After going through an emotionally difficult divorce, Mitch McCaffrey believes he finally has his life straightened out. He loves his job teaching English at Carolina Highlands Community College. He is hoping to marry the lovely Diana Corcoran Winstead.
But his life falls apart when a student accuses him of sexual and racial harassment. He knows the accusation is bogus, but Monica Gilbert, the college Compliance Officer, pursues it with savage determination. She has more than philosophical differences with Mitch. She has personal axes to grind with both Mitch and Diana. She is determined to take Mitch’s job.
Mitch finds a good lawyer, Kathryn Turner. But Kathryn warns that the odds are against him, and the legal costs could wipe out his savings.
Mitch may have another option. He is a Magic User. But his training is incomplete. And his deceased mentor cautioned him about the dangers of using magic for personal gain. It could backfire.
And there’s something else. Monica is a witch. She has no such scruples.
But Mitch won’t give up, and prepares for a cat and mouse game, both legal and magical.
ROBERT L. ARRINGTON practices law with the Kingsport, Tennessee firm of WILSON WORLEY, P.C. He holds A.B. and J.D. Degrees from the University of North Carolina, where he was admitted to Phi Beta Kappa. He is a member of the Tennessee Academy of Arbitrators and Mediators.
But his first love has always been writing.
He and his wife Deborah live with their two cats, Miss Katie, and BJ. You can find him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
I have to say… I was looking forward to read this book. Magic and law? What could I have asked for more? I have always been interested in law related universes in pop culture, so a book about it adding magic was the right call to me.
However… I can say that although I think I was the right target audience when it comes to the theme of it, I am definitely not the audience for it in the way it was written. To me there were even remarks that in these days should not be written or thought about this way. For instance at the beginning of the book “Just the right amount of make-up, her blue eyes accented but definitely not slutty”, I have to admit, I was disconcerted. It’s the typical thing that would make me think, that it was written under a male gaze, how a make-up could be slutty? We’re talking about colours on skin. I know that it is one word in one sentence amongst others but it truly had an impact on my reading as such as I stopped a few seconds to make sure that what I was reading was truly what I read.
Then, a few pages after, my doubts and fears about the book which were starting to grow after that make up remark went to a higher level when Monica, Gina and Lorna who I think at this point might be considered as the “antagonists” at least the three against the protagonist start to ask odd questions to Mitch. The three women were put in a way again at least to my point of view to make them ridiculous regarding their questions as Mitch seems more annoyed than everything and questions were adding layers and layers to it without stopping. However it reached a point of utter discomfort to me. The way the questions were either on transgender people or on people of colour and I feel like it was mocking in a way or disregarding every possible issue one can deal with. Especially with the part on non binary people. It was quite upsetting. Especially as these three characters were I think, supposedly becoming annoying to the reader I would suppose because of them being so “woke” it really made me stop reading. As someone of colour and as someone queer whose issues were not taken seriously when I had problems, this is heartbreaking and hurtful as I felt ridiculed as much as one can be and I felt as if it was intended that way. And when you see the characters supposed to be antagonistic asking “And do you agree that the Betty Boop and Popeye films are cis-gendered and sexist?"; I feel even more ridiculed as cis-gendered doesn’t mean anything in that whole context, it’s just a terrible negative caricature at this point.
Not to mention that as it went I saw how the discrepancy between what I stand for and what the characters stand for was huge, and slowly made me lose what I had left of compassion for them.
And the plot being fully in the big lines right wing versus left wing is really cliché and also made me feel uneasy, it reminisces me of old movies where communists were depicted as being absolutely evil, but this time against the exaggerated extreme left wing people who are really depicted in what I said earlier a mocking way which is hurtful, you have the “rightful” main characters being right wing people, not minding at all watching someone they know with a MAGA cap, or giving money to Republican politicians and his girlfriend acting with pro-life organisation. And the right/left wing thing is something that is mentioned in the book it is not something that I invent, unfortunately. (I’m sorry but once again, this only makes me further realise how I’m not at all the target audience for this book, and yes as much as I do agree that not all books should have the same point of view, I’ve been feeling uneasy all along, and as a queer poc, I really had a hard time reading this book for this reason, I don’t feel compassion for them or any form of empathy and I feel vilified as well, which isn’t the best when you get to read a fiction book. Especially as it comes to real life subject as the white male privilege almost as if it was just a joke and not a serious thing as the person who “believes” in it is also believing into the main character’s culpability and so on with the me too movement or white supremacy. Or as I think about the son who has a whole speech about not wanting to be repressed as a conservative. As it keeps going it is, I’m going to admit, hurtful for me.)
The way it was written was not really for me at first but as the pages went, I got used to it and I managed to finally get over the uneasy feeling (which I had to force myself to do so), after pages it was better. The way the characters interact with each other in the dialogues are really nice, and you can feel the chemistry between them (Mitch and Diana or Marc and Tiffany for instance) and that was really well done. However when it came to the descriptive parts as I talked about it at first some things really weirded me out, for instance, the character’s skin colour being “a shade lighter than the table” was not it at all for me, and personally I would not really like to have my skin compared to an object where you put things on it.
Other than that; when it comes to the positive points: although when I thought about magic I mostly thought about wizards with wands and potions and was taken a bit aback from it, I really liked the concept of magic interfering in a 21st century universe, with computer and electronic devices, I found it a really smart way to do things, which was really interesting! I wish there were more magic elements coming to it.
I enjoyed the secondary characters of the law firm; Kathryn, Tiffany and Marc were honestly interesting and I wish the plot was more centred around them, to me it would have been interesting! And I ended up really rooting for Tiffany and Marc. And I wish the whole supernatural occurrences within the law firm were talked much earlier than in the very end of the book, because that would have been such an interesting topic!
I was really interested into the whole law part as I said at first and it did not disappoint, it was really interesting to know and get to understand how everything worked.
*Thanks to booktasters for the opportunity of reviewing the book and thanks to the author for handing me over an ebook version for me to read it!*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
One of the appealing aspects of Ethics of Magic is the conflict between Mitch McCaffrey and Monica Gilbert. Their opposing goals create tension that extends beyond the legal case, especially because personal motives are involved. Mitch’s determination to protect his reputation while remaining ethical makes his situation particularly interesting. Meanwhile, Monica’s willingness to use magic adds another layer of danger to the conflict. I also appreciate the inclusion of Kathryn Turner and the legal team, as their involvement gives the story more depth than a straightforward battle between two magic users. The characters and their complicated motivations make this a promising supernatural mystery.
Arrington creates a realm of fantasy and realism, in which investigations and court cases meet spells and witchcraft—a fantastical and exciting blend that does something new while crafting a nostalgic feel reminiscent of work from authors such as Agatha Christie and Mary Higgins Clark.
The story revolves around Mitch McCaffrey, a magic user and English professor at a community college, who comes under false accusations centered on sexual harassment and racial discrimination—headed by Monica Gilbert, a witchy college Compliance Officer seeking revenge. We follow Mitch’s ethical use of magic, his assistance from a legal team headed by a skillful lawyer, Kathryn Turner, and his attempts to overcome the nefarious obstacles of those set to destroy his life and reputation. Running against the clock, Mitch must navigate threats, tampered evidence, and compulsion spells set by those who seek his demise, whilst staying true to his ethics and standing firm in his fight for justice in academia.
As an early modernist, I loved the Milton and Shakespeare references, and found Monica’s remarks on the “old white men” as utterly hilarious—which painted her in just the way I’m sure was intended. I also liked the brief D&D references, along with Breaking Bad, which I happen to currently be watching. I enjoyed the varying discussions on political POVs, academia, freedom of speech, and public vs. private. Even though I disagree with Mitch’s personal views, I think it makes Arrington’s work all the more excellent given that Mitch’s behavior and actions were real, honest, and brave—anyone could feel for his plight and come to admire him. I loved that character. Arrington highlights the complexity of issues that should not be diminished to mere “good vs. bad” binaries. The plot was compelling, the court case scene was just great, and the characters had wonderful development, reveals, and interactions. I would’ve liked to see more of Monica’s court case POV, portions could possibly be reworded around the discussion of race, and I expected more prior beef between Monica and Mitch (other than a past insult, though it fits Monica's character well enough). Hard topics were handled pretty well, and I loved the therapy reveal—a cool leeway into magic. I hope to read more from Arrington in the future!
There is a particular cruelty in the timing of collapse. After an emotionally difficult divorce, Mitch McCaffrey has painstakingly rebuilt a life of quiet competence teaching English at Carolina Highlands Community College, allowing himself the hope of marrying Diana Corcoran Winstead only to watch it fracture under a student’s false accusation of sexual and racial harassment. The novel does not treat the charge as mere plot machinery; it understands how an untrue allegation, once lodged, acquires its own momentum. Monica Gilbert, the college Compliance Officer, pursues the matter with a savagery that exceeds institutional duty. Her motives are personal as well as philosophical: she carries axes to grind against both Mitch and Diana, and she intends to take his job. Against this, Mitch finds a capable attorney in Kathryn Turner, who nevertheless delivers the sober truth that the odds are poor and the costs may consume his savings. The deeper tension lies in the second arena of conflict. Mitch is a Magic User whose training remains incomplete, and whose late mentor warned him against employing magic for personal gain. Monica, herself a witch unbound by such caution, has no such restraint. What follows is a dual contest; legal and magical conducted in the shadowed space between principle and survival. The book’s quiet power is its refusal to pretend that either path is clean. Good book! I’d recommend!
The most unsettling quality of this narrative is how ordinary the catastrophe first appears. A community-college English instructor, recently divorced and tentatively hopeful of remarriage, is accused by a student of sexual and racial harassment. The charge is fabricated, yet once spoken it becomes institutional fact, and Monica Gilbert; Compliance Officer with both philosophical and deeply personal reasons to destroy Mitch and Diana advances it with calculated ferocity. Kathryn Turner’s legal counsel is competent but unsentimental: the case is uphill, the expenses potentially devastating. What elevates the conflict beyond standard academic intrigue is the second, hidden battlefield. Mitch is a Magic User whose education remains incomplete; his deceased mentor’s caution against employing magic for personal ends continues to restrain him. Monica, a witch unburdened by similar ethics, feels no such hesitation. The result is a cat-and-mouse struggle conducted simultaneously in the language of procedure and the language of power. The novel’s strength lies in its refusal to romanticize either arena. Legal defense may bankrupt him; magical defense may exact a different, less predictable price. Mitch’s determination not to yield becomes both his dignity and his risk.
Mitch's lowkey and peaceful life had turned into a disaster after he was accused of false rumors concerning his student and the way he teaches at college. Monica who had bad and revengeful past was so determined to turn down Mitch and his girlfriend, Diana. Luckily, Mitch had the 'talent' to get through this and to prove that he was innocent. Or was it powerful enough? Quite unfortunately though, Mitch sensed that the other side also got the same 'talent' too. How would all of this turn out at the end?
It's my first time reading a book with an interesting mixture of laws and magic. My instinct was this book is going to be a little bit difficult to read but it is a complete opposite. The story flows just nice and keeps me attached from the start to the end. All characters are well developed too. Another thing I want to highlight here is that I personally like the entire story plot, it was well arranged and written that i didn't get lost and confused while diving in Mitch's world. Some fiction storybooks I've read before failed miserably at this matter. So yup, this book deserves perfect stars and one of them is from me!
The Ethics of Magic is a story about a college Professor, Mitch McCaffrey who teaches English literature and secretly practices magic. The story starts with a sexual and racial harassment complaint against him from his student and which ensues in an engaging legal battle. The characters are interesting and keep you invested in the story till the end. The book unfolds at a leisurely pace, allowing for a more contemplative reading experience.
This book meticulously portrays the legal case proceedings till the very end, offering readers an in-depth and thorough exploration, but its level of detail may be overwhelming for some. The protagonist of the story is easily likable and draws a connection with the readers from the very start. While certain characters in the book were captivating like Monica Gilbert (College Compliance Officer), and Diana (Mitch's love interest), and added depth to the plot, others felt less impactful, contributing less to the overall narrative.
Overall, it is a good read. Keeps you interested in the plot till the end and at the same time, touches upon some important and complex social issues.
A Spellbinding Fusion of Law and Magic- It weaves a riveting narrative of personal resilience, legal battles, and magical intrigue, capturing readers from the very first page. The characters are deeply developed, with intricate motivations and emotions, making it effortless for readers to become invested in their journeys. At the heart of the story is Mitch McCaffrey, a man who has faced emotional turmoil in the wake of a difficult divorce. He was happy until a baseless accusation of sexual and racial harassment threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. The plot unfolds as Mitch seeks justice, enlisting the help of the astute lawyer, Kathryn Turner. Monica Gilbert's character adds a layer of dark mystique, her witchcraft contrasting with Mitch's restrained use of magic. It reminds us that even in times of adversity, it's essential to stand firm in our values and principles. The well-crafted plot, multi-dimensional characters, and gripping narrative make it a must-read for fans of fantasy, mystery, and legal thrillers. Robert Arrington has undoubtedly created a gem that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment of this enchanting series.
I found this book whilst browsing on Twitter and it looked like the type of book I would enjoy, and I was not disappointed. The story is fictional although it's also very realistic and true to life. It also had supernatural twists and turns that kept it exciting throughout.
Mitch McCaffrey is the teacher who is suddenly faced with false accusations. I know what that's like myself from real life. So I found this to be a very interesting read with fascinating characters. The author clearly knows an awful lot about the law and social issues. I found the Compliance Officer Monica who is after him to be a truly evil liberal-minded character. Luckily Mitch finds a good lawyer, Kathryn, but faced with big legal bills he turns to magical tricks to defeat the witch! From early on in the book I found myself hoping Mitch would win against her and her evil tricks.
After reading The Ethics of Magic I am tempted to add the next books in the series to my TBR list. The author Robert Arrington is an excellent writer. - 5 Stars
This book, though an interesting storyline, had some flaws in the writing that made it unenjoyable. The best parts of the writing were the dialogue— I found these parts very interesting. However, the descriptive sentences were very structured and repetitive, making it uninteresting. “He did this. He did that. He also did this.” Unfortunately, this was the thing that started driving me away.
Additionally, it was painfully obvious that the book was written beneath a male gaze, as comments were made about a woman’s makeup being ‘not quite slutty’, and focused heavily on a woman’s appearance but almost never a man’s. There was also an underlying theme of right-wing issues that don’t seem to be necessary in the plot.
If these are things you can overlook, I do think that the book could be pretty enjoyable, and otherwise tells a good story. Unfortunately, it’s just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What I find anston about this story is how Mitch’s attempt to rebuild his life turns into a battle he never expected. The combination of workplace accusations, legal struggles, and magic makes the plot feel different from an ordinary courtroom drama. I also like the contrast between Mitch, who is cautious about using his abilities, and Monica, who seems willing to cross any line to get what she wants. It raises interesting questions about power, revenge, and how far someone will go to protect what matters to them. The magical rivalry adds an extra layer of suspense, and I would be curious to see how Mitch manages to defend himself without losing sight of his principles. Love the editing on this book, didn’t experience any grammar error. Would recommend this!
This book is the first in the Haunted Law Firm series by this author. I was interested in the main characters, Mitch and Diana, as the author made them seem ordinary but interesting at the same time. I wanted to know about magic and the role it played in their lives.
I thought law and magic that was an interesting combination of themes to bring together in a story, and the author worked with them in an interesting way. I wonder if this would appeal to readers of paranormal cosy mysteries, as for me, it felt a little bit like one of those. While it was entertaining and had some cosy vibes, it had some serious moments as well. By the time I finished reading, I wondered what might happen next for these characters.
Sometimes you pick up a book without knowing what to expect, and the story turns out to be quite different from what you imagined. What makes Ethics of Magic interesting is its unusual combination of magic, legal drama, and the challenges of everyday life. Mitch McCaffrey’s situation raises questions about fairness, reputation, and how far someone should go to defend themselves. I particularly like the idea of a character who has magical abilities but still has to think carefully about the consequences of using them. The concept feels fresh, and I’d recommend giving this book a chance if you enjoy mysteries with a supernatural twist. Tbh, i really did enjoy this book.
One thing I always appreciate in a book is writing that doesn’t make me struggle to understand what’s happening. Ethics of Magic has an interesting premise because it brings together two very different worlds: law and witchcraft. I find the idea of a professor defending himself against serious accusations while dealing with supernatural threats particularly intriguing. Mitch’s determination to maintain his principles also gives the story something meaningful beyond the mystery itself. If you enjoy books that combine realistic problems with imaginative storytelling, this is one you might want to add to your reading list.
When I think about fantasy books, I usually imagine magical battles, strange creatures, and extraordinary adventures. What makes Ethics of Magic different is that magic becomes part of a much more familiar struggle involving someone’s career, reputation, and search for justice. I find that concept refreshing because it gives the supernatural elements a practical purpose within the story. Mitch’s determination to maintain his ethics also raises an interesting question: what good is having power if you cannot use it responsibly? I’d recommend this book to readers who want something imaginative but still connected to everyday human problems.
I came across Ethics of Magic and found the idea behind it quite different from what I usually expect from a fantasy book. At first, I wasn’t sure how the combination of law and witchcraft would work, but the premise caught my attention. Mitch McCaffrey’s situation is particularly interesting because he isn’t just fighting accusations; he is also trying to protect his principles while dealing with someone willing to use magic against him. I like that the story raises questions about justice and personal responsibility instead of focusing entirely on supernatural abilities. If you enjoy mysteries with unusual twists, I’d recommend giving this book a chance.
"The Ethics of Magic" tells the story of Mitch McCaffrey, whose life takes a drastic turn when he's falsely accused of harassment. Despite seeking legal help from lawyer Kathryn Turner, Mitch faces tough odds and personal struggles. With Monica Gilbert's relentless pursuit and Mitch's own moral dilemmas, the book explores themes of resilience and the consequences of power. It's a captivating tale that blends legal drama with supernatural elements.
I just couldn’t stop reading—I had to find out what happened next. The Ethics of Magic is an extremely engrossing, very well written story. Although I found a tale where the villains are all liberals a difficult read at times, I am going straight on to Robert Arrington’s next book in The Haunted Law Firm Series, perhaps hoping for a different theme next time.
I found his book to be thrilling and spellbinding. The pull between good and evil is electrifying and the characters, whew, not going to spoil it but I want that Monica to get hers. She's manipulative and vain and meanwhile, Mitchell is trying desperately not to take it to Monica. I won't reveal anymore, read it for yourself you will enjoy it. Can't wait to read the sequel.
I found this book to be thrilling and spellbinding. The pull between good and evil is electrifying and the characters, whew, not going to spoil but I want that Monica to get hers. She's manipulative and vain and meanwhile, Mitchell is trying desperately not to take it to Monica. I won't reveal anymore. Read it for yourself and you will enjoy the read.
A professor defending himself against false accusations while navigating the ethical consequences of magic sounds like an intriguing conflict. If the novel delivers on this concept, it could appeal to readers who enjoy stories where morality, justice, and the paranormal intersect.
What caught my attention most is the idea that the biggest battle isn't just in the courtroom but also within the main character's conscience. The warning about using magic for personal gain suggests there will be meaningful ethical dilemmas rather than magic simply solving problems.
Having both the protagonist and antagonist possess magical abilities raises the stakes beyond a standard courtroom conflict. It seems like a story driven by difficult choices instead of straightforward good versus evil.
I enjoy novels that mix realistic professions with fantasy elements, and this description does exactly that. The legal backdrop adds credibility while the magical conflict introduces unpredictability.
I appreciate stories that don't rely entirely on action to create tension. Here, the emotional fallout from a divorce, professional jeopardy, and supernatural conflict all seem intertwined.