A Case of Possession (A Charm of Magpies) (Volume 2)

I'm not normally a historical romance type person but this series is amazing. The characters burst to life and there are all sorts of intricacies woven in that keep them dynamic - so you never feel bored. Instead you feel like you are discovering just a bit about each of them as the story progresses. I adore the secondary characters who bring charm, wit, and an extra layer of depth. The fact it is a historical does not mean it is steeped in history - but it is awash in all sorts of themes from how the characters interact with their time and place. Not always subtle it's refreshing to just feel what the author wants you to feel without being hit over the head with it.

The plots are tricky and complex yet simple almost - and deal with power, greed, revenge --- all the things that are still true today so many years later. I think my very favorite thing is the magpie tattoos and their shifting - it lends such an ethereal and haunting quality that gives me the shivers. Highly recommended to lovers of MM who like a strong sense of place, a cast of never dull and oft surprising, and a touch of the extra (craft)!

What a suspenseful read! The noose seems to be drawing tighter and tighter around both men's necks throughout this extremely well written tale. Charles is great at writing atmospheric historicals and she does a good capturing how dangerous and desperate it is for two men at this time to be in love. The writing style itself is a pleasure to read with lush, flowing prose that is descriptive and often beautiful. I thought that the further character development of each man was very interesting, as the choices that they are forced to make, both in terms to external conflicts and relationship challenges, refine them. There were times when I wanted to throttle Stephen for his pride and for putting his work first sometimes. We get to find out more of Crane's mysterious background, it's been such a tease that I was excited for any additional bits that we could get. The story is complex and had me saying "aha!" several time and finding myself wrong. I had gotten really anxious that it was all going to work out when I reached the excellent conclusion and felt it was very, very satisfying. I'm so glad that there's another book after this one because I'm not ready to let these two men go yet.

While Case of Possession, the second book in the Magpie series by KJ Charles, feels like a filler book, it’s still exceptionally entertaining and well written. The characters are wonderful with incredibly clean, evocative writing and the plot is absorbing. I do feel as though the mystery was a bit rushed and not as thorough as the previous book. Perhaps that’s because this particular outing offered more focus on Lucien and Stephen’s deepening relationship so time on the who-dun-it had to be sacrificed. It’s a minor compliant though and I’m more convinced than ever this author is a really stunning writer. I’m going to look for everything she’s written and dive in happily.

This time around Stephen is looking into a mysterious case of huge rats (ROUSes!) that have murdered several people in London while trying to stay off his boss’ watch list. His relationship with Lucien, the Magpie Lord, has caused Stephen’s powers to increase significantly and he’s under suspicion. Terrified of outing himself and Lucien, Stephen tries to handle all the problems himself. When an old friend attempts to blackmail Lucien then is mysteriously murdered, Lucien is drawn into Stephen’s case. Together they must solve a decades old disappearance and murder before anymore people die, all under the watchful nose of Stephen’s partner Mrs. Gold.

Once again the story starts with a bang and only gets better. Charles’ writing is so engaging, with charming characters and an absorbing plot, that I read almost a third of the book before I took a breath. I get lost in these stories so easily and happily. The relationship between Lucien and Stephen has been going on for several months now and Lucien only wants more of the tiny powerhouse witch. It’s gratifying and amusing to see Stephen with the control over the relationship while Lucien is the dominating one in bed. Their personalities compliment one another exceedingly well, which makes both the romance and ‘working’ relationship interesting and entertaining to read. Both characters continue to be nuanced and complicated men with more layers continuously added to them. I liked how the relationship between the men deepened but also the minor struggles both have to go through to come to terms with communicating their feelings.

On the flip side the mystery portion – the question of the long ago missing/dead shaman and girl in China – is interesting and absorbing. I didn’t put all the pieces together at first and I felt as though the story was rushing through the mystery component. The story itself reads incredibly quick, owing to all the action and wonderful writing, so the resolution and ending seems to come faster than I was anticipating. All the components are there but in comparison to the massively complex plot of the previous book, this mystery feels watered down and not as thorough. As if it’s a very intriguing vehicle to progress the main romance further. I don’t mind that and certainly do not hold it against the book, but I was hoping for something strong enough to stand on its own. That said I really quite enjoyed where the story went with the China connection and I love all the details that went into the who-dun-it.

A Case of Possession is another fantastic book in the series and an easy book to recommend. Although it can likely be read as a stand alone, I’d suggest reading the series in order to get a fuller understanding and appreciation of the main characters and their relationship. Furthermore the secondary characters – from Mrs. Gold to Merrick to Leo – are truly phenomenal. KJ Charles knows how to write complex characters with real dimension and depth and that skill extends to even briefly seen cast members. This series has so much potential and I urge readers to start now. It’s more than worth it and I look forward to enjoying everything this author has to offer.

The second book in the A Charm of Magpies series, A Case of Possession picks up shortly after the end of The Magpie Lord. Lucien and Stephen are continuing with their relationship, though Lucien can't help but feel like there's a limit to their connection - there are things Stephen is keeping from him. Before they get a chance to try to sort this out, they get pulled into another mystery surrounding several murders and a suicide and attempts by one of Lucien's former associates to blackmail him, Stephen, and one of Lucien's good friends. There more paranormal adventure here as well as a number of further tests of Lucien and Stephen's young relationship.

While I liked The Magpie Lord, I feel like this one is even steps above it. There is more depth in this book and while there's a lot that happens, I found it easier to follow. Meeting Stephen's associates was also a great touch that added more depth to the world in which Lucien and Stephen live. Another great historical paranormal mystery romance.

KJ Charles has written an excellent continuation of this series. This book can be read as a standalone, however. The characters are developed well throughout, and layers are added right to the end. The plot is complex and exciting. The setting, being a historical, shows a lot of research was done and appears very accurate. The characters behave appropriately for the time period. KJ's writing style is very good. The prose flows seamlessly, the dialogue is great too. All in all, it's hard to see where she could improve this story. Maybe it took a little longer to get going than I expected. Otherwise, an excellent book all round.

One of the best books I've read recently. The plot and characters held me captive until the early hours of the morning.

Not quite as marvellous as the first book but still quite enjoyable. I still like Crane and Day. I still adore Merrick. Yep, he’s by far my favourite of the lot. The new additions were nice too—other justicars, Leo, the men at the club.

The mystery itself was only ok, however. My complaints are very similar to book one’s. The villains seemed to come out of nowhere and there were bits of the story unexplained.

Despite those niggles I can’t wait to read the next book. Charles’ writing always grabs me. I love her dialogue and the subtle humour that often slips in.

4.5 stars
Awwww! I am loving these guys! They really make a wonderful couple and team. I love how they play off each other and opened up to one another in this book.
I really enjoyed getting more of Lucien's past to see part of how and why he became who he is.
I adored meeting Day's team and friends. They are a fantastic group.
I'm so happy that I get to read more!