Banshee Cries

Walker Papers #1.5

by C.E. Murphy

The last thing reluctant shaman Joanne Walker wants is to be assigned to a case of ritual murders. It’d be creepy enough all on its own, but her boss, already trusting her magic more than Jo does herself, suspects there’s more to it than just a serial killer. As Joanne is pulled more deeply into the bloody mire, she begins to realize this is a murderer with a deadline—the changing winter moon seems to be key to the power they’re building.

But Joanne's not the only one entangled in the increasingly dangerous magic raised by the killer: she has a protector, someone who has already given up their life to keep Joanne safe…and who may be the only person able to stand between Joanne and a dark power far greater than she’s ready to handle….

From anthology Winter Moon

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy

109 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2005

About the author

CE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.

She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.

She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.

Reviews

[Jorian]

The banshee isn’t the only one who cries

Returning to this story, properly placed as the 2nd book in the Walker Series. Revisiting it with fresh eyes and knowing Walkers journey forward makes this read even more impactful. Originally a short it really adds weight to her growth so I’m very glad it its placed properly in the series now. There are some really powerful moments that brought up feelings I didnt expect through he lens of our hero.

This story also serves to flesh out the world as a whole which will be important in future books. Keep an eye on Mrs Murphy she’s an amazing Author!

[Melanie]

She’s a reluctant Shaman, a reluctant police officer, and really, a reluctant adult. I’m turning into a reluctant reader

Rating: 3.5⭐️

Banshee Cries was originally released in an anthology and I’ve included the publisher/author’s notes about this below. It’s a good story with some interesting magical elements to this tale. However, its brevity also highlights some of the more irritating or worst aspects of the main character, Joanne Walker. She’s in her late thirties, but her personality is often more of a whiny juvenile, which she admits but does nothing to correct.

She’s a reluctant Shaman, a reluctant police officer, and really, a reluctant adult. And given all the mystical powers she’s empowered with and guidance by Coyote which she doesn’t follow through on, the serious lack of development in her character’s growth is slowly eroding any interest I have in her and the series.

There’s really terrific content here, a magical system that Jo decides her gateway into it is her love of car mechanics. So she envisions how her magic powers works the way most cars and their mechanical systems do. That’s exciting. And unique.

But then there’s the rest of the story. And the reader is left to deal with her waffling thoughts about her life, not wanting to admit she’s a shaman whose powers will “save the day” or whatever. This is only the second book and it’s tiresome.

I won’t even mention the ghost of the mother plot with ginormous holes in it.

So while I appreciate the potential here, and some of the other characters, as well as the unique magic system, the character herself is becoming progressively less interesting. On book 2. That’s an issue.

Haven’t decided yet whether I’m going forward or not. You can decide if you’re willing to chance it.

Like the covers.

Cover Art & Design: G&S Cover Design Studio
Cover Model: Marissa Turcotte

Author’s Note:
Banshee Cries was originally published in the anthology Winter Moon as 'Book 1.5' of the Walker Papers. With the reissuing of the series, it has been promoted to a full Book Two status, and the numbering of the books going forward will reflect that. Aside from the numbering, there are no changes from the original release of Banshee Cries to this one.

The Walker Papers (10 book series):
Urban Shaman #1
Banshee Cries #2
Thunderbird Falls #3
Coyote Dreams #4
Cauldron Bourne #5
Demon Hunts #6
Spirit Dances #7
Raven Calls #8
No Dominion #9
Mountain Echoes #10 - July7,2026

[Taldragon]

The last thing reluctant shaman Joanne Walker wants is to be assigned to a case of ritual murders. It’d be creepy enough all on its own, but her boss, already trusting her magic more than Jo does herself, suspects there’s more to it than just a serial killer. As Joanne is pulled more deeply into the bloody mire, she begins to realize this is a murderer with a deadline—the changing winter moon seems to be key to the power they’re building.

But Joanne's not the only one entangled in the increasingly dangerous magic raised by the she has a protector, someone who has already given up their life to keep Joanne safe…and who may be the only person able to stand between Joanne and a dark power far greater than she’s ready to handle….

[MELISSA]

Good x 5!

I am really enjoying this series so full of humor, friendships and a woman learning reluctantly to take on her role as a shaman. Feisty and stubborn, Joanne Walker, steps up to the magical bad guys and kicks them in the knees. Then she takes them out. Binge reading here is a must.

[L.B. Tea]

Oooh, adding this story to the series chronology was a great move. I remember when originally reading the series there first few books clipped along. This installment gave a depth to Joanne’s backstory. I loved getting to see the struggle accepting her heritage on her mother’s side due to their estranged relationship. I’m glad this was published and added to the sequence in later years.

[Amber Anderson Howell]

Fantastic creativity and storytelling!

The first book was really good, but this one was fantastic. I'm captivated by her writing style and and the characters are wonderful. The story is so unique and flows beautifully. I read this book today and am going to start the next very soon.

[Susan Cook]

Great little, short story between the first two full-length stories. Joanne is still struggling with being a beat cop and not just the mechanic who keeps the police cars on the road. On top of that, she is also in denial about her shamanic powers. She gets thrown into the deep end again when a murderer turns up. This one was nemesis of her late mother’s.

[Beenee Reads]

Yay!!! I’m glad I found this book! I already have the collection it was initially published in but there’s nothing like having a favorite authors novellas and short stories in their own, individual book!!

[Kimberly Fellenz]

Avid Reader

I enjoyed this book, it was too short though. It feels like one book that is being broken into short stories, like The Green Mile, and this is my only complaint. Otherwise I enjoyed the characters and the storyline.

[Adricrisuruta]

I really liked this little story.
A danger that stalked Joannie's life appeared after thirty years with the intention of achieving her goal again.
Although not pretty I loved the aftermath of this horrible encounter.

[Maggie Deaton]

As the body count rises, Joann Walker struggles to understand and control her newfound " powers" with the instruction of her dead mother and her spirit guide - Coyote.....not always successfully...
Strong 4.75 read!

[Rayvn Whyt]

Very intense read. Loved it.

[Elizabeth]

Banshee Cries (The Walker Papers, #1.5) C.E. Murphy -- There are a ton of shorts in this series, but this is a really fun one! Happy Reading!

[Manola Dobbs]

Bananas Cries

Amazing story and a great introduction to Jo's mother. For new shaman she is still learning, and she needs all the help she can get. A book worth reading.

[Ruth Ellen]

Mom

Jo' s mom barters to save her from an ancient enemy. But she has been dead three months at this point. Read what happens.

[Cynthia Joy]

I like the whole series.

[Liz Pietz]

Great Read

C.E. Murphy knows how to take you into the story so you don't want to leave. I look very this series.

[Linda]

Joanne faces off with a banshee, the Irish monster of legend. She also finally has a chance to say goodbye to her mother that she lost three months before.

[Tanya Lin]

Noce series

Good read series has me hooked


so far. Will continue to read the rest to see what walker has in store for her.

[Anne V]

excellent novella

Awesome to see these on kindle unlimited. The series was one of the first great explorations of the urban fantasy genre, and it is still among the best.