I love all things Hailey Edwards, but this is the first series I started on audio and I am so glad that I did. Our witch Rue Hollis works another case for the Black Hat Bureau as we discover something interesting about our black witch. Grab a cup of joe and find out why I am loving this series.
by Hailey Edwards
Series: Black Hat Bureau #2
Narrator: Stephanie Richardson
Length: 7 hours and 34 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
After a black witch pitched a hissy fit in Hollis Apothecary, Rue got stuck cleaning up his mess. That was the easy part. Repairing the damage he inflicted on Camber and Arden? That makes Rue wish she could bring him back to life just to kill him again. Slower this time.
While Rue is setting her new life back to rights, Clay and Asa are off working a case, but it soon becomes clear that they’ll need her help to catch the vicious creature preying on locals in a small Tennessee town. She’s got her hands full at home, but Rue has no choice. She must report for duty to honor her agreement with the director. Or else.
What she discovers leads her deeper down the rabbit hole of Black Hat Bureau corruption and promises that, no matter how grim the past few weeks have been, the worst is yet to come.
Rue has a dark past and was in hiding from the agency she once worked for. Because of the buildup and overall story arc, not to mention the relationship dynamics, it is important to start at the beginning. If you haven’t listened to Black Hat, White Witch, you will want to begin there.
When Clay and Asa stumble on a wendigo zombie killing folks in Tennessee, they call on Rue for help. Clay was Rue’s partner in the past and the two have a tight friendship. They soon discover something nefarious is happening.
The case was intense, with battles, buildup, and escalating danger. They soon discover that whoever is behind the attacks and manipulating the creature is interested in a remnant of their last case. Colby, our teenage geek, proved to be an asset thanks to her computer skills.
I love the unique characters and the storyline Edwards is building around Rue and her past. Clay makes me grin, as do Colby and others. The interaction between them all forms this motley crew you cannot help but cheer for.
The romance between Asa and Rue continues. We find out why both Asa and his demon are drawn to Rue and her to them. I loved the banter, kinky talk and surprises, not to mention some heated moments. It’s an interesting mating dance. It feels fresh and genuine, making me invested in the outcome.
I really enjoy Rue as she struggles with changing who she is. Few black witches want to be a white witch, and she struggles with each spell. The unique characters really make this story and I love the dynamics. The storyline and world building is intriguing with touches of dark but light enough to keep it fast-paced.
Stephanie Richardson narrates and does a great job capturing the characters’ personalities and the tone of the tale. Her male voices and even those of the younger characters enhance the story. I plan to continue listening to the series.
Fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance will enjoy slipping into this world and getting to know Rue and the gang.
*ebook available through Kindle Unlimited
Narrated by Stephanie Richardson Black Arts, White Craft by Hailey Edwards has Rue and the gang dealing with a wendigo zombie as the attraction between Asa & Rue strengthens. #UrbanFantasy #audiobook #NewRelease #BlackHatBureau Share on XAbout Hailey Edwards
Hailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy. She lives in Alabama with her husband, their daughter, and a herd of dachshunds.
About Stephanie Richardson
Stephanie Richardson records audiobooks from her professional home studio near the mountains in Utah. She places a special emphasis on bringing positive and wholesome content in the world and records work in a variety of nonfiction and fiction genres, including self-development, memoir, children's and young adult, and cozy mystery. She has trained with award-winning narrators PJ Ochlan and Sean Pratt and was awarded the ABR award for best mystery in 2020. While not enjoying a book, she can be found playing zoo-keeper to her four rambunctious children, playing nerdy board games, or talking to her plants.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Jen
I am enjoying this series, as well. I agree that the group dynamics make the story and I find Rue’s road to redemption a worthy tale. I like that we see her struggle. I’m looking forward to more!
Lover of Romance
I am not sure if I have ever listened to this narrator (there are so many these days) but I just respect one that can bring the various personalities to life.
Glad that you enjoyed this one so muc. Great review.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’m also a big fan of Hailey Edwards and probably should have gotten onboard for this one, too. Fantastic review!
Hena Tayeb
Sounds very interesting.