Veiled Magic (Veiled Magic, #1)

by Deborah Blake

[kimbacaffeinate]

Donata is a witch who can summon the dead. She works in the windowless basement of the police department. While most of her fellow officers will grudgingly admit her usefully in solving cases, the whole summoning thing freaks them out.

Our story begins when Donata is called to a crime scene by her commanding officer. A restorer was murdered for a painting, and in a strange twist, she finds herself caught up in a case that could impact both the human and paranormal worlds. When the Witches Council and a secret society both want the painting, she finds herself turning to friends and outsiders for help.

Dragons, witches, a secret society known as the Cabal, and unique paranormal creatures are all part of Blakes world. I loved the twists on shapeshifters and a creature known as a Kobold. The author does an excellent job of sharing the basic hierocracy of the paranormal world, and its role in the present world. There are five types of paranormal groups and then subspecies. The five major are Witches, Ghouls, Ulfhednar, Dragon and Fae. However, a rumored sixth group and a vexing problem for the Dragons have me drooling for more information.

The world has a paranormal vibe to it, but I like the direction Blake is taking with it. This first novel shared Donata's perspective and introduced key characters. Blake provided one heck of a suspenseful mystery that allowed the characters to have growth.

Donata finds herself with more than a familiar when a Kobold named Ricky follows her home. She soon finds herself evading her boss, and seeking help from Peter Casaventi, a half-dragon art forger, her ex-boyfriend, Magnus Torvald, a smexy alpha shapeshifter and her estranged family. I loved the dynamics, the possible love interests and other secondary characters we met.

Aside from the stellar world building, Blake delivered a kick-ass heroine who isn't a whiner. (thank you) I loved how this motley crew interacted and the humorous moments Blake provided. Ricky was delightful, and the posturing between Peter and Magnus will leave you grinning.

Copy provided by the publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer