Book Review: Harm None

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Harm None     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
M. R. Sellars
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Witchcraft
Series: Rowan Gant # 1
Willow Tree, Jun 2000, $8.99, 380 pp.

Those whom practice witchcraft are many things, but most practitioners not all not at all evil. Wicca followers revere the earth and believe if you harm someone, it will return to you threefold. St. Louis homicide detective Ben Storm enters a crime scene and immediately realizes he must visit his friend Rowan Gant to learn the truth as the locale is filled with arcane symbols.

Upon coming on the area where a ritual occurred, Rowan realizes that they are dealing with a dangerous individual who has headed down an extremely darkened path. The perpetrator skinned the living victim before cutting out the heart of the deceased. The culprit completed the ugly actions with an expiation spell that excuses the practitioner from the rebound effect. Using the powers that he has honed over the years, Rowan knows the killer will repeatedly strike again until he achieves his goal. The entire police force want to capture this maniac, but Rowan knows he is the chosen one whose life might be forfeited during the upcoming magick battle he knows must come.

Anyone familiar with the Wicca religion will quickly realize that M.R. Sellars has done his research because the intricacies of the rituals seem complete and exact. Mr. Sellars demystifies the religion so that the audience will better understand its followers and their beliefs. However, what makes this tale an incredible first entry in a new series is all the background Wicca insight that subtly and cleverly fits within the superb story line. The mystery is well designed and the cast feels real. Fans of Hamilton and Lackey will want to religiously follow the exploits of Mr. Rowan Gant.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner