I just finished Dolores Steward Riccio's latest, THE DIVINE CIRCLE OF LADIES MAKING MISCHIEF. It is the third book in her series featuring Cass Shipton who just happens to be Wiccan and is always getting involved in crime solving. Previous books are CIRCLE OF FIVE and CHARMED CIRCLE.

Cass, who lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts, runs her a web-based all natural herbal product business. Cass and her group of friends: Fiona, Heather, Deirdre, and Phillipa, form a Wiccan circle that celebrates the holidays together as well as interact continually in one another's lives. Cass' gift is clairvoyance and she frequently 'sees' things that lead her and her friends into hazardous situations in order to resolve local crimes or mysteries. Cass' fiancé, Joe is back in this story, as well as Cass' grown children: Becky with husband Ron, Cathy with partner Irene, and Adam, who may or may not be involved with someone. And of course we again catch up with the husbands and boyfriends of the other women in the story also.

Cass has a knack for rescuing people who are hurting or in need, and we get to meet her newest 'rescue', Rose in this story. Cass' previous rescues, Tip and Freddie, from previous books make appearances as well. Scruffy, Cass' dog is a big part of all three books. Cass can 'hear' what Scruffy is thinking, their conversations are so wonderful, and I think any dog lover will relate. Ms. Riccio creates three villains for this book that are truly characters I enjoyed seeing get what they deserved for their crimes.

There are three mysteries/crimes in THE DIVINE CIRCLE OF LADIES MAKING MISCHIEF, and had more than enough action to keep me turning the pages. I received this copy on Friday afternoon, and read it all from about seven until two this morning. Ms. Riccio has such a gift for making the reader care about her characters. One of my very favorite things about this series (and truly, there are a lot of great things in these books) is the women's relationships with one another. Each of these characters are true friends to the others, even when just as in real life, it isn't always convenient or easy. The Wiccan thread that runs throughout the books is so well done, Cass and her friends practice their faith consistently, honestly, and in a way that is truly spiritually satisfying to read.

I just love this series. I was thrilled to see included at the back of THE DIVINE CIRCLE OF LADIES MAKING MISCHIEF a chapter for the next book in the series. Now I'll just have to be happy with re-reading the series so far while I wait for the new book!