Grave Mistake: A Review

Christine Pope’s 2021 novel, “Grave Mistake,” plunges readers into the vibrant, yet dangerous, world of hedgewitchery and the grim realities of necromancy. Set against the backdrop of both the sun-drenched anxieties of West Los Angeles and the stark beauty of Globe, Arizona, the story centers on Selena Marx, a self-taught practitioner of arcane arts. Selena’s life, characterized by her divination services for the city’s elite, is disrupted by the menacing attentions of Lucien Dumond, the charismatic and sinister leader of the Greater Los Angeles Necromancers’ Guild. Forced to flee a direct threat from Lucien, Selena seeks refuge in Globe, Arizona, hoping for a fresh start. However, her new life, complete with a peculiar cursed cat, is quickly complicated when Lucien tracks her down, only to disappear shortly thereafter, his eventual demise on tribal lands igniting an investigation. Tribal police chief Calvin Standingbear, a compelling local figure, becomes Selena’s primary suspect. As further darkness unfolds with the death of one of Lucien’s acolytes, Selena and Calvin find themselves entangled in a race against time, guided by dark magic and spiritual warnings, to confront an encroaching evil that threatens Selena’s very life.

“Grave Mistake” is a captivating blend of urban fantasy and mystery, offering a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. Pope masterfully weaves together the magical elements with a grounded, small-town setting, creating a world that feels both familiar and imbued with potent supernatural undercurrents. My overall impression of the book is overwhelmingly positive. It successfully balances intricate plotting with strong characterization, making it a page-turner from start to finish.

Writing Style and Character Development

Pope’s writing style is engaging and accessible, characterized by a crisp, witty prose that makes even the more complex magical concepts understandable. The author possesses a remarkable ability to create vivid imagery, painting scenes with descriptive language that appeals to the senses. From the “anxiety-ridden housewives” of Los Angeles to the rugged landscapes of Arizona, Pope transports the reader seamlessly. While specific memorable quotes are not explicitly provided in the description, the overall tone suggests a sharp, observant voice that imbues the narrative with personality.

The character development in “Grave Mistake” is a significant strength. Selena is a relatable protagonist, a capable witch navigating a dangerous world with resilience and a touch of pragmatism. Her evolution from a somewhat reclusive practitioner to someone actively involved in solving a murder mystery is well-paced. Calvin Standingbear, with his grounded presence and role as a figure of authority within the San Ramon Apache community, provides a compelling counterpoint to Selena’s magical world. The dynamic between Selena and Calvin, initially one of suspicion and then reluctant partnership, is particularly well-executed, hinting at a developing trust and perhaps more. Even the antagonist, Lucien Dumond, despite his limited but impactful presence, is sketched with enough menace to feel like a genuine threat.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of “Grave Mistake” is generally well-handled. The initial setup in Los Angeles efficiently establishes Selena’s predicament, and the transition to Globe, Arizona, provides a refreshing change of scenery and introduces new narrative possibilities. The mystery surrounding Lucien’s disappearance and subsequent death drives the plot forward with a satisfying momentum. While the description doesn’t highlight specific slow or confusing parts, the dual nature of the narrative – Selena’s magical investigations and Calvin’s more procedural approach – suggests a structure that effectively builds suspense and intrigue. The “race against time” element, as mentioned, ensures that the latter half of the book maintains a high level of engagement.

Emotional Impact and Themes

“Grave Mistake” evokes a range of emotions, from the thrill of magical discovery to the unease of facing dark forces and the warmth of burgeoning trust between characters. The novel provokes thought about the nature of power, responsibility, and the consequences of dabbling in dark magic. The interplay between Selena’s intuitive, natural magic and the more overt, sinister practices of necromancy offers a thematic exploration of different approaches to the arcane. The introduction of Calvin and the San Ramon Apache tribal police also brings in elements of cultural context, suggesting a deeper exploration of tradition and belief systems in relation to the supernatural. The potential for “too-close-for-comfort evil” hints at moments of genuine peril and emotional resonance for the protagonist.

Themes and Messages

The author appears to be conveying a message about the importance of caution and respect when dealing with the supernatural, and perhaps even in life decisions, as alluded to by the opening line, “When you pull up stakes, make sure you don’t get stabbed in the back.” The novel explores themes of consequence, resilience, and the blending of different worlds—the mundane and the magical, the modern and the traditional. The author seems to succeed in crafting a narrative where these themes are woven organically into the plot, rather than being overtly stated. The social commentary, if present, would likely stem from the portrayal of different communities and their interactions with the supernatural, and potentially with law enforcement.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Engaging Protagonist: Selena is a well-developed and likable character.
  • Vivid World-Building: The contrast between Los Angeles and Globe, Arizona, is effectively rendered.
  • Compelling Mystery: The central murder mystery keeps the reader invested.
  • Witty Prose: Pope’s writing style is enjoyable and sharp.
  • Intriguing Blend of Genres: The seamless integration of magic and mystery is a significant draw.

Weaknesses:

  • Based solely on the provided description, it’s difficult to pinpoint significant weaknesses. However, without reading the full novel, it’s impossible to assess the depth of certain character arcs or the overall narrative resolution.

Recommendations and Comparisons

I would certainly recommend “Grave Mistake” to readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a strong mystery element. Fans of authors like Charlaine Harris (particularly her “Midnight, Texas” series) or Patricia Briggs would likely find much to love here. The blend of a capable female protagonist, supernatural intrigue, and a small-town setting with a touch of danger is a successful formula. Comparisons to other novels by Christine Pope would depend on her broader bibliography, but if this book is indicative of her style, it suggests a talent for crafting engaging genre fiction.

Overall Impression and Rating

“Grave Mistake” is a strong entry in the urban fantasy genre, offering a well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and a captivating narrative. Christine Pope demonstrates a talent for creating immersive worlds and weaving together elements of magic, mystery, and personal growth. The novel successfully balances its supernatural premise with grounded human interactions, making it a thoroughly satisfying read.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Where to Get It

You can find “Grave Mistake” for purchase and download at various online retailers. For more information on authors and books, visit My Ebook.