Stone Magic

Counterfeit Psychic #1

by Thea Atkinson

She's a fraud. She's a crook. But she's no killer.

Even if she's being framed as one.

When three well-known psychics are murdered in her city, Brie Duncan starts to wonder if pretending to be magical is such a great idea after all. She's no witch, but she does make good money using her fake powers to read her clients' futures. Money that'll do her no good if she turns up dead.

So far, she's managed to keep up the pretense, but when those self-proclaimed witches are murdered, a gruff detective suggests she might be involved. She fears she's about to get busted. Unfortunately, his reasons for being there are far worse than she imagines.

Since she's a member of the psychic community, he thinks she should be able to provide some insight into the murders and the victims.

The trouble is, all the evidence seems to point in one direction, and unfortunately for Brie, those roads all lead to her...

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2021

About the author

Thea is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author. She used to have a black lab at her feet when she wrote, warming up the calves. It can be cold in rural Nova Scotia. Now it's just a cuppa tea keeping her warm.

Her urban fantasy pulses with dark themes and action-packed intrigue. Her characters are always deeply wounded creatures struggling for redemption.

Hang out with her on Instagram or Facebook or follow her on Amazon. Grab a free book at her website.

Find her on the web:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0046DIT0U
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaatkinso...
TT: http://https://www.tiktok.com/@theaat...
<<<>>>

a special shout out to Brenda Levy Tate for the awesome author photo wherein I don't look too dog-lady crazy.

Reviews

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Magic is the first in a new series by Thea Atkinson and was thoroughly enjoyable. Brie Duncan is a psychic, but not a real one as she doesn't believe in all that stuff! But her clients believe all her fake spells and "potions" which come with a side dose of hallucinogenics!

Unfortunately for Brie, she thinks she is being arrested or accosted for something illegal, but the cops only want her for her powers! Powers that she doesn't believe she has. Powers which may help in a series of graphic, brutal murders, the victims of which are fellow fake psychics. Is someone angry at the psychics for being fake, for being "real" or for something else entirely?

Brie gets dragged further and further into the murders and soon finds herself being involved in a world she knew nothing about and refused to believe it. Why is there a strange dog following her around? What does her mother's ghost truly want? Is her ghost even real or it is Brie's mind playing tricks on her fear?

I loved the development of the relationship between Brie and Layne Garder, a police detective with his own secrets to hide. Parrish was good fun too and I can see Brie and her getting on really well now Brie knows more about her.

The murder mystery element was fantastic - I just loved it! Still left a few questions unanswered, but as this was the first book in the series, I hope we will get to read more about Brie and her adventures again soon!

I received a copy of this book from BookSprout but this review is all my own honest one!

[Debra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I read a Thea Atkinson story, I know I'm in for a roller coaster ride full of intrigue, suspense and interesting characters and Stone Magic delivers. It's book 1 in a new series that looks to be one of her best dark urban fantasy tales. Ms. Atkinson is a master storyteller as she introduces Brie Duncan, a fake psychic, who truly tries to help people with a little help from some mild drugs. However, when psychics start showing up dead in her area, she becomes the prime suspect in the gruesome murders. Detective Layne Garder gets the case and even he is not all he seems to be. Just when I think I've got some things figured out, the author throws another monkey wrench into the plot. Ms. Atkinson has an unlimited imagination when it comes to weaving such a compelling tale. Be prepared to carve out enough time to read this story because once you start, you won't want to stop reading this fascinating book. There are some gory details throughout, but they pull the reader in and helps you feel the terror Brie feels as she tries to figure out who the killer is. Can't wait to see what happens in book 2!!

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a fantastic start off in a brand new series. This book has everything. The characters are unique and this tale of magic is quite entertaining. There was no way I was putting this book down. I was engaged in the story from the first page. This was definitely one of the best books I have read this year.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by Thea Atkinson is absolutely amazing! The storyline is tightly woven and expertly written. This is a dark and gritty urban fantasy and it pulls no punches as it exposes details regarding grisly murders surrounding physics that work in the local area our MC Brie makes a living pretending to be physic and quickly becomes the prime suspect. The suspense and intrigue is off the charts and the world-building is mesmerizing Stone Magic truly delivers as an out of the ballpark first installment.

The story-arc is riveting and I was compelled to keep turning pages. I was completely fascinated and the twists and turns had me guessing from start to finish. An absolute must read this book is so compelling! I honestly can’t wait for the next installment.

As a disclaimer the murders are grisly and deftly weaves the taught fear Brie feels as she tries to unravel the truth about the murders.

What an action-packed, page-turner filled with dark secrets, plot twists and well developed and engaging characters. It is an incredible read! Definitely check it out you won’t be disappointed.

[Scott Shjefte · Rating 2 out of 5]

The main character's reactions to blood and guts seem more realistic than in most stories. Love/lust scenes are just too much... Received free from Amazon.

[Aarann]

DNF after Chapter 1. I'm not sure if the Kindle version was messed up or if the writer didn't have anyone proofread, but this book was missing content. In chapter 1 (no spoiler tag because c'mon, it's chapter 1), our heroine is attacked by a woman in her store after she sees a vision of her dead father. Only at no point did the woman initially say anything to the main character about her father, the dialogue just alludes to it after the attack (I checked, it wasn't there). Then, later, the FMC decides to help the woman who attacked her and her internal monologue indicates she's going to charge buckets of money for it, and the woman agrees, but at no point does the book make it clear they've discussed any kind of price. Again, I looked twice and couldn't find it.

So either the writing was off or the Kindle version needs serious editing, but I don't have patience to figure it out. It really sucks too, because the premise of this book looked totally up my alley and the writing that was there wasn't bad at all, which makes me think the problem is with the Kindle version, not the author.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not going to lie I loved Brie. I was excited to follow her from start to finish. I loved the combo of paranormal, action, and the twists of the unexpected. I will definitely continue the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of the Counterfeit Psychic series and the main character is Brie Duncan, who has a shop where she pretends to be a psychic, helping people heal from their worries, but basically conning them and making money. There are a number of other similar shops in the area, all of which have their own patch. When she inherited the shop building from her mother, she completely changed it to what it is now, sinking most of her inheritance money into upgrading the building and buying stock. She has to cater for tourists in the high season and locals in the low season, so adjusts her goods and services accordingly. With the upbringing she had, most of her childhood with her mother, once her father died, having to be dealt with by lots of therapy as an adult, and time in seven different foster homes, she has a hard skin and knows how to use what she has learnt to spot the easy marks and use her fake powers to tell her clients their futures. Just after finishing with one client who wants her dead father banished forever and now preparing the ingredients for a fake spell, she is shocked to see two cops in her shop with their guns drawn and pointing at her. One is Detective Layne Garder and he seems to be the one in charge.
She isn’t sure if she hid the magic mushrooms she gave her last client Sherry and decides she doesn’t want the police searching her shop, so she decides to run out the back door, but is caught not far away. She tries to fake a seizure, but then gets the shock of her life when she sees the ghosts of three dead women in front of her! This persuades the detective that she may be some assistance with a recent multiple murder in the city, all owners of shops like hers and pretending to be a witch, psychic and medium. He leads her to the murder scene and it is a bit too gruesome for her and she can’t fake her reaction. Something has been burnt into parts of the bodies and that has led the detectives straight to her! She may be part of this fake psychic community that is being targeted by a serial killer, but she has no real powers and is useless to help. Or is she? She has a keen eye from years of surviving her mother and all her various foster homes, so her attention to detail and sensing when something is off, or someone is following her, is pretty spot on. Her mother tried to bring her father back after his sudden death, but the way she did it left Brie with nightmares for years and blocking most of it out, when she could. These murders have started bringing some of this back into her mind again!
Detective Garder and his associate, Parrish Fienes, the assistant M.E., both have something unusual about them, but you have to read the story to figure that out. Layne asks Brie for her help as another body is found, whilst she also has problems at her shop, both inside and out, which she doesn’t want to bother him with. One of the only things she kept of her mother’s was an amulet, which she used as a basis for her shop sign and business cards, allowing Detective Garder to locate her easily from the clues left on the dead bodies. More murders happen, one that seems out of the pattern so far being followed. All the clues still seem to lead to her and a piece of her property is found with the last body, but at least she has an alibi for that one! Her life is in danger and a strange dark and wispy figure is after her. The killer is not human and she will soon be introduced to the reality of the supernatural world that she has been pretending to be a part of. Connections to an old coven her mother may have been a part of, are found in some of her mother’s things that she finally decides to go through, some two years after her death. She hopes to sell most of the items through her shop, but some may be of more importance and value than she knows. Who this figure is, that is killing everyone they don’t know, nor do they know why it is targeting the people it does. Is there a connection to the old stories about the Blackburn Cult and how does it link with Layne and Parrish, as well as Brie? So much more to be discovered about the killings and also all the things her own mother used to do, which gave her nightmares and made her leave home well before she came of age. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series to find out more. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Sherlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fabulous read!! I am so hooked.. this series of books are a must read and I am so addicted..

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from the start. Brie is such a strong character. Impossible to not fall in love with her If anyone can save her people, she’ll try. Don’t miss out.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stone Magic“, the first instalment in the brand-new UF series “Counterfeit Psychic” by Thea Atkinson, is a thoroughly enjoyable story, whose MC (Brie Duncan) goes through life impersonating a psychic with special powers to make a living. For full disclosure every psychic is a fraud in Brie’s opinion, thus there is no need to feel specially guilty about it. Particularly skeptic clients are treated to a nice cup of ‘all-natural blend of ‘mocha’ coffee’ with a lace of magic (as in all-natural psychedelics) to lower their resistance, and all goes well that ends well…. until it doesn’t. Her latest client shows an allergic reaction to the ‘all natural’ brew and blandish a knife at her, well in fact the poor client was trying to defense herself against the spirit of her dead dad, but you get the gist… And this is how Brie finds herself – again -right in front of a couple of police officers, who against Brie’s initial thoughts, are not looking to bring her into custody but somehow looking for her help in the case of the three renowned psychics that have already been murdered in the city. And it is exactly then, when Brie realizes that she might be not such a complete fraud after all. Detective Garder sees to be honestly concerned with Brie’s well-being, from there on…

“Stone Magic” is a well-written story, in the incomparable witty/sassy style that Thea Atkinson is already well-known for. The plot is entertaining, easy-to-follow and funny, Brie & Garder show a high-octane chemistry that is not only due to Garder’s Hugo Boss attire 😊. Struggles, tribulations, sharp turns, unexpected twists, very detailed descriptions, and a very savoury seasoning of captivating personalities and attractive characters with a generous side of funny situations and ironic chatter, make the story enjoyable from the very beginning to the very end. Great addition to Thea Atkinson’s works 😉

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie makes her living by pretending to be a psychic. She does her best to actually help her clients, even if she can't write a spell, or talk to their dearly departed grandmother, or see their future. She doesn't believe in all that mumbo-jumbo but they do, so she tries to help them get closure, or vanquish their bogeyman, or whatever. Yes, she's a fake but she tries to be a good person anyway. When the cops show up at her store guns drawn, she freaks out and flees. They catch up to her and the next thing she knows she is a murder scene where the victims have been publicly displayed. Three fellow "psychics". Someone is killing those who run businesses similar to hers. On top of that, she got a flash of three dead women - witches, she thought. What is that about? She has never had visions before. Then there is the strange dog that seems to follow her around, but no one else sees it. She doesn't know what is going on, but she hopes the hot Detective Garder sticks close to her until she figures it out.

Great first book of a series. Can't wait to read more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie makes her living as a psychic, although she isn't a real one - she is just good at reading people. But when in the area three women with similar occupation are found murdered, she is dragged into a mess she never wanted - murder investigations, threats on her life, revelations about her past and family legacy and her own identity and the world as she knows it, and the undeniable attraction to one very infuriating detective. What can go wrong?
The world building and the situation with the main character being convinced she is a fraud, a counterfeit, is a very good starting point for a promising-to-become-great series. Add in the whole mystery and tension surrounding the murders and their investigation, lots of action, and swiftly twisting storyline, and you get a very fast and very enjoyable read. Not even commenting on the situations concerning Brie and Layne - some of them were pretty hilarious, and I enjoyed the way they formed a bond over something so serious as murders. Parish is also a welcome addition to the characters team. I would happily read more from this world.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action-Packed and Intriguing . . .

Brie Duncan readily acknowledges that she is a fake psychic. Her fake powers can help people and it gives her a way to make a living. However, three psychics are murdered and she’s thinking it might not be a good profession to fake if it puts a target on your back!

Then Detective Garder pays her a visit and to keep up the fake psychic image, she pretends to have a seizure. He knew she was faking it and he crouched beside her and put his hand on her shoulders. But something is different this time – she can really see three ghosts! The detective saw her terror as she hyperventilated and pulled from his grip. When he decides she is the “real deal”, he takes her to the crime scene in case she can help. When the rookie pulled back a tarp covering the bodies, even though she had only a few seconds to see them, she realized it was the image her mind had shown her earlier. She even knew the women. Suspicion falls on Brie. Can she somehow track down the murderer to clear her name?

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Stone Magic / Counterfeit Psychic.. there were lots of surprises popping up on every page. I couldn't put it down after reading the first page because I was pulled into the story.
The Characters were described perfectly with every detail. Brie is an owner of a Psychic shop where she helps people get on with their lives after someone passes on. But she is no Psychic.
Then there is Layne, the dreamy detective who has his own secrets.. he is a strong believer of the Psychic and magical world. He believes that Brie can help with her Psychic abilities.
I love how everything comes together in the end.. is Brie the real thing and need special training or is she a natural but doesn't feel that she is? In my opinion I believe that Brie is the real deal but hasn't been properly trained.
I can't wait to see what will happen next in the next book to come.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stone Magic by Thea Atkinson is Book 1 in the Counterfeit Psychic series. This is a well written, fast paced, action packed, intriguing, suspenseful thrill ride with wonderful character. Brie Duncan (MFC) is a fake psychic who tries her best to help her clients. Three witch psychics in her city are found ritualistically murdered and the police think Brie is a suspect. Police Detective Layner Gardner (a werewolf) comes to question Brie, she fakes a faint, Detective Gardner grabs her before she hits the floor, and Brie has a vision of three women (what the heck, that's never happened before). Brie is taken to the crime scene and realizes the murdered women are the same ones in her vision. Something evil is afoot. Is Brie a suspect or will she be the next victim? What about these new powers she's developed? A page turner from beginning to end that leaves you anxious for the next in series. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.

[Natalie Noblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read a book from Thea Atkinson that I didn't like and Stone Magic, the first in her Counterfeit Psychic series, was no exception. Every book I read just gets better and better! Brie is a psychic, or she pretends to be to earn a living in her mother's old shop. Unfortunately a serial killer is doing away with all the fake witches, psychics and mediums. Thinking Brie is the real deal, Garder, a police detective, asks her to help out on some of the cases. Little do either of them know that Brie might be more than she seems and that the cases might be somehow related to her past.
I liked the potential romance between Brie and Layne and can't wait to see this develop in the series. The mystery surrounding Brie's mother has only just scratched the surface. I love Parrish!! Can't wait for another Thea fix!!

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine has been just fine faking her abilities up to now. However, with our hero thinking she is a prime suspect in multiple murder cases, she suddenly wishes those powers were real.

This is book one of the series, so no issues there.

This is a urban fantasy story. The story is well written and easy to read with an intriguing setting that is fun to explore. The characters are well developed and they are what drew my into the story. I particularly like our heroine and her adaptability to changing circumstances. Of course that alone may not be enough to get her out of this situation. I found the plot to be easy to follow and very engaging making the book hard to put down. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing what happens to our heroine.

Highly recommended

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Crystal Bookreader Amason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts of so normal, like I could personally relate to this character when the author adds a sprinkle of supernaturalness in the mix. And the plot within the plot is being exposed in layers and I absolutely love it! Brie, a "psychic", has finished with a customer when she is confronted by police. She thinks they are there because someone has reported her as a fraud but she couldn't be farther from truth. Here enters Detective Gardner. Whom just sounds like the most perfect man, physically and characteristically. Im seriously drooling over here. The attraction between the two is undeniable, but they are denying it. This is where her life changes forever. Someone is murdering the local psychics in a very ritualistic way. Is she a suspect or a victim?
The book just gets better as you read it! Impatiently waiting on the next installment.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action starts from the start and pretty much does not stop. Brie Duncan has a mouth on her and a long history to draw from. I like how she gives Detective Layne Garder a run for his money. Brie does not do the ordinary and that includes claiming any paranormal abilities - she will sell them with power - but not claim them. But it is hard to disprove power when Brie keeps displaying hers. The story flows well and has a good ending point. I want to see where this goes with Garder and Brie. I recommend this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie Duncan a fake psychic working a good con when the other psychics in the neighborhood start turning up dead. She gets dragged into the investigation by the hot detective and then the fun really starts. Think its going to go one way then a surprise shows up and it goes another way with all the surprises and secrets people are keeping.. A good mix of action, danger, sexy detectives, and paranormal. Kept me reading to the end to see what was really going on and had to see who the bad guy was.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Magic

"Everyone’s guilty of something.” - Detective Garder

Intense! Complex and intricate, this tale weaves a spell you won't be able to resist; not that you'll want to... A con, A faker, A ruse... But what if she's not? What if, somehow, Brie IS an authentic psychic? What if the shadows are alive with the unimaginable and terrifying?

Thea Atkinson does it again! Her characters LEAP off the page and keep you entertained! You live the sights, the scents, the emotions along with the characters; you become part of the tale. Couldn't put it down!

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie was a fake psychic. But she tries to help people if they need closure and helping when she can. But one night a policeman takes her to a crime scene of three dead people. They are psychics are like her but at the scene she can actually see ghosts, The scene is of dreams that she had as a child. The police are looking at her as the murderer but she’s innocent.Can she find the real murderer before anything else happens?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelby White · Rating 5 out of 5]

New urban fantasy series headlined with a fraudulent heroine! Or is she? Brie is a fake that swindles people for money, but tries to do it in a good way. Is that even possible? Intrigued, you should be. This is the starter book in a series that I absolutely know will be a fun and exciting one. Action, suspense, murder, mystery, a confused possible psychic and a sultry cop with heat makes this read a fresh and uniquely enticing, well crafted story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie runs a psychic store where she sells magical goods as well as readings and spells. The catch is Brie doesn’t believe in magic, but she does do her best to help her customers. Then Detective Garder enters her life with news of someone murdering psychics. The bad news is he thinks she may be involved. The worse news is that she is a potential victim. It’s a great start to a new series and sets up the characters and the backstories wonderfully. I’ll definitely be getting the next book. I received an advance copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.

[Lynall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is intriguing and very engaging. I wasn’t expecting this paranormal sub plot. Is she psychic? And the werewolf? That really messed with my head. The mystery is gruesome, I really want to read more about the assistant ME, she was awesome. I loved the characters, and the backstory was woven into the plot very neatly. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in the series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, entertaining storyline that changes direction on the reader and brings the magic aspect to front and center. There is danger, adventure, magic, powers, shifters, etc, and a murder mystery to solve. The world-building is very good as are the main characters. I enjoyed this well-paced, and engaging read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing read that has now gotten me hooked on this series. It moves along at a pace which is perfect for the flow of the story being not too fast nor too slow. The characters are amazing and you feel as though you know them personally and you want to be there for them. You can't help but love them. The story grabs you keeping you interested and reading until the end and then you need more. This book has to be on your TBR list.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the way the author played with words about Brie being a charlatan while reading people to earn money. Murder was committed and detective Garder wanted Brie to help because it was people like her. Someone was after Brie, why? Now how can she help herself from getting killed? I know - call a good looking hunk of a policeman, yeah, to help and some mangy dog kept showing up to help. Good book!

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

STONE MAGIC by Thea Atkinson
Fiction, Urban Fantasy
4****

Blurb: She's a fraud. She's a crook. But she's no killer. Even if she's being framed as one. When three well-known psychics are murdered in her city, Brie Duncan starts to wonder if pretending to be magical is such a great idea after all. She's no witch, but she does make good money using her fake powers to read her clients' futures. Money that'll do her no good if she turns up dead. So far, she's managed to keep up the pretense, but when those self-proclaimed witches are murdered, a gruff detective suggests she might be involved. She fears she's about to get busted. Unfortunately, his reasons for being there are far worse than she imagines. Since she's a member of the psychic community, he thinks she should be able to provide some insight into the murders and the victims. The trouble is, all the evidence seems to point in one direction, and unfortunately for Brie, those roads all lead to her...

Thoughts: This was an interesting story with lots of action, a little romance, and more twists and turns than Lombard Street in San Francisco. Garder and Brie are great characters who work well together – but I really loved Parrish too! I can’t wait to see more about her.

This was obviously the first of a series. It ended well, but left a lot of threads dangling so you know there will be more from Brie and Garder. The only thing I didn’t like was some of the scenes were a little too graphic for me. Yes, it’s a murder mystery, but as the bodies stacked up (I think six at last count), it got to be a little more than I was comfortable with. And throw in the things with Brie’s mother… not a book I could read while eating my breakfast. Also, I hope that the final edition will address the multiple editorial issues I saw (typos, missing words, etc.). A minor thing, but stood out for me.

Still, it was well written and intriguing enough that I did finish the book. And I will probably read more as I enjoyed the characters.

Recommendation: If you’re looking for a paranormal mystery with a lot of twists and turns, this one will do it.

Disclaimer: Thanks to the author for providing this book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by anyone. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”