I am fascinated by K.J. Charles\' A Charm of Magpies series featuring Stephan Day and Lucien Vaudrey, the Earl Crane, and set in an alternate version of Victorian England in which magic is an acknowledged presence in the world. Stephan is a justiciar who polices abuses of magic and Crane is descendant of the magical magpie Lord. Together, they are a perfect conduit for the power of the magpie. Their love and passion brings forth a magic that renews Stephan\'s powers and threatens his very existence.

Stephan has seen the violation that comes from stripping individuals of their magic. It is something he works to prevent and would never do himself. Yet, he knows that the other justiciars are becoming suspicious about where Stephan\'s power is coming from. If he doesn\'t admit the truth, he may be found guilty of vile acts of magic. If he does admit the truth, he may hang for his homosexuality. Stephan is struggling with how to protect himself and his lover while they work together to find out who is controlling giant rats to kill people who all share Crane\'s ties to China. The danger mounts from all sides as Stephan and Crane work to solve the mystery while sorting out what the future holds for them.

A CASE OF POSSESSION is an exciting addition to an enthralling series. I thoroughly enjoyed so many elements of this story— the magic, the mystery, the relationship, and the characters (to name just a few). Stephan and Crane are both dealing with heavy burdens that add depth to the story and highlight the emotional strength that accompanies the magical energy that permeates their relationship. K.J. Charles provides quite a bit of back story for Crane as his life in China provides critical clues for solving a mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. I appreciate the characters of Stephan and Crane more with each story and am excited to see what\'s in store for us in book three.