Murders are occurring in a fantastical city by the sea.
For over a year these events have plagued Red Pike’s Landing. And no one has been able to find the killer who takes all the fingernails of their victims and tucks them into bed.
Witnesses are unreliable … but for good reason. Perhaps magic lies at the heart of these deeds and covers the Necromancer’s tracks.
Calec of the Woods is called upon for aid. And Serileen, Calec’s witch lover, must accompany him while harboring a dark secret of her own.
The closer Calec comes to the Necromancer, the faster he must solve this mystery or he and Serileen will become the Necromancer’s next victims.
R.M. Schultz is a #1 best-selling author of fantasy and science fiction.
After reading Tolkien, Ryan wrote his first 100,000-word fantasy novel as a freshman in high school. When he’s not saving animals, he continues reading and writing fantasy and science fiction, and has done so for over two decades. Ryan founded and heads the North Seattle Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Group and has published over a dozen novels.
And more than anything, he wants to be knighted by George R.R. Martin.
This was a lot easier to get reading than the first, mainly because I knew the main characters and didn’t have to get the lay of the land. I enjoyed the two different approaches to trying to figure out the mystery. It was fun twist when you normally get to only follow one approach in a book. Add in magic and another serial killer? It was another good book!
Calec, like the hair affliction but not spelled the same, isn’t sure where he is going. He was a knight and is now going back to his wood people roots. When a stranger is caught in the woods and will only talk to Calec, his interest is peaked. When the stranger says he has traveled far to find the witch hunter, Sir Calec. Pretty ballsy for being surrounded by witches, but go on. There are murders happening in his land, and his lord has sent him to find Calec because he was able to put a stop to the winter plague murders. Unsure until Serileen said she would come and investigate, they journey to see if they can help. Calec using logic and tracking what can be seen and Serileen following the magic angle to try and stop the escalation of murders that is occurring.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Called is now living in the woods with the witches and his love Seralee. A coastal town is being plagued by murders and an emissary is sent to request assistance from Celac. This was a great book, showcasing not only Celac’s progress in accepting that magic may exist but the progress in the relationship between the main characters. There’s not a lot of “magic” used but it’s the possibility of it and the traditional clues to solving the murders that helps the plot.
These progressing mysteries take a turn as hints of fantastical magic is returning to Calec's world, magic from some dark age only spoken of in legend.
I loved outlining and writing this story, and how Calec goes about discovering what is occurring in the city of Red Pike's Landing and uncovering what darkness returns to the lands of Duminborne and beyond.
Thank you to the readers who wanted Knights, Witches, and Murder and who made this series happen. I have loved coming up with the ideas and bouncing them around my writing group members and then writing the stories.
This is a much improved version of the fantasy, mystery, and thriller as the genre is meshing much more clearly in my head and is coming easier but with greater depth and suspense.
Mystery, murder, magic. Calec and Serileen are asked to leave Duminborne and travel to Red Pike's Landing by sea. There has been a series of murders that baffle the local guard, who believe that a Necromancer using magic is the killer. Calec refuses to believe in magic, that there is a rational explanation for the murders, just as there was for the plague murders. Serileen believes magic is involved. Both approaches will eventually lead to the killer. Very good mystery and as always misdirection and multiple suspects.
Knights, Necromancers, and Murder: A Fantasy Murder Mystery and Paranormal Thriller with Suspense (Fantasy: A Calec of the Woods Mystery Thriller Book 2), my third read from author R.M. Schultz. Well-written, entertaining & enjoyable fantasy read. I'll read more from this author. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Calec and Serileen travel to Red Pikes Landing to help solve mysterious murders. Just like in the first book when they’re in Duminborne, the place comes alive with vivid imagery. You’re lead through a wild chase of cloak colors as they search for answers. It’s a fast-paced exciting read. I love Calec’s connection with animals, making him a unique and fun lovable character. I’m looking forward to the next book as the author hints that the world is going through peculiar changes.
So I dived into this as soon as I finished book one in the series, I couldn't wait to see where Calec went next and what kind of mystery he'd encounter. And I'm pleased to say I wasn't disappointed, we get to have the frankly brilliant team of Calec and Serileen working together to uncover the Necromancer in Red Pikes Landing and pull at some threads a little closer to home too. I found this book a lot quicker to read than the last one, it had a lot less world-building in it but also we were finding out about this new city at the same time as our two MC's so it wasn't filling in blanks just for us readers which I felt flowed really well and i enjoyed how it was done. I liked that we flipped to different characters' points of view occasionally, it was nice to get snippets from other, secondary characters and see their backstories filed out a little and how it played into our main path. I really loved seeing how Calec and Serileen's relationship had developed in the time between this book and the previous one, you ended book one with a promise of there being more to them and I enjoyed seeing how that had fleshed out. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it grows over the next few books, as I'm assuming it will but you never know because I don't know how the timeline changes from this book to the next but I'm very much looking forward to finding that out. Again I've really enjoyed R.M Schultz's writing style, it's very easy to step completely into the world he's created. It's a brilliant Mystery Thriller with that element of fantasy that I've just fallen in love with reading.
Knights, Necromancers, and Murder іs a captivating fantasy mystery and thriller that follows Calec оf the Woods, a renowned detective, and Serileen, his witch lover, as they investigate a series оf gruesome murders іn a city by the sea. The killer seems tо have a penchant for taking the fingernails оf the victims and tucking them into bed, leaving behind nо clues оr witnesses. Calec and Serileen soon discover that there іs more tо this case than meets the eye, and that they are dealing with a dark and ancient magic that threatens not only their lives, but the fate оf the kingdom.
R.M. Schultz delivers a fast-paced and engaging story that blends elements оf fantasy, mystery, and thriller іn a unique and original way. The plot іs full оf twists and turns, keeping the reader guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and likable, each with their own secrets and motivations. The world-building іs rich and immersive, creating a vivid and atmospheric setting for the story. The writing style іs smooth and descriptive, with a touch оf humor and romance.
Knights, Necromancers, and Murder іs a perfect read for fans оf fantasy and mystery who enjoy a good dose оf suspense and action. It іs the second book іn the Calec оf the Woods Mystery Thriller series, but іt can be read as a standalone. I highly recommend this book tо anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining adventure іn a fantastical world.
My review of Knights, Necromancers And Murder by R M Schultz
This book was a great fantasy read including witches and necromancers as murderers and over 30 deaths in Red Pike’s Landing. The witnesses when questioned couldn’t agree on their statements so no definitive answer on what the murderer looked like. They sent for Calec of the Woods to come and sort their mystery out. He agreed to go along with Serileen, a witch, who had agreed to go as well. It was an enjoyable read with an easy reading style. R M Schulz is a good author and writes well with good imagination. This is book two of a series but can be read as a standalone.
Blurb :
Murders are occurring in a fantastical city by the sea.
For over a year these events have plagued Red Pike’s Landing. And no one has been able to find the killer who takes all the fingernails of their victims and tucks them into bed.
Witnesses are unreliable … but for good reason. Perhaps magic lies at the heart of these deeds and covers the Necromancer’s tracks.
Calec of the Woods is called upon for aid. And Serileen, Calec’s witch lover, must accompany him while harboring a dark secret of her own.
The closer Calec comes to the Necromancer, the faster he must solve this mystery or he and Serileen will become the Necromancer’s next victims.
This is a fast moving grimdark story & book two of the series. A good d&d type fantasy world whose main character is the son of a mage & witch & former knight. This starts with mysterious murders in a large town of a kingdom that happen every fornight. People believe it to be the work of a necromancer for whatever fiendish reason. Far away in another kingdom Calec is searched out while in the woods where his witch companion Serileen lives. He had been petitioned by the ruler of the city for help with the problem because he had solved a plague mystery in the kingdom that many thought was created by magic. However, he believes in logic first as his lover believes in the Goddess. Together they solved the winter plague so together they have journeyed to solve this mystery. One thing I noticed as had recently reread another book whose main character was mystically inclined is how often what I would consider either adhd or a totally different diagnosis, light/medium autism traits seem to be present in some individuals who practice magic in some form or other & well. Maybe because of brain activity being divergent in how it processes. Would recommend the first book before this one but they can be read pretty much as stand alone.
If you ever want to find a wee bit of local lore or the juiciest gossip, head to a port tavern. Ale loosens tongues as well as morals… Amazing what one can learn about life from a game of ships.
Calec is starting to use the internal senses from his mother’s bloodline more so than in the first book. He actually calls attention to that at some point in the book as he’s trying to figure out *how* to figure out the deadly mystery. IRL, we should all get back to our nature roots and hone our empathy & self-awareness. Just imagine what this world be like if we took a step back…
Fave quote: The ways of the witches are not so different than the ways of kings.
Speaking of witches, I appreciate how Serileen educates practically everyone with whom she comes in contact regarding true witches. If only she had been in England and New England when she was most needed.
I have the new book (Knights, Witches, and Sacrifice #5) and hope to read the others in this series.
I am absolutely in love with this series! Calec's story continues as he and Serileen are hired to go to Red Point Landing, where a series of mysterious murders are occurring. The killer has been able to evade capture for over a year-a killer known as the Necromancer. Calec must set aside his disbelief in and magic and Serileen must embrace logic if they're going to find the killer. The characters throughout this story are fabulous and interesting. Calec is strong, wise and handsome, as well as logical and brave. Serileen is a witch and very powerful. They make an unbeatable team. Once again, the world building throughout this novel makes the story jump right off the page and come alive. Every sense is engaged: the smells of the city, the colour of the flames, the fear that people feel with a murderer on the loose, are all palpable. The book is pacy, well written and full of action. There are twists and turns aplenty, with a complete surprise of an ending! Kudos to the author! I can't wait to start the next book to see where Calec's journey takes him next.
I love fantasy and crime thrillers so the combination of both is something I have really enjoyed. I actually went back and read the first book on Kindle Unlimited. Now we know I don’t do spoilers but I will say this is a brilliant mystery with a series of misdirection to boot.
We follow Calec and Serileen as they try to figure out what or who is causing a series of strange murders that the local guard have no leads on other than believing it is for magic – namely necromancy. Calec, of course believes it cannot be magic and there has to be another reason, particularly in light of the other case he had solved. However Serileen believes the guard may be right. This sets up an interesting dynamic between the pair and sees them consider different paths to the lead to the killer.
The writing and world are well developed and I loved the mixture of two of my favourite genres. If you enjoy either genre you should give this series ago, I am looking forward to the third book in the series and to see what happens next.
I was very excited to read about my favourite Knight of The Woods, Calec.
This is Book 2 of R.M. Schultz's series and once again, he delivers!
News of Calec's nifty ability to solve murd3r Mysteries has travelled far and wide so in this book, we follow Calec and Serileen as they cross a perilous sea and help a city with yet another murd3r problem!
Calec is such a great character, and now he is partnered with Serileen, I think they balance each other perfectly compared to his betrothed in Book 1. They are make for a power pair in solving thee d3adly crimes.
The descriptions are brilliant as you can really picture the place and people in your head!
R.M. Schultz has once again created a detailed, fantastical world filled with old and new characters, with a classic whodunit murd3r mystery!
Can you work out who the murd3rer(s) are? I never, and I'm usually pretty good at it!
This is book two in the ‘Calec of the woods’ series and Calec and Serileen find themselves hunting down a necromancer. Book two starts off a bit slower then the first book and it takes a little while to get going but I am enjoying Calec and Serileen’s relationship development and also we start to see them trust each other a little more in this novel. We find out a bit more about Serileen’s past.
Though this story moves slowly, it is well written and the mystery of the necromancer is interesting and keeps the reader guessing. The last part of the novel is really entertaining and I enjoyed a few twists I didn’t see coming. This series is good fun to read and I am interested to see how these characters develop. I am hoping we find out more about the witches in the next few books.
I received a gifted copy of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
An intriguing continuation of the Calec of the Woods series! Calec and Serileen's success with solving the winter plague got them notoriety across the land and sea.
I liked how all the murders in Red Pike's Landing seemed to narrow down to the iconic tower. I could not imagine sprinting up all of those stairs over and over again (I definitely would have fallen).
The arcane magic of Necromancers was really interesting. I especially liked the gothic symbolism. The ritual in the mausoleum was a very cool moment, I definitely want to know more about those.
I liked that Calec was forced to look into the arcane while Serileen was made to look more at the reasonable physical world. Having them trade off and rely on each others skills definitely helps their relationship.
Knights, Necromancers, And Murder is the second book in the Calec of the Woods Mystery Thriller series. Following from book one, Calec is learning more about the ways of the witches of the woods from Serileen who is also his lover.
A traveler from another Kingdom comes in search of Calec to help learn the truth about a series of murders, suspected to be at the hands of a Necromancer.
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to continuing the series and I have not been disappointed. Two books in this series continue to be a great blend of crime and fantasy. In this book, I felt Calecs character grew to feel more human and I love the relationship between Calec and Serileen.
Having solved the mystery of the Knights, Witches and Murder, Calec is summoned by an emissary of Lord Mardaine from across the seas to Red Pike’s Landing.
The plot of this story has several twists that as the reader I didn’t see coming.
Calec has to try to find out who has been committing murders undetected for a whole year and in a land that is strange to him.
With the help of Serileen he sets out across the seas to do his best but will his best be enough? Treat yourself to this thoroughly enjoyable mystery read and find out for yourself.
Knights, Necromancers, and Murder is the second book in The Calec of The Woods Series. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first and look forward to reading the next one. Like the first installment, I love that this kept me guessing all the way through. I kept changing my mind on who the Necromancer was and was surprised to find out who it actually was at the end. I hope we get some more of Serileen in the upcoming books, I like that she challenges Calec. R.M. Schultz has a way of writing characters and portraying them that you see the good and the bad - anyone could be the big bad. I will definitely be checking out his other series.
Once again RM Schultz had created a world where you step in on the first page!! Carrying on from book two Calec has to work out what's happening with necromancers as well as learning more about the witches in the woods..
I really love this series.. it's just so full of excitement and adventure all the way through. I love how the author describes every little detail of every scene so you can imagine it like you was actually there, such as the smells, all the background visuals, the feelings in that moment..
I'm so happy there's 9 books in this series and I'm excited to see what's next for Calec!
This was an amazing read. To be able to follow the main character throughout the book, the story developed nicely. The main character developed throughout this book with the challenges that they had to go through. The authors writing style is very intriguing. Which helped me keep gripped to the story. I loved the story and plot like of the book it was very intriguing. With each chapter I read I got even more intrigued by what was happening. And with how it ended I am curious where the rest of the series will go.
A nice fantasy world with mystery. It's not the typical sword and sorcery. Trying to apply logic where it's overruled by just a bit of magic. How would Calec find the murderer if the witnesses don't agree on what he looks like? It's better than the first book and more complex Certainly it can be readed alone, but also helps to understand better the following books The characters are well developed and the mystery is believable solved. Very original.
Book two in the Calec of the Woods series. This book was good, although I did enjoy the first book more. This book has a slow start which felt out of place considering this is book two and that the first book wasn’t as slow. The magic was explored more in this book, and I enjoyed the way it worked with the crime and fantasy elements. The mystery thriller element that was like the first book really added extra layers to this book.
Well written fantasy/mystery. I really enjoyed the detail the author goes into for the investigation and the clues that are revealed. I flew through reading this book trying to find out who the killer was. Great mystery, characters, as well as an interesting setting for it all to take place. Overall, a recommended read that fantasy, mystery and/or thriller fans will appreciate.
I loved how the themes of colors and the characters' history intertwined throughout the story. The color mystery was a great original idea with a shocking final twist. I also love how these books have such short and yet vivid descriptions. They make you feel like you're watching and hearing a movie but you're also able to touch, smell, and taste everything there.
This was as good as the first book. I enjoyed it so much that I have purchased the next three volumes and will read them soon. I don't read fantasy much but these books have challenged me to think as I try and figure out the bad guys before the end of the book. I will definitely keep up with Calec.
Mystery and fantasy calec great detective at solving mystery. Serileen a witch from his forest join him on the search of necromancers at red pike landing with a thick plots twist and turn keep guess until the very end. But I didn't see this one happening well done was blind sided.