Hey y’all! “Witch Hearts”, by my pal Liz Long, is FREE June 20th and 21st…check it out!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Liz Long, well then, you’re missing out. I read and reviewed her debut novel “Gifted: Donovan‘s Circus”, and can tell you, Liz is a future star. Her characters are colorful and diversified, her scenes vivid and realistic, and her writing is well-paced and bereft of the dreaded dead spots. Her latest offering, “Witch Hearts”, promises to live up to the same standards…why not go check it out?

Book Description:

How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action, romance, suspense what more could you want? June 4, 2013

By Emma Yeoman

Fast paced, with peril, suspense and romance, this book had just about everything, well written and edited. I read in 24 hours, couldn’t put it down. I liked the fact that although the characters are witches, they aren’t all powerful. Only thing I’d change is for the romance scenes to be a little steamier. Cooper is seriously hot and a little more detail would’ve been much appreciated.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I love packed into one fantastic read May 29, 2013

By Angela and Thomas Barrett

I’ve always been in love with the supernatural. Witches, spells, ghost and anything out of the ordinary can grab my attention in a second. I loved reading this book. It was well written and the story pulled me in and even shocked me with a few twist that I didn’t see coming. I love it when I can feel a connection to a character! I could picture Ruby and Cooper in my head and it was as if I was watching a movie as I read. When I writer can suck me in and get me to continue to think about a character long after I’ve put the book down, they’ve won my heart. I am a lover of detail and with Liz’s books I can always form the perfect picture in my mind of what’s going on because of the detail that she puts into her books. A bit of mystery, a bit of love and a bit a magic, it all worked perfect for this book.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Disturbing, and Captivating May 22, 2013

By Red @ Red Reader Reviews

Ladies and gentlemen, Liz Long has done it again. Almost a year ago, I posted a review of her novel, Gifted: A Donovan Circus Novel, which I absolutely loved. After receiving a request to review Witch Hearts, I couldn’t say no. Long delivered in a captivating and dark tale of magic and the consequences of wanting too much power. Witch Hearts is a story of death and fear, love and magic, and the spinning lives that combines them all. At times, my heart skipped a beat (or two) for fear of what the characters would find on the next page. Not only was my heart pounding for most of the novel, I simply couldn’t stop reading. It was like an addiction: you know it’s bad for you but you can’t stop. I couldn’t stop until I knew the characters were safe. Liz Long’s killer took my heart and held it to the very end. Suspenseful and thrilling, you won’t want to put Witch Hearts down.

Meet Ruby. Witch, good friend, and employee at Book Nook, she’s your typical working woman. That is, until her BFF Courtney is found with her heart missing. Worse, she’s not the first. Fearing for herself and the other local witches, Ruby and Courtney’s brother Cooper set out to find the killer before he strikes again. To do so requires uncovering Cooper’s better-left-forgotten past and facing Ruby’s cheating ex-boyfriend who seems to have her best interests at heart (though I personally hated him from the start).

Ruby is nothing if not a loyal friend and fighter. She teams up with Cooper to track down Courtney’s killer so her friend may rest in peace, even if it means putting herself in danger when the killer decides she’s to be his next victim. Her determination and wit made me love her as a protagonist. Instead of leaving town, Ruby stays and works as hard as she can to find this guy, even when her attempts fail and she’s forced to keep a low profile. She’s lovable, easy to relate to, exactly what this story needs–someone to face fear straight on and not back down. At her side is Cooper, Courtney’s smokin’ hot brother (I’m sure Ruby’s boss, Miranda, would agree with me on that) returned to the city. The chemistry between him and Ruby is immediately noticeable. As soon as he was introduced, I knew something was going to happen (or at least I hoped it would). He’s the perfect match for Ruby, being easy to get along, there to comfort her when she needs it, fiercely protective, and already clearly in love…. I loved their romance in this book because it seemed so natural. They acted like any human would in the situation, seeking comfort from sorrow and fear, but it wasn’t just a side deal out of convenience. There were feelings there that, while some (Ruby) may not have understood what all of it meant quite yet, it worked out so they could establish that deeper connection.

After finishing Witch Hearts in one sitting, I’m glad I didn’t stop. Anything less than finishing would have left me with a no-sleep night. Seriously, this book is dark and all around creepy. Granted, it’s not like that every page but the story gets to you, sneaking up slowly before tossing you around like a toy on the next page. Yet the thrill is exhilarating, like going to see a scary movie in the theaters. You know the bad guy is going to jump out any moment, but when that moment is, you don’t know. And the twist! Long completely flipped some of my theories on the killer’s identity (and you’ll just have to read it to see for yourself). I’m pretty sure I gasped out loud.

I can’t say much more as I don’t want to reveal anything else. Fans of suspense and thriller will love this paranormal mystery gone wild. I don’t recommend this book for the faint of heart, as it will send you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This dark tale is not suitable for a younger audience as some of the scenes, while not overly graphic, may cause nightmares. For the rest of the reader community, I urge you to read Witch Hearts. Just don’t let the killer take your heart too.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars A Reading the Paranormal Review May 11, 2013

By Kelly Rubidoux

Okay. So… bloody and dark? Check. Fun and entertaining? Double check. Romance with a side of danger? INDEED! What does that mean? Oh, it means I liked this one. It has a nice blend of magic and mayhem that sidles alongside the mystery of who’s committing horrible murders.

Now, I will admit to being a little perturbed over some of Ruby’s love life choices. I really don’t understand why she’d be looking at another guy – especially one that had cheated on her in the past – when she had Cooper close at hand. But… I also *get* why she wasn’t quite as clear-eyed as she should have been. Emotional turmoil can cause people to make bad decisions and Ruby was pretty torn up about what was happening.

Cooper’s past made him intriguing. I liked the chemistry he and Ruby had together. I liked that he was willing to do what he had to do to keep her safe. I liked that Courtney popped up and was able to put her two cents in regarding the two of them even after she’d died. Ghostly shenanigans always give me a smile or two.

Overall, this was a fun, suspenseful read that kept the blood flowing and the body count high. ALL THINGS I LIKE!

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Loving book number 2! April 29, 2013

By Rhiannon

If you love the fast-paced suspense stories from shows like Criminal Minds, you will love this book. What makes it even more fun is the addition of witches, spells, a little love story, and a great cast of characters. If witches aren’t really your thing, don’t fret. It’s done simply and believably, not flashy and ridiculous. This story is a great page turner and a fun read. Liz’s love of writing is obvious in both her books and her attention to detail and research make the stories really enjoyable.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Debut rockstar June 5, 2013

By Michelle Kibodeaux

 

This book was recommended by a friend so I thought why not? Wow was I glad! Good plot great characters I was hooked from the beginning til the end!

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Amount of Suspense with a Dash of Steam May 12, 2013

By Michelle Nicole

First off, even if Liz Long didn’t tease me the weeks leading up to the release of Witch Hearts with steamy pics of Jensen Ackles aka Cooper, I’d still love this book. But believe me those images of Cooper didn’t hurt. In Witch Hearts, Liz takes you on a great roller coaster ride with every twist and turn leaving you wondering who’s the killer and when will Ruby and Cooper get together? Believe me both answers are worth the wait! If you are looking for some suspense with a dash of steam pick up this book! You will not be left wanting! Except for maybe more time with Cooper. 😉

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery May 8, 2013

By Carrol B. Wood

This thriller has it all……witches, spells, potions, mystery, suspense, murder, good guys, bad guys, and a little love story tucked in, too. I throughly enjoyed reading this second novel by Liz Long and look forward to whatever comes next.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars April 30, 2013

By Ginny Lurcock

Uh I don’t mean to brag or anything (meaning I totally mean to brag or something) but I got to read this book forever ago. I mean, parts of it I read before the characters were named Ruby and Cooper.

Yeah, that’s right. I know the author.

*name dropped*

(everything after this has been re-written at least a half dozen times as I tried to do this book justice without ticking off Wiccans.)

In all seriousness though, Liz had asked me to read the first chapter once a long, long time ago, and I was instantly hooked. Right from the get go this story has a dark and creepy feel, but without taking it too far so that wimps like me get wigged out.

And I get wigged out.

Seriously, it’s like I walked into a spider’s web.

Witch Hearts, however, was not flail inducing. It skated that fine line between not enough and “EW THAT’S SO GROSS I CAN NEVER SLEEP AGAIN” and does it all so well.

And in the middle of all this dark and creepy is the story of Ruby and Cooper. Two long time friends who’ve been struggling with a long time mutual attraction while grieving someone incredibly important to them. All while Cooper tries to overcome the demons from his past. And Ruby gets to deal with her total creep loser of an ex.

Ah, young love.

Oh, and she gets to deal with a meddlesome ghost.

I’d forgotten about the ghost.

Maybe I won’t be able to sleep at night again.

Normally I shy away from books involving Wiccans. (Hence my previous “ticking off Wiccans” comment) It’s not that I don’t like them, or respect them, it’s just I’m never sure if it’s politically correct to say things like “but these Wiccans can actually do things…”

So I won’t say that.

I won’t even think that.

Please don’t curse me…

What I will say is that Liz has an incredible voice, one that lends itself so well to supernatural mysteries. She proved it in Gifted, and again in Witch Hearts, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

*cough*Witch Hearts/Gifted cross-over please*cough*

You like witches? Spells and potions? Dark and dreary and twisting and turning? Perhaps you should check out “Witch Hearts”, by my pal Liz Long :)

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

If you haven’t read anything by Ms. Liz Long, well then, you’re missing out. I read and reviewed her debut novel “Gifted: Donovan‘s Circus”, and can tell you, Liz is a future star. Her characters are colorful and diversified, her scenes vivid and realistic, and her writing is well-paced and bereft of the dreaded dead spots. Her latest offering, “Witch Hearts”, promises to live up to the same standards…why not go check it out?

Book Description:

How does a witch stay safe if a killer can get through her protection spells?

Witches like Ruby and Courtney can take care of themselves. So when Courtney is murdered, Ruby’s world crashes to a halt. The only thing keeping her grounded is the return of Courtney’s brother, Cooper. He seeks revenge, but Ruby wants to help other witches stay alive. To do that, she’ll have to reunite with her old coven’s High Priest, who also happens to be her cheating ex-boyfriend.

If that wasn’t awkward enough, when the killer gets too close, Cooper temporarily moves into Ruby’s place while a police officer tails her every move. Cooper’s presence distracts Ruby as they fight their desire against their need to stay safe. Then Courtney begins to haunt Ruby’s dreams and secrets are spilled, things from Cooper’s past that could get them both killed. The killer continues to stalk Ruby and the more she discovers, the more she fears she won’t be able to keep her heart in her chest.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Action, romance, suspense what more could you want? June 4, 2013

By Emma Yeoman

Fast paced, with peril, suspense and romance, this book had just about everything, well written and edited. I read in 24 hours, couldn’t put it down. I liked the fact that although the characters are witches, they aren’t all powerful. Only thing I’d change is for the romance scenes to be a little steamier. Cooper is seriously hot and a little more detail would’ve been much appreciated.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I love packed into one fantastic read May 29, 2013

By Angela and Thomas Barrett

I’ve always been in love with the supernatural. Witches, spells, ghost and anything out of the ordinary can grab my attention in a second. I loved reading this book. It was well written and the story pulled me in and even shocked me with a few twist that I didn’t see coming. I love it when I can feel a connection to a character! I could picture Ruby and Cooper in my head and it was as if I was watching a movie as I read. When I writer can suck me in and get me to continue to think about a character long after I’ve put the book down, they’ve won my heart. I am a lover of detail and with Liz’s books I can always form the perfect picture in my mind of what’s going on because of the detail that she puts into her books. A bit of mystery, a bit of love and a bit a magic, it all worked perfect for this book.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Disturbing, and Captivating May 22, 2013

By Red @ Red Reader Reviews

Ladies and gentlemen, Liz Long has done it again. Almost a year ago, I posted a review of her novel, Gifted: A Donovan Circus Novel, which I absolutely loved. After receiving a request to review Witch Hearts, I couldn’t say no. Long delivered in a captivating and dark tale of magic and the consequences of wanting too much power. Witch Hearts is a story of death and fear, love and magic, and the spinning lives that combines them all. At times, my heart skipped a beat (or two) for fear of what the characters would find on the next page. Not only was my heart pounding for most of the novel, I simply couldn’t stop reading. It was like an addiction: you know it’s bad for you but you can’t stop. I couldn’t stop until I knew the characters were safe. Liz Long’s killer took my heart and held it to the very end. Suspenseful and thrilling, you won’t want to put Witch Hearts down.

Meet Ruby. Witch, good friend, and employee at Book Nook, she’s your typical working woman. That is, until her BFF Courtney is found with her heart missing. Worse, she’s not the first. Fearing for herself and the other local witches, Ruby and Courtney’s brother Cooper set out to find the killer before he strikes again. To do so requires uncovering Cooper’s better-left-forgotten past and facing Ruby’s cheating ex-boyfriend who seems to have her best interests at heart (though I personally hated him from the start).

Ruby is nothing if not a loyal friend and fighter. She teams up with Cooper to track down Courtney’s killer so her friend may rest in peace, even if it means putting herself in danger when the killer decides she’s to be his next victim. Her determination and wit made me love her as a protagonist. Instead of leaving town, Ruby stays and works as hard as she can to find this guy, even when her attempts fail and she’s forced to keep a low profile. She’s lovable, easy to relate to, exactly what this story needs–someone to face fear straight on and not back down. At her side is Cooper, Courtney’s smokin’ hot brother (I’m sure Ruby’s boss, Miranda, would agree with me on that) returned to the city. The chemistry between him and Ruby is immediately noticeable. As soon as he was introduced, I knew something was going to happen (or at least I hoped it would). He’s the perfect match for Ruby, being easy to get along, there to comfort her when she needs it, fiercely protective, and already clearly in love…. I loved their romance in this book because it seemed so natural. They acted like any human would in the situation, seeking comfort from sorrow and fear, but it wasn’t just a side deal out of convenience. There were feelings there that, while some (Ruby) may not have understood what all of it meant quite yet, it worked out so they could establish that deeper connection.

After finishing Witch Hearts in one sitting, I’m glad I didn’t stop. Anything less than finishing would have left me with a no-sleep night. Seriously, this book is dark and all around creepy. Granted, it’s not like that every page but the story gets to you, sneaking up slowly before tossing you around like a toy on the next page. Yet the thrill is exhilarating, like going to see a scary movie in the theaters. You know the bad guy is going to jump out any moment, but when that moment is, you don’t know. And the twist! Long completely flipped some of my theories on the killer’s identity (and you’ll just have to read it to see for yourself). I’m pretty sure I gasped out loud.

I can’t say much more as I don’t want to reveal anything else. Fans of suspense and thriller will love this paranormal mystery gone wild. I don’t recommend this book for the faint of heart, as it will send you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This dark tale is not suitable for a younger audience as some of the scenes, while not overly graphic, may cause nightmares. For the rest of the reader community, I urge you to read Witch Hearts. Just don’t let the killer take your heart too.

 

4.0 out of 5 stars A Reading the Paranormal Review May 11, 2013

By Kelly Rubidoux

Okay. So… bloody and dark? Check. Fun and entertaining? Double check. Romance with a side of danger? INDEED! What does that mean? Oh, it means I liked this one. It has a nice blend of magic and mayhem that sidles alongside the mystery of who’s committing horrible murders.

Now, I will admit to being a little perturbed over some of Ruby’s love life choices. I really don’t understand why she’d be looking at another guy – especially one that had cheated on her in the past – when she had Cooper close at hand. But… I also *get* why she wasn’t quite as clear-eyed as she should have been. Emotional turmoil can cause people to make bad decisions and Ruby was pretty torn up about what was happening.

Cooper’s past made him intriguing. I liked the chemistry he and Ruby had together. I liked that he was willing to do what he had to do to keep her safe. I liked that Courtney popped up and was able to put her two cents in regarding the two of them even after she’d died. Ghostly shenanigans always give me a smile or two.

Overall, this was a fun, suspenseful read that kept the blood flowing and the body count high. ALL THINGS I LIKE!

 

4.0 out of 5 stars Loving book number 2! April 29, 2013

By Rhiannon

If you love the fast-paced suspense stories from shows like Criminal Minds, you will love this book. What makes it even more fun is the addition of witches, spells, a little love story, and a great cast of characters. If witches aren’t really your thing, don’t fret. It’s done simply and believably, not flashy and ridiculous. This story is a great page turner and a fun read. Liz’s love of writing is obvious in both her books and her attention to detail and research make the stories really enjoyable.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Debut rockstar June 5, 2013

By Michelle Kibodeaux

 

This book was recommended by a friend so I thought why not? Wow was I glad! Good plot great characters I was hooked from the beginning til the end!

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Amount of Suspense with a Dash of Steam May 12, 2013

By Michelle Nicole

First off, even if Liz Long didn’t tease me the weeks leading up to the release of Witch Hearts with steamy pics of Jensen Ackles aka Cooper, I’d still love this book. But believe me those images of Cooper didn’t hurt. In Witch Hearts, Liz takes you on a great roller coaster ride with every twist and turn leaving you wondering who’s the killer and when will Ruby and Cooper get together? Believe me both answers are worth the wait! If you are looking for some suspense with a dash of steam pick up this book! You will not be left wanting! Except for maybe more time with Cooper. 😉

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Great mystery May 8, 2013

By Carrol B. Wood

This thriller has it all……witches, spells, potions, mystery, suspense, murder, good guys, bad guys, and a little love story tucked in, too. I throughly enjoyed reading this second novel by Liz Long and look forward to whatever comes next.

 

 

5.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 Stars April 30, 2013

By Ginny Lurcock

Uh I don’t mean to brag or anything (meaning I totally mean to brag or something) but I got to read this book forever ago. I mean, parts of it I read before the characters were named Ruby and Cooper.

Yeah, that’s right. I know the author.

*name dropped*

(everything after this has been re-written at least a half dozen times as I tried to do this book justice without ticking off Wiccans.)

In all seriousness though, Liz had asked me to read the first chapter once a long, long time ago, and I was instantly hooked. Right from the get go this story has a dark and creepy feel, but without taking it too far so that wimps like me get wigged out.

And I get wigged out.

Seriously, it’s like I walked into a spider’s web.

Witch Hearts, however, was not flail inducing. It skated that fine line between not enough and “EW THAT’S SO GROSS I CAN NEVER SLEEP AGAIN” and does it all so well.

And in the middle of all this dark and creepy is the story of Ruby and Cooper. Two long time friends who’ve been struggling with a long time mutual attraction while grieving someone incredibly important to them. All while Cooper tries to overcome the demons from his past. And Ruby gets to deal with her total creep loser of an ex.

Ah, young love.

Oh, and she gets to deal with a meddlesome ghost.

I’d forgotten about the ghost.

Maybe I won’t be able to sleep at night again.

Normally I shy away from books involving Wiccans. (Hence my previous “ticking off Wiccans” comment) It’s not that I don’t like them, or respect them, it’s just I’m never sure if it’s politically correct to say things like “but these Wiccans can actually do things…”

So I won’t say that.

I won’t even think that.

Please don’t curse me…

What I will say is that Liz has an incredible voice, one that lends itself so well to supernatural mysteries. She proved it in Gifted, and again in Witch Hearts, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

*cough*Witch Hearts/Gifted cross-over please*cough*

Hey! “Eternal Island”, the new paranormal suspense novel by my new pal K. S. Haigwood, is available NOW on Amazon…check it out!

Click on the cover to get it on Amazon!

Book Description:

A place where vampires rule, witches play, danger lurks and dreams really do come true.

Eternal Island is a paranormal suspense novel, deeply rooted into myth. Vampires and magic form a unique backdrop to a love story with long reaching consequences. Human girl Ariana Lochalan finds herself transported from the relative calm of her ‘Nowhere, Arkansas’ life into a diametrically opposite existence when she discovers she is a powerful witch and meant to wed High Vampire of Eternal Island, Abe Cambridge. Despite first-sight magnetism, the two protagonists are being pushed apart, obstacles tripping them at every step, outside forces interfering and threatening their peace, and ultimately their lives. A world rich in magic and intrigue, Eternal Island is the first instalment of a saga which has love at its core and delves through the mire that is human nature in a turmoil of feeling and emotion. 

Would courage, resilience and love be enough to bring together two soul mates?

How much would you sacrifice to save the one who owns your heart?

A history of my personal favorite Halloween baddie…the Werewolf!

Man has been obsessed with the moon since the beginning of recorded time. It’s beauty, it’s power, and it’s numinous ability to control tides and emotions. So, it follows that we would also idolize a which gets its power from our mystical neighbor, the werewolf. Why should we not? Awesome strength, practically invulnerable, savagery beyond reason…possessing no fear, nor any boundaries beyond the distance they can travel.

In the spirit of All Hallow’s Eve, I give you a history of the most powerful of legends…The Werewolf! 

Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are legendary shape-shifting humans. As the name suggests, the shape these creatures take on is that of a wolf. The legend of the werewolf has  sprung up independently or spread to virtually every area of the Earth. It is also one of the oldest legends of human monsters in recorded history. Where the legend originated can only be guessed by what humans have taken care to record. Their other name, lycanthrope, may also be a hint at the origin of this myth.

Throughout history there are records of the trials of confessed or accused werewolves. In fact, they were hunted, questioned and executed in much the same way witches were, because often witches were accused of also being werewolves. These so-called “werewolf trials” give us a historical glimpse at rampant human belief in werewolves. Some of the accused were arrested because villagers needed someone to blame for dead livestock or some other explainable occurrence, but others were accused because of actions far more sinister and less likely to be contrived.

In 1521, a Pierre Burgot and Michel Verdun were executed as werewolves. Historical records indicate that they were a serial killer team. In 1573, again in France, another “werewolf” was executed. His name was Gilles Garnier, otherwise known as the “Werewolf of Dole.” He was a confessed serial killer. There are numerous accounts such as these, mostly in Europe. Interestingly, real wolves were plentiful in Europe at this time. Could people have simply been associating the carnivorous animal with people who behaved like animals?

A more infamous case of werewolf execution is that of a German man named Peter Stumpp (or Stubbe). Peter was supposedly caught by his neighbors in his wolf form. They witnessed him taking off his “wolf girdle” (more on that later) when they closed in on him. At which time, he reassumed his human form. Peter confessed to murder, rape and cannibalism. His mistress and daughter were tortuously executed immediately after he was. The reason they were executed? For having knowledge of his crimes and sex with him. Yes, his daughter was executed for being raped by her father. What is worse? Her father had killed her brother and eaten his brains before he was captured.

While all of these instances are proof of a long-standing belief in werewolves, they are not the first descriptions of werewolves in history. What appears to be the oldest story of a werewolf is not a gruesome group of serial killings followed by an execution, but an Ancient Roman myth. Ovid wrote the Metamorphoses in 1 A.D. In it, he told the tale of King Lycaon (the origin of the word Lycanthrope) who offended the gods by serving human meat to them at dinner. Jupiter punished this transgression by transforming Lycaon into a werewolf. In his werewolf form, he could continue his abomination of eating human flesh with less offense.

We know from Ovid that legends of werewolves go back to at least 1 A.D. We also know that since that time, the legend of the werewolf has evolved. There are werewolf legends that are obviously separate from one another and others that seem to build off the original concept. For example, the full moon had nothing to do with Ovid’s werewolf and other early werewolf legends. Werewolves changed shape at whim. Other legends associate werewolves with a sort of belt or “wolf girdle” that, upon donning, would transform them.

Religion has had an obvious impact on the werewolf myth. In areas where Christianity was prevalent, being a werewolf was associated with witchcraft and the devil. Even the wolf girdle found a place in this Christian belief in werewolves. They believed that the belt was furnished by the devil for use by his minions. Even Ovid’s tale was based on religion in the sense that his form was a punishment from the gods. Does this mean that religion is the source of the werewolf myth? It probably is not. It is more likely that religion has simply influenced a belief that manifested in human history for one of two reasons. Either werewolves were thought up to explain something horrible or they are real.

Several reasons for the appearance of the werewolf myth have been postulated. It is possible that real wolf attacks were the cause and superstition led people to fear the worst. Suspects were subsequently tortured into confession and voila, you have “proof” cementing the belief in werewolves. There is also the possibility that the werewolf myth was created to explain rabies. Humans do get rabies from being bitten by rabid animals, after all.

One possible cause for the werewolf myth aligns very well with historical werewolf hunts and that is that people were trying to explain serial killers. The vampire myth can be traced back to royals who had a particular taste for bloodshed, like Vlad the Impaler. However, the vampire myth only explains a lust for blood, not human flesh. History tells us that cannibalism is a trait that not all serial killers possess, but some do. Therefore, another explanation may have been needed – enter the werewolf myth. Wolves eat humans (not so much nowadays, but if they could get to us, they would more often). There is no denying that serial killers like Albert Fish and Jeffrey Dahmer do behave like animals.

How the werewolf myth came to be will never be known. Ovid could very well be the originator, but it may also have existed in oral history before Ovid. Any of the above causes is plausible. However, we cannot possibly know unless we find conclusive evidence that werewolves have or have never existed. If we find one, that answers the question. We are much less likely to find an answer if there were no werewolves. It is doubtful that we will find a little postscript from Ovid reading, “I made it all up.” However, one might say that could be assumed.

The History of Lycanthropy

Originally Published by Ms. Shelly Barclay in History Mysteries (http://historicmysteries.com)

Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are legendary shape-shifting humans. As the name suggests, the shape these creatures take on is that of a wolf. The legend of the werewolf has  sprung up independently or spread to virtually every area of the Earth. It is also one of the oldest legends of human monsters in recorded history. Where the legend originated can only be guessed by what humans have taken care to record. Their other name, lycanthrope, may also be a hint at the origin of this myth.

Throughout history there are records of the trials of confessed or accused werewolves. In fact, they were hunted, questioned and executed in much the same way witches were, because often witches were accused of also being werewolves. These so-called “werewolf trials” give us a historical glimpse at rampant human belief in werewolves. Some of the accused were arrested because villagers needed someone to blame for dead livestock or some other explainable occurrence, but others were accused because of actions far more sinister and less likely to be contrived.

In 1521, a Pierre Burgot and Michel Verdun were executed as werewolves. Historical records indicate that they were a serial killer team. In 1573, again in France, another “werewolf” was executed. His name was Gilles Garnier, otherwise known as the “Werewolf of Dole.” He was a confessed serial killer. There are numerous accounts such as these, mostly in Europe. Interestingly, real wolves were plentiful in Europe at this time. Could people have simply been associating the carnivorous animal with people who behaved like animals?

A more infamous case of werewolf execution is that of a German man named Peter Stumpp (or Stubbe). Peter was supposedly caught by his neighbors in his wolf form. They witnessed him taking off his “wolf girdle” (more on that later) when they closed in on him. At which time, he reassumed his human form. Peter confessed to murder, rape and cannibalism. His mistress and daughter were tortuously executed immediately after he was. The reason they were executed? For having knowledge of his crimes and sex with him. Yes, his daughter was executed for being raped by her father. What is worse? Her father had killed her brother and eaten his brains before he was captured.

While all of these instances are proof of a long-standing belief in werewolves, they are not the first descriptions of werewolves in history. What appears to be the oldest story of a werewolf is not a gruesome group of serial killings followed by an execution, but an Ancient Roman myth. Ovid wrote the Metamorphoses in 1 A.D. In it, he told the tale of King Lycaon (the origin of the word Lycanthrope) who offended the gods by serving human meat to them at dinner. Jupiter punished this transgression by transforming Lycaon into a werewolf. In his werewolf form, he could continue his abomination of eating human flesh with less offense.

We know from Ovid that legends of werewolves go back to at least 1 A.D. We also know that since that time, the legend of the werewolf has evolved. There are werewolf legends that are obviously separate from one another and others that seem to build off the original concept. For example, the full moon had nothing to do with Ovid’s werewolf and other early werewolf legends. Werewolves changed shape at whim. Other legends associate werewolves with a sort of belt or “wolf girdle” that, upon donning, would transform them.

Religion has had an obvious impact on the werewolf myth. In areas where Christianity was prevalent, being a werewolf was associated with witchcraft and the devil. Even the wolf girdle found a place in this Christian belief in werewolves. They believed that the belt was furnished by the devil for use by his minions. Even Ovid’s tale was based on religion in the sense that his form was a punishment from the gods. Does this mean that religion is the source of the werewolf myth? It probably is not. It is more likely that religion has simply influenced a belief that manifested in human history for one of two reasons. Either werewolves were thought up to explain something horrible or they are real.

Several reasons for the appearance of the werewolf myth have been postulated. It is possible that real wolf attacks were the cause and superstition led people to fear the worst. Suspects were subsequently tortured into confession and voila, you have “proof” cementing the belief in werewolves. There is also the possibility that the werewolf myth was created to explain rabies. Humans do get rabies from being bitten by rabid animals, after all.

One possible cause for the werewolf myth aligns very well with historical werewolf hunts and that is that people were trying to explain serial killers. The vampire myth can be traced back to royals who had a particular taste for bloodshed, like Vlad the Impaler. However, the vampire myth only explains a lust for blood, not human flesh. History tells us that cannibalism is a trait that not all serial killers possess, but some do. Therefore, another explanation may have been needed – enter the werewolf myth. Wolves eat humans (not so much nowadays, but if they could get to us, they would more often). There is no denying that serial killers like Albert Fish and Jeffrey Dahmer do behave like animals.

How the werewolf myth came to be will never be known. Ovid could very well be the originator, but it may also have existed in oral history before Ovid. Any of the above causes is plausible. However, we cannot possibly know unless we find conclusive evidence that werewolves have or have never existed. If we find one, that answers the question. We are much less likely to find an answer if there were no werewolves. It is doubtful that we will find a little postscript from Ovid reading, “I made it all up.” However, one might say that could be assumed.