The Brotherhood

The sleepy town of Mariposa, California receives a wake up call the likes of which no one ever expected. Starting with the ritualistic killing Eli Miller, a member of The Brotherhood, the secrets long held by the town come to the surface and the innocence of some of its citizens unravels. And the fact that one of their citizens is a witch is NOT one of the secrets, yet it factors strongly in the investigation of the killing.

Sheriff Doug Brewster comes from one of the main families of the community. Growing up in the town he rose to the office of Sheriff. Yet Doug’s family has its secrets, none of which Doug is aware of until the murder of Eli Miller. For ten years Doug has been friends with, yet strongly drawn romantically to a witch in town, one Josie Galloway. As his investigation continues, with Josie a possible suspect, Doug begins to come to terms with his deep feelings for her. Likewise, Josie’s feelings for Doug come to the surface. Yet because of Josie’s own secret past, she seeks to flee Doug and the life she has made for herself. When Josie’s life is threatened, the truth behind the Brotherhood and the town’s secrets challenge the Brewster family and those closest to them.

Ms. Schaefer creates an all too real organization in The Brotherhood. Populated on the surface by Christian zealots, there is a hidden agenda carried out by an elite group called The Chosen. In secret ceremonies the Brotherhood’s white supremacist agenda comes to the fore. Yet even beyond The Chosen is an even more sinister elite group that has controlled not only the Brotherhood, but the town for many years.

The author treats her readers to a spectacular story of deception, suspense and romance. Her characters are life like and true to life. Doug is the epitome of the warm hearted, compassionate, yet tough when necessary sheriff. He is loyal to his friends, faithful to his family despite their own dysfunction and when he comes to terms with the death of his younger brother the reader feels his pain through the passages.

Kudos are offered to this wonderful author in her portrayal of Josie as a witch. No Hollywood fluff or hype. Josie is portrayed very true to form and the life of a witch in the modern day. Her adherence to the Rede (An it harm none, do what you will) gives her the strength to not only preserve her own life, but to help Doug solve Eli’s murder. Yet she does not use her skills in any adverse way. What almost destroys her relationship with Doug and almost brings about her own death is her own dark secret. Josie is a well written, remarkably strong woman in her endeavor to confront not only her past, but her feelings for Doug.

The evil genius of the piece is a total surprise to the reader as are the secrets held for so many years by this person. While there are hints along the way, the revelation as to who is behind not only Eli’s murder, but the entire Brotherhood comes in a shocking turn of events. The reader will find him or herself gripping the pages of the book or edges of their ereader while holding their breath awaiting the final outcome.

Ms. Schaeffer’s talent goes even further to bring Mariposa to life. One can hear the sounds of the local eatery as the locals congregate, feel the peace and warmth of Josie’s house, the sterility of the Brewster household and the sinister ambience of the Brotherhood’s compound.

The Brotherhood is a fabulous page turner that the reader will not want to put down. The suspense is palpable from the first page and only increases as the secrets held by the town’s members are revealed. There are no breaks in the action as even the love scenes between Doug and Josie are intense and true toe curlers. The Brotherhood has something for everyone, male or female. It is a wonderfully well told story.

Reviewed by: Regan