Today’s Mini Review is a new episode in Cole McCade’s Criminal Intentions series.
Criminal Intentions: Season 1, Episode 5: It’s Witchcraft
Narrated by Curt Bonnem
An eerie ritualistic murder sends Malcolm and Seong-Jae down a bizarre path of the occult to find a killer—but when it comes to witchcraft, the suspect’s not the only one casting a spell. With Seong-Jae haunting his dreams, Malcolm is practically bewitched, his trust in Seong-Jae growing deeper and deeper as both men learn to rely on each other.
But when the murder triggers memories from both Seong-Jae’s and Malcolm’s shadowed pasts, will the secrets they share bring them closer . . . or drive them further apart?
Mal and Seong-Jae are called to the scene of a particularly gruesome murder that looks like a night of kinky sex gone wrong, but which leads to their discovering something far more sinister and fucked-up. The mysteries in these books often go to some pretty dark places, and this one really highlights the depravity of human nature and just how far some people are willing to go in order to satisfy their twisted desires, while also continuing – although in the background – to advance the season’s overarching plot.
Alongside the twisty – and twisted – mystery, runs the continuing development of the relationship between the two leads, which makes a huge (and very satisfying) leap, here when Mal and Seong-Jae find time for an important, heartfelt conversation which is the beating heart of the whole book. The sparks are flying like nobody’s business, and a brush of fingers, the softness of whispered words and quiet confidences are more seductive than the hottest kiss or sex scene. Listening to Seong-Jae opening up and allowing himself to be vulnerable to Mal is beautiful, and although there is still a way to go, they can both now admit that there is something happening between them – even if they’re not sure exactly what it is or what to do about it.
Curt Bonnem once again delivers a superb performance, with clearly defined characters and differentiation and a wonderful sense of the intense connection between Mal and Seong-Jae. The rooftop/confession scene is pitch-perfect, emotional yet restrained, conveying all the things that aren’t said as well as those that are between two people who are feeling their way in a situation that is very foreign to them. I like the way his portrayal of Seong-Jae has loosened up a little, reflecting his growing trust in (and affection for) Malcolm, and the energy in their bantering exchanges.
It’s Witchcraft is another fantastic instalment – one of the best yet – in this compelling series.
Caz
Buy It's Witchcraft by Cole McCade on Amazon
