Rating: 
Summary: Outstanding!
Review: I came looking for a good urban fantasy that got its facts right and found it.M.R. Sellars does not fall prey to the common failing of so many urban fantasy writers who seem determined to make their main characters into pagan supermen saving the world from all evils (while usually mangling the precepts of the religion and everything else). The characters are believable (not just the pagan, but I loved the Native American policeman, who was very well done. Being native I notice when I have run into so many books that botch that one). The facts (pagan and police) are correct. The plot is well thought out. The action keeps you turning pages. I am very impressed with this author and am recommending him to my friends, some of whom are pagan. That's how accurate I feel his portrayal is. This is a book my friends can read without cringing.
Rating: 
Summary: The Wiccan Rede
Review: When one thinks of Wiccan mystery stories the works of Rosemary Edghill and Mercedes Lackey come quickly to mind. Now, adding to that august pair comes a third, M. R. Sellars. I believe Sellars may be unique, in the occult mystery genre in that he has chosen a male witch, Rowan Gant, as the primary protagonist. This affects the Wiccan rituals described in 'Harm None' as well, references to Diana (the Goddess) are carefully balanced with references to Pan. When Detective Ben Storm, an old friend stops in for cigars and a drink, it turns out that it is not just a friendly visit. A horrific murder has occurred that has the St. Louis Police Department in an uproar. A young woman was skinned alive and then her throat was slashed. Evidences of ritual magic are all over the crime scene, and Ben needs Rowan's help to understand what has happened. As he studies the scene, Rowan realizes that he knows the victim, Ariel Tanner, a witch taught by Rowan and his wife Felicity. Confronted with this Rowan insists on deeper involvement. In a short period of time the victim count goes up quickly. Each crime is more careful and more sophisticated than the last. The killer has stopped slashing throats, and is now tearing the beating hearts out of his victims through bleeding pentacles. Rowan's crime scene visions and haunting dreams provide valuable clues, but are not enough to pinpoint the ritual mage and stop him before he kills again. All these deaths are simply for practice, preparation for the real ritual. Which is due to happen all too soon. There are plenty of suspects, and all of Ariel's coven must be considered. Especially Devon Johnstone, who was thrown out of the cover for breaking the first rule if Wicca and sacrificing an animal. Another suspect is R.J., unsuccessfully enamored of Ariel; he turns up suddenly at Ariel's apartment and seems connected to all the victims. Rowan's own problems trying to identify the killer are worsened when the FBI gets involved in the person of Special Agent Mandalay, who has no time for Rowan's 'hocus pocus.' There is always a potential problem in occult crime fiction - that the investigating witch or mage's powers will overwhelm the plot. Rowan's powers are not trivial. Besides the ability to enter the spirit world and re-experience the murder, he can manage hypnosis and glamour, shield himself, and sense magical force. Fortunately Sellars has left him vulnerable to physical and spiritual attack, as well as prone to the same human errors. And magical confrontations are kept to a minimum. Over all, the story is well balanced, although characterization is a bit skimpy outside the inner circle of characters. Nor would it have hurt to provide a bit more background on Felicity and Rowan as well. How two Wiccan's, a computer programmer and a professional photographer wound up in St. Louis, Missouri would be an interesting tale in istself. Sellars knowledge of Wicca and ritual magic is at least solid enough that I was unable to spot any embarrassing mistakes. Overall, I found 'Harm None' started a bit slowly, but the pace picked up considerable until it became hard to put down. It will be interesting to see what Sellars does next with this series.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful change of pace!
Review: What a lovely change of pace. I have had the privilege of previewing a new book by a new author before its publishing date, and it is not a "how to" book on religion, as most of the books I get to read. This one is fiction, and is written by a member of our community. He is talented and tells a very good story. My introduction to M. R. Sellars is through his first book in a series called " Rowan Gant Investigation" and even better, I like this introduction to his characters and to his work. I am a mystery fan from way back. From the 1940's gumshoe books to the classic English mystery writers, to TV lawyers and FBI profilers, I enjoy a good murder mystery. However, as our tastes mature, we like to see a well written, well thought out mystery, as opposed to some of the material that is produced a dime a dozen. Mr. Sellars book is in the tradition of classic mysteries updated to contemporary times and does not disappoint us. Mr. Sellars is a wonderful surprise all around. No doubt this gentleman is talented. He introduces his characters and gives us a good profile of his lead cast. The delightful character of Mr. Gant is a witch. He is portrayed accurately while still retaining some of the "mysterious" which lends this book its wonderful flavor. Mr. Sellars builds his cast of characters solidly, like the brisk and bold police Detective Ben Storm, Gant's redheaded wife Felicity, and even the doubting FBI agent Mandalay. All the characters pop off the pages, which gives the reader a good basis for the rest of the book. Mr. Sellars is no slouch when it comes to writing a good story either. This one is filled with twists and turns, yet he leaves no loose ends as I can see. Then again, I read mystery for enjoyment and entertainment. I am not here to analyze and cutup fiction stories. Fiction is exactly that. The better and more believable the fiction is, though, the easier it is to follow. A good murder mystery has mystery, it has action, it has its dark sides, it has plot twists and it has entertainment value. You can find all of that in this book. This is fiction, and should be read and judged on that alone. Though we see Wicca and the Craft shown here as both order and chaos, Mr. Sellars is writing fiction, and has kept some of the myth and legend that makes what we do and who we are a little "mysterious". It works well in a fictional setting. We have our dark side as well as our light, and Mr. Sellars explores both sides in this novel, taking a little artistic license to make an entertaining story. Mr. Sellars does not dishonor our belief system in any way, and presents a good story, which should be taken as it is offered, as fictional. I am a firm believer that outstanding books written by outstanding people within our community should be promoted to our community. Most of the material I have seen deals with our spiritual path. This is the first really new material I have seen that could cross over to the commercial side. Yet, Mr. Sellars is "a self described long-haired hippie activist tree-hugger" who works within our own community. Hmmm... pretty much like his character Rowan Gant. I wonder what other parallels we might find here if we looked a little deeper into the character Rowan Gant and the writer Mr. Sellars. I find people who tell stories about what they know best do the best story telling. Mr. Sellars has created here a most memorable character and I wish him well with his series. I look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
Rating:
Summary: A fan of Wiccan mysteries
Review: I just finsihed reading "Harm None". I must say I enjoyed it very much. It was different and unlike any other mystery I have ever read before. The reader was giving a view into the world of Wicca and it wasn't cheesy or offensive(Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer) to real witches. All in all, you won't regret reading this book.
Rating:
Summary: It kept me spellbound
Review: All I can say is wow... I picked up the book or rather I dropped it and then read the cover at my local herb shop and figured I had to bring this home with me. While there were some editing errors (probably the fault of a computer), I still couldn't put it down once I started reading, which is the what a book should do. I am a fan of the Bast mysteries, but I was glad to find this. It kept my attention the same way as the Bast books and I'm happy I found it. It gives an insightful look for those who are strangers in the realm of Paganism and The Craft.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Rocks
Review: This is the first non Star Wars book, that I have read period. I friend recommended thos book. I ended up at the Pagan Picnic in St. Louis, MO, and meet M. R. Sellars. He signed the book for me. I read the book in 24 hours!!!! I just could not put it down!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Terrific Book
Review: This was a book I thought I would never read, because it was something I knew I had no interest in, until a friend of mine said please just try it and so I did. If a book doesn't catch my attention at least in the first chapter, I will put it down, but I could not put this book down until I read the whole thing in one week-end. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Can't wait for the next one.
Rating:
Summary: Mixed feelings
Review: First off let me say I enjoyed the book and would look forward to more from the author. My initial joy over finding a novel with a somewhat realistic pagan portrayal lost some of its joy when the stereotypical responses by his native american detective drew my attention away from the good. I had to consciously remind myself not to let the poor portrayal of NAs deter from a good pagan mystery. I think the author needs to research the historical connotations of such term as squaw and Tonto and realize to many NAs these are negative connotations, not to be used as lightly as demonstrated in this book. From a pagan perspective I enjoyed the book, from a mystery point it seemed a little weak, but overall an enjoyable read.
Rating:
Summary: Spellbound!
Review: M.R. Sellars was magnificent with this novel. I was held captivated and spellbound by not only all the characters of this novel, I wanted to find out what was going to happen, and how they would discover the perp, that was doing all the horrific crimes. I was unable to put it down! Forget wanting to go to sleep, going to work or doing any of the regular domestic things in the evening. This novel was so utterly realistic, it was spooky. That is how engrossing this novel is. Stephen King, pay attention sir, you do have some mighty competition! I loved this novel and am looking forward to reading other works by M.R. Sellars. I was able to savor, yet was on tenterhooks on what was going to occur next. If you want something engrossing, with humor, thriller, mystery and knowledge, this is the book you will definitely want to add to your lists of must reads!
Rating:
Summary: An engrossing mystery that sucks you and won't let you go.
Review: Harm None is one of those books that hits you over the head and takes your breath away. The characters are well developed and the dialog adds a sense of realism. The story is fast and furious from beginning to end. A most enjoyable read all around.
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