Synopsis: When a rare Blue Moon upsets the magical balance in the city, Detective Kate Prospero and her Magical Enforcement colleagues pitch in to help Babylon PD keep the peace. Between potions going haywire and everyone’s emotions running high, every cop in the city is on edge. But the moon’s impact is especially strong for Kate who’s wrestling with guilt over falling off the magic wagon. After a rogue wizard steals dangerous potions from the local covens, Kate worries their suspect is building a dirty magic bomb. Her team must find the anarchist rogue before the covens catch him, and make sure they defuse the bomb before the Blue Moon deadline. Failure is never an option, but success will require Kate to come clean about her secrets
Review: I normally don’t do police procedural novels, but this has a distinct feel for me and the characters are taking on their own personalities. Jaye Wells really brings this world to life. Our protagonist has her fair share of struggles trying to refrain from the use of magic. Remember, it’s a bit different how it works in this world. Magic is practically a metaphor for drug use, from requiring AA meetings to “cooking.” As a Breaking Bad fan, that always amuses me. Kate is really feeling the effects of her decisions from the first book which reinforces how unique this brand of magic is. I like that the characters are somewhat realistic. They have their flaws and make bad and selfish decisions just like anyone else. I found them relatable and I actually am becoming invested in her relationships with those around her, including her brother and best friend. She’s caught between a rock and a hard place.
I found it entertaining from beginning to end. I do get a hint of a love triangle brewing, so you might want to steer clear if that trope irks you to no end. I don’t like them either and if it gets to be too much I will table this series until we have a definitive answer. But for now I’m enjoying the ride and the author’s *ahem* vivid and morbid imagination. It’s not for the faint of heart. Overall it was a more even book than the first one. The first novel started off strong and lost some steam toward the end, but this one is a bit more even and strong all throughout. I am looking forward to visiting this world again.
yummy…….