Ritual Magic

Counterfeit Psychic #3

by Thea Atkinson

One spell might unlock her power, but it will take an unwilling coven to harness it.

When the woman Brie hires to help her in the shop turns up dead, Brie must use her newfound powers to help the police find her killer. But in order to brave the territory of this unusual crime scene, she has to learn the secret of controlling the unstoppable force of her magic. As she digs into the woman's past, Brie uncovers a connection to her mother's disappearance.

The trouble is, the black coven is still practicing in the shadows, and they'll do anything to keep her from discovering the truth.

With Layne battling unseen forces in his werewolf pack, she can't rely on him to help her rein in her powers, and just as she's getting closer to finding answers to the woman's death, the coven strikes again. This time, however, the victim is a dead ringer for Brie. It's clear the coven is coming for her.

Now, she must find a way to convince the coven she is dead. If she can't, then all the magic in the world won't save her from the secrets that will unravel her carefully buried past she thought she knew about her past.

And that grave is one she should never exhume..

Genres: Urban Fantasy

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2022

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

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. Brie finds trouble again when an abused women shows up at her shop and she agrees to help her. The women ends up dead and her, Layne and Parrish don't know if its the women's ex or the black coven coming after her again. Layne is protecting Brie, Parrish has found a new bestie in Brie and Brie is discovering the extent of her powers. Secrets are revealed and the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold onto your hats for this one because there's no time to even take a breath! Brie is once again embroiled in things she has no control over and when a newly hired shop girl turns up dead, Brie realizes that she's in for the fight of her life. She's convinced the Black Coven killed the girl, but Layne isn't on board and neither is the ME Parrish. However, this latest murder isn't the only thing on Brie's mind. She's dealing with her feelings for Layne--should she trust him or not? One minute he's so cold and the next is giving her smoldering looks that melt her insides. What's a girl to do?

I have to admit that my favorite character in this story is Parrish. She's a wise-cracking medical examiner, but she's also become Brie's best friend although Parrish would never admit to such a thing. Heaven forbid Parrish show any sentimental crap like that!

In any case, be prepared for the whiplash effect because there are plenty of twists and turns and surprises at every turn. Be sure to carve out enough time to read this one as you won't want to put it down. Oh boy, I can't wait to see what's in store for our girl Brie as she just tries to stay alive, something that's not quite so easy these days.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Sherlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolutely fantastic read!! I am so addicted and I definitely cannot wait to see what happens next for Brie and Parrish and Layne.. This book has me so addicted to the story that once I started reading it I just couldn't put it down, nor did I want to put it down.. Thea Atkinson is an amazing author and I hope that you find your next favorite author and read with her..

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fabulous series just gets better and better. The excitement and suspense in this story keeps you turning pages long after bedtime. The characters are so relatable. I never want this series to end. It is truly a gem.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!!! Each book in this series is better than the previous one. In Ritual Magic we find out what a truly nasty piece of work Owen really is! There are a lot of twists, as usual in this series. A warning; this book does end on a cliffhanger. The author has a note about her reason for doing it, though. I am very impatiently waiting for the next one!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie can't catch a break. She managed to escape the clutches of the Cult of Blackburn, with a little help from the shade man and a dog, now her newest employee has been murdered and her attempt at using her magic to find out who did it almost got her killed. Her relationship with Layne seems to change on a daily basis, and now there is a crazy social media influencer after her. Buckle up for this one - the hits will keep on coming...

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

[Vannessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a rollercoaster of a story this book was. I love this series and this book was the best of them so far! The action, the tension, the heat, the twists and surprises never seemed to stop!

Brie is the daughter of a powerful witch, but doesn't seem to show her mother's aptitude for magic (yet!) and she is still fearful of the black coven who kidnapped her in the previous book. And she still doesn't really know what they want with her either!

She hires a young woman to help out in her magic shop but on the same night, finds her dead in the alley behind the store. Fearing the black coven thought it was Brie, she tries to go into hiding at Layne's mansion. Trying out a spell, she lands herself in hospital and from there, things definitely take a turn for the worse. Brie constantly fights for her life, but luckily for her she manages to get some help from various allies. The black coven always seem to find her wherever she was though, so there's definitely someone on the inside telling them!

Brie is a great character and even without a strong use of magic, she is determined to fight back when she can against the forces that want her dead. I loved that her and Layne finally got together, but the revelation concerning Layne from his father was very surprising and really made me feel for them both. Parrish is hilarious - I love her humour and even though she won't admit it, Brie and Parrish are strongly becoming besties!

The ending was great (yes a bit of a cliffhanger, but I have no real problem with those - they keep me hanging desperately for the next one!). I can't wait for the next book in this series! Definitely recommended!

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

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Ritual Magic, it was a definite page turner. the excitement and mystery sucked me in to the very end. The characters are super amazing.. specially the main character.
Brie is a supernatural gal or a witch in other words she helps Detective Layne solve unsolvable crimes. Brie sells herself as a Psychic.
Detective Layne is a wolf shifter.. he asked Brie to help him solve a vicious crime where 3 Psychics women that were murdered in the first book Stone Magic.
Parrish is the the police Forensic.. she is also a wolf shifter.. I love how Parrish helps to protect Brie when things go awry and Brie is in trouble.
In order to read Ritual Magic you must read the first 2 books in the series to know what is going on in the story.
A definite must read series and the story will pull you in.. take you for an exciting ride and spit you out leaving you with questions of what will happen next.
Ritual Magic is a definite 5 Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐from me

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brie is once again the center of everything, now trying to convince everyone that the murderer was the Black Coven. She's still trying to get her head around her feelings for Layne and whether he can be trusted or not.

Parrish is by far my favorite character. She's a wise-cracking ME that just makes you smile whenever she's present. I like that the author is truly making Brie struggle with her feelings for Layne rather than just committing to instalove like so many other books do.

There are a lot of twists and turns in this book, and it can be a little much to keep up with. However, the plot keeps you on your toes guessing at what can be next for Brie.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only three days after her ordeal with Farrel, Brie is in hot water again. She hires Scarlett, a young woman who has been abused to take care of the shop in the mornings. As per usual according to Brie, things do not go well. This story contains action, romance, heartbreak, a little bit of steam, and ends with a different kind of cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

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

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Ritual Magic“ is already the third instalment in Thea Atkinson brand-new UF series “Counterfeit Psychic”, and while there is not strictly necessary to read the previous books to follow the action, as Atkinson does a wonderful work of bringing the reader up to speed without spoiling any details, I would heartly recommend reading the previous book, not only just because they are great fun, but also because they add some sublayers to Brie and Garner’s chemistry/relationship.

Death follows Brie again, this time taking the woman she just hired to help her in the shop. Brie joints the investigation helping the police to find the killer using her newfound powers, and the case turns even more personal as Brie unearth a connection between the murder and her own mother’s disappearance. As a new victim – showing an uncanny likeness to Brie – is found, is clear that the murders are circling her in, and with Laney tied up in pack business, Brie would have to face the danger by herself.

“Ritual 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, but could very well have something to do with his own ‘nature’ 😊. 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. An amazing and highly entertained addition to the series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this book is on the darker side so if that’s not your thing move on. Secondly this is a series that needs to be read in order otherwise you will be completely lost so if this is your first book hit pause and pick up the first two in the series and read and enjoy them beforehand. Thirdly awesome just awesome. Brie discovers many things about herself and the people around her. So many excellent surprises about her origins. I love the world building and the character development. And I love the fact that I am struggling to write positive things without being spoilers because I don’t want to ruin the read for anyone. This is an excellent urban fantasy series. It’s a bit gritty in the best way, a bit violent but there’s plenty of witty banter and romance that balances out the darker parts. And omg what a cliffhanger! I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie needs to sort through her mother’s things so she put a help wanted sign in her window. A woman who was beaten brought in an application and was hired. The man who beat her, her husband finds her there, and Parrish and he fight. When he leaves, they set her up in the shop. Brie attends a function and is caught between Layne and Owen…it turns out badly~ When she finds Parrish, she finds a whole bowl full of trouble once more. More dead bodies are on the horizon, more witches, more werewolves, more spells, and more mysteries that need solving. More fighting, and most of all a relationship that gets started stopped in its tracks…and by what or whom? Betrayal will be another thing for Brie to deal with in a big way. Doppelgangers, Abbi, shades, a coven and so much more make appearances all for Brie to figure out and deal with…this book is no exception when it comes to action, shock, and thrills~ Who will be hurt? Killed? Enlightened? This is the third part of the journey you will definitely not want to miss out on…another cliffhanger in the works! I cannot wait for the next part of their journey…

[Nickole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Booksprout for giving my two cents. Holy H-E-double hockey sticks...I did NOT see that coming. In previous books Brie has been the victim of attacks and kidnappings but when a kindred spirit enters her shop looking for a job, she acquiesces to help Scarlet. There is more danger afoot and Layne keeps Brie at his family compound. But what's more disturbing is smtg happend at her shop and she doesn't know why but she knows it's all connected. Layne was terrified that stmg happened to Brie and kinds of admits some feelings for her. Brie needs answers and uses her magic to call forth the dearly departed but she forgot a very important detail and ends up in the hospital. Parrish turns out to be a better friend and helps Brie along with way whether she likes it or not. Brie knows there is smtg big going down and everything that has happened is for a reason and somehow it connects the old black witch coven to her mother. Will Brie be able to piece it together or will it be the end of her? I couldn't put it down...read it on one sitting!!

[tburbr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the series thanks to the entertaining characters along with an engaging story line that kept my attention from start to finish.

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

[Sissy Satterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so surprised by the events in this book that I just had to hold on for that one more page, until I hit the last page. This was a Real Page Turner for me and I am very excited for more! Great Read! Loved It!!!. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natalie Noblett · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my gosh! What can I say. Another amazing book from an amazing author! Ritual Magic sees Brie recovered from her last encounter with the Black Coven and back to business as usual in her psychic shop. But not for long. Unfortunately, a new employee of Brie's, Scarlett, ends up dead in her shop which leads to it becoming a crime scene again so Brie has to relocate to Layne's manor for protection. After a spell goes wrong when Brie tries to contact Scarlett's ghost to find out her killer, Brie ends up in hospital where she is attacked by the Black Coven, again. Trouble just seems to follow poor Brie and just when we think she finally gets a break and gets together with Layne, Owen drops a bombshell that leads to Brie making a heartbreaking decision. Ends on a kind of cliff hanger. I hope Brie and Layne get their happy ending or I feel like it will have all been for nothing.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie is back for more trouble and some possible answers. The story was full of danger, surprises, black magic and wolves as she tries t survive what her life has become. It was crazy and fun to read with random turns and everyone being their crazy selves. I laughed, groaned, cheered and yelled but enjoyed it all. Glued to the end and found it hard to put down and sad when it ended and now cannot wait for the next one to see what happens with the truths revealed at the end.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next book cant get here fast enough!

[Thea Atkinson]

I am loving writing this series. Ritual Magic stretched my writer muscle in so many ways. It's dark of course, like the rest of the series and like the rest of my writing, but most of my readers enjoy that about my work.

The characters are developing well by this time and I look forward to seeing them engage with one another over the next few planned books. Yes. I do have more in mind for the series. The mystery is a nice long stretch and it'd delighting me to see it develop.

If you've been along for the ride with me, I thought I'd drop in a small excerpt for you to enjoy from Chapter one. It shows the sorts of dark themes I usually end up writing about, that could trigger readers who aren't expecting it.

Of course, it's first draft and very raw yet.

EXCERPT: Chapter One: Ritual Magic
The girl who stood at the threshold of my shop wore a black eye that swollen enough that I barely noticed the split in the corner of her mouth. My stomach clenched at the sight of her. She looked like a stray cat, beaten and mangy and terrified of a loving touch. When she scanned the shop, clutching a single page of white resume paper, I knew why she was there, and I didn't care if she had a record for theft or drugs or if she was a crack-addicted prostitute. I planned to hire her right then and there.

I tried not to scurry out from behind my counter and ambush her, though the urge was pretty insistent. She gave me every indication that she'd take off like a shot if I did that. Instead, I busied myself with a few bars of spelled soap a customer had requisitioned as a special order. They'd been cut already into rustic shapes and I was tying the parchment around them, blotting each with a wax seal that held a single hair from her lover.

Love spells were tricky, but I figured since the two were already a pair, I couldn't do much harm if it did work, and if it was inert, I'd lost nothing in the attempt. With my attention carefully concentrated on the perfect dollop of wax, I barely heard the girl approach the counter until I sensed her a lurking nearby.

A mouse, I thought. Not a cat. She was mouse in an alley, beaten around a few times by the resident tom but still hanging in there. Good for her.

"Excuse me," she said. Her voice was like a rusty hinge, throaty with just a hint of abrasion.
I looked up, holding the sealer down on the gob of black wax. "I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't hear you come in. How can I help you?"

This close up, I could see how much the black eye had to hurt. It positively throbbed purple and yellow at the edges. It was all I could do not to wince as she shoved the paper at me with one hand. The other went behind her back. I had the feeling she was crossing her fingers back there, hoping for a stroke of luck.

"I want to apply for the job."

My gaze flicked to the sign I'd put in the window the day before. No one had applied for the job and I'd expected it to take a few weeks to find the right clerk. I couldn't afford a lot, which I expected to put a damper on the applicants, but neither could I afford not to hire someone.

With the Cult of Blackburn still working in the shadows, I was getting too antsy to be in the shop alone all the time. I'd already been attacked by one of their goons and narrowly escaped his scythe. I'd passed out too many times playing around with the magic I'd seemingly acquired. And I'd apparently fugue-walked from the store to the scene of a triple homicide.

A gal had to know when enough was enough and call in the calvary already.

***
You can preorder Ritual Magic from Amazon right now if you like. Or just mark it to read here in Goodreads and Amazon will remind you when it launches.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PB63RD1

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read that once I started there was no putting it down. It moves along at a great pace which made for an easy and enjoyable read. It has interesting characters that you want to know and cannot help but love. This book needs to be read, there is no doubt about it.

[Trevor T. O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and looking forward to more

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book three of the Ritual Magic series and the main character Brie is becoming too busy in the shop with appointments quite possibly referred by her last wealthy client with the desk mask. She has had to put up a help wanted sign and wasn’t very hopeful of a quick result until a young woman comes into the shop with a horrible looking black eye. She is looking for a job and obviously running form something. She only has a single page resume but after a brief chat, Brie hires her on the spot and the young woman, Ruby, starts straight away. A face peering in the front of her shop shocks both of them. Brie automatically thinks it is someone from the black witch coven her mother belonged to who have dragged her into their shocking dark spells. The strange black dog makes an appearance again this time even Ruby sees her but not Parrish when she arrives after the call for help. Layne turns up after the commotion and arranges to take Brie back to the wolf pack home for safety and she suggest Ruby stay in the back room as she has nowhere to go. Unfortunately, Layne and his father, the pack alpha Owen have a business dinner with lots of important pack members and she is the odd one out. Pushing from Owen makes her wish to leave!
When someone attacks Ruby at the back of her shop she and Parrish arrive to find her seriously injured and the shop in an absolute mess. Brie automatically believes the black coven is responsible and that they were after her. She needs to find out what happened and uses the magic she has inherited from her mother and finally believes in, but is untrained in, to try to contact the dead. She didn’t use anything to protect herself when she started the spell and almost ended up killing herself in the process! Whilst recovering she finds out a bit more about Parrish and Layne, as well as some about why he was missing for weeks and the forces keeping him busy within his pack and their ancient connection to the black witch coven. There is more to connect the wolf pack and the black witches than Brie could ever know and it is not going to be anything good for her.
Owen decides to tell her some home truths about why he is against her being in any sort of relationship with his son and why he has been making plays for her himself! It is shocking but she feels he is telling her the bitter truth and she has a huge decision to make which could either mean that Layne will live or die. Meanwhile the black coven are up to something and it is closely linked to who exactly she is and her mother’s past. The black dog she has now named Abbi, may not be a harbinger of doom to her, but a warning of danger coming and also a protector. She never knew who her father was, but that secret may finally get revealed. Who she herself might be is also a huge surprise and gives a clue as to why the coven want her, but the one who controls everything is the biggest surprise of them all! She should have connected the dots before now, with all that has been happening to and around her but so much has happened she hasn’t had the time or freedom to even think. She was hidden away and protected, but now all those protections have unravelled laying her bare to the worst of the black coven’s desires. A shocking end to the story and leaving you wanting to know exactly what has happened and who might survive until the next book! I can’t wait to read it! I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is still getting comfortable with her new abilities, but events are not going to give her time to adjust.

This is book three of the series, but it works pretty well as a standalone. All the essential bits are explained early on.

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 me into the story. I particularly like our heroine and her partner. It was also fun to learn a bit more about the world. The plot moved at a solid pace, keeping me engaged and flipping pages. 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.

[Caroline Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I think this book in the series is better than the last one, I really love Brie, she doesn't have much faith in herself but as far as I'm concerned she's so strong! And if true be told I think she's an amazing character. But I do also think Parrish is amazing too!
The storyline is so fast paced, it doesn't slow down until the cliffhanger......
Its got so much happening, action, adventure and sooooooo much excitement!
I think Layne needs to pull his finger out if he truly wants Brie!

[Crystal Bookreader Amason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal!
Brie is trying to get some semblance of normal back to her life, so she hires someone to help out at her shop. But as you know murder and chaos follow Brie. It seems as tho the coven has befriended an alpha wolf. The sparks continue between Layne and Brie. Layne is doing his best to protect her, but it's not enough. Things are becoming super complicated and twisted. People are definitely playing double agent. I am absolutely ecstatic that there will be a book 4!

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW! What a great read! The story has been amazing so far and this one kicked it up a notch. There's so much happening that you can't put it down. There are twists and suspense plus surprises. And the ending has you wanting more, I can't wait for the next book to find out what happens next. Definitely betting there are more surprises in store for us!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. So many things happening. So many things were revealed and discovered. I am still reeling about the revelation of Owen’s secrets. What a nasty person. The coven rears its black ugly head and Brie discovers sooooooo much about herself and her mother. The book ended leaving me wanting more and quite eager for the next book. I loved reading it!

[Shelby White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brie is back and the twists and danger coming her way are treacherous and just maybe a bit much for her to handle. She’s got murder, mayhem, a secret coven and a unsteady romance. This is an exciting urban adventure full of magical fantasy, volatile characters and a riveting well plotted story . 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 very good UF/PNR storyline with defined, mostly likable characters. There is action, adventure, murder, mystery, betrayal, chemistry, and secrets. I enjoyed this entertaining and engaging addition to the series and look forward to reading more.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.