A small Georgia town where werewolves witches and vampires and humans all live. The sheriff is a half which half werewolf and her father is the alpha wolf in the regional Wolfpack. Follow along as the sheriff and the rest of the characters solve mysteries murders crimes etc. in an entertaining and southern spiced urban fantasy/cozy mystery series
May 25, 2020
Aces and Eights
Cori Sloane: half werewolf, half witch, all badass. The folks of Castle’s Bluff are back and badder than ever. This time, Cori has to solve the murder of a vampire. If that weren’t enough, another vampire shows up, claiming to be best friend Kat’s brother. Who killed the vamp? Has Kat found her family? Find out by reading the book. 😉 Tegan Maher is a gifted author who never disappoints, and no, she didn’t pay me to say that.
Cori Sloane: half werewolf, half witch, all badass. The folks of Castle’s Bluff are back and badder than ever. This time, Cori has to solve the murder of a vampire. If that weren’t enough, another vampire shows up, claiming to be best friend Kat’s brother. Who killed the vamp? Has Kat found her family? Find out by reading the book. 😉 Tegan Maher is a gifted author who never disappoints, and no, she didn’t pay me to say that.
July 3, 2018
Too Vamp or not?
Cori has her hands full in this story. First there is a murder but not just any murder. It involves vampires and on top of that, a vampire comes to town claiming to be Cori’s roommate, Kat’s, long lost brother. So who is the murderer and what’s up with the long list relative. Read up to find out all the goings on in this next installment of this series.
Cori has her hands full in this story. First there is a murder but not just any murder. It involves vampires and on top of that, a vampire comes to town claiming to be Cori’s roommate, Kat’s, long lost brother. So who is the murderer and what’s up with the long list relative. Read up to find out all the goings on in this next installment of this series.
January 13, 2019
Issues
Editing issues aside, and I'm not talking about what language or dialect, the book was closing well, and then nothing. It was like Maher got tired of it, and wrote the end in about five min. Total let down. It didn't seem like any of the plot lines had any lasting consequences. Stories don't always have a fast happy ending. Hope for improvement in book 3.
Editing issues aside, and I'm not talking about what language or dialect, the book was closing well, and then nothing. It was like Maher got tired of it, and wrote the end in about five min. Total let down. It didn't seem like any of the plot lines had any lasting consequences. Stories don't always have a fast happy ending. Hope for improvement in book 3.
March 22, 2019
Eh. Strangely, the typos took a little edge off my enjoyment.
As always great characters and a fun read. Would have liked to have met the book store owner to give a little extra depth to the story but all and all enjoyable.
I guess my OCD was kicking in because the typos bugged me a little. Haven’t run into that with this author before and hope it doesn’t become a thing.
As always great characters and a fun read. Would have liked to have met the book store owner to give a little extra depth to the story but all and all enjoyable.
I guess my OCD was kicking in because the typos bugged me a little. Haven’t run into that with this author before and hope it doesn’t become a thing.
July 13, 2019
Cori Sloane is a Witchy Werewolf and she is Sheriff of her small town. A Vampire ends up dead holding a dead man's poker hand. This Vampire is a known player, with married women, and quite the gambler - he never loses. Who is the murderer - a jilted lover, or a lover's husband or someone who lost too much money... Can Cori solve it before Sean steps in?
October 29, 2019
Fun entertaining read, the second in the Cori Sloane series. Another murder in town and Cori has no small amount of suspects to choose from. She has to deal with the usual shifter and vamp politics as well as justice to show the humans she is doing her job. Investigation wrapped up neatly with a surprise player at the end.
January 31, 2021
Interesting
Quick cozy mystery with a unexpected killer. Entertaining characters (especially MS Ellen) and a small side mystery. No romance yet between Cori and Alex but some warm fuzzies.
Enjoying this series. Some character relationships are different than in the Enchanted Coast books.
Quick cozy mystery with a unexpected killer. Entertaining characters (especially MS Ellen) and a small side mystery. No romance yet between Cori and Alex but some warm fuzzies.
Enjoying this series. Some character relationships are different than in the Enchanted Coast books.
March 31, 2022
A fun read.
Having a lot of fun reading this series. Cori and Chaos are a real troublesome duo, and the other secondary characters like Alex, Kat and Sean play off them well. I enjoyed this rather innocuous mystery. The victim was rather boring, and although I was hoping a certain snotty character was guilty, it was a bit more complicated than that.
Having a lot of fun reading this series. Cori and Chaos are a real troublesome duo, and the other secondary characters like Alex, Kat and Sean play off them well. I enjoyed this rather innocuous mystery. The victim was rather boring, and although I was hoping a certain snotty character was guilty, it was a bit more complicated than that.
May 13, 2022
Really digging this series!
Yep! I knew that I was going to fall in love with this series! This story also had everything I like too! Supernatural stuff, werewolves, murder mystery, and small town hijinks! The characters and plot were great as always! I love how it kept me guessing with the whodunnit! I can't wait to see where this series goes!
Yep! I knew that I was going to fall in love with this series! This story also had everything I like too! Supernatural stuff, werewolves, murder mystery, and small town hijinks! The characters and plot were great as always! I love how it kept me guessing with the whodunnit! I can't wait to see where this series goes!
February 8, 2024
I cannot, nor do I want, to stop reading this series, book after book, in a chain. I think Cori has put a compulsion spell on me! The books are easy to read, enjoyable and very entertaining. I can't say more. I have to continue reading the third book! Seriously, I need to keep reading the series!
September 28, 2018
Great sequel
Some second books in a series never match up to the first, in content or in wit. This second book is absolutely as good as the first. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for book 3.
Some second books in a series never match up to the first, in content or in wit. This second book is absolutely as good as the first. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for book 3.
October 16, 2019
Cori Sloane book 2
I found these books by accident and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this book and series. It's entertaining and fun to read. I recommend this book and series to all my friends and family. Happy Reading!
I found these books by accident and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this book and series. It's entertaining and fun to read. I recommend this book and series to all my friends and family. Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews