Murder by Magic

ONSET #0.5

by Glynn Stewart

An ONSET Universe Novella

Before he was an Elfin Lord—before he even joined that secret group of Mages—Jamie Riley was a Mage recruited by the FBI and the Office of Supernatural Policing and Investigation. A new-minted Inspector sent into one of the most complicated supernatural regions in the country: Los Angeles.

The rest of OSPI’s LA team has grown comfortable with allowing politics and pragmatism to decide which cases they pursue, which criminals they charge—but when Jamie’s investigation suggests that a pillar of the supernatural community has killed in cold blood, he will let nothing get in the way of getting the murderer.

Not even his career.

This is a novella that previously appeared in an anthology titled "Spaceships and Spellcasters" .

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Audiobook, Mystery, Paranormal, Novella, Detective

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

About the author

Glynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.

Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.

Reviews

[Mike Finn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up 'Murder By Magic' because it was short (less than two hours), it was free (in the Audible Plus library) and it gave me the chance to sample a successful and very prolific Science Fiction writer who combines space travel and magic.

The only downside I could see was that 'Murder By Magic' is a prequel to a series I haven't read. That turned out not to be an issue because the novella worked as a stand-alone story - albeit quite a brief one.

'Murder By Magic' was an engaging mix of FBI procedural and duelling mages. The world-building was strong but perhaps a little dull. The magic systems were clever and robustly thought-through. The magic battle that comes at the end of the novella is very well done. I didn't learn much about the main character. I suspect that people who have read the series would be going: 'So that's what he was like when he wad a rookie!'

It kept me entertained for a couple of hours and made me want to read some more of Glynn Stewart's books.

[Akshay · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)

Magic leaves traces. Murder leaves questions. Solving both means being willing to challenge everyone who wants the truth buried.

Murder by Magic by Glynn Stewart is a compact but enjoyable urban-fantasy mystery that combines magical investigation, police procedure, supernatural politics, and spell-driven combat. Set in the ONSET universe, the novella follows Jamie Riley, a newly recruited mage working with the FBI's Office of Supernatural Policing and Investigation. The story works well as a prequel while remaining accessible enough to function as a standalone mystery.

The premise is immediately appealing. Jamie is sent to investigate what appears to be a straightforward supernatural murder, but the closer he looks, the less convincing the obvious explanation becomes. The case places him in an uncomfortable position: his superiors want efficiency and political pragmatism, while Jamie's instincts tell him that the evidence points somewhere much deeper.

That conflict gives the novella its strongest source of tension.

When everyone wants a convenient answer, the investigator's job is to keep asking inconvenient questions.

Jamie Riley is a particularly likable protagonist. He is inexperienced without being foolish, confident without becoming arrogant, and most importantly, he possesses a strong sense of professional integrity. He doesn't simply follow orders because they come from someone above him. When the evidence stops making sense, he is willing to push back—even when doing so risks his career.

That quality makes him an effective detective. Jamie approaches the investigation with curiosity rather than assuming that the first plausible explanation must be correct. His magical abilities add another dimension to the investigation, allowing the story to combine traditional detective work with supernatural problem-solving.

The magic system is one of the novella's more interesting features. Magic isn't presented as vague fantasy decoration; it functions as a practical part of the world and, consequently, a potential tool of crime. Spells can create evidence, conceal evidence, manipulate people, and make determining the truth considerably more complicated.

This creates an enjoyable variation on the traditional murder mystery. A detective cannot simply ask “Who had the motive?” The more important questions become: what kind of magic was used, who had access to it, and what could the spell actually accomplish?

The supernatural society surrounding the investigation is another strong element. Stewart establishes a world in which magic users are integrated into modern institutions, but the supernatural community has its own politics, hierarchy, and interests. Government investigators therefore have to deal with criminals who may possess abilities that ordinary law enforcement was never designed to handle.

That tension between official authority and magical power gives the story a distinctive atmosphere.

The mystery itself is well constructed for a novella. The obvious suspect isn't necessarily the correct answer, and Jamie's investigation gradually exposes details that don't fit the initial theory. The story keeps moving because each new discovery creates another question instead of simply providing exposition.

The final confrontation is one of the strongest parts of the book. After the investigative buildup, the story shifts into a more action-oriented magical conflict, allowing Stewart to demonstrate what supernatural combat looks like when the characters stop investigating and start fighting. The transition works particularly well because the action is connected directly to the mystery rather than feeling like an unrelated climax.

The novella's biggest limitation is also its format. At roughly novella length, Murder by Magic simply doesn't have the space for extensive character development or an especially elaborate conspiracy. The supporting cast is functional rather than deeply developed, and some political complications are introduced just enough to serve the immediate story.

Similarly, readers who prefer sprawling mysteries with numerous suspects and multiple layers of twists may find the investigation comparatively straightforward. The book prioritizes momentum and accessibility over complexity.

That isn't necessarily a flaw. In fact, it makes the novella a good introduction to Stewart's supernatural setting.

What works best

A strong combination of murder mystery and urban fantasy.
A likable protagonist with genuine investigative instincts.
An interesting magic system with practical consequences for detective work.
Good tension between professional duty and supernatural politics.
A satisfying transition from investigation to magical action.
A fast, readable story that establishes its world efficiently.

What could be stronger

The novella format limits the depth of the supporting characters.
The mystery could have benefited from a few additional layers of complexity.
Some of the larger political implications feel more like setup for the wider universe.
The conclusion arrives quickly because of the story's short length.

Final Verdict

Murder by Magic is a fun and effective supernatural detective novella that proves Glynn Stewart can make magic work surprisingly well within a police-procedural framework. Jamie Riley is an engaging lead, the investigation has enough mystery to maintain interest, and the combination of forensic thinking and magical abilities gives the story its own identity.

The book's greatest success is its balance. It doesn't drown the reader in world-building, but it provides enough supernatural detail to make the setting feel convincing. It doesn't attempt an enormous conspiracy, but the central mystery remains satisfying. And when the investigation finally gives way to action, the payoff feels earned.

Fast, clever, magical, and refreshingly straightforward, Murder by Magic is a strong introduction to the ONSET universe and an enjoyable choice for readers who like their detective fiction with spells, supernatural politics, and a determined investigator.

[Red Tide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good murder story

This is a neat prequel to a good series. The Paranormal Police aren't particularly nice personalities and you get to see their thinking and the protocols they follow, through the eyes of a new recruit.

The murder investigation is awesome. How do you prosecute an investigation against a powerful wizard who's well connected and wealthy. It's tough and the outcome surprised me. It's a magical police procedural (?). Typically well done and gives more depth to the world of the series.

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very exciting ending, this audiobook is about a new FBI detective assigned to investigate magical crimes. While he was supposed to investigate only simple crimes just to get his feet wet, he is drawn into a murder case. The agent is a second-level mage and his more experienced partner is at a lesser level yet they soon find that they are chasing someone more powerful that anyone could have imagined.

Good story. Good narration too. I want to know more about the series. I suppose that was the point of this short story/novella.

I will probably listen to this audiobook again.

[Twainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder by Magic is from the Audible Plus catalog. Prequel to a sale item called ONSET To Serve & Protect!

OK it’s sort of like Dresden for the FBI or Department of Military Sciences LOL read by Joe Ledger. I’ll be buying the sale item LOL

Fun novella! Four books in the Audible series. Thank you Ray Porter!

[gee ☽ (IG: momoxshi) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

Honestly a random audiobook I found available in Audible's Plus catalog. Interesting premise. Interesting enough for me to want to take a look at the main novels.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great find. Reminds me of Orlando Sanchez books. Action, magic, mages, and partners ready to fight the bad guys.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun novella and I’ll have to have a look at the other books by this author. I like stories about magic. This was about a man whose heart was crushed using magic and the newby, Jamie Riley, had to figure out who did it once he wouldn’t believe the man’s wife, a mage, did it.

There’s was no sex and the F-bomb was used 2 times.

As to the narration: Ray Porter did a great job. I would definitely listen to him again.

[Toni Guerrero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an 0.5? I did not know this going in, and in face, hadn't even heard of the series before. Well, well, well...
It would explain why it seemed short and rather abrupt, I thought we would get a lot more twists and turns in the plot before the Big Reveal of the bad guy. Glad that's cleared up now!
Was it fun? Yes. Did I find it interesting and engaging? Ye-e-es. Will I go find the rest of the series now and read more? Um.... no, I don't think so. It was a concept that caught my fancy, which is why I read this book, but it didn't spark any fires that tempt me away from other books that do the "magic in the modern world" feature. A good try, though!

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audfan audiobook of this.

I actually enjoyed this one more than much of the main series. It was nice seeing some of the backstory of one of the secondary characters in the main series, too. Frankly, he's a more interesting character than the MC in the series. :D

I listened to this a couple of weeks ago but the listing on GRs only happened today so I'm marking it read today.

[Helena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took longer than I'd like to get interesting, but I'm glad I persisted. It was fun seeing how the magic system worked and while I do wish the actual plot (which felt like it started maybe halfway through) had gone on longer for a more satisfying ending, it did make me want to try reading more by the same author.

[Bill Swears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This nifty prequel brought me into this universe!

I've read several Glynn Stewart series, but I've never been crazy about magical police procedurals. Stewart has very quickly forced me to let go of that prejudice. I'm really enthusiastic about starting the first full-length novel, "To Serve and Protect."

[Martin O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise and good storytelling

I tend to like sci-fi and not urban fantasy (jim butcher and dresden files being an honourable exception): this was right up there with Harry Dresden!!!!

[Masters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I enjoyed this story immensely. This is a great start to a new series. Great character building with enjoyable action scenes. I will be reading the rest of this series.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

22. This short novella has made me keen to read more of this author. In a succinct way, the world was well built, the characters well developed and an understandable magic system. Definitely recommended to the normal crew.

[Jerome Terrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read! Although I would’ve liked to know more about the characters, the plot was fast paced, engaging, and action packed from the beginning. I also liked the magic system and the different powers as well.

[Robert Zielazinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

An evenings diversion

This (short) novella is a pleasant evenings read.
I'm not that much for fantasy, but this story was logically consistent - the author follows the rules.
Good characters, A nice take on a supernatural police procedural.

[Ashraf Siddiqi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a reprint from the previous novella compilation. No note is made anywhere so that's why only 2 stars.

[Aaron Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fine quick story. I figured it would have the main character get fired and whatnot based on what you know of him from the main series. Ah well.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish it was a full length book...

This is a really good book in the ONSET universe, great characters, cool plot, interesting action scenes... I wish it was a longer book...

[Cmoore · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect bite sized audio book to get when you're looking for a paranormal mystery... and you need a little more Ray Porter in your life!

[Ray Ritchey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Onset Short Story!

Short stories force the author to get to the point, and drop the fluff. Very well crafted story that was a joy to read.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, I will check out the series with high hopes.. Audio book review. Narrator is perfect for this . Thanks

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found it boring and predictable, despite being read by my favorite narrator.

[Marion Schloemer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to a new series!

[Anne V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

Fast paced introduction to the ONSET Universe. Fun, short read leaves the reader wanting more. Luckily there are several more boos in the series ready to read!

[Daniel Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good. Its a prequel to a series I have not read, I think I will read them now though since I enjoyed this.

[Dale (Aus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but enjoyable

I enjoyed this short back story. Nice

background on the main character and where he started in the business. Will read more.

[HaloLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

What a fantastic read! I.was so.overjoyed this was story driven with a fantastic plot. Though the mystery was short, I found it engaging.

[Ronie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm interested! In reading more.