Michael Phillip Case Crashes Genres With Witches Protection Program - Verrrry Cool!

 When I hear the word witch, I first think of the two from the classic film...

Hey, the beautiful witch's name was Glinda so I was partial to her, you might say... But, then, The Charmed Ones came along and we witch followers were entranced by these good witches as well...

Witches have been around since the beginning, but the most notoriety was when the Pilgrims started killing...people...whether they were witches or not... Sometime during the more enlightened years, the government stepped in to provide protection and the Witches Protection Program was born, according to Michael Cash...

"You're crazy, dude," Wes smiled lazily.

"Not so crazy. They've been around for years, living underground, hiding their abilities. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. The history of witches and our country goes way back. Please pay attention to the monitor." Alastair gestured to the far wall. West noticed he aimed a remote at the blank space.

Imaged flickered on a screen West hadn't noticed was there. It filled the room with cinema quality actors, and West Stretched out his long legs, getting comfortable.

It was a black and white grainy documentary style. The words Salem, Massachusetts, 1692 identified the time period. Fields of corn and small cottages, clearly New England streets. Wes admitted the realism of the set...

"I knew we shouldn't-a let Good Prudence in which her potions..."

~~~

Witches Protection Program

By Michael Phillip Cash

Wes Rockville is a cop, maybe not the best but maybe part of his problem was that he reported to his father and his sister was a distinguished prosecutor in New York City... But, then, Wes did seem to mess up on what would be several simple cases--like not being able to transport one little old lady...

All he had been told was to not look her in the eyes...But he must have...

And his father was on the line and Wes was given his last assignment, or he would be kicked out! He had been assigned to the Witches Protection Program...

A secret part of the force referred to as DUMBO...

...West ambled to a darkened corner of the street,
pressing the phone to his ear to make sure he
heard the message correctly. He stared absently
at the setting sun that washed the sky to a faint
pink. The light wind ruffled his jacket, sending
a chill down his spine. It was an unfriendly street;
there was not a pedestrian, baby carriage, or even
a delivery bicycle in sight. The policeman in Wes
scoured the facade of the brownstones, looking
for a hint of life. There was not even a chirping
bird. The sound of cars racing overhead created
a wind-tunnel effect, so the whole place had an
unearthly air.
"The line you've called is currently out of service"
Shit, he messed up. He blew air through his lips
in a rush. "Please leave a message after the beep."
Closing his eyes wearily, he repeated the number
again, then looked back at his phone, the glare
painting his face blue. The sun disappeared,
bathing the entire street in blue...West shivered
in the cold. Wait a minute. He paused. What
line that is out of service takes messages? He
redialed the number. West anticipated the beep
and held the phone close to his mouth. He said
softly, "Alastair? This is Wes."
~~~

Now I found this totally plausible. After all, humans don't have a good history of accommodating to individuals that are different from them... Besides, it had been recognized that many witches were able to provide support for the needs of the world...

But that's when the fun begins...

(pop. less than 1200 according
to Wiki)

Wes is unable or unwilling to accept that witches actually exist! But now, he will be out of a job if he doesn't proceed with the reassignment. So he heads on down to DUMBO--Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, but he couldn't find the place!

And the rest of his getting to work is, to be brief, mind-boggling... To Wes, that is; to the readers, it is humorous and quickly gets us totally involved in this strange world where quite a bit of their work is saving the good witches (Davinas) from the bad (Willa).

"The accusations caused a great schism.
Witches split into two factions: the
Davinas and the Willa. Both groups
continued to practice their brands of
magic even though they disappeared
into the fabric of society. Davinas
mastered medicine and healing. You
may have known one as a teacher or a
nurse. They used their powers for the
good of mankind.
The Willa went dark--very dark--
embracing the nefarious arts and
anything that thwarted goodness.

But first Wes sits through a lengthy documentary of what has happened to witches in the past...in which Wes is certain that Jennifer Aniston stars!  His mind began to wander a little, but was quite shaken when he realized he would no longer use his Glock!

First he received a Steampunk Vaporizer, then a Darrow Trance Lifter,  a mirror, which he was told would be used--at times when he would know how to use it--and, finally, a roll of duct tape.

And then he was given his first assignment. He read through the folder materials and responded, "I won't do it." Which was quickly followed by a need for him to turn in his resignation... In other words, he didn't have a choice...

He was going to be introduced to Junie "Baby Fat" Meadows of the Meadows Witch family. On the way, Wes at least found out she was Davina...

Soon they were in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and entering the home of Pendragon Cosmetics, known to most women throughout the world. It was a lower-end cosmetic found in most drugstores.

A squat woman wearing a polyester skirt and a vest-like apron covered in shamrocks walked down an alley of containers, a clipboard under her arm and a pen designed to look like a tree branch in her gnarled hand. She had unkempt, mousy hair, with a tortoiseshell barrette holding it back from her bulbous eyes. Spider veins created a road map on her flabby face, and most would call her ugly. Junie "Baby Fat' Meadows didn't mind. She had a magic mirror at home, so it didn't matter. 

And Junie is about to be called to the office by her "pain in the ass" boss... She has an idea of what is going on, but it could be dangerous for her to do anything on her own... Morgan, niece of the head of the company, soon also learns she is in danger... Alastair and Wes are called to the rescue. Wes takes one look at Morgan, thinks she can't possibly be a witch, then decides he doesn't care if she is!

And then the fight is on!

"You're a witch!" Dominic shouted.

"No shit, Sherlock," Scarlett replied, pointing to a container thirty feet high. "Box them in, seal the door, ship them all to Singapore."

...Scarlett turned to the vast cavern of the warehouse, the drumming from the men imprisoned in the metal box becoming fainter as she walked the aisles. "Oh, little playmate," she began iin a singsong voice. "Come out and play with me. You'll bring your dollies three. Climb up my apple tree..." her voice had a breathy quality that echoed down the deserted warehouse. "Cry down my rain barrel. Slide down my cellar door..."

Morgan's foot slipped. The singing stopped abruptly. Scarlett's eyes widened, an evil smile on her face. She wet her lips, beginning the song again. "And we'll be jolly friends..." Scarlett tossed aside a heavy container with her bare hands, her mouth a snarl as she finished the childhood ditty, expecting to find her prey. "Forevermore!" Morgan wasn't there. Scarlett sniffed the air; she knew the girl was nearby. "Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

~~~

There is an underlying edge of humor throughout the entire book, but some places are even hilarious! For me, I enjoyed this one more than any other novel by Cash. This is the kind of humorous mystery that is worthy of a series and I hope the author considers more activities for the Witches Protection Program! The characters are wonderfully drawn, reminiscent of other witches stories, but with a unique twist that, I believe, is the first providing witch protectors!

The blend of old instruments used by witches, such as brooms, combined with contemporary cosmetic schemes has brought a delightful, fully satisfying--and without much violence--novel that is exciting, audacious, with an innovative humor that will be fun for all readers--YA and above!



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Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He's written ten books including the best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Pokergeist and Battle for Darracia series.

Michael resides on the North Shore of Long Island. He writes full-time with his screaming kids in the background.

Connect with Michael on:
Facebook: facebook.com/michaelphillipcash
Twitter: twitter.com/michaelpcash
Web: www.michaelphillipcash.com
Email: michaelphillipcash@gmail.com

Allard Merges Paranormal with Romance and Produces Winner!

Image by Jennuine Captures via Flickr

"I shall never leave you ever," he whispers
in my ear. I promise him the same.
"I do not know how I have been so
fortunate to have this man in my life, but
here he is, before me, wanting me. I am
overcome with the joy of him..."

Her Dear and
 Loving Husband


By Meredith Allard




I, like many potential readers, saw the title of the book and thought it was going to be...another romance. Well, that is true. But, OMG, it is sooooo much more! Escape into the paranormal world created by Allard, where you will meet vampires, werewolves, witches--and even the reincarnated... Then throw in a good taste of destiny for added flavor! I thoroughly enjoyed this romp through the possibilities...There is considerable coverage on the Salem Witch Trials, so those who have an interest in that sad period in our history or in the Wiccan religion will find much to interest them.


Sarah Alexander had been having dreams, that became even more bothersome after she had moved to Salem. There were many reasons she had moved, but it was mainly because she had just been divorced. Salem held some interest because of a past relative who had supposedly been killed during the Witch Trials. She never knew the woman's name but hoped, having started to work within a university environment, that she could do some research. She was now the Humanities I liaison in the library at Salem State college.  She would start by walking around the community and visiting many of the small museums...


Jennifer had been the head librarian at the college and was her boss. She had also immediately taken Sarah under her wing, helping her to learn everything she needed for her new job. Soon, she even admitted that she practiced Wiccan, headed a group, and was a witch. Sarah readily accepted her beliefs, not thinking about it much, but later found that Salem had become a location where those involved in paranormal activities congregated.

Often Jennifer would offer Sarah a ride home, since she had not yet bought a car. It was while Jennifer was showing her around town that she saw the house...

"What is that house?" she asked. "It looks familiar."
"James Wentworth lives there."
"Do you know him?"
Jennifer's answer was stilted, as if she considered each word, weighed it, measured it, decided yes or no about it before she let it drop from her lips. "He teaches at the college. He--his family--has owned this house for generations. It's over three hundred years old, one of the oldest standing homes in Salem." Jennifer slowed the car so they could get a better look as she drove past. "Does it still look familiar?" she asked.
"Yes. Even that crooked oak tree in front seems right. I can picture the man I dream about standing in front there kissing me."
"What dreams?" Jennifer gripped the steering wheel more tightly and her eyes brightened..."

Sarah later returned there alone. She looked around and although there was a small light, it seemed that nobody was at home, so she dared to go on to the porch to explore more and then back to the grounds to that certain tree....

When she heard a sound, she immediately thought of leaving, but then he was there...

"He stared at her, his mouth open as if he were trying to speak though he stayed mute. She tried to make herself disappear behind the oak tree, not wishing to disturb anyone, afraid she had been trespassing. She decided she needed to say something to break the awkward silence.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted to look at the house."

She began to shiver, not from the nip of the autumn air, but from the feeling that she recognized him...

He touched his hand to her cheek, "Lizzie. My Lizzie," he said. "You've come home to me..."

Are there truly witches? We know many individuals died during the Salem Witch Trials that were not witches. Some were treated so badly that they died in prison, before they even faced the "trial." James Wentworth's wife died in prison. Her name was Elizabeth...

Whew! If you were one--a witch, a vampire, could you live in today's world as human? A local reporter was trying to prove that, indeed, that was happening right there in Salem. How far would you go to ensure you were able to be with the one that you love? There is much happening in this ebook...more than you might ever dream! This is more than historical fiction, but there is much that historical romance fans will enjoy reading. For lovers of the paranormal, this just might be a must-read for you. Allard has thrown much into her cauldron and stirred up a true winner!

...Sarah, "Who you are is not yourself. The secret to the puzzle is
there. The other psychic you saw was very good. Very good.
She could see that who you are is not yourself. Yes, I can see
that he will find you. He is here and he will find you...He will.
The one who is waiting for you. He has been waiting for you
for oh so very long. You will be afraid. He is not what he was.
You will find your way home again..."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/psykologik/2565098620/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Review: Susan Meissner Molds Lives of Three Women Into Story For All...

Image by drurydrama (Len Radin) via Flickr

The Shape of Mercy


By Susan Meissner










She was accused as a witch. Perhaps she was, because the story of Mercy, as created by Susan Meissner, will undoubtedly enchant all those that hear her story...But as discovered, her tale is not one of evil but of something much more powerful. Could there even be an element of truth? It is not really important to know for sure, at least not for me. My role is only to tell you that I highly recommend, and perhaps more, urge you to read and see how you may be affected by this haunting novel.

Mercy was a writer, a dream of fantasy--of imagination. She lived during the Salem Witch trials. It was her fantasies that were used to accuse and convict her ultimately. We all know, however, that this time in our history was full of lies and all the ugly sins of a world of "proper religion"--jealousy, envy, and perhaps the worst, ignorance. Although we will never enjoy Mercy's stories, we do have the opportunity to read her diary. It has been handed down generation after generation. Now the last of her family has no daughter to whom she can entrust the treasured words.

Abigail had placed her hand-written ad for a literary assistant on the college campus notice board quite some time ago. She'd had a few who expressed an interest, but it was not until  Lauren Durough came that the old, hard-to-read journal was taken from its special box, finally to be read by somebody outside of the family, to be translated by someone with fresh eyes who would, hopefully, be able to verify each and every word and make a copy.

Readers are given the privilege of reading Mercy's diary as it is translated by Lauren. Her words will take you back to the horrors of mostly women being randomly selected to be accused of witchcraft. Randomly? Of course, because the choice was based upon whoever and whenever one of those who would accuse became vocal enough to publicly point a finger at another and begin their fanciful lies and accusations of witchcraft.

But most of the diary shares Mercy's life at that time, taking care of her elderly and ill father, as well as their gardening, their farm animals. It also tells a little about the stories she wrote and we learn that only one boy, a neighbor had been told during their childhood of her stories. And we watch as the two fall in love.

Abigail is looking back on her life, considering the mistakes she has made, feeling it is too late to try to recapture anything that Mercy had once showed to her. In fact, now, it is hard for Abigail to even look at or read the diary, knowing what she had once learned from reading it and knowing she had not heeded the most important lesson.

Lauren, on the other hand, is in college, trying to find her own life to live, not yet satisfied that she can meet the requirements she feels her parents have for her future. She meets Mercy and becomes lost in her life, knowing what she will face when she is accused by her peers... Empathizing? She also grows closer and begins to care deeply for Abigail, wanting to know more about her past and wondering how she has come to act and feel as she now does. Sympathizing?

How will The Shape of Mercy affect you? I am only sure of one thing. As a woman, you will find yourself somewhere in this book. Men will seek the woman who speaks to them, helping them to understand the women in their own lives. An especially important scene between Lauren and her father later in the book  shows that many times, we have no real understanding of how another feels... This book will help readers find, perhaps, the quality of mercy, flowing deeply and throughout. A truly wonderful book.

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