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A Charm of Magpies #2.5
A Case of Spirits
None so blind…
As torrential rains wash away the stench of a London heat wave, another kind of wave is sweeping through the city streets. A rash of ghost sightings, followed quickly by madness—and horrifying, eye-melting blindness.
The outbreak hits close to home when Lord Crane’s manservant, Merrick, becomes the newest victim. Desperate to find the cause of the malady, Crane and his magician lover, Stephen Day, are in a race against time—to put an end to the magical assault and put to rest the painful memories resurrected by ghosts of the past.
Warning: Magical horror, strong language, and strange brews disguised as strong drink.
As torrential rains wash away the stench of a London heat wave, another kind of wave is sweeping through the city streets. A rash of ghost sightings, followed quickly by madness—and horrifying, eye-melting blindness.
The outbreak hits close to home when Lord Crane’s manservant, Merrick, becomes the newest victim. Desperate to find the cause of the malady, Crane and his magician lover, Stephen Day, are in a race against time—to put an end to the magical assault and put to rest the painful memories resurrected by ghosts of the past.
Warning: Magical horror, strong language, and strange brews disguised as strong drink.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2015
41 people are currently reading
1483 people want to read
About the author
K.J. Charles
65 books11.7k followersKJ is a writer of romance, mostly m/m, historical or fantasy or both. She blogs about writing and editing at http://kjcharleswriter.com.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
She lives in London, UK, with her husband, two kids, and a cat of absolute night.
Bluesky @kj_charleswriter.com
Join the lively Discord group at https://discord.gg/fmPTWSZfT6
Sign up to the (infrequent) newsletter at http://kjcharleswriter.com/newsletter
Please **do not** message me on Goodreads as I no longer check the inbox due to unwanted messages.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
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September 7, 2016A Charm of Magpies short, set after A Case of Possession. Lucien gets tangled up in one of Stephen's cases when Merrick becomes the latest victim of a magical curse attacking London. There are quite a lot of memories stirred up, good and bad.
I enjoyed writing this one, which is as much mood piece as mystery. I learned some things writing it about the history of the characters that were very enlightening as I wrote Flight of Magpies (Charm of Magpies 3). Also, some really cool facts about gin.
Note: this is a free story, which will be released electronically at the same time as it appears in the print edition of A Case of Possession, hence the long wait. Sorry about that! But, you know, free.
I enjoyed writing this one, which is as much mood piece as mystery. I learned some things writing it about the history of the characters that were very enlightening as I wrote Flight of Magpies (Charm of Magpies 3). Also, some really cool facts about gin.
Note: this is a free story, which will be released electronically at the same time as it appears in the print edition of A Case of Possession, hence the long wait. Sorry about that! But, you know, free.
January 7, 2015
Aww, this was nice. Despite eyes probably being my least favorite body part to mess and fuckery-doo-doo with.
32 pages or not, I can't wait - argh! - for this to come out. And although this type of cover seldom works for me, this one is giving me the good sort of shivers. That's Lord Crane alright. >:)
32 pages or not, I can't wait - argh! - for this to come out. And although this type of cover seldom works for me, this one is giving me the good sort of shivers. That's Lord Crane alright. >:)
April 30, 2018
3.5 Stars
The Victorian Era world-building Charles has created in this series is so vibrant and enthralling. Add to that, I enjoy the elements of sorcery used here, and I greatly appreciate how deftly drawn and fully developed her characters are.
This short story was fast-paced and entertaining, providing this series with yet another worthy installment.
The Victorian Era world-building Charles has created in this series is so vibrant and enthralling. Add to that, I enjoy the elements of sorcery used here, and I greatly appreciate how deftly drawn and fully developed her characters are.
This short story was fast-paced and entertaining, providing this series with yet another worthy installment.
December 8, 2021
A great morsel of a novella.
Do I need to say that I loved it?
That I LOVE Stephen and Lucian?
I think not.
The swoon
The sweet
The steam
The adventure
Lucian calling Stephen "My Sweet" is just gahhhh.
That it all.
Do I need to say that I loved it?
That I LOVE Stephen and Lucian?
I think not.
The swoon
The sweet
The steam
The adventure
Lucian calling Stephen "My Sweet" is just gahhhh.
That it all.
January 15, 2015
Written January 14, 2015
3 Stars - Not much, but I got the change to meet them again - Thanks for that!!
Book #2.5
Not the last series part but the last published. ~ A 32 pages freebie I preordered nearly a year ago.
There isn't much to say about this shortie. I love all these characters but I wished this had been more than this quick glimpse of them. Not much to story neither.
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The A Charm of Magpies series by K.J. Charles are very well-written historical suspense romances with some paranormal topics as well. — Main characters: Lucien Vaudrey, the Lord Crane and his beloved Justiciar (deals with magical malpractice...). Mr. Stephen Day. (My reviews: )
***********************************************************
I LIKE - okay, just beacuse it is Crane & Stephen
3 Stars - Not much, but I got the change to meet them again - Thanks for that!!
Book #2.5
Not the last series part but the last published. ~ A 32 pages freebie I preordered nearly a year ago.
There isn't much to say about this shortie. I love all these characters but I wished this had been more than this quick glimpse of them. Not much to story neither.
***********************************************************
The A Charm of Magpies series by K.J. Charles are very well-written historical suspense romances with some paranormal topics as well. — Main characters: Lucien Vaudrey, the Lord Crane and his beloved Justiciar (deals with magical malpractice...). Mr. Stephen Day. (My reviews: )
***********************************************************
“An Old Tom is a house, or shop, or even a public house, that sells cheap moonshine gin. Going back to when gin was illegal. If there’s a carving or plaque of a black cat out the front, that’s an Old Tom. Knock on the window, pay your penny and get your poison.”
I LIKE - okay, just beacuse it is Crane & Stephen
June 20, 2023
✰ 3 stars ✰
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.”
It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his.
“And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.”
“To the grave.”
When a sudden outbreak of a deadly poison sweeps across London, causing their victims to see their deceased loved ones before their eyes and blinding them in the process, it's up to Stephen and Crane to track down the person behind this vile scheme. And while, I'm not quite sure why this brief interlude of a mystery was necessary, as always, it was nice to see the growing level of trust between the two lovers, and how well they work together as a team. 🩶🩶 We also get to see how very close, Crane and Merrick are - honestly, Merrick, really is a star supporting character - so much of Crane's past is ingrained with his presence, that he's very close to what a best friend is to him.
“I don’t know. A houseful of ghosts, probably. I’ve a lot of memories I wouldn’t want to be confronted with. But as to regrets… They don’t mean much. You do what you can at the time, and if you fail, you learn...
“Yes. I see.”
“In any case, my life has brought me here, with you, and I wouldn’t want to be elsewhere.”
I liked that it also gave Crane and Stephen an opportunity to reflect on their lives and the decisions they've made that have led them here - any past regrets that may haunt them. As much as K.J Charles did start off the series with their cheeky banter, it's also nice to see the calmness in their talks - the rare instances where Crane doesn't hesitate to be vocal with Stephen about his own helplessness, or his inability to be something more for him. And if nothing else, A Case of Spirits was a nice stepping stone into the conclusion of the series - showing just how close this little family had become and what pains they would do to protect one another. 🥺🥺
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.”
It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his.
“And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.”
“To the grave.”
When a sudden outbreak of a deadly poison sweeps across London, causing their victims to see their deceased loved ones before their eyes and blinding them in the process, it's up to Stephen and Crane to track down the person behind this vile scheme. And while, I'm not quite sure why this brief interlude of a mystery was necessary, as always, it was nice to see the growing level of trust between the two lovers, and how well they work together as a team. 🩶🩶 We also get to see how very close, Crane and Merrick are - honestly, Merrick, really is a star supporting character - so much of Crane's past is ingrained with his presence, that he's very close to what a best friend is to him.
“I don’t know. A houseful of ghosts, probably. I’ve a lot of memories I wouldn’t want to be confronted with. But as to regrets… They don’t mean much. You do what you can at the time, and if you fail, you learn...
“Yes. I see.”
“In any case, my life has brought me here, with you, and I wouldn’t want to be elsewhere.”
I liked that it also gave Crane and Stephen an opportunity to reflect on their lives and the decisions they've made that have led them here - any past regrets that may haunt them. As much as K.J Charles did start off the series with their cheeky banter, it's also nice to see the calmness in their talks - the rare instances where Crane doesn't hesitate to be vocal with Stephen about his own helplessness, or his inability to be something more for him. And if nothing else, A Case of Spirits was a nice stepping stone into the conclusion of the series - showing just how close this little family had become and what pains they would do to protect one another. 🥺🥺
June 27, 2018
This was a fun little mystery featuring spirits: both the supernatural as well as the alcoholic kind. Despite being only 32 pages long, the book still presented a nicely fleshed out episode, and the resolution also turned out very exciting.
For those of you looking for some clandestine liaisons, there's a questionable(?) bit of shenanigan in a church of all places. Very much in public. Which was, you know, equal parts exciting and frustrating to follow. And that's just me, imagine 'poor' Lucien!
That said, writing a review for the story, a week after having finished it, is definitely not easy. Like with Adrien and Jake from The Adrien English Mysteries, any piece of writing featuring Lucien and Stephen will get me excited... but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll find them all memorable.
3/5 stars
==============
Review of book 0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
Review of book 3.5: Feast of Stephen
For those of you looking for some clandestine liaisons, there's a questionable(?) bit of shenanigan in a church of all places. Very much in public. Which was, you know, equal parts exciting and frustrating to follow. And that's just me, imagine 'poor' Lucien!
That said, writing a review for the story, a week after having finished it, is definitely not easy. Like with Adrien and Jake from The Adrien English Mysteries, any piece of writing featuring Lucien and Stephen will get me excited... but that doesn't necessarily mean I'll find them all memorable.
3/5 stars
==============
Review of book 0.5: The Smuggler and the Warlord
Review of book 1: The Magpie Lord
Review of book 1.5: Interlude with Tattoos
Review of book 2: A Case of Possession
Review of book 3: Flight of Magpies
Review of book 3.5: Feast of Stephen
January 30, 2023
Una historia corta que nos deja ver como las personas pueden vivir sus culpas tiempo despues, y lo dificil de que es superarlas y seguir adelante. Ademas, vemos que en este universo existen otros hechiceros y que cada uno tiene su especialidad, y cuando se juntan es posible identificar no solo el problema, sino tambien conseguir una solucion.
Una bonita historia de como la relacion Crane-Stephen es cada vez mas fuerte y estable.
Una bonita historia de como la relacion Crane-Stephen es cada vez mas fuerte y estable.
June 26, 2018
Fantastic, creepy, ghastly, ghostly short story included in the new edition of Book 2.
January 1, 2016
I don't have a problem.
I swear.
Honest.
I swear.
Honest.
January 6, 2015
Damn how does KJ Charles do it...write some of the most blech-worthy, skin-crawly scenes and then write some of the most heartwarming ones?
Loved being in Crane's head...love how he loves those he loves. :)
Good times.
December 21, 2021
I didn't like this short novella(32 pages) as much as I like the other stories in this series. The case of seeing ghosts by drunkards felt half baked but still, for 32 pages this one was an interesting read.
January 19, 2015
Doses of Lucien Vaudry have become necessary to the wellbeing of my spirits.
loved this
loved that Ms Charles continues to give us these
Would love more in future.
May 24, 2016
Short story about Merric and ghosts and drunk people and poisons. It's nice watching Crane and Stephen working together. But there's something that's bothering me. Why is that warlord from Crane's past mentioned in every book? I don't like him it. I hope he doesn't play any significant role in the future.
May 11, 2022
Reread - May2022, July 2019 - I ❤️ S&L
Review
Enjoyed this story, it was cool seeing a few more snippets into Merrick and Cranes life in Shanghai.
Review
Enjoyed this story, it was cool seeing a few more snippets into Merrick and Cranes life in Shanghai.
January 6, 2015
3.5 stars
This one have Stephen and Crane facing madness of ghost sightings followed up with blindness that attacked several people, including Merrick. It was a very quick read, and quite straightforward -- they found out about the disease, they teamed up of finding out the reason and the cure, and all was well.
Truthfully, I will gobble up any stories from "A Charm of Magpie" world - short or otherwise. So despite it being short, I still thought it was enjoyable. Plus we had Crane stating this "My lover. My shaman. My bloody-minded, obstinate, slippery Stephen.". Ahhh, ♥
This one have Stephen and Crane facing madness of ghost sightings followed up with blindness that attacked several people, including Merrick. It was a very quick read, and quite straightforward -- they found out about the disease, they teamed up of finding out the reason and the cure, and all was well.
Truthfully, I will gobble up any stories from "A Charm of Magpie" world - short or otherwise. So despite it being short, I still thought it was enjoyable. Plus we had Crane stating this "My lover. My shaman. My bloody-minded, obstinate, slippery Stephen.". Ahhh, ♥
April 28, 2018
4 Stars!
There’s something about Crane and Stephen and this world they occupy that pushes a lot of buttons for me. There’s magic, forbidden and hidden love, and the feels that run oh so deep. I’m quite upset that there’s only 2 stories left and it’s an internal dilemma as to whether to avoid the inevitable or go forward to indulge in more of these two. *grumbles*
Regardless, this is definitely a favorite series for sure!
There’s something about Crane and Stephen and this world they occupy that pushes a lot of buttons for me. There’s magic, forbidden and hidden love, and the feels that run oh so deep. I’m quite upset that there’s only 2 stories left and it’s an internal dilemma as to whether to avoid the inevitable or go forward to indulge in more of these two. *grumbles*
Regardless, this is definitely a favorite series for sure!
February 13, 2017
3.5
Unfortunately, I don't think this could be thoroughly appreciated by those who haven't read the series. It's just you only get a glimpse of Lucien Vaudrey's character. Stephen's even less than that. And poor Merrick is the victim here so nothing there either.
However, I have read about them before and the story is a wonderful (and creepy, of course) addition to this world.
Unfortunately, I don't think this could be thoroughly appreciated by those who haven't read the series. It's just you only get a glimpse of Lucien Vaudrey's character. Stephen's even less than that. And poor Merrick is the victim here so nothing there either.
However, I have read about them before and the story is a wonderful (and creepy, of course) addition to this world.
July 5, 2020
A clever little mystery.
Audio fans can find it at the end of A Case of Possession.
Audio fans can find it at the end of A Case of Possession.
June 22, 2025
Rating - 5 stars
I might've said before that the goal is to have a Merrick in your life but it's changed. The goal is to be the Merrick to the Lucien or Lucien to the Merrick. I NEED that bromance/friendship. The story was short but nice about being suddenly plagued with seeing memories and we get the insight into some hidden secrets as well. Loved this as I did the previous books in the series
I might've said before that the goal is to have a Merrick in your life but it's changed. The goal is to be the Merrick to the Lucien or Lucien to the Merrick. I NEED that bromance/friendship. The story was short but nice about being suddenly plagued with seeing memories and we get the insight into some hidden secrets as well. Loved this as I did the previous books in the series
March 17, 2018
Re-read as an add-on to A Case of Possession, best read in chronological order.
Nicely done, simple plot, it‘s ok..., 3 stars
*-*-*-*
Quick read, Victorian setting, nobility, gay lovers, magic and a little suspense. Well written, entertaining. I read another of her short stories before, in a different setting. I am tempted to get a full length novel, to see if it is as well done.
4 brain-candy stars
Nicely done, simple plot, it‘s ok..., 3 stars
*-*-*-*
Quick read, Victorian setting, nobility, gay lovers, magic and a little suspense. Well written, entertaining. I read another of her short stories before, in a different setting. I am tempted to get a full length novel, to see if it is as well done.
4 brain-candy stars
January 19, 2016
Un nuevo problema perturbador y sobrenatural en este Londres de prostitutas, piratas, ladrones, contrabandistas, damas y aristocratas transplantados añorando sitios más exóticos, y de practicantes de lo oculto. Y donde amar a alguien todavia se considera indecible.
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.” It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his. “And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.”
“To the grave.” Crane said
“I’m glad I didn’t walk away from you, back in spring. I’m glad we had our chance. I love you, Lucien.” It was quiet, but it was spoken, aloud. Stephen’s invisible fingers stroked over his. “And I’m glad I’m with you now. Especially since I’m quite sure you’d haunt me horribly if I weren’t.”
“To the grave.” Crane said
November 16, 2023
This one was included in the A Case of Possession Kindle edition.
August 10, 2024
Creepy, weird, and I loved hearing more about Merrick's back story and his current possible love interest?
August 30, 2020
Comparing this paranormal case to the others in the series, it’s my least favourite. You can’t really fit a lot into a novella of ~30 pages. I think it needed to be longer to really do it justice and I would have loved for Merrick (Lucien’s right hand man) to have had some more scenes. Nonetheless, this series is fab and one not to be missed. I love Lucien and Stephen and I’m sad there’s only one more book to go Flight of Magpies.
January 9, 2015
(A Case of Spirits was published out of order but fits in after book 2, A Case of Possession)
Reading the last book in this series, Flight of Magpies, I was still left with the unsettled feeling of how Crane could rectify his pull to Shanghai…
“… he was aware of a longing for the city he loved, for the monsoon parties, on a barge with the rain drumming on a canopy above… the smell of long-dry stone wetted by the splat of raindrops…”
… how he could make that work with his love for Stephen who is firmly ensconced in England.
In this short bit featuring Merrick in trouble-- a bit of voodoo-making tension-- we also get a bit more of Crane and Merrick’s backstory in China.
I think, now, that this is the brilliance in the storytelling. The recounting of Merrick and Crane’s time in the far east… how the memories are gradually unfolded, coloring in their relationship. And perhaps this is enough. Perhaps there is no need to return to Shanghai; Crane will make it work.
And, is there anything more erotic than your lover being marked-- no, claimed-- by one of your very own tattoos?
“Crane could see the borrowed magpie tattoo rustling its wings on his (Stephen’s) pale skin, still magically animated after the night’s lovemaking. He let his hand hover over Stephen’s back and watched the inked bird mime a peck at his fingers.”
It’s these quiet, intimate moments, thrown in with those memories of Chinese adventures that make these stories sing.
January 11, 2015
First, the look on Crane's face on this cover is exactly how I picture him, especially in this story. Especially when he puts on the highbrow air that he doesn't so secretly despise. Especially when Stephen or Merrick is being threatened with harm.
Next, getting another slice of their lives from Crane's point of view is fantastic. More than that, it makes it rather obvious that, no matter whose point of view from which the story is told, it's a Magpie story. Everyone's personalities come through, recognized and embraced.
Lastly, one of my favorite moments: when Crane whispers to Stephen's tattoo to "stay there". *contented sigh* This speaks to Charles and how good she is at using small but important gestures and detail to give us atmosphere and character.
The possibilities are endless in this Magpie universe.
Oh and Esther is intelligent, strong, sarcastic and unyielding at all the right times.
Merrick is Merrick. Brilliant.
Next, getting another slice of their lives from Crane's point of view is fantastic. More than that, it makes it rather obvious that, no matter whose point of view from which the story is told, it's a Magpie story. Everyone's personalities come through, recognized and embraced.
Lastly, one of my favorite moments: when Crane whispers to Stephen's tattoo to "stay there". *contented sigh* This speaks to Charles and how good she is at using small but important gestures and detail to give us atmosphere and character.
The possibilities are endless in this Magpie universe.
Oh and Esther is intelligent, strong, sarcastic and unyielding at all the right times.
Merrick is Merrick. Brilliant.
January 6, 2015
I’ve been looking forward to this little story for a while now. I just loved getting a little snippet of Lucien, Stephen and Merrick…and boy has Merrick gotten himself into a mess this time!
I don’t want to get into all the gory details, but yes, this one made me squeamish. Anything involving eyeballs gives me the heebie-jeebies!
It’s entirely told from Lucien’s POV and I really enjoyed seeing again how he would do anything for the two people he cares for most in the world: whether it’s spending his money to help aid in finding a cure for a mysterious illness or staying in a city he hates to be near Stephen.
I also liked the little hints at what Merrick and Saint have been up to.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
I don’t want to get into all the gory details, but yes, this one made me squeamish. Anything involving eyeballs gives me the heebie-jeebies!
It’s entirely told from Lucien’s POV and I really enjoyed seeing again how he would do anything for the two people he cares for most in the world: whether it’s spending his money to help aid in finding a cure for a mysterious illness or staying in a city he hates to be near Stephen.
I also liked the little hints at what Merrick and Saint have been up to.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
January 6, 2015
I was delighted to have another chance to see Crane, Stephen, and Merrick and other secondary characters together. I was pulled in again by the caring, the snark, and the magic. This was a very engaging short story, with a clear if constrained plot, and a few lovely moments in Crane's head, as he thinks about the people who matter to him.
I'd recommend it between books 2 and 3, I think, the way it is numbered, if you haven't read #3 yet. (Although, what have you been waiting for...?) There are hints of change, and things stirring here, that will come to life in the last novel. A wonderful series, of which this is just a brief, free taste.
I'd recommend it between books 2 and 3, I think, the way it is numbered, if you haven't read #3 yet. (Although, what have you been waiting for...?) There are hints of change, and things stirring here, that will come to life in the last novel. A wonderful series, of which this is just a brief, free taste.
March 25, 2025
Overall book rating: 3.8
Audio Book: Cornell Collins - 4.5
Book Cover: 4
Book 2.5
I just love getting MORE about the characters. Even if it’s short.
We learn little things in every story, this one, Lucien’s devotion and love for his friend / manservant Merrick.
The little background we get about said Merrick is also very welcome as I find him a strong side character. One I very much like.
Audio Book: Cornell Collins - 4.5
Book Cover: 4
Book 2.5
I just love getting MORE about the characters. Even if it’s short.
We learn little things in every story, this one, Lucien’s devotion and love for his friend / manservant Merrick.
The little background we get about said Merrick is also very welcome as I find him a strong side character. One I very much like.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews