The Man in Black series by author Harper Carr continues with The Conjurer. Estrada returns with some of his friends, but in a new country as he races against the clock. Dylan has been accused of murder. But Estrada knows his friend. This is not something that Dylan would do, so the question becomes – who is out to get Dylan? Prepare for page-turning drama as The Conjurer unfolds. Author Carr will make sure that this book is hard to put down.
The Conjurer grabs readers’ attention and holds it with a stunning cover decked out in reds and blacks from top to bottom. The Conjurer’s cover evokes and stokes the imagination to conjure up images of a man geared up for battle and ready to wage war against all who would stand against him. Hair like midnight flying behind him, Estrada appears to march forward with a commanding presence.
Dressed head to toe in black, with a white shirt and a red tie, he looks quite formidable. On his hip is a large dagger, while in his right hand is a large sword with red energy appearing like flames off of it. Over his left shoulder is a raven or crow in flight, almost appearing to be a companion to him in his quest to conquer. Behind him rages red flares almost like he just walked through a doorway with the way that the black objects appear on either side of him in the background.
Author Carr kicks off The Conjurer with a new face to the series. A young woman by the name of Sorcha has found something. Right behind the introduction of this new character will be one that you are familiar with from The Witch Killer (review here) – Dylan. When we last crossed paths with Dylan, he was in Ireland with Estrada and company. Now, we reconnect with him in Scotland on an archaeological dig.
Dylan appears to be quite taken with Sorcha, but it also seems that he has some “competition.” LOL! Well, let’s be fair, that’s putting it mildly. Author Carr kicks off The Conjurer with a unique cast of new characters and hints of drama that promise to be quite thrilling. There is some tension between Dylan and Kai. Kai gives off bully vibes, and that is only further exacerbated as The Conjurer moves forward.
It’s not long before author Carr ramps up the drama in this story. Dylan finds himself in quite a predicament that spells nothing but trouble. A fantasy come true quickly turns into a nightmare when someone takes a private moment and exploits it. This sets the stage for Dylan’s future troubles that are coming faster than he could have ever expected.
First, though, author Carr reminds us readers of Dylan’s unique abilities. His ability to “communicate” with stones and see the secrets and memories that they hold? Absolutely fascinating. Being granted the ability to have a small taste of Scotland’s history that has built this country is always something that readers are sure to not only enjoy but want more of.
While trouble is finding Dylan in Scotland, author Carr shifts us back to Canada where we rejoin Estrada and the rest of his coven. Things weren’t left on the best note between Estrada and Sensara. Author Carr reminds us of this particular “fly in the ointment” by having Sensara bring a “plus one” to one of their rituals in The Conjurer. The question of – “Is this something serious between Sensara and this new guy?” will definitely pick at you.
As The Conjurer progresses forward, Estrada is struggling with his emotions concerning Sensara, and this goes to impact his relationship with Michael. It seems like a lot is bearing down on Estrada already, so what’s one more thing, right? Well, that is the overall gist of the story when he gets a phone call letting him know that Dylan has been arrested and accused of murder.
We all want a friend like Estrada, who, while dealing with his own drama, will willingly put it all aside so that he can be there for someone who needs him. Of course, author Carr never lets up on the drama that constantly plays out throughout The Conjurer. You’d be inclined to think that Estrada’s reputation would not necessarily precede him. Well, that is where you’d be wrong.
The incidents that took place in Ireland in The Witch Killer (review here) have been noted by others, and now they are potentially creating an issue for Estrada in Scotland. The good news? Estrada is not going to let that impact his quest for answers and proof that his friend is not a killer. But this will not be an easy task ahead, but it will be quite the thrill ride of a story.
The Conjurer is a fast-paced, gripping novel that draws you in from the beginning and keeps you page-turning to the end. Expect chaos, misunderstandings, unexpected romance, and…yes, heartbreak. This book brings unique and new magic elements that will absolutely have your jaw on the floor.
In The Witch Killer (review here), the paranormal aspect was there, but in The Conjurer, we get more of that paranormal element, which is really great. Author Carr really takes the lore and legend of Scotland and brings it to this book in the best ways. You get the legends, the scenery depictions, and the history that embodies Scotland.
The Conjurer embodies so many different elements. You get a murder mystery, a stolen artifact, and so much more. Author Carr touches on some things that most readers wouldn’t have even thought of when it comes to Scotland, unless you were quite familiar with it. While this novel is fiction, it will inform you of things you never knew and have you eager to discover more. The things that will be revealed by certain characters will break your heart with their tragic revelations.
Curious about the LGBTQ representation in The Conjurer? Well, author Carr absolutely brings it. The representation of the gay characters and even Estrada’s bisexuality is done tastefully, and in such a way that will ultimately break your heart. We say this because there is one character in particular who never truly felt that he could be…himself in a country that witnessed the abuse of those like him…and did nothing.
Author Carr brings readers quite a dynamic story where Estrada is the overall focal point, but he’s not the only character allowed to shine. Told from the third person POV, The Conjurer gives you a murder mystery, while also taking another character who is obsessed with vampires, and shows him that they are all too real. The story will switch flawlessly between characters and will keep you page-turning to find out what happens next.
If you are a reader who enjoys murder mystery novels set in locales that are steeped in history, then The Conjurer is a book you don’t want to miss out on. This novel blends together so many different elements and aspects that you won’t want to put it down. The Conjurer gives you paranormal mystery with tons of drama, and is truly a great addition to the series. In short, grab this book!
Pros:
- Page-turner
- Dynamic cast of characters
- Good amount of paranormal elements
- Twists and surprises
- Gripping mystery
Cons:
- None of merit
Scribble's Worth 