A meddling mother, an ex who shows up out of the blue, and a centuries-old vampire with a God complex is enough to keep any girl busy.
Throw in being responsible for keeping the peace in her small southern town, and witch/werewolf hybrid Cori Sloane has so many plates spinning that she could put a circus juggler to shame.
When two people are murdered, all eyes turn to Cori to solve the crimes in time to prevent another killing. As details come to light, it appears that the next life she saves might be her own.
In order to save her town, she has to save herself first, but with no witnesses and a suspicious ex determined to work against her, the deck is definitely not stacked in her favor.
If you like a fast-paced witchy cozy mystery with lots of humor and sass, join me for my first adventure in Castle's Bluff, a small southern town as full of magic as it is sweet tea and pecan pie.
I 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.
This is yet another audiobook that I chose based almost entirely on length while on a road trip. I'd never heard of the author or this series, but I like cozy mysteries and it fit nicely into the driving time we had left (I guess technically it came up an hour short, which is where The Hangman came into the picture, but still ...).
And, overall, it ended up being ... fine. I don't know that I'll read any more of the series (I have way too many cozy series started already), but it was an entertaining way to spend a few hours. It definitely has its plot holes and I found some characters' actions to be completely nonsensical (yes, let's move back to our hometown solely to rekindle a relationship with an ex-flame that we haven't even spoken to in twelve years, what can possibly go wrong?!), but I didn't go into it expecting fine literature. I wanted a light and fluffy cozy mystery that wouldn't tax the brain cells and that's exactly what I got.
As a former New Yorker who holds the city near and dear to her heart, however, I just have to point out that NYC is the safest large city in the U.S. and is actually less dangerous than a lot of small southern towns (check out the Bloomberg article New York City Is a Lot Safer Than Small-Town America if you're interested in the statistics), and I'd daresay especially small southern towns where young athletic blond women are dropping like flies via werewolf mauling. I'm sure my husband would love to thank the author (with a heavy dose of sarcasm and possibly while making a very rude hand gesture) for getting me started on that rant.
Poor Cori, she is not only sheriff of a small town but it is a town of supernaturals mixed in with a human crowd. Her best friends are a vampire and a witch. Her town is in upheaval due to a series o murders being committed. I was surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. It was full of werewolves, vampires, witches and other supernatural creatures. It really kept me guessing until then end. Who knew how hard it was to keep all supernatural creatures happy and content!!!
I really enjoyed this book. Set in a city with a variety of shifters. Murder came to this small and sleepy town. We didn't learn until close to the end, who did it.
A very good first entry into a paranormal series. Cori is a half witch and half werewolf sheriff of a small town. Murders in the town not only need to be solved and the culprit brought to justice but Cori need to manage the effects of the murders on the politics of the town and the various shifter communities. Cori also has to deal with the challenges of being a female sheriff and the critical attention of her mother. Complex, intriguing and well written. Fun!
First, let me say that this was an enjoyable read. It was a unique world and although I might have liked a little more time spent on the world building aspect, there was a enough to support the story line and the characters. This is a short book, and an easy read. I'm an avid reader and can read long books, over five hundred pages in just over a day or two. This book took about four hours to read, with several interruptions included in that time.
I wouldn't classify this as a romance book in any way, that aspect was more of an after thought to the major plot, and limited to a sort-of meet cute, shaded by a murder. I also wouldn't say it was strictly a mystery/sci-fi, but that's probably the closest category for it. While there is some violence and the book is centered around a murder mystery, it's not graphic.
The relationships and characters were fun and easy going for the most part. Some of the characters were a little underdeveloped in my opinion. Kat for one, she is a supporting character, but featured throughout the story with very little background. Granted in her case that would be limited to her vampire life, but with three hundred years to work with that's not insignificant. I also have a hard time imagining the characters as a whole, because the descriptions are vague at best. The lead is only described as blond, athletic, and 5'10", that isn't enough to picture her and she's the protagonist. Overall though there is enough development to have me rooting for the characters, if not the emotional pull a writer strives for. A little more character description might be enough to resolve that for me.
My only issue stems from continuity errors that flow through the book, lacking character descriptions (already discussed above), and the substitution of character names in error. When there are so many things going on in a short plot it's frustrating to have to interpret which character name was meant to appear. The continuity issues were nagging but not enough to make me put the book down. The biggest was the ages of the characters seemed to fluctuate throughout the book making the timeline fuzzy, and then of course the nature of the lead, is she half or quarter witch? The first chapter states half, later she's referred to as a quarter. That's confusing and frustrating, but again not enough to stop reading the book. Although I would recommend a more careful edit of the remaining books in the series, obviously several more have already been released, but I''m assuming the series isn't completed yet.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and will likely read more of the series. It's an entertaining read, and something different for the science fiction genre. It's also what I would refer to as 'bite-size' or 'fun-size' reading, meaning a pleasant afternoon or evening, and you get a full conclusion for the mystery at hand.
Cori Sloane is a busy woman - witch, werewolf, and small-town sheriff – and a rogue wolf is killing people in her jurisdiction. An old flame who is a “wildlife removal specialist” comes to town to hunt what he thinks is a regular wolf. They still have feelings for each other, but he is clueless about Cori’s paranormal abilities (and would likely shoot her if he did know).
She’s also having sparks with the “special agent” her mother (the co-leader of the regional pack) sends in to clean up the situation. Soon a few more people turn up dead by wolf and if Cori can’t get it under control, there could be an all-out war between the various magical folks in Castle’s Bluff, Georgia.
I was drawn to this book because the author and I have the same last name (maiden name for me now). At first I had a hard time reading it – I like my paranormal plausible, and this seemed too woo-woo, but I was on the elliptical at the time and didn’t want to slow down to pick another book. As I read, however, the plot grew on me – magical folk of all different sorts living in a town established 150 years prior by a vampire who occasionally likes to come back to town to see how things are going, side-by-side with non-magical folk who are unaware of the goings-on.
I enjoyed learning about how the various groups of paranormals in the town interact, and live with muggles. There was a nice balance between Cori’s use of magical skills and cop skills. This story had action, humor, a light touch of romance, family struggles, friendship, pack politics, and intrigue. The abrupt ending was surprising and exciting and slightly annoying (I generally like my stories to be wrapped up at the end, but I understand why authors to that – to set up the next installment).
This book held my interest once I got past the irritation, and by the end, I enjoyed the story. I will read more in this series.
I came into this series from Tegan Maher's most excellent Witches of the Midwest series (if you haven't already, what are you waiting for go read now...please) so obviously I can see the similarities with the strong female characters HOWEVER the South, sheriff and supernatural beings are where the similarities end. (Apart from the pie. Pie, coffee and pastries. Pie, coffee, pastries and good home cooked food, Pie.......I'm sure you get the picture) This series centres on Shifters Witches and the odd Vampire or two which seeing as the town of Castle's Bluff (where there is no castle nor bluff) was originally settled by a vampire for the supernatural community should come as no surprise.
Cori is the sheriff and also the local pack leaders daughter, half werewolf half witch though admittedly her witch side is more on the fritz than not. This book does a great job setting up the town, the characters and has a great storyline a great trifecta! Though admittedly the murder mystery itself is kind of almost background noise in this one as it really does seem to be introducing us to the characters, and organisations. Though the conclusion is a great example of why following through isn't just good manners!! l can certainly see the start of some interesting relationships, not just between Cori and her old flame Zach but the new possible flame Alex too (one who thinks he knows Cori and one who knows a while lot more but less set the same time) but it also shows how things lay with Cori and the locals, supernatural and humans alike! An interesting start, I'm about to start book2, if you haven't already then give it a go.
In this debut of the Cori Sloane Witchy Werewolf series, the action started right away...and it captured my interest to continue reading immediately. In Sheriff Cori Sloane's small town, crime is negligible...until now. Two murders committed already by an unknown werewolf - is this directed at Cori personally to usurp her leadership in her pack? To complicate matters, an ex-boyfriend has returned to town...and he is a wildlife control officer and doesn't know about Cori's werewolf secret. A great paranormal vibe in this story and it is written in a very realistic way. There are other characters that appear in the story that I hope to read more about in future books. It will also be interesting to see how the author balances Cori's two abilities in future books - being both a werewolf and having witchy tendencies - that can certainly open up plenty of story lines.
The cover art accurately captures the essence of this book - and I liked the illustration at the beginning of each chapter - it really set the stage for the story - a nice presentation touch. I do follow this author's Witches of Keyhole Lake series and find that this book is just as well-written as that series has proven to be. This book does appear to be a bit more serious than the Keyhole Lake series, but no less enjoyable to read and I am actually glad that the two series are quite different from each other.
Note: I did receive an ARC of the book, but my review is totally voluntary. I would highly recommend this book!
As the local sheriff in Castle's Bluff, Cordelia "Cori" Sloane has her hands full when a rogue werewolf begins killing young women. Cori has to tread lightly, because while many residents in town are supernatural, there are human residents, as well. Compounding the problem, Cori's ex shows up, intent on hunting what he assumes is a normal wolf, Cori's mother doesn't think she can handle this case on her own and sends "help" in the form of a handsome male werewolf, and someone has been poisoning the vamps in town. If Cori doesn't solve this case soon, she may have a pack war on her hands.
The story clipped along at a good pace. Cori was an engaging heroine, but I didn't like that the author had her come across as incompetent at times. I doubt it was deliberate, but when someone asked about a clue or a lead, and Cori thought 'I should have followed up on that', it seemed as if she couldn't do her job. My only consolation is that Alex, the wonder-wolf, also fumbled in a similar fashion. Of course, Alex and Zach (Cori's ex), got into a pissing contest right away, as if Cori were a prize and not a person. Good grief. Still, I liked the characters, the plot was interesting even if some things didn't quite make sense, and the pacing was good.
Good story, not great, but will look to read others in the series.
I am a huge fan of Tegan Maher so I was extremely excited to see a new series come out! I love her ability to really balance the paranormal aspects while keeping the characters real. She definitely has began to build a complex world which I enjoy.
This was different in my opinion than Tegan's other series (Witches of Keyhole Lake). It seemed to be more focused on the mystery and didn't have all the pops of humor. I actually enjoyed the more serious approach though she kept some good Southern charm and wit in the book. As always, Tegan did an amazing job handling the mystery aspect and keeping me guessing. The author is extremely skilled at letting a story unfold.
The half star deduction was only because I felt there could have been a little more character development. However, I have a feeling we'll see that more as the series goes on. I am anxiously waiting for book 2!
A very entertaining read. A who-done-it murder mystery with a bit of paranormal activity mixed in for fun.
I enjoyed this book about Sheriff Cori - a half witch/half wolf shifter whose witch powers don't always work. Cori has a great personality and the small town setting is perfect. When it turns out a wolf shifter is killing girls while the're out running, Cori's mom sends in the big guns in the form of Alex. But Alex is more concerned about helping Cori find the killer than reporting back to her mother. Cori is grateful for the help but is getting frustrated as more and more people try to play matchmaker with her and Alex. Then an old flame turns up and things get more frustrating, especially when Cori finds out he's a Tracker - someone who tracks and kills wolves and other shifters indiscriminately. Throw in a few vampires and you've got quite a pot of stew.
I’m an unabashed Tegan Maher fan. I spend a lot of time with old friends in Keyhole Lake. That being said, in the Cori Sloane series, Ms Maher has upped her game to a whole new level. Meet Cordelia (Cori) Sloane; she’s the sheriff of Castles’ Bluff. Her dad is a werewolf and her mom is a witch. And Cori? Well, she’s both, though her witchcraft could use some work.
A rogue werewolf has killed two women. Will Cori be able to catch the killer before her power couple parents jump in? It’s not stop action, with thrills and chills all the way through. Tegan will keep you guessing all the way up to the end. And even if you figure part of it out, the last line of the book will leave you with your jaw on the floor and screaming for more!
I think this series is nice and short. it fits into a day of working, keep my brain going and me awake while doing monotonous work.
Cori is half witch and half werewolf. pretty cool to be able to do witch craft and shift. although half the time its messed up.
Zach, her long lost love came back to her life. How did he break her heart?? the story don't make sense. it seems to me he got a job have to go but she has duties to her pack and people in her town so she can't go. I wouldn't say that Zach break her heart at all. Then it turns out, he is a tracker's son and out to track werewolves.
Now, Alex, her exact copy only in male form came into her life. makes more sense to have him be the love instead of Zach a idiot tracker human.
Did not enjoy this series starter as much as The Keyhole Lake books, I think the reason has to do with a lot of the book taking place in the heroines head. We get a lot of what she's thinking added to lots of dialogue between her and the characters she meets during her daily life, but it's all one-sided we see everything from her point of view. I enjoy more when you have a large cast of characters who all contribute to the story. Some of the characters we meet through Cori seem very interesting and people I would like to learn more about. First books are always difficult so I'm off to read book two. This is a good book when all is said and done just not my favourite.
Life is complicated in the life of Cori Sloane and things are about to get turned up a notch. When an old flame returns home after 12 years at the same time a killer is on the lose life is about to get a bit hairy. There are human laws and there is pack law, but there are always laws. Somewhere out there is a rouge wolf hell bent on keeping Castle's Bluff on edge.
The writer plans the plot out perfectly and keeps you on you toes wondering what will roll out next. I loved the attention to detail on the background stories and the explanations of pack law as well as the different packs that inhabit Castle's Bluff. I will be looking out for the next book in the series.
Howling for Revenge was a non-stop read!! Couldn't put this book down, until the very end!! Half Witch and half Werewolf, Cori is the female Sherrif in the small town of Castle's Bluff, in Georgia. A town that is shared by Humans, Witches, Werewolves and Vampires. The finding of a woman's body in the area of a park, where Cori runs, starts the book off. Cori is trying to figure out, who the killer is, when another woman's body is found, not far from the first one. I loved, that my family name, of Holland, which is also my youngest Brother's middle name, is used in this book!! Looking forward to the next book!!
A paranormal You can sink your teeth into with a wide range of paranormal caracters to some just plain caracters all vibrant in personalities. I really enjoy multiple cross overs like a werewolf witch for a sheriff with friends with thier own para clan and all coming together to help when murders accure in the small town they live in. Tegan Maher is writer of high caliber that draws you into her mystery's in short order keeping you enthralled through out. Ok now i'ts your turn to aquier a copy and start enjoying"Howling for Revenge "as much as I have. 😮🙄☺ Kat
A very good book. It had me laughing more than once. Cori Sloane is a witch/werewolf hybrid as well as a sheriff in a town of werewolves. Someone is murdering town citizens who are werewolves and it is Cori's job to find out who it is. Trying to help her are her friends and a specialist sent to help her by her overbearing mother.
I thought the story was well-written and flowed right along. The plot was good and the author kept me guessing as to who the murderer really was. Most of the characters are well-written and the author has a good handle on writing werewolf and vampire characters as well as witches. If I can, I intend to buy the rest of the books in the series.
Tegan Maher is such a gifted storyteller, and I was excited to begin another of her series. I was so happy to meet another group of fascinating folk involved in a well-designed plot. Unfortunately, the book was either poorly edited or the upload process to Kindle was flawed, as there were missing sentences and many odd punctuation issues, which are an unnecessary distraction. I love the characters so much I will definitely persevere in reading this series. Kudos to Ms. Maher for creating yet another loving group of friends, whose further adventures are sure to be completely engrossing! And I can't wait to discover Chaos's secret!
There's a killer wolf on the loose. Werewolf that is. The humans think it's a regular wolf, but everyone is worried about the murders. Cori is the town sheriff and a werewolf herself and is having a hard time finding clues even with her awesome sense of smell. Her ex-boyfriend who has no idea she's a werewolf, comes into town with a license to hunt down dangerous animals. This puts a kink in things but Cori has to solve this case. I totally enjoyed reading this book and hope to read much more from Tegan Maher in the future!
Howling for Revenge is the first book in the Cori Sloan Paranormal Series. I absolutely love the Enchanted Coast and Keyhole Lake Series and this book did not disappoint either.
Cori Sloan is a Witch and a Werewolf and the Sheriff in the small southern town of Castle Bluff.
This mystery does not disappoint with murders, territory wars, vampires and lots of shifters!
Throw in Cori's ex boyfriend and her overbearing witchy mom and you have a story that's so enjoyable.
Now this is what I'm talking about! Finally a female in the middle of an investigation that makes sense she's there. As the sheriff of her small town, Cori Sloane is supposed to be investigating murders. Plus she's a kick a** strong female character, there isn't much I don't like about her.
I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.
My one concern is Zach, I really hope the author doesn't put these two together. He's a weak idiot and a human to boot. At this point, I'm not vested enough to care who the author puts her with, I just hope it's a character equally as strong.
Enjoyed this quite a bit. I read the Enchanted Coast series first and liked it, so noticed some discrepancies about background story. I guess the author rethought some details. Like in chapter 26 Destiny is mentioned as a sister ( which could have been a typo) and one of the fox kits having died when the fox was explained. Also called a Marble fox but think in Enchanted Coast they were attic. Chaos had me curious a while about how she is portrayed but that is kind of fixed on the last page.
Regardless I like the book and am going to immediately start the next.
Wait...what?! It was the black wolf...no, HE did it... but wait, he's red...who's a tracker... This story is complex, the mystery keeps turning back on itself, and the misdirects are so skillfully crafted! Then there are the wonderful characters and interpersonal dynamics; the world-building is top-notch, and makes all the magical mayhem actually feel potentially plausible. Cori is smart, assertive, capable, and so relatable; I can't wait to see what's next for her, and that ending...!
It wasn’t until I was part way through this book that it finally dawned on me that Cori was Destiny and Mila’s sister. Duh 🙄. Anyway, I liked this more police procedural mystery (when compared to the lighter cozy that is the Enchanted Coast series) and I found myself getting attached to Cori rather quickly. Alex and Zach were interesting potential love interests, and Sean is rather an enigmatic lurker. A lot of fun, and I love the small town setting.
Wow! That was a fantastic story! A diamond in the rough! I was looking for something good to read that was within one of my favorite genres. And this story did not disappoint! I loved everything about it! I loved how simple and exciting the plot was, but also how massive and complicated the world building and lore was! I love the mystery and not being given all of the answers at once! I especially love these characters! I can already tell that this series has become one of my favorites and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
A meddling mother, an ex who returns to town out of the blue and a centuries old vampire with a god complex is enough to keep any girl busy. Not to mention being the sheriff of her small Georgia town. Now two people are murdered and Cori Sloane has sooo much on her plate she could put a circus performer to shame. It's not much fun being a witch/werewolf hybrid...and Cori has so much work in front of her she's not sure what she is going to do....This is my first Tegan Maher book and it is also the first book in the Cori Sloane Witchy Werewolf book.
I fell in love with Cori Sloane. She is tough, she is smart, and she is a shifter. Now she needs to figure out who is killing people in her town. In order to do this she must work with Alex, who her mother brings in, and she must bring in all of the other shifter leaders. More surprises keep turning up in town as well. My rating of five stars comes about because it has humor as well as friendship. You will enjoy reading this story. Cannot wait to read the next book in this series.