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"Sorcha's fingers flew to the fey butterfly tattooed on the back of her neck. Sometimes the butterfly brought her joy; other times, inspiration, but always a sense of hope. And she needed all three in this moment for her heart was breaking to see her man so broken."




Sorcha just wanted to warn Ruair� of his fate until she saw him and fell in love. How could she leave him to be ritually murdered and cast in a bog to cure for two thousand years?




Though he's lost and grieving the loss of his lover, when Estrada realizes his friend, Sorcha, is trapped in Iron Age Ireland, he demands that Cernunnos take him and Dylan back through time to rescue her. The Horned God states the rules: you cannot change history or develop bonds with anyone. How can Sorcha, the spirited archaeologist, survive this prehistoric warrior culture? Assuming she's fey, Ruair�'s unscrupulous rival wants her power; but worse still, Ruair�'s lover, the wicked Crow Queen, wants her dead.




Can Estrada use his Wiccan powers and skills to defeat Iron Age Druids and bring his friends home?




A spin-off of To Sleep with Stones, book four tells the story of archaeologist Sorcha O'Hallorhan's deepest desire. Buy this romantic, time-traveling, prehistoric thriller today and find out what it takes To Kill a King.

305 pages, Paperback

Published August 2, 2022

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About the author

W.L. Hawkin

9 books25 followers
W. L. Hawkin writes myth, magic, and mayhem designed to inspire and entertain. Described as “intoxicating, lush, magically-edgy, page-turners,” her Hollystone Mysteries series features a coven of witches who solve murders using their wits and ritual magic with a little help from the gods.

Wendy is also a blogger, book reviewer, Indie publisher, and poet, with a background in Indigenous Studies and English literature. She loves myth and magic, so when she’s not writing, she’s studying Druidry and Wicca. Although she's an introvert, in each book, her characters go on a journey where she's traveled herself. Wendy's a proud mama and grandma whose sidekick is an intensely sentient yellow Labrador retriever named Skaha.

She defies genre by writing character-driven fast-paced mysteries and thrillers that involve fantastical characters. See her Hollystone Mystery series: To Charm a Killer, To Sleep with Stones, To Render a Raven, To Kill a King, To Dance with Destiny, and coming soon: To Forge a Family.

She also write Contemporary Romantic Suspense with Indigenous themes, set in Lure River, a settler town that borders a Chippewa Reservation in northwest Minnesota. Lure: Jesse & Hawk won a National Indie Excellence Award. The sequel, Lure River Justice, will be published soon.

July 2026 update

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Walker.
2 reviews
March 9, 2023
I read this book with my book club without reading the previous books in the series and I was hooked right away! I loved the strong characters and their intertwining relationships. The historical setting with a bit of fantasy and a lot of passion was the perfect mix. I could barely put the book down and intend to go back and read the earlier books in the series now. I highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Grady.
Author 51 books1,845 followers
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April 2, 2021
‘I want to see your world’ – a plus forte magical time travel odyssey!

Canadian author WL Wendy Hawkin earned her degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University, Ontario, and in the Art and Humanities from Simon Fraser University, British Columbia. She has taught high school, published poetry and Native rights articles, is a book reviewer and a published blogger. Her novels to date – the Hollystone Mysteries: TO CHARM A KILLER, TO SLEEP WITH STONES, TO RENDER A RAVEN and TO KILL A KING. She lives in British Columbia.

The author’s interest in prehistory, archeology, myths and magic is evident in her Hollystone mysteries – Hollystone is the name of a coven of witches who use their wits and ritual magic to solve murders! Adding time travel to her prehistoric thriller makes this fourth volume of her series irresistible - a flight of fancy built so solidly that the odyssey to Ireland of the Iron Age period becomes a credible adventure. She graciously supplies a glossary and pronunciation guide of terms and places to enhance the readers’ experience.

Bringing the central figures of the series into focus is important, and we first encounter Estrada with the following update: ‘‘A year ago, all he wanted was to be high Priest of Hollystone Coven and now he couldn’t even handle Dylan’s message. He’d cut himself off from all of them. They who knew the truth. The vampire had wanted him and had kidnapped his baby girl and killed innocent people in his obsession to claim him. But he hadn’t because of Michael. Estrada’s throat tightened and he exhaled through pursed lips. He needed to perform a ritual…’

The provided summary outlines the story well: "Sorcha’s fingers flew to the fey butterfly tattooed on the back of her neck. Her friend, Yasaman, had designed it for her when she finished grad school. It was her symbol of freedom. Sorcha never wanted to be a professor bound to lecture halls—all she ever craved were the wild places and their stories. Now she was deep inside Ruairí's story. Sometimes the butterfly brought her joy; other times, inspiration…but always a sense of hope. And she needed all three in this moment for her heart was breaking to see her man so broken." Sorcha just wanted to warn Ruairí of his fate until she saw him and fell in love. How could she leave him to be ritually murdered and cast in a bog to cure for two thousand years? Though he's lost and grieving the loss of his lover, when Estrada realizes his fiery friend, Archeologist Sorcha O'Hallorhan, is trapped in Iron Age Ireland, he demands that Cernunnos take him and Dylan back through time to rescue her. The Horned God obliges but states the rules: you cannot change history or develop bonds with anyone. How can Sorcha, the spirited archaeologist, survive this prehistoric warrior culture? Assuming she's fey, Ruairí's unscrupulous rival wants her power; but worse still, Ruairí's lover, the wicked Crow Queen, wants her dead. Can Estrada use his Wiccan powers and magician's skills to defeat these Iron Age Druids and bring his friends home without changing history?’

Hawkin writes with such fluid prose that the stage upon which she places her magical tale becomes visual and near cinematic. Superb characters and a keen sense of history and mythology blend with romance in this involving galaxy of a novel. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Shannon Bayless.
36 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2021
Review for To Kill a King

To Kill a King is a vivid time travel thriller with romance and gorgeous descriptions of ancient Ireland. The characters are complex and fun, the drama is gripping, and the descriptions are so vivid I felt like I was there—more so than with any other time travel book I’ve read. It’s full of Irish lore and magic—even a handsome god.

This book is part of the Hollystone Series and takes place not long after the end of To Render a Raven. You don’t have to have read that book before enjoying this one, but you will have a richer experience if you did. We reunite with the magician and bisexual Wiccan priest Estrada ( the main character of the series), as well as the sultry Irish archeologist, Sorcha. (Sorcha is so funny and wonderful that she needs her own series.) There’s also a lovely Druidic bard I hope to see in future books.

Have you ever seen something in a museum and wondered what it would be like to meet the person who owned or created that object? When Sorcha first saw the remains of a bog person, Old Croghan Man, an Iron Era Irish King who was ritually killed, she wishes she could know him.

Such things are not possible for most of us, but Sorcha caught the eye of a powerful god who fulfills her wish, dropping her in the past to meet the man she’s always dreamed of—but only for a short time. When she falls for the handsome doomed king and refuses to return to her own time, her friends go looking for her. But is it possible to save a king from his fate?
Profile Image for Jenna Pilgrim.
33 reviews
March 30, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was an experience. I've never been much for fantasy, but this is more of a blend of time travel, historical fiction, love affairs, passion, and magic. Somehow it works - thanks to great writing! It was engaging, the characters felt real, and I could see the landscape. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,523 reviews25 followers
March 21, 2021
This book answers the question: what kind of trouble could a time-traveling archeologist get into in Iron Age Ireland? If you’re Sorcha, the answer is, quite a lot. One of the things I love about this series is how beautifully the books within it weave together a variety of genres and their conventions: this novel has the sweeping emotions and meticulous but seamlessly integrated socio-cultural backstory of a historical romance, the sharp edges of a psychological thriller, and the exhilaration of an epic adventure. It has plenty of truly memorable moments and people, which is fitting. Estrada is easily one of the most compelling characters I’ve ever read— he’s complicated, forceful, and never does exactly what anyone would expect— and the people he surrounds himself with tend to be absolutely fascinating as well— in this novel, Sorcha definitely lives up to expectations. Well worth the read.

*An ARC of this book was provided by the author and I have chosen to publish a fair & honest review.*
Author 13 books37 followers
June 15, 2021
I'll start by saying this is not the type of book I normally read, and yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. Years ago, I saw the same bogman or a similar one on an international tour at the Museum of Civilization in Ottawa and was intrigued, so I decided to step out of my comfort zone by reading To Kill a King. I should not have been concerned as the book was intriguing, the historic facts and settings from the Iron Age gripping, and the romance beautiful. I have not read the first three books and yet this book worked beautifully for me as a stand-alone book. All the main characters are strong and believable, even the villains, and the time travel works. Sorcha, the archeologist, and Ruairi, the king who would be ritually murdered and tossed into a bog, have together a story that is sure to grab hold of other readers as it did myself. I was shocked by the grit of the time period and by the problems of the village that would not occur in today's world because of civilization's advancements. If you want true escape, here is the book for you.
Profile Image for I.S. Knight.
Author 1 book21 followers
July 19, 2021
I am thrilled to read this book. I have so many thoughts about it, so much to say! It is one of those books that has everything, magic, witches, vampires, religion, time travel, and Scientific ways?? I am blown away. I read To kill a king, expecting so many things, yet it turned so bittersweet. I love each character; they have their own personality, good and bad. I just, gosh, readers, you need to read this book! Hawkin's surely transported me to the iron age Ireland, and I really have half a mind to have the horned god takes me as well. I don't know the cultural accuracy portrayed in the book, but some things sure hit the mark of an old civilization. I fell in love with the wide cast. I really wish it didn't end the way it did, but Sorcha's tale had to end.
I really look forward to reading the next book! I hope it is released soon!
Profile Image for Anthony.
Author 29 books232 followers
April 28, 2021
The Review

A wonderful blend of fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and mystery, author W.L. Hawkin does a marvelous job of crafting a narrative that speaks to the reader and eloquently paces the story so that not everything is revealed at once. The author explores historical fiction as well in this narrative, taking readers into a turbulent and fascinating period of history with the Iron Age of Ireland. The setting becomes just as much a character in the narrative as anyone else, making a memorable and insightful journey for both the reader and the cast of characters.

The protagonist, Estrada, really is the heart of this tale. While readers are able to delve into the hearts and minds of characters like Sorcha and Dylan, and how they evolve and grow in this novel, it is Estrada that provides the bulk of the emotional and creative aspects of the novel and its themes. The pain of loss and the need to make amends drives Estrada through much of this novel, and his complexity and compelling nature draw the reader in immediately, marking an invigorating protagonist in this memorable series.

The Verdict

An entertaining, genre-defying, and lengthy yet memorable read, author W.L. Hawkin’s “To Kill a King” is a fantastic spin-off and next chapter in the Hollystone Mystery series. While knowing the history and events of the past books is helpful to newcomers, it is not always necessary as the author writes in a way that speaks to new and existing fans of this heart-pounding series, and makes for a mesmerizing read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Profile Image for Debra.
Author 12 books115 followers
April 17, 2021
This fourth installment in the Hollystone Mystery series takes a completely different turn for magician and Wiccan Sandolino Estrada. In this story, Estrada must travel back in time to Ireland in the Iron Age. The god Cernunnos has granted his friend and archeologist, Sorcha, a three-day venture into the past to meet the future king Ruairí Mac Nia. Sorcha’s infatuation with the king and her determination to prevent his pending murder results in her refusal to return to modern time. So, Cernunnos leaves her there. But now her life’s in danger and Cernunnos needs Estrada’s help to rescue Sorcha and return her to the present.

The challenges facing Estrada and his friend Dylan are daunting. While there’s plenty of tension and suspense in this story, it doesn’t move at a frantic pace. The author provides exquisite descriptions of the land, the people, their Druid beliefs, and their way of life. This book is a well executed blend of research, imagination, and attention to language, culminating in a satisfying ending. Another great read from W.L. Hawkin.
Profile Image for Gail.
Author 4 books3 followers
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September 25, 2021

To Kill a King by W.L. Hawkin as reviewed by Gail M. Murray
Hawkin seamlessly weaves prehistoric Irish history (300 BCE) and Celtic mythology in this compelling Historical Fantasy. Though opening in modern day California, the bulk of the action takes place 2,200 year ago in Iron Age Ireland, an ancient Celtic warrior society.
As Hawkin leafed through a National Geographic stopping at photographs of Old Croghan Man’s mummified arm, leather armband with copper mounts intact, signifying his nobility; she wondered why he had been so brutally murdered. The seed for this adventure was planted.
Hawkin followed up researching at the national Museum of Ireland in Dublin. Curator, Dr. Eamonn Kelly’s theories on ritual killing of deposed kings formed the basis of her tale. The author’s intuitive imagination adeptly brings this ancient world to life filling it with memorable characters: Bres the unscrupulous rival and usurper, nature goddess – the evil, seductive Crow Queen, Fearghas a brutish, sadistic henchman and Conall the bard.
Irish archaeologist, Sorcha O’Hallorhan, magically transported by the Celtic fertility god, Cernunnos, awakens: “It seemed she’d awoken inside a Van Gogh painting. Spirally masses of stars studded an indigo sky. Dawn was breaking…Ireland, she’d never seen it look this verdant, this fecund, this pristine.” (p 22, 23) Caught in a cattle stampede “the bog man” saves her. “Standing before her was the reason she’d become an archaeologist.” (p25) Like Sorcha I’m enamored with Ruairi, this tall, muscular copper haired man, a man of stature, quiet intensity and few words. This was a man who led. I’m reminded of Tolkien’s Stryder, later revealed as Aragorn – the true king.
Can Sorcha save him from the ritual killing? Can she survive this perilous time? As she falls in love, can she return to her own time? With Hawkin’s fluid prose, well developed characters, jealousies and romance, the reader will be caught up in the magic. People don’t change over the centuries.

Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books214 followers
October 3, 2023
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
1st September 2023
TITLE: To Kill a King
AUTHOR: W. L. Hawkin
Star Rating: 5

‘A thrill-a-page, time-travelling adventure set in Iron Age Ireland. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I must say, there's much to enjoy in this time travelling adventure/romance from the pen of the talented W. L. Hawkin. Skilfully plotted and populated with a number of complex, memorable characters, there's never a dull moment in this lengthy novel. Whether it's getting to know the enigmatic Estrada or the way the author brings Ireland’s history alive, I think most adult readers will find this utterly compelling.
So, what's the plot? Well, nutshell, it's primarily the story of Estrada who's determined to travel back to olden day Ireland to find Sorcha, an archaeologist, who’s lost in time. But, if he's to succeed, he must not upset the Horned God by changing history or by developing strong bonds with anybody in the past. What follows is a compelling adventure led by the complicated and utterly compelling Estrada - a character I very much enjoy getting to know and rooting for.
I'm very happy to recommend this historical novel to anybody who enjoys a strongly plotted adventure with a lot of (yummy!) drama. There's never a dull moment in this book and, although the author is determined for the reader to understand the historical setting, it's cleverly interwoven into the plot. As a result, the pacing is excellent. However, if you happen to have an interest in Iron Age Ireland, you'll also find this a compelling read. Of note, this is the fourth book in the set; personally, I have not read the other books, but I did not feel it was a problem. The author, it seems, can do no wrong.
All in all, a bit of a gem!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
Profile Image for Theresa.
8,800 reviews141 followers
December 15, 2021
To Kill a King (A Hollystone Mystery #4)
by W.L. Hawkin
The fourth and most recent edition of the Hollystone Mystery book series. The book leaves of a side story that was hinted at back in Sleeps with stones, Sorcha's story. Sorcha agreed to three days of time with Cernunnos in Sleeps with stones, to allow Estrada to save Dylan. This resulted in a new adventure for sure, one of time travel, magic, de Dannann (fairy), and a lot of plot twists. The struggles the characters go through are almost unbelievable. What they find is remarkable, relating back to the Bog Man found Old Croghan bog. Its a remarkable turning of events that create a wonderful love story and a page turning book. I hope that we see the story hinted at in the last pages, that may save or change events in to Render a Raven.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews