The Wolf in the Mansion by Gracie C. McKeever
Siren Publishing
Paranormal
Short Story, M/F
Review by Hibiscus

Still mourning the death of his wife, recluse Lincoln McCabe's life is forever turned off-kilter by a chance meeting with McCabe Associates' newest hire, Deja Hamilton, an almost a physical replica of his dead wife, Dahlia.

Five years after starting at McCabe Associates, personal secretary Deja has worked her way up the ranks to a coveted account executive position. What she hasn't been able to do is eradicate the haunting blue eyes of Lincoln McCabe from her memory despite her best efforts.

When Lincoln and Deja are reunited five years after their initial meeting, the conditions are neither ideal nor romantic. But Deja is determined to make the best of the situation nursing Lincoln back to health and helping him snare whoever was behind the attempt on his life and the looming takeover of his family's company.

♥ ♥ ♥

The Wolf In The Mansion had a solid storyline that had me cheering for Deja and Lincoln through the entire tale. I enjoyed how witches and shape-shifters blended in the making of the characters of Lincoln and his family. It put a new spin on what I always thought of as straight werewolves.

Lincoln McCabe is a shape-shifter who lost his spouse, Dahlia, a year ago. He was still grieving despite the time that has passed. Unfortunately, he is the major shareholder in his families company and someone is trying to force the sale of it by fair means or foul. Someone tried to murder him and Lincoln fell off a cliff in the middle of changing from wolf to human. Deja happens to see Lincoln fall and rushes to help.  I felt so bad for Lincoln when he discovered that his memory of what happened and past events were not all there. With Deja helping him out, I was relieved that someone who truly cared for him was taking care of him.

Deja Hamilton is the mother of a teenager and is a very strong character. She is a look-a-like for Dahlia, Lincoln's dead wife. Deja is a witch who is able travel to astral planes along with communicating with otherworldly beings. Deja has had feelings for Lincoln since she was hired with McCabe Associates five years previously. When Lincoln is hurt, Deja's maternal side comes out and she takes care of  him. I enjoyed the way in which Deja sneaks up to the “bad guy” in order to help Lincoln.

I very much enjoyed The Wolf in the Mansion. I found it to be a good paranormal who-done-it ala the television show, Columbo. I knew who the villain was, but I loved how the main characters went about catching the “bad guy”.  Lest I forget, the story had very hot romantic scenes as Lincoln and Deja discover a passion that had simmered for five years. A wonderful read that I highly recommend.