Wolf Dawson

Charlsie Russell
Loblolly Writer’s House (2007)
ISBN 9780976982418
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (11/07)


Mistakenly reported to have been killed during the Civil War, Jeff Dawson surprises everybody when he returns home to Natchez, Mississippi.  Having achieved success while he was away, he is able to purchase White Oak Glen which was the home of the Seaton family.  This family was responsible for the rape and death of Jeff’s sister.  They have been feuding ever since.  Still, despite the animosity, Jeff finds himself drawn to Juliet Seaton.  Matters get further complicated when he tricks her into marriage.

When a large wolf begins attacking livestock and prostitutes are found murdered out in the woods, a werewolf legend is revived.  Descending from a grandfather whom people believed to be a werewolf, the suspicions are now passed on to Jeff.  They build up even more when Jeff’s enemies are targeted.  The couple has enough of their own difficulties to overcome due to the misunderstandings perpetuated early on in their relationship.  Now they have to deal with their own personal safety being questioned.  Juliet gets to see the wolf and feels that he is a protector.  The question is, “Is he Jeff in werewolf form?”  While she wonders this, she doubts that he is responsible for the murders of the prostitutes. 

I enjoyed this romance. Charlsie Russell really does a great job at building suspense.  She kept me on the edge of my seat while I worried about the couple’s safety and wondered who the murderer was.  I love the paranormal elements surrounding the mystery of the wolf.  It was refreshing to be surprised at the end as the drama played its self out.  The author also does an excellent job of character development.  She draws you into the psyche of some twisted, selfish individuals.  She also does a great job of bringing out the best in the good characters. 

I highly recommend this novel. Fans of the Civil War era and fans of paranormal romances will really like it.  I think that “Wolf Dawson” would stimulate some interesting discussions in reader’s groups. 

Make comment on weblog