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Vanessa Kinley, Witch PI #1
Between a Witch and a Hard Place
Twelve years ago, my mother, a powerful chaos witch, walked out on me and my twin brother without a backward glance. We didn't hear another word out of her until a vampire walked into my brother Nick's bar wanting me to track her down. She'd disappeared into thin air, and he insisted that I was the only one who could find her. Of course, I refused. How could I not? Disappearing was Mom's wheelhouse, and after she'd disappeared on us, I never wanted to see her again. Then members of the local supernatural community started turning up dead, and Nick was fingered as the suspect. With his life on the line, I had to make a Throw everything I had at finding the real culprit and, maybe, our mother, or be forced to watch while the local werewolf pack tore Nick limb from limb as punishment for a crime he didn't commit.
187 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2022
About the author
Celia Roman
26 books44 followersCelia Roman lives in the Southern Appalachians, surrounded by generations of family and myth. Her stories are inspired by a natural interest in the paranormal and too many late night reruns of Supernatural.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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February 26, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/26/2022)! 🎁
April 26, 2024
I finished this book, but it wasn't a sure thing I would. The mystery is good enough, but the relationships seem false and forced, and the characters seem one-dimensional to me. This is a female protagonist, but she's written as though she has a masculine experience of life - afraid of nothing, at least until the author needed a reason for her to have quit the police force, then she was vulnerable and scared. Typical women fear for their own safety a lot. (Even if they are trained on firearms.) For her to be so blasé about wandering around in bad parts of town chasing a killer entirely on her own without backup rings false to me. She's also clueless. The werewolf pack leader has all but announced he's into her, and she doesn't even notice, so focused on her job (again, a more masculine trait - women tend to be very aware of other people's reactions to them and pick up a lot of detail). The mystery escalates fast at the end, and the end is not fully satisfying. The killer gets away.
I assumed this author hasn't written much yet, but looking at her page, that's not true. I'm glad she's found an audience, but I'm unlikely to join the fan club.
I assumed this author hasn't written much yet, but looking at her page, that's not true. I'm glad she's found an audience, but I'm unlikely to join the fan club.
December 12, 2021
Outstanding Story !! . . .
Vanessa Kinley (“Nessie”) was working at her brother Nick’s bar, filling in for one of the waitresses. A vampire sat down next to her as she waited for Nick to fill her drink tray. He told her he needed her, and she flat-out refused without listening further. Vamps were trouble. She delivered the drinks, turned around, and walked into the vampire’s chest. Again, he said he needed her. Fortunately she had enough “witch” in her to be resistant to his mesmerizing powers. Well, maybe not, as she leaned into him and her heart rate increased. He grinned. But when he said he needed to talk about her mother, anger flooded her. Twelve years ago, her mother, a powerful chaos witch, walked out on her and Nick. Now the vampire, Dimitri Stanislov, wants her to track her mother down for him. She refused; they owed her nothing after what she did by abandoning them. But Nick thought she should help and left her with doubts.
Then Seth, Alpha of the wolf pack and their landlord, stopped by to tell them a female wolf, Serena Jimenez, went missing. The enforcer reported to Seth that the magic scent she followed to the spot Serena disappeared was like “every magic, but none on its own”. Nessie tensed. Her mother, a chaos witch, could draw on magic through multiple forms of ritual, the magic itself not exactly formless, but not so distinctive that it could easily be defined. And her mother was the only chaos witch she was aware of.
Nessie got a call from Seth that they found a body, although not a fresh kill, in the parking garage she had been in just two hours earlier. And the body was right next to Nick’s truck. Someone was framing her brother! Nick was identified as the suspect, so she had to find the murderer, even if it was her mother, or her brother would die. Did she have any suspects of her own right now? How could she intensify her search? This was the job she had done for the police when she worked there, and she was very good at it. She gathered as much evidence as she could before the police took over.
This was such a well-written, great, suspenseful story with so many pieces fitting in. The characters were outstanding, and the author provided the reader with information in a natural way rather than listing facts. It kept the story alive and thrilling. Grab your copy and be ready to follow Nessie in her search to clear her brother.
Vanessa Kinley (“Nessie”) was working at her brother Nick’s bar, filling in for one of the waitresses. A vampire sat down next to her as she waited for Nick to fill her drink tray. He told her he needed her, and she flat-out refused without listening further. Vamps were trouble. She delivered the drinks, turned around, and walked into the vampire’s chest. Again, he said he needed her. Fortunately she had enough “witch” in her to be resistant to his mesmerizing powers. Well, maybe not, as she leaned into him and her heart rate increased. He grinned. But when he said he needed to talk about her mother, anger flooded her. Twelve years ago, her mother, a powerful chaos witch, walked out on her and Nick. Now the vampire, Dimitri Stanislov, wants her to track her mother down for him. She refused; they owed her nothing after what she did by abandoning them. But Nick thought she should help and left her with doubts.
Then Seth, Alpha of the wolf pack and their landlord, stopped by to tell them a female wolf, Serena Jimenez, went missing. The enforcer reported to Seth that the magic scent she followed to the spot Serena disappeared was like “every magic, but none on its own”. Nessie tensed. Her mother, a chaos witch, could draw on magic through multiple forms of ritual, the magic itself not exactly formless, but not so distinctive that it could easily be defined. And her mother was the only chaos witch she was aware of.
Nessie got a call from Seth that they found a body, although not a fresh kill, in the parking garage she had been in just two hours earlier. And the body was right next to Nick’s truck. Someone was framing her brother! Nick was identified as the suspect, so she had to find the murderer, even if it was her mother, or her brother would die. Did she have any suspects of her own right now? How could she intensify her search? This was the job she had done for the police when she worked there, and she was very good at it. She gathered as much evidence as she could before the police took over.
This was such a well-written, great, suspenseful story with so many pieces fitting in. The characters were outstanding, and the author provided the reader with information in a natural way rather than listing facts. It kept the story alive and thrilling. Grab your copy and be ready to follow Nessie in her search to clear her brother.
February 27, 2023
Good
Vanessa Kinley, half witch, is a PI, one whom the local werewolf alpha uses when he has need of someone to investigate things for him; like a missing young werewolf packmember.
The case is far from run of the mill, and only becomes more convoluted when Vanessa finds her missing mother, and her twin brother implicated…
This is the first in series, although there is a precursor story introducing Vanessa.
It’s set in a complex paranormal world, with the usual suspects, including our heroine and her twin brother who are purportedly half witches (although they know nothing about their father).
There is an interesting, but complicated relationship between Vanessa and pretty much everyone else she meets in the book- it really highlights just how alone she feels throughout the tale- and in particular with one alpha werewolf.
This is a fast paced, exceedingly well written story, just jam packed with fascinating characters. Although the main story is wrapped up, there is a book-hook ending, and a few hanging questions left unanswered.
Ultimately, this is an enthralling read, populated with intriguing characters, and a mysterious background story that makes you want more!
Well worth the read if you’re an urban fantasy/paranormal mystery lover.
Vanessa Kinley, half witch, is a PI, one whom the local werewolf alpha uses when he has need of someone to investigate things for him; like a missing young werewolf packmember.
The case is far from run of the mill, and only becomes more convoluted when Vanessa finds her missing mother, and her twin brother implicated…
This is the first in series, although there is a precursor story introducing Vanessa.
It’s set in a complex paranormal world, with the usual suspects, including our heroine and her twin brother who are purportedly half witches (although they know nothing about their father).
There is an interesting, but complicated relationship between Vanessa and pretty much everyone else she meets in the book- it really highlights just how alone she feels throughout the tale- and in particular with one alpha werewolf.
This is a fast paced, exceedingly well written story, just jam packed with fascinating characters. Although the main story is wrapped up, there is a book-hook ending, and a few hanging questions left unanswered.
Ultimately, this is an enthralling read, populated with intriguing characters, and a mysterious background story that makes you want more!
Well worth the read if you’re an urban fantasy/paranormal mystery lover.
March 30, 2024
Concealed
Vanessa is annoying--but she has ample reasons to be. Far too much has been concealed from her for far too long. For someone in the business of information and overwhelmed at the threat against her family, it is amazing she is able to sort any pieces into place.
Even the situation with her former cop partner was tied to some serious disinformation. When some of the information emerges, it turns her understanding of herself, her family, her parents inside out. I suspect when she remembers and realizes the significance of what her cop partner said about her Dad and what Seth's wolf said about who she is, her understanding of things will be forever altered again.
While this part of the story has everyone relatively safe again at the end and there is no cliffhanger, I suspect I have not ever seen a book with so many loose ends.
This is a fast paced read. It probably had some mild cussing, but I was too wrapped up in the plot to notice. There were -no- scenes of sexual intimacy and except for a a few words about a couple of dead bodies, there's no gore.
Professional paranormal PI stories? Paranormal mysteries? Count me in! I am going to enjoy reading the rest of this series.
Happy Reading!
Vanessa is annoying--but she has ample reasons to be. Far too much has been concealed from her for far too long. For someone in the business of information and overwhelmed at the threat against her family, it is amazing she is able to sort any pieces into place.
Even the situation with her former cop partner was tied to some serious disinformation. When some of the information emerges, it turns her understanding of herself, her family, her parents inside out. I suspect when she remembers and realizes the significance of what her cop partner said about her Dad and what Seth's wolf said about who she is, her understanding of things will be forever altered again.
While this part of the story has everyone relatively safe again at the end and there is no cliffhanger, I suspect I have not ever seen a book with so many loose ends.
This is a fast paced read. It probably had some mild cussing, but I was too wrapped up in the plot to notice. There were -no- scenes of sexual intimacy and except for a a few words about a couple of dead bodies, there's no gore.
Professional paranormal PI stories? Paranormal mysteries? Count me in! I am going to enjoy reading the rest of this series.
Happy Reading!
June 22, 2026
This is a good start to a series. There is an issue in this story – missing paranormals – that gets solved while leaving enough threads dangling to let us know more is coming. But at least it doesn’t end on a nasty cliffhanger, which I appreciate. Yes, we know more is coming, that’s obvious, but we get this part of the story solved.
In this one, Vanessa (aka Nessie) is an ex-cop turned PI who is hired by the local werewolf alpha to find a missing female werewolf. What she finds is more missing than just one female, leads to her mother who disappeared years ago, and a lot of secrets that affected her and her brother’s lives. Like the fact that they aren’t failed witches, but actually rather powerful ones who had been blocked by their mother before she took off. The question is, why? And when her aunt unblocks them, then the power really comes out–and not necessarily in a good way. The world building in the story is done well as are most of the characters. I’m just not sure I believed Nessie a whole lot. She seemed too clueless at times, especially when it came to Seth, the alpha of the pack.
Still, not a bad book. And I will look forward to the following books and the solving of the overall mystery.
Recommended.
In this one, Vanessa (aka Nessie) is an ex-cop turned PI who is hired by the local werewolf alpha to find a missing female werewolf. What she finds is more missing than just one female, leads to her mother who disappeared years ago, and a lot of secrets that affected her and her brother’s lives. Like the fact that they aren’t failed witches, but actually rather powerful ones who had been blocked by their mother before she took off. The question is, why? And when her aunt unblocks them, then the power really comes out–and not necessarily in a good way. The world building in the story is done well as are most of the characters. I’m just not sure I believed Nessie a whole lot. She seemed too clueless at times, especially when it came to Seth, the alpha of the pack.
Still, not a bad book. And I will look forward to the following books and the solving of the overall mystery.
Recommended.
September 1, 2023
First by this author and I did like it
I'd probably go more like a 4.5 only. I couldn't bring myself to do a 4 star...
The storyline was solid, though I didn't love that we don't know some things by the end. Seth... Dimitri... where is this going? Are we going to get some romance for all three or what? I can't say too much of what I think without blowing stuff for readers. Suffice it to say the world building was decent. I would have liked to see the protagonist grow a bit more.
It's frustrating that I got to the end, and we still don't know why her mother took off... I mean if there was one loose end it was this and I waited for it!!! And then it fell flat and I was disappointed. All the other stuff I could live with finding out over time but not this since it was central to the story.
Okay that's my "I just finished the book" rant. Good book though so read it already! Hah!
I'd probably go more like a 4.5 only. I couldn't bring myself to do a 4 star...
The storyline was solid, though I didn't love that we don't know some things by the end. Seth... Dimitri... where is this going? Are we going to get some romance for all three or what? I can't say too much of what I think without blowing stuff for readers. Suffice it to say the world building was decent. I would have liked to see the protagonist grow a bit more.
It's frustrating that I got to the end, and we still don't know why her mother took off... I mean if there was one loose end it was this and I waited for it!!! And then it fell flat and I was disappointed. All the other stuff I could live with finding out over time but not this since it was central to the story.
Okay that's my "I just finished the book" rant. Good book though so read it already! Hah!
August 25, 2023
Fascinating Magical Mystery
This page turner was such a fascinating and exciting magical mystery!! The characters were intense as they pieced together the mysterious happenings that had so influenced their lives. I enjoyed the strong family bonds that were pravalent throughout the book. I also enjoyed the lessons learned throu the dysfunction of the relationships caused by the unexplained absences of some of the family members!
This page turner was such a fascinating and exciting magical mystery!! The characters were intense as they pieced together the mysterious happenings that had so influenced their lives. I enjoyed the strong family bonds that were pravalent throughout the book. I also enjoyed the lessons learned throu the dysfunction of the relationships caused by the unexplained absences of some of the family members!
April 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this series! Vanessa is a great FMC - strong, confident in herself, but uncertain at times, and very protective of both her own heart and her brother's. I loved the whole series - read it straight through. However, there are a few things that really weren't wrapped up by the end, and I hate hanging threads. I can't really expand on that without giving out spoilers, but trust me, you'll still enjoy the books.
December 14, 2021
This is a great read, I really enjoyed it! The story drew me in right away, it’s very well written. I like the plot about their mother, an interesting mystery. I love all the characters, they are relatable and intriguing. It being paranormal made it even more awesome. I can’t wait for the next book!
November 3, 2022
Addictively good
There is so much in this tale no way to do it justice in a review. Witches, werewolves, vampires...and that's just the primary characters. A mystery frame, murder, secrets and family history that begins to come to light...A juicy opener to an extremely promising series...Will be added to my wish list as soon as I post this review!!
There is so much in this tale no way to do it justice in a review. Witches, werewolves, vampires...and that's just the primary characters. A mystery frame, murder, secrets and family history that begins to come to light...A juicy opener to an extremely promising series...Will be added to my wish list as soon as I post this review!!
August 27, 2023
Slow build magic and murder.
Good storyline, supes are being kidnapped, vampires werewolves and others but then some are being found dead and Nessie and her family are being targeted she just doesn't know why or how. Basically a murder mystery with magic overtones and a huge plot bomb at the end making it a great read, Baz.
Good storyline, supes are being kidnapped, vampires werewolves and others but then some are being found dead and Nessie and her family are being targeted she just doesn't know why or how. Basically a murder mystery with magic overtones and a huge plot bomb at the end making it a great read, Baz.
September 28, 2024
what a read!
Absolutely and totally loved this book…
Seriously did not put it down until I finished it…
Great story, great characters, and soooo many questions…
Intriguing read with drama and humour and of course supernaturals…
Written so well that I was hooked from the beginning….
A really great book and am looking forward to continuing this series…
Absolutely and totally loved this book…
Seriously did not put it down until I finished it…
Great story, great characters, and soooo many questions…
Intriguing read with drama and humour and of course supernaturals…
Written so well that I was hooked from the beginning….
A really great book and am looking forward to continuing this series…
December 2, 2021
Ok, where to start? Love love love this new series! Love the twin main characters and especially Vanessa. Cant wait to see what transpires between Seth and Nessie, and what happened to their mother. I hope book 2 comes out soon!!!
December 13, 2021
Surprising and Twisty...im hooked!
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The main characters are likable and believable. I couldn't guess where the plot was going to go. Looking forward to the next one!
I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. The main characters are likable and believable. I couldn't guess where the plot was going to go. Looking forward to the next one!
September 20, 2023
discovering you’re a witch
An ex-cop and current PI discovers that she has unexpected magical powers that she needs to help herself and those around her. The characters and action scenes seem realistic, and the plot will keep you flipping through the pages to see how it all ends.
An ex-cop and current PI discovers that she has unexpected magical powers that she needs to help herself and those around her. The characters and action scenes seem realistic, and the plot will keep you flipping through the pages to see how it all ends.
September 22, 2023
Readable
This isn't a great book, but it is enjoyable. I liked the protagonist. If I can compare this to food, and to me books are as necessary as food, it's like a fabulous spinach artichoke dip that you cannot stop eating.
This isn't a great book, but it is enjoyable. I liked the protagonist. If I can compare this to food, and to me books are as necessary as food, it's like a fabulous spinach artichoke dip that you cannot stop eating.
December 19, 2023
Hmm
While an interesting read, i havent decided how i feel about the story. There's too much left unsaid and the things that are said are done in riddles which kinda irritate me. I kay try the second book to see if i can handle anymore but this is definitely a hmm.
While an interesting read, i havent decided how i feel about the story. There's too much left unsaid and the things that are said are done in riddles which kinda irritate me. I kay try the second book to see if i can handle anymore but this is definitely a hmm.
April 9, 2024
Supernatural procedural
There are a lot of secrets being kept that makes it hard to solve the disappearances of multiple supernaturals. Family secrets nearly cause the death of the two main characters
There are a lot of secrets being kept that makes it hard to solve the disappearances of multiple supernaturals. Family secrets nearly cause the death of the two main characters
August 27, 2024
Hard book to put down
Hard book to put down. I was immediately pulled into the story. I enjoyed the characters so much, than you add the twist and turns into it. Beautifully thought out and written. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Hard book to put down. I was immediately pulled into the story. I enjoyed the characters so much, than you add the twist and turns into it. Beautifully thought out and written. I can't wait to read more of her books.
November 27, 2021
Great cover, amazing plot, so original. Loved every second of this book! I need more and this was well worth the read. I need to know what else is going on
December 18, 2021
A great start to a series. It all starts when a vampire contacts Vanessa with a request to find her mother. From there the kidnappings start. Throw in werewolves and you have a great mystery.
December 19, 2021
Interesting plot
I enjoyed the plot and character development. Some questions were answered but many more remain and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I enjoyed the plot and character development. Some questions were answered but many more remain and I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 8, 2022
Brilliant
Another new series by a brilliant author
who writes with such passion and great detail. She just draws you in and get soo caught up with the characters and storyline.
Another new series by a brilliant author
who writes with such passion and great detail. She just draws you in and get soo caught up with the characters and storyline.
March 2, 2022
Awesome
Love it I hope that Seth and her will get together . I can't wait until the next book. I read this in one go.
Love it I hope that Seth and her will get together . I can't wait until the next book. I read this in one go.
August 29, 2023
a fun new take
This book was a lot of fu. With a twin and a smart pig who relies on brains. Instead of brawn or magi. One clicking on book 2 now..
This book was a lot of fu. With a twin and a smart pig who relies on brains. Instead of brawn or magi. One clicking on book 2 now..
October 12, 2023
Great intro to a new-to-me series. Witches, vampires, shifters, mystery, and a history that points to much more story to come.
September 5, 2025
magic
All good fantasy books have magic! This was a great little read. If u like fantasy investigation books this is one for u! Start reading today.
All good fantasy books have magic! This was a great little read. If u like fantasy investigation books this is one for u! Start reading today.
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