Book Review: Never Burn a Witch

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Never Burn a Witch     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
M. R. Sellars
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Witchcraft
Series: Rowan Gant # 2
Willow Tree, May 2001, $6.99, 393 pp.
ISBN: 0967822114

Six months ago, Wiccan disciple Rowan Gant helped the St. Louis police department, especially his friend Detective Ben Storm, catch a serial killer. The culprit was a former witch who went down the dark road ultimately skinning his victims alive. Rowan used his occult powers to stop him. Ben has become Rowan's staunchest supporter and has arranged for the latter to provide a talk on being a witch to the police force. On the day of Rowan's first discussion, Ben asks for his help on a homicide case.

Rowan notices on the corpse there are occult symbols that were used by the Inquisition torturers. He relives the woman's final moments and realizes that the murderer is a witch hunter who uses the same methods employed by the Inquisition to get victims to betray friends. Three more deaths follow with neither Rowan nor the police any closer to solving the homicides even with someone on the ethereal plane trying to lead Rowan to the killer.

A mystery novel starring a witch as the key protagonists may seem unbelievable, but M.R. Sellars shows his talent by bringing credence to the concept. The realistic story line portrays witches as people practicing an alternate religion that has nothing to do with the superstitious belief that Wicca equals Satan worship. The mystery rings true in this supersonic jet paced plot. The delightful main characters will convince the audience to NEVER BURN A WITCH, but instead should read a powerful paranormal who-done-it that would be a crime to miss.

Harriet Klausner

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