What do you think?
Rate this book
Council of Covens Noir #1
In Search of a Witch's Soul
A missing witch. A human detective. An illicit underworld of dark and addictive magic.
Human private detective Anna Caill hasn't recovered from the loss of her soul mate. But a girl's gotta eat. And what better way to make a living than to help out the witches, forced underground since the 1920 prohibition on magic? If that happens to give her access to the dark but addictive spell she needs to keep on living, so much the better.
When the mysterious Jesse Hunt saunters into her office, he and his case will test her limits. He hires her to find his friend, the high priest of an ancient coven. But this seemingly open and shut case turns dangerous when the evidence starts to veer close to the serial killer who's been stalking the magical underworld.
As her case unravels, Anna is forced to confront her addiction and her painful past in this urban fantasy noir.
Human private detective Anna Caill hasn't recovered from the loss of her soul mate. But a girl's gotta eat. And what better way to make a living than to help out the witches, forced underground since the 1920 prohibition on magic? If that happens to give her access to the dark but addictive spell she needs to keep on living, so much the better.
When the mysterious Jesse Hunt saunters into her office, he and his case will test her limits. He hires her to find his friend, the high priest of an ancient coven. But this seemingly open and shut case turns dangerous when the evidence starts to veer close to the serial killer who's been stalking the magical underworld.
As her case unravels, Anna is forced to confront her addiction and her painful past in this urban fantasy noir.
212 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2019
About the author
D. Lieber
18 books222 followersD. Lieber is an urban fantasy and sci-fi author with a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.
Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.
Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).
Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.
Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 24, 2019
I was looking forward to this one but in the end it didn't quite gel for me. I had to check at the start it wasn't part of a serial because I often felt like there something I'd missed.
It's not a bad book, I enjoyed the story in general terms, there's a lot packed into it and it had a really good twists at the end but sometimes books just aren't meant to be for a person and I think this one was mine
It's not a bad book, I enjoyed the story in general terms, there's a lot packed into it and it had a really good twists at the end but sometimes books just aren't meant to be for a person and I think this one was mine
January 26, 2019
You can also read my review here:https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
3.5 Stars
I was initially drawn to this story because it combined some of my favorite things, prohibition and magic. I've always been fascinated with the 1920's, gangsters, speakeasies and prohibition. I've read several books set in the same time period and watched countless movies on the subject. The difference for this book is that instead of prohibition of alcohol it is about the prohibition of humans using magic in a society where witches are 'out of the closet'.
The main character Anna is a human private detective that often gets called for cases involving witches because she is sympathetic to them and the judgement that they receive since the prohibition laws. Anna gets hired to help find a missing male witch and she also deals with her own personal issues throughout the story. She has gone through difficult times and is having some difficulties coping.
One part of the story I found very interesting is the Living Memory spell. Anna lost a lover, Cy, and is having trouble grieving and moving on, so she keeps reliving her old memories.I could really relate with her pain and loss, but I also found the spell and the way it worked to be fascinating. While the world building isn't very detailed and I had many questions about how witches and magic were integrated with society, I did really enjoy how the magic itself was described. Some of the spells were depicted so vividly and I found that aspect of the story to be greatly done.
I also really enjoyed the way the mystery unraveled with all of it's clues. The thoughts and observations that Anna made while gathering information and putting her case together made me feel like a detective myself. Both the plot and writing really kept me reading. The writing and dialogue did a great job of capturing the time period. Some of the phrases used were clearly indicative of the 1920's, like 'fella' and 'swell'. The way society acted also stayed true to the time, as many people were shocked to find out about a gay couple, yet the author kept homophobia out of the book. D. Lieber's writing really made the setting feel authentic, yet kept it from being hateful.
While I did enjoy many aspects of the story, I also had several issues with it. There were multiple points of view, Anna's and Fjolnir's, both of which were written in first person. In the beginning this was very confusing. As neither point of view had a distinct voice, it was easy to confuse the two. Another issue I had was that I found the way sexual interest was expressed felt clinical, yet slutty at the same time, but certainly not sexy at all. The sex scenes and love interests just turned me off because of this. I think part of it had to do with the word choice, like when the author used words like 'libido' and 'my desire', but I feel like it was more than just that. The last issue I had was that I guessed the ending, so the story was a bit predictable.
Overall I did really enjoy the book, despite my few issues with it. The author clearly excels at keeping my attention and writing vivid magical scenes. I did like the mystery, but it could have been a bit less predictable. I really struggled to enjoy the romance in this novel and feel like the sex scenes could use some work. I would recommend this to people who enjoy reading urban fantasies with a few sex scenes thrown in. The writing is great for a book as undiscovered as this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
3.5 Stars
I was initially drawn to this story because it combined some of my favorite things, prohibition and magic. I've always been fascinated with the 1920's, gangsters, speakeasies and prohibition. I've read several books set in the same time period and watched countless movies on the subject. The difference for this book is that instead of prohibition of alcohol it is about the prohibition of humans using magic in a society where witches are 'out of the closet'.
The main character Anna is a human private detective that often gets called for cases involving witches because she is sympathetic to them and the judgement that they receive since the prohibition laws. Anna gets hired to help find a missing male witch and she also deals with her own personal issues throughout the story. She has gone through difficult times and is having some difficulties coping.
One part of the story I found very interesting is the Living Memory spell. Anna lost a lover, Cy, and is having trouble grieving and moving on, so she keeps reliving her old memories.I could really relate with her pain and loss, but I also found the spell and the way it worked to be fascinating. While the world building isn't very detailed and I had many questions about how witches and magic were integrated with society, I did really enjoy how the magic itself was described. Some of the spells were depicted so vividly and I found that aspect of the story to be greatly done.
I also really enjoyed the way the mystery unraveled with all of it's clues. The thoughts and observations that Anna made while gathering information and putting her case together made me feel like a detective myself. Both the plot and writing really kept me reading. The writing and dialogue did a great job of capturing the time period. Some of the phrases used were clearly indicative of the 1920's, like 'fella' and 'swell'. The way society acted also stayed true to the time, as many people were shocked to find out about a gay couple, yet the author kept homophobia out of the book. D. Lieber's writing really made the setting feel authentic, yet kept it from being hateful.
While I did enjoy many aspects of the story, I also had several issues with it. There were multiple points of view, Anna's and Fjolnir's, both of which were written in first person. In the beginning this was very confusing. As neither point of view had a distinct voice, it was easy to confuse the two. Another issue I had was that I found the way sexual interest was expressed felt clinical, yet slutty at the same time, but certainly not sexy at all. The sex scenes and love interests just turned me off because of this. I think part of it had to do with the word choice, like when the author used words like 'libido' and 'my desire', but I feel like it was more than just that. The last issue I had was that I guessed the ending, so the story was a bit predictable.
Overall I did really enjoy the book, despite my few issues with it. The author clearly excels at keeping my attention and writing vivid magical scenes. I did like the mystery, but it could have been a bit less predictable. I really struggled to enjoy the romance in this novel and feel like the sex scenes could use some work. I would recommend this to people who enjoy reading urban fantasies with a few sex scenes thrown in. The writing is great for a book as undiscovered as this one.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
February 18, 2019
First off, the author uses 1920s slang and I loved it but it may not be everyone's cup of tea. But honestly, I felt like it really just showed the effort and work she'd put into researching. Lieber does a great job of putting magic into this time period and in the style of a prohibition against it. I'm reading another book in this same time period so I think that actually just made this book that much more fun for me to read.
Lieber gives us a protagonist who is not only a private detective but a flapper and I loved that she didn't make our flapper detective a Witch instead she made her just a human and it was fun to see her navigate through magic and witches as a human private eye.
The book was definitely more erotic than I thought and someone who is super selfconscious, I'm so glad I wasn't reading this on the train, but it's not the entirety of the novel and it's not necessarily a romance because of it rather than it just expands the story and gives you some cheeky reading!
I would say her intentions with the character Jack weren't supposed to be a surprise to use the readers but for her protagonist and the little twist at the end was great. Not to mention I'm so hoping there is more to come for Caill.
I read this in just a matter of hours, and it would have been less if I hadn't been so tired when I picked it up last night! I would highly recommend this to those who like Urban/Historical Fantasy with some romance and mystery thrown in! I'll be keeping an eye out on Lieber from now on.
I received an ecopy of this in exchange for my honest review via NetGalley
Trigger Warnings: For some, the erotic content might be more of a put off than a trigger, character death, 1920s slang ;)
Lieber gives us a protagonist who is not only a private detective but a flapper and I loved that she didn't make our flapper detective a Witch instead she made her just a human and it was fun to see her navigate through magic and witches as a human private eye.
The book was definitely more erotic than I thought and someone who is super selfconscious, I'm so glad I wasn't reading this on the train, but it's not the entirety of the novel and it's not necessarily a romance because of it rather than it just expands the story and gives you some cheeky reading!
I would say her intentions with the character Jack weren't supposed to be a surprise to use the readers but for her protagonist and the little twist at the end was great. Not to mention I'm so hoping there is more to come for Caill.
I read this in just a matter of hours, and it would have been less if I hadn't been so tired when I picked it up last night! I would highly recommend this to those who like Urban/Historical Fantasy with some romance and mystery thrown in! I'll be keeping an eye out on Lieber from now on.
I received an ecopy of this in exchange for my honest review via NetGalley
Trigger Warnings: For some, the erotic content might be more of a put off than a trigger, character death, 1920s slang ;)
February 13, 2019
I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Anna Caill is a human, private detective who has a steady stream of magically inclined clients due to discrimination from the police. With the 18th Amendment, magic performed for humans is banned, and witches are being driven back underground. Anna gets hired by Jesse to investigate the disappearance of his friend, Leo, the high priest of one of the oldest covens.
The 1920s are probably one of my favorite time periods to read about. Everything about that period seems so larger than life. I really like how the author integrated magic into the real world. How it came “out of the closet” because of the spiritualist movement and now with Prohibition is banned to protect human sensibilities. The concept of the book definitely drew me in. And I never saw the ending coming.
There were times where the period slang felt awkward and clumsy. Yes, I can see trying to maintain the immersion, but anytime someone “ankled” across a room I rolled my eyes. Anna also comes across as the most oblivious person to ever exist. As soon as the concept of soulmates was introduced, it was really clear she was making the wrong choice, and she just didn’t get it. Also, throughout the investigation, she seems unable to move past the fact that maybe Leo just didn’t run off. I mean, we’re dealing with witches. Anything is possible. It seems that Anna has a pretty strong addiction to Living Memory but, once that plot point is over, doesn’t seem to suffer any ill effects from said addiction (or learn her lesson about using magic).
Overall, I enjoyed the beginning, the middle drove me up the wall, and the end had some redeeming characteristics.
Anna Caill is a human, private detective who has a steady stream of magically inclined clients due to discrimination from the police. With the 18th Amendment, magic performed for humans is banned, and witches are being driven back underground. Anna gets hired by Jesse to investigate the disappearance of his friend, Leo, the high priest of one of the oldest covens.
The 1920s are probably one of my favorite time periods to read about. Everything about that period seems so larger than life. I really like how the author integrated magic into the real world. How it came “out of the closet” because of the spiritualist movement and now with Prohibition is banned to protect human sensibilities. The concept of the book definitely drew me in. And I never saw the ending coming.
There were times where the period slang felt awkward and clumsy. Yes, I can see trying to maintain the immersion, but anytime someone “ankled” across a room I rolled my eyes. Anna also comes across as the most oblivious person to ever exist. As soon as the concept of soulmates was introduced, it was really clear she was making the wrong choice, and she just didn’t get it. Also, throughout the investigation, she seems unable to move past the fact that maybe Leo just didn’t run off. I mean, we’re dealing with witches. Anything is possible. It seems that Anna has a pretty strong addiction to Living Memory but, once that plot point is over, doesn’t seem to suffer any ill effects from said addiction (or learn her lesson about using magic).
Overall, I enjoyed the beginning, the middle drove me up the wall, and the end had some redeeming characteristics.
March 28, 2019
The author has a fantastic imagination as demonstrated by the unique setting and storyline of this book. An easy read which kept me entertained and not wanting to put the book down. I look forward to reading of this author’s work.
March 13, 2019
When I read the summary for In Search of a Witch’s Soul I knew right away that I had to read it. By reading the summary I learned that there were going to be witches involved and magic, a missing person, an investigation, a high priest with an ancient coven and that cover is magical unto its self with a lady from the roaring twenties, and a clapper at that. Oh yeah all of this pulled me in before I even began to read the first page.
Oh and I forgot to mention the title, In Search of a Witch’s Soul…now who is in search of a witch’s soul? Is it Anna the private investigator? Is it Jesse who hires Anna to find his missing friend the high priest, Leo? Or is it Fjolnir, Leo’s new love interest? Who is searching for a witch’s soul? And why are they searching for a witch’s soul?
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one as I love the roaring twenties for some reason why I do not know. May be it is the dresses and the ladies hats or maybe it is the dances or just the time period. I’m not sure but mix in a couple of witches and a good mystery and I am in.
In Search of a Witch’s Soul pulled me into its depth from the first page and didn’t let go until the end and let me tell you a bit about that ending, well I can’t actually do that now can I but I can tell you this it left me with my mouth hanging open. I never saw it coming and it made a bit sad I do have to say. In Search of a Witch’s Soul is filled with magic and mystery from beginning to end and had me flipping the pages uncovering all of its magic.
I would recommend In Search of a Witch’s Soul to anyone who loves witches with a good magical mystery set in the roaring twenties.
Oh and I forgot to mention the title, In Search of a Witch’s Soul…now who is in search of a witch’s soul? Is it Anna the private investigator? Is it Jesse who hires Anna to find his missing friend the high priest, Leo? Or is it Fjolnir, Leo’s new love interest? Who is searching for a witch’s soul? And why are they searching for a witch’s soul?
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one as I love the roaring twenties for some reason why I do not know. May be it is the dresses and the ladies hats or maybe it is the dances or just the time period. I’m not sure but mix in a couple of witches and a good mystery and I am in.
In Search of a Witch’s Soul pulled me into its depth from the first page and didn’t let go until the end and let me tell you a bit about that ending, well I can’t actually do that now can I but I can tell you this it left me with my mouth hanging open. I never saw it coming and it made a bit sad I do have to say. In Search of a Witch’s Soul is filled with magic and mystery from beginning to end and had me flipping the pages uncovering all of its magic.
I would recommend In Search of a Witch’s Soul to anyone who loves witches with a good magical mystery set in the roaring twenties.
September 4, 2021
I loved this book. Very well written, enjoyable storyline, and well-crafted characters. A must read.
May 13, 2019
I don't like giving indie books low ratings but I really didn't get on with this one.
The big reveal with Jack was obvious almost from the start of the book though I have to say it lead to an ending I did not see coming.
I enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well and there were a lot of interesting ideas in the plot. I wish the villain's viewpoint hadn't been in first person though, I found it a bit jarring when it was dropped in. At first, I didn't notice the names at the start of the chapters so I was very confused!
The first part of the book was taken up with Anna's addiction to the spell to go back into her memories and see her lost lover. It took up too much of the start of the story for my liking, she went under the spell, went home, went back under the spell - repeat a few times. Yes, it set up her issues straight away but then halfway through she just appeared to lose her addiction with not much of an explanation. It didn't cause her problems it just fizzled out.
And the ending was so hard to take and leaves Anna in a very bad place if it's meant to be a series I'm not sure how it can carry on after that. I'm a romantic at heart though, I like a good happy ending and books like this are just painful for me to read. But if you don't mind the happy ever after been upended, don't let that put you off.
One thing I did like a lot was the investigating Anna did. The answers didn't just throw themselves at her, she actually had to work and use her brain to get there.
There were a lot of bits to it that I did like but I felt like it should have been made darker and grittier or more lighthearted all round, it's a bit too much in the middle to have enough of an impact.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
The big reveal with Jack was obvious almost from the start of the book though I have to say it lead to an ending I did not see coming.
I enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well and there were a lot of interesting ideas in the plot. I wish the villain's viewpoint hadn't been in first person though, I found it a bit jarring when it was dropped in. At first, I didn't notice the names at the start of the chapters so I was very confused!
The first part of the book was taken up with Anna's addiction to the spell to go back into her memories and see her lost lover. It took up too much of the start of the story for my liking, she went under the spell, went home, went back under the spell - repeat a few times. Yes, it set up her issues straight away but then halfway through she just appeared to lose her addiction with not much of an explanation. It didn't cause her problems it just fizzled out.
And the ending was so hard to take and leaves Anna in a very bad place if it's meant to be a series I'm not sure how it can carry on after that. I'm a romantic at heart though, I like a good happy ending and books like this are just painful for me to read. But if you don't mind the happy ever after been upended, don't let that put you off.
One thing I did like a lot was the investigating Anna did. The answers didn't just throw themselves at her, she actually had to work and use her brain to get there.
There were a lot of bits to it that I did like but I felt like it should have been made darker and grittier or more lighthearted all round, it's a bit too much in the middle to have enough of an impact.
I received a free copy in return for an honest review.
June 6, 2019
I love stories set in the 1920s, especially if there is a touch of fantasy about them. I thought the author’s world building of a 1920s where witches have revealed themselves to the world was fabulous. It felt very real, and was easy to imagine, and I liked the description of a 1920s with a magical layer. I thought it was a nice touch having the prohibition being the prohibition of magic. I loved some of the language choices used too eg “.... melting like chocolate icing on a birthday cake. It seemed to paste the building into the gloomy neighborhood.”
I really felt for Jack, and how his love for Anna isn’t reciprocated because she is totally focused in a disturbing, almost addictive way, on using magic to relive her time with her lost love, and their mutual friend, Cyr. Jack is a decent man, and it’s obvious how much he loves Anna, and keeps doing so, despite being hurt over and over.
Jesse was an interesting character too, and kept me guessing as to his motivations. He is manipulative but that adds to the layers in his character.
Unfortunately, despite it being her story, Anna appealed to me the least of all the cast of this story. She is so fixated on Cyr whom she is convinced was her soul mate, that she doesn’t see what is in front of her until it is too late. She then swaps one addiction for another, and repeats her behaviour rather than learning from it. I found this very disappointing. For a detective, I thought she missed the obvious on several occasions but then it’s more difficult to work things out often, when emotionally involved.
I thought the Living Memory spell was an interesting one, especially with its consequences of one good dream also results in a bad memory. I liked the way the clues as to Anna’s current investigate were scattered through her Living Memory experiences.
I thought the premise of the story was intriguing. I figured out who the bad guy was about half way through the story but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of it. He was a total piece of work, and I felt sorry for those who got tangled up in his web. As an aside, Anna’s reaction to the possible bisexuality of one of the characters felt realistic for the time although I doubt it would go down well with readers if this was a contemporary story. Ditto for the way one of the characters dismisses his own sexuality as a plot device, and part of his plan. I found that part of the story disappointing too.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy historical stories with supernatural elements and noir stores set in the 1920s.
I really felt for Jack, and how his love for Anna isn’t reciprocated because she is totally focused in a disturbing, almost addictive way, on using magic to relive her time with her lost love, and their mutual friend, Cyr. Jack is a decent man, and it’s obvious how much he loves Anna, and keeps doing so, despite being hurt over and over.
Jesse was an interesting character too, and kept me guessing as to his motivations. He is manipulative but that adds to the layers in his character.
Unfortunately, despite it being her story, Anna appealed to me the least of all the cast of this story. She is so fixated on Cyr whom she is convinced was her soul mate, that she doesn’t see what is in front of her until it is too late. She then swaps one addiction for another, and repeats her behaviour rather than learning from it. I found this very disappointing. For a detective, I thought she missed the obvious on several occasions but then it’s more difficult to work things out often, when emotionally involved.
I thought the Living Memory spell was an interesting one, especially with its consequences of one good dream also results in a bad memory. I liked the way the clues as to Anna’s current investigate were scattered through her Living Memory experiences.
I thought the premise of the story was intriguing. I figured out who the bad guy was about half way through the story but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment of it. He was a total piece of work, and I felt sorry for those who got tangled up in his web. As an aside, Anna’s reaction to the possible bisexuality of one of the characters felt realistic for the time although I doubt it would go down well with readers if this was a contemporary story. Ditto for the way one of the characters dismisses his own sexuality as a plot device, and part of his plan. I found that part of the story disappointing too.
I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy historical stories with supernatural elements and noir stores set in the 1920s.
July 26, 2019
This is a mystery, with magic and set in the 1920s. Honestly, how could I ever resist it?
The story is set in a 1920s America where Prohibition is on magic rather than on alcohol. Some decades previous, the magic community revealed itself and witches and humans have lived side by side, knowingly, ever after. A person can either be born a witch or a human, and a human can never become a witch (well, unless they perform unspeakable acts). This slowly created some kind of segregation, since magic and magical tools can be dangerous to humans. Ultimately, a form of Prohibition was put in place, though – like the real Prohibition – it was actually very loosely enforced.
I really liked the concept. I especially liked how it played out in the story. The relationship between humans and witches – including the characters here involved – is complex but realistic and interesting. I’d say this fantasy aspect of the story was the best – at least from the perspective of this fantasy reader.
The mystery was intriguing, especially at the beginning. To a certain point, I found it complex enough to keep my interest, and yet handled with logic, which also kept my attention.
Unfortunately, towards the end, the mystery slid into a strained idea which didn’t really work, in my opinion. I mean, the way it started off, the mystery could have ended in a stronger way. But it was adequate, so I won’t complain too much.
There’s also a romance element to the story that becomes ever stronger the more the story unfolds. This has proven to be the weakest part in the end.
Although I’m not a romance reader, I appreciated this aspect of the story, in the beginning, because it was focused on Anna’s growing as a person. The way she handled (or tried to handle) loss and grief, though grounded in the fantasy world, was realistic and relatable. But as the story progressed, several romance clichés emerged. Since the end of the story hinged on the romance element, clichés greatly affected its strength. I’ll just say that I discussed this story with a friend who does read romances and she could guess the entire closing sequence without hesitation and without my help.
But this doesn’t mean the story was ruined. I still think it was a great story and a great set up for a series. I’ll read more if I have a chance.
The story is set in a 1920s America where Prohibition is on magic rather than on alcohol. Some decades previous, the magic community revealed itself and witches and humans have lived side by side, knowingly, ever after. A person can either be born a witch or a human, and a human can never become a witch (well, unless they perform unspeakable acts). This slowly created some kind of segregation, since magic and magical tools can be dangerous to humans. Ultimately, a form of Prohibition was put in place, though – like the real Prohibition – it was actually very loosely enforced.
I really liked the concept. I especially liked how it played out in the story. The relationship between humans and witches – including the characters here involved – is complex but realistic and interesting. I’d say this fantasy aspect of the story was the best – at least from the perspective of this fantasy reader.
The mystery was intriguing, especially at the beginning. To a certain point, I found it complex enough to keep my interest, and yet handled with logic, which also kept my attention.
Unfortunately, towards the end, the mystery slid into a strained idea which didn’t really work, in my opinion. I mean, the way it started off, the mystery could have ended in a stronger way. But it was adequate, so I won’t complain too much.
There’s also a romance element to the story that becomes ever stronger the more the story unfolds. This has proven to be the weakest part in the end.
Although I’m not a romance reader, I appreciated this aspect of the story, in the beginning, because it was focused on Anna’s growing as a person. The way she handled (or tried to handle) loss and grief, though grounded in the fantasy world, was realistic and relatable. But as the story progressed, several romance clichés emerged. Since the end of the story hinged on the romance element, clichés greatly affected its strength. I’ll just say that I discussed this story with a friend who does read romances and she could guess the entire closing sequence without hesitation and without my help.
But this doesn’t mean the story was ruined. I still think it was a great story and a great set up for a series. I’ll read more if I have a chance.
March 4, 2019
In Search of a Witch's Soul - My interest in this book was increased after reading Dancing with Shades, which introduces the three childhood friends. I like the idea of this American story being set during the Great War and into the Roaring Twenties, a theme I seldom come across for witches and such. The three children grow up close and are always there for each other. Having their fortunes read leads to mistakes and tragedy. Along with the mistake made by Anna after her fortune was told, was the devastation of the War on Cy and the relationships Jack had to handle because of Anna's mistake.
While I did not care for the explicit homo- and heterosexual sex scenes, I cared even less for Anna. The more I read, the less I wanted to finish the story. Anna is stupid, self-centered and careless with the feelings of others; it is all about her. She believes she cares about people and wants to help them, yet her family and her best friend from childhood does not rate that curtsy. Even after she realizes her mistake and the costs from compounding that mistake, she goes right back to being her stupid, self-centered self with Jesse.
I do like the descriptions of the magical part of the world, although it reminded me a lot of Harry Potter's world. The guide was a rather nice idea. I did feel like I was walking with the characters through the magical world. Character-wise, Jack and Jesse were the best, along with some of the support characters. If Anna had only considered Jesse before doing her same ole stick, I would have liked her. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
Dancing with Shades - My first read by this author and I was intrigued all the way through the short story. It introduced three major characters and some of their background. Set during the Great War and into the Roaring Twenties, I found it realistic, interesting and wanting to read In Search of a Witch's Soul. I found this short well written, well thought out and well edited in contrast to what passes for editing nowadays. 4*
While I did not care for the explicit homo- and heterosexual sex scenes, I cared even less for Anna. The more I read, the less I wanted to finish the story. Anna is stupid, self-centered and careless with the feelings of others; it is all about her. She believes she cares about people and wants to help them, yet her family and her best friend from childhood does not rate that curtsy. Even after she realizes her mistake and the costs from compounding that mistake, she goes right back to being her stupid, self-centered self with Jesse.
I do like the descriptions of the magical part of the world, although it reminded me a lot of Harry Potter's world. The guide was a rather nice idea. I did feel like I was walking with the characters through the magical world. Character-wise, Jack and Jesse were the best, along with some of the support characters. If Anna had only considered Jesse before doing her same ole stick, I would have liked her. I found this book on Booksprout. 3*
Dancing with Shades - My first read by this author and I was intrigued all the way through the short story. It introduced three major characters and some of their background. Set during the Great War and into the Roaring Twenties, I found it realistic, interesting and wanting to read In Search of a Witch's Soul. I found this short well written, well thought out and well edited in contrast to what passes for editing nowadays. 4*
October 15, 2020
This book is like a coin with two sides: the really freaking good and the just okay. All of that meant I gave this book three stars (maybe more like 3.5 stars), even though there were aspects of this book that I absolutely loved.
Let's start with the really freaking good stuff: the world D. Lieber has built. I loved the idea of a magical Prohibition and how the magical world went underground. Give me more of that, give me it all. Add a female detective on top of that and just give me it all then keep it coming .
As great as the world was, however, Anna didn't seem to be the best private investigator. It actually annoyed me that she didn't maintain as least some level of suspicion towards Jesse and that she eliminated options because they were "impossible." Isn't there a Sherlock Holmes quote about eliminating the possible and the answer would be there however impossible? It just seemed so completely ridiculous that she would take such a step. It was things like these that knocked those stars off my rating, especially because I think this worldbuilding could easily nab this book five stars.
There's another however coming ... I want to read the heck out of this series for the time period and worldbuilding alone. My hope is that the author will get stronger in their writing as the series progresses and Anna won't come across as a short-sighted private investigator.
Something to note: there is explicit sexual content here that I never expected. It didn't turn me off because, hey, I'm a romance reader. But for those going into this expecting detectives and fantasy, they should be prepared for those scenes.
I did listen to the audiobook and thought Anna James did a pretty good job. My only issue was that she spoke in such a husky, low, world weary private eye voice that I had to crank my volume way up. It fit the book, but it was also a little annoying when I would forget that the volume needed to be higher and I couldn't hear what was going on.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from AudiobookBoom at my request and have voluntarily left a review.
Let's start with the really freaking good stuff: the world D. Lieber has built. I loved the idea of a magical Prohibition and how the magical world went underground. Give me more of that, give me it all. Add a female detective on top of that and just give me it all then keep it coming .
As great as the world was, however, Anna didn't seem to be the best private investigator. It actually annoyed me that she didn't maintain as least some level of suspicion towards Jesse and that she eliminated options because they were "impossible." Isn't there a Sherlock Holmes quote about eliminating the possible and the answer would be there however impossible? It just seemed so completely ridiculous that she would take such a step. It was things like these that knocked those stars off my rating, especially because I think this worldbuilding could easily nab this book five stars.
There's another however coming ... I want to read the heck out of this series for the time period and worldbuilding alone. My hope is that the author will get stronger in their writing as the series progresses and Anna won't come across as a short-sighted private investigator.
Something to note: there is explicit sexual content here that I never expected. It didn't turn me off because, hey, I'm a romance reader. But for those going into this expecting detectives and fantasy, they should be prepared for those scenes.
I did listen to the audiobook and thought Anna James did a pretty good job. My only issue was that she spoke in such a husky, low, world weary private eye voice that I had to crank my volume way up. It fit the book, but it was also a little annoying when I would forget that the volume needed to be higher and I couldn't hear what was going on.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from AudiobookBoom at my request and have voluntarily left a review.
February 27, 2019
Thank you to D. Lieber and Ink & Magick for making available an eARC via NetGalley of ‘In Search of a Witch’s Soul’ in exchange for an honest review.
The sepia photographic cover art really sets the mood for this historical urban fantasy with its protagonist looking like the cat’s whiskers and boldly meeting our gaze.
In this alternative 1920s USA Prohibition and the 18th Amendment have banned magic being practiced by witches in public and around humans and so naturally it’s still in high demand just as alcohol was in the real Prohibition. The cops aren’t that interested in witches’ problems so human private detective, Anna Caill, who is friendly with a number of witches, is in high demand.
She is hired by witch Jesse Hunt to find his friend, Leo, who is missing. She soon becomes involved in a complex case. In addition, Anna is struggling to come to terms with her addiction to a dark memory spell.
I always bristle a bit when a fantasy novel has witches as non-humans though it’s a popular trope. Still the concept here of a witch’s soul was an interesting one.
I did find that some of the sex scenes didn’t work for me. Given the period setting the more graphic ones struck a bit of a discordant note.
Yet on the whole I enjoyed this mystery and with its alternative Prohibition targeting magic. The use of 20s slang was fun and there was plenty of noir with the plot and characters. I really felt for Anna and her journey.
While I felt there could have been more world-building, it was a short novel and maybe more stories set in this world are planned by Lieber.
August 17, 2019
A very interesting read set in 1920's Prohibition era .
Thank you for the ARC to the publisher and to Net Galley. My opinion is my own.
This is a multi layered book with fascinating characters and set during a tumultuously interesting time . A law has been passed against witches and use of magic. I love every aspect of this book from the magic, the spell casting to the deception of society during this time, the dialogue and the culture.
The main character Anna is a PI that often gets cases involving witches because she is sympathetic to them since the prohibition laws. Anna gets hired to help find a missing male witch.
Anna lost a lover, Cy. She is grieving so she keeps reliving memories with a memory spell. I love spell casting so i really enjoyed this aspect of the book. the memory spell was fascinating . The spell acts to put her back with Cy and activity relive their happy times together.
The mystery about the missing witch has multi layered clues and many directions. I enjoyed the mystery, the charcters and loved the magic aspect of this book. I look forward to further works by this author.
Thank you for the ARC to the publisher and to Net Galley. My opinion is my own.
This is a multi layered book with fascinating characters and set during a tumultuously interesting time . A law has been passed against witches and use of magic. I love every aspect of this book from the magic, the spell casting to the deception of society during this time, the dialogue and the culture.
The main character Anna is a PI that often gets cases involving witches because she is sympathetic to them since the prohibition laws. Anna gets hired to help find a missing male witch.
Anna lost a lover, Cy. She is grieving so she keeps reliving memories with a memory spell. I love spell casting so i really enjoyed this aspect of the book. the memory spell was fascinating . The spell acts to put her back with Cy and activity relive their happy times together.
The mystery about the missing witch has multi layered clues and many directions. I enjoyed the mystery, the charcters and loved the magic aspect of this book. I look forward to further works by this author.
March 30, 2019
"Love is always magical; and nothing blows hot and cold like a witch's soul. This is a magical book with a whole lot of soul." — Simon R. Green, author of the Nightside series
Since I love Simon R. Green's urban fantasies set in England, I was happy to read and review this book that has his recommendation.
I even created a new shelf for it using the publisher's own description--urban fantasy noir.
In this alternate Roaring Twenties, the 18th Amendment prohibits magic! In a role reversal, the private eye is Anna Cahill, female and human. The mysterious client who comes through her door is mysterious and a witch, and taking on the case of finding his friend, a high priest in a coven, takes her into atypically typical dark places and recesses of her own mind and addiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ink & Magicking for the arc. I highly recommend this to others who like the idea of Roaring Twenties complete with its slang and lingo, magic that can trend to the dark, and noir mystery.
Since I love Simon R. Green's urban fantasies set in England, I was happy to read and review this book that has his recommendation.
I even created a new shelf for it using the publisher's own description--urban fantasy noir.
In this alternate Roaring Twenties, the 18th Amendment prohibits magic! In a role reversal, the private eye is Anna Cahill, female and human. The mysterious client who comes through her door is mysterious and a witch, and taking on the case of finding his friend, a high priest in a coven, takes her into atypically typical dark places and recesses of her own mind and addiction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ink & Magicking for the arc. I highly recommend this to others who like the idea of Roaring Twenties complete with its slang and lingo, magic that can trend to the dark, and noir mystery.
March 9, 2019
Overall, this was a good book. There were things that I felt could have been left out or too much time was spent on, but it all came together in the end. The setting and the plot were great, but other than Jack and Jesse, it took a while to warm up to the other characters. I felt the main character spent too much time in the past, but everyone deals with grief differently. This book had a different view of witches and witchcraft, but in a good way. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2019
I didn't expect to like this book so much!! It is really good, I can't tell if is the writing or the characters but something in this book bewitched me! I couldn't put it down until it was finished.I really hope this is the beginning of a series because I need to meet this characters again. During the story you may guess about the revelations that will accour later but you won't be sure untill the last pages. I was pleased that there wasn't the classic happy ending,. maybe Jesse isn't the man you will bring home to meet your parents but is far more interesting that the right boy.
February 9, 2019
This book has it all, magic, mystery, and steamy love scenes. The story takes place during the prohibition and the author sets the tone nicely. I loved the memory sequences, the private detective aspect, and how the main character is not without flaws. Certain parts of the ending could have used a little more clarification, but overall this was an enticing read that kept me hooked and wanting to know what would happen next. I highly recommend this novel if you are into magic, mystery, and the roaring twenties.
March 1, 2019
I love the worldbuilding here. It's a great mix of historical (prohibition era) and urban fantasy, and the way the human world and the witch world is intermingled is especially cool. The story moves quickly and is an easy, fast read that kept me entertained.
I did have some issues with the main character's "vices"--mostly I thought she was being unnecessarily obtuse--and I was a little annoyed about that particular arc, but that's really my only complaint about the story.
Also, the twist at the end caught me unawares, which is pretty hard to do, so that was great.
I did have some issues with the main character's "vices"--mostly I thought she was being unnecessarily obtuse--and I was a little annoyed about that particular arc, but that's really my only complaint about the story.
Also, the twist at the end caught me unawares, which is pretty hard to do, so that was great.
July 25, 2020
I have mixed feelings on In Search of a Witch's Soul. The 1920s period details were great and Lieber has some interesting twists and unique views on the use of magic. That said, I found the audiobook version of this very hard to follow. Both of the main narrators are written in first person, and if you miss the bit at the beginning of the chapter to tell you who is speaking it can be confusing. Neither character had a "voice" that I could relate to. I also found a few of the twists very obvious and a bit overdone.
I received the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I received the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2019
Anna’s past defines her actions now. It’s extraodinary how she immerses herself in her job just to cope with life. But the price is too steep. Easy relatable characters.
The fear for witches in general is still a real thing, even in this day and age. Sad.
Of course there are some who misuse their powers, but it’s like extremists in religion: they are difficult to understand or control and they exist in all cultures and countries.
The fear for witches in general is still a real thing, even in this day and age. Sad.
Of course there are some who misuse their powers, but it’s like extremists in religion: they are difficult to understand or control and they exist in all cultures and countries.
February 3, 2020
She is a human who is Not Happy with magic being banned but it is good for her business as a PI. She has plenty of work and when he arrives wanting her to find his friend, this are going to get complicated. She is also addicted to dark magic and she will have to face that as well. Where will they be taken? Will she find his friend? See where you will be taken
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2020
audible:Complicated characters.Anna is a mess since her 'lover' died in a car accident.Living in a magical era,she can relive memories over and over and never face a new day.She lives by a fortune telling that she ay have gotten wrong as a child,yet she can't get past it.Jack,her friend from childhood is always there for her...always. Anne James was a fine narrator for both sexes. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.'
March 13, 2019
In Search of a Witch's Soul by D. Lieber is a wonderful story to read. This is the first time I have ever read anything from this brand new author for me. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves reading paranormal romances as much as I do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2021
This book was a mixed bag for me. I love the overall premise and plot. I liked the characters. Furthermore, I kind of wish the sex/love interest had been left out. I've read plenty of books that include steamy scenes, and the ones included in this just felt awkward and forced. I'm not sure how else to describe it. Overall a decent read and a fun way to pass the time.
September 16, 2022
Part love story, part PI story, part paranormal story. This one was unusual but an interesting read.
I liked it.
I liked it.
June 18, 2020
I really, really enjoyed the worldbuilding in the this one. It was a unique take on the melding of a paranormal world with that of the mundane, and I felt setting it in the 1920s only added to the atmosphere. Anna Caill is a supremely interesting main character, and I love the element of her having an addiction to the Living Memory spell in order to get over the grief of the loss of her fiancé.
Unfortunately, while In Search of A Witch's Soul hits all the right notes in terms of urban fantasy, where it falls short is its mystery. What turns out to be a rather major plot point is easily guessed towards the beginning of the book, and once that is guessed, the book feels like it's simply careening towards an expected ending.
Had some more time been taken on the mystery aspect, I feel that this could have been an easy 5 star read. Unfortunately, as it stands, I left feeling unsatisfied.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars because of the worldbuilding.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC! I received an early review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, while In Search of A Witch's Soul hits all the right notes in terms of urban fantasy, where it falls short is its mystery. What turns out to be a rather major plot point is easily guessed towards the beginning of the book, and once that is guessed, the book feels like it's simply careening towards an expected ending.
Had some more time been taken on the mystery aspect, I feel that this could have been an easy 5 star read. Unfortunately, as it stands, I left feeling unsatisfied.
1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars because of the worldbuilding.
*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC! I received an early review copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2019
A good hard boiled mystery, engaging and entertaining.
The book is good, with some minor issue, and it's a fascinating mix of paranormal, romance, historical fiction, and mystery.
I like the part about the spell and the witches, I'd have preferred some more world building because it let me with a lot of questions about how it worked.
The mystery was good and it keeped me hooked till the last page.
I think that the two weakest point were the sex scenes, a bit boring, and the two POV that can cause some confusion.
I'd like to read more books with these characters and with some more building.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
The book is good, with some minor issue, and it's a fascinating mix of paranormal, romance, historical fiction, and mystery.
I like the part about the spell and the witches, I'd have preferred some more world building because it let me with a lot of questions about how it worked.
The mystery was good and it keeped me hooked till the last page.
I think that the two weakest point were the sex scenes, a bit boring, and the two POV that can cause some confusion.
I'd like to read more books with these characters and with some more building.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
March 13, 2019
In Search of a Witch's Soul is a entertaining read with a 1920 flair. Overall it is a great book although the points of view might confuse a reader.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews