Welcome to the last Tuesday of February. It’s amazing how quickly time passes—didn’t we just celebrate Christmas not that long ago?—although when it comes to winter, that speedy passage is appreciated. At least when it’s cold outside, I can snuggle up with a few good books indoors. You’ll find my latest review below, a well-deserved five stars!
Tattoos and Portents
by Judi Lynn
In the latest Muddy River novel, Hester—a powerful witch—and her sexy fire-demon mate, Raven, are up against an evil priest intent on killing mortals to create an army of zombies. In the process, he abducts three witches who use spelled tattoos to alert others of their captivity.
Muddy River is a series you can basically pick up and start reading anywhere because each book has a standalone plot, but if you’re a follower and fan like me, reconnecting with old friends is a plus. And this time, the supernatural citizens of Muddy River are the midst of Yule celebrations. All the characters I’ve come to love are back, plus several new ones are introduced. There are two fun flirtatious subplots, but the main battle of good magic vs. dark magic is at the core. Druids and voodoo practices also get a splash of attention, building to the ending confrontation. I love when Hester, Raven, and their friends engage in battle!
What makes this series so unique for me is the combination of supernaturals who inhabit Muddy River. Lynn populates her books with all manner of hybrids instead of the usual “stock” preternatural characters. There are pureblood vampires, shifters, etc., but there are also half-sirens/half vampires, half-shifters/half fae—the combinations she comes up with make for fascinating reading as Lynn deftly sucks us into the lives of each. Tattoos and Portents even introduces a Phoenix, who I hope becomes a regular of Muddy River. If you like cozy mysteries with plenty of paranormal and adventurous aspects, plus engaging characters who feel like friends, you’ll love this book and this series. I’m hoping there will be many more to come. A five star gem!
Amazon Link
Genre: Werewolf and Shifter Mysteries > Witch and Wizard Mysteries
From the Pen of Mae Clair 
Sounds like a page-turner! The hybrid creatures are an interesting twist. I haven’t seen that anywhere else. I’d be curious to see what she does with the Phoenix. There is only one other place where I’ve seen a personified Phoenix. Great review!
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The hybrid creatures are such an interesting twist, Tessa, and the variety is endless! The Phoneix gets one of the flirtatious subplots in this book. I think he’s going to be a regular 🙂
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I do enjoy cozies. Muddy River sounds like a “fun” place!
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I love visiting Muddy River, especially when the gang gathers at the local tavern to discuss plans and the latest “big bad.” Fun indeed!
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Sounds like an interesting place to live, lol. Like Tessa, I haven’t come across those hybrids before, but what a fantastic idea to add them. Great review, Mae!
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The hybrid combinations add so much to the story, Teri. Very unique, and they’re all so well characterized and defined!
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I loved Judi’s last urban fantasy series. Muddy River has been on my radar for a while. I hope to get to it soon.
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I think you’ll really enjoy it, Staci. The characters feel like old friends every time I open a new Muddy River adventure.
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Enjoyed your review, Mae. Well done.
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Thank you, John!
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Great review of Judi’s work.
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She wrote an intriguing tale, as always!
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Great review. You make this book sound fascinating.
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I loved escaping within the pages, Jacqui 🙂
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Thanks for featuring my book, Mae. I’m glad you love Muddy River so much:) AND, I want to congratulate you on the great sales for your books. You were #8 for ALL free books last night, making you #1 for all three of your categories. WAY TO GO! I hope the whole world finds Hode’s Hill. I enjoyed every book in the series.
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I always love visiting Muddy River, Judi. I hope the adventures of Hester, Raven and the gang continue for a long time to come.
Thanks so much for the congrats on Hode’s Hill, too. I’ve been watching the numbers on all three books and have been a little giddy over the results. I hope new readers enjoy the stories. Thanks so much for the congrats and for your support!
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Ooh! You had me with the Phoenix!
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LOL! And wait until you meet some of the other characters 😉
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This sounds like a fun read! Wonderful review, Mae. The cover is cool!
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It’s a great read, Jacquie. I really enjoyed it, and the cover is a perfect match given the story!
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Great review, Mae:) I do have this series on my radar now and the first book on my TBR list!
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That’s awesome to hear, Denise. I’m sure you’ll love them all!
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A great review, Mae. I like the sound of this book.
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Thanks, Robbie. I’m glad you enjoyed the review!
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This sounds like a really cool book. Must add to my TBR pile 🙂
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Awesome! I love visiting Muddy River 🙂
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A wonderful review, Mae! This sounds like a book that is filled with myth and magic! Thanks for sharing!
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Muddy River is an awesome place to visit, Jan. It is definitely filled with a lot of myth and magic!
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Sounds good and love that cover!
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I think you’d enjoy, Flossie!
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Great review, Mae! The Muddy River series is on my TBR 😀
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Great to hear, Julie!
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