In the first of the Rowan Gant Investigation series we are introduced to Rowan, his wife Felicity and his friend Ben Storm. Ben just happens to be a St. Louis homicide detective. Rowan and Felicity also happen to be Wiccans. So when Ben comes across a case that has occult overtones he consults Rowan for some insights. Rowan offers some useful information and then all hell breaks loose. Rowan finds himself being contacted by the spirit of the murder victim (who just happens to have been a former student). The murder is especially brutal and disturbing and, unfortunately, only the beginning.

In his efforts to help the spirit he finds himself more involved in this murder investigation than he ever intended. In addition to trying to find the serial killer, we follow along as Rowan tries to deal with his new (and unwanted) psychic talents.

Rowan, Felicity and Ben are flawed, sometimes annoying and ultimately human characters. None are perfect and all of them are disturbed by the case. I really appreciate that Sellars treats spellworking in a realistic way and not as something that creates fireworks and leads to flying on broomsticks.

When this book was done, I was glad I had the next one ready to start reading. ( )

This is the first book in the Rowan Gant series. I have to
say that I'm not nearly very enthusiastic about this book.
The story was interesting enough, and the "woowhoo" factor was fairly
high -- with many psychic visions and odd dreams. But there was just
something about the way the characters talked to each other, the way they
interacted, that rang false to me. Much too stilted, conversations that
just didn't seem true to life, the way friends or spouses really talk to one
another. The character of Ben Storm came off seeming almost like a buffoon
at times. It just didn't ring true.

I wanted to read the book, also, because it was set in St. Louis, which is
only about 100 miles from me and I'm pretty familiar with the city. I
couldn't help but picture a friend of mine who happens to live in St. Louis
(a certain "wizard") in the role of Rowan Gant. He certainly looks the part, even if his religious views are
completely different. That made the book a little more interesting for
me, too, I'll have to admit.

The story was good, and now that I've gotten to know the characters a bit,
perhaps I'll enjoy the next book in the series a bit more. I'll give this
one a 3.5. ( )

Review located at http://lupabitch.wordpress.com/2007/0... ( )

Exciting mystery with not too much gore. It is described, but not in so much detail as to make you ill. Terrific writing kept me turning the page, even at work. Thrilling to the end, it is possible to guess the killer, but not until later in the book. (A nice change from the fluffies) The last chapters are action packed. Worth reading I got through the 300 odd pages in less than one day so I can honestly say and fast read. ( )

I haven't read many of the Rowan Gant mysteries, but I did enjoy this one. I found the main characters a little stereotypical, but overall it's a pretty good first novel. ( )