S. C. Skillman – författare

Mystical Circles is a mystery novel set in the present-day Cotswolds about a cult group whose charming, manipulative leader mesmerises his nine vulnerable followers with teachings and exercises drawn from a mixture of shamanism, dream yoga, and Indian mysticism promising them higher consciousness and freedom from the past - until a smart, over-confident young London radio journalist arrives, intent on rescuing her sister.

Juliet arrives in the mysterious community with high hopes. But intrigues, liaisons and relationships flare and flourish or fizzle out quickly in this close circle and despite her deep reservations Juliet is drawn into the Wheel of Love, with completely unforeseen consequences.

The story of the two sisters Juliet and Zoe is continued in the sequel A Passionate Spirit.

The book is ideal for fans of the Susan Howatch Starbridge series, and The Wicker Man.

"Intricate tapestry of human emotions and psyches with a romantic thread weaving through the midst." (Caroline Bailey, creative arts specialist)

"Will captivate you from the first paragraph. Like any good mystery, the more I read, the more questions I had." (Marsha Randolph, US Amazon reviewer)

"Weaves romance with spiritual searching and emotional needs, powerful universal themes." (Marie Calvert, arts psychotherapist and retreat leader)

"I fell in love with the beautiful house where the story is set and wanted to go there immediately... intense and compelling." (Eleanor Watkins, author, The Village and A Wind of Change)

"Emotional and psychological tensions crackle and ignite against each other.... a train crash of conflicting personalities, desires, jealousies and hurts. Drama filled with psychological suspense and a hint of the paranormal ...   I''m pleased to see there''s a sequel, A Passionate Spirit." (Philip S. Davies, author of the young adult Destiny''s Rebel trilogy)

"I''m a great fan of the Susan Howatch Starbridge series, and this book appealed for many of the same reasons: a memorable setting, page-turning uncertainties, and being left with the image of people on a journey." Sue Wharton, Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick)

"Juliet''s arrival and her probing questions set in train a release of emotions and a clash of personalities which will bring the entire future of the community into question. .... romance, mystery and an exploration of the deep areas of human motivations. It''s about the need for honesty in relationships and about the search for healing from the past. It roams the wild borderlands between mysticism and theology." (Paul Trembling, Lion Fiction crime, thriller & mystery author)

"I enjoyed the ... the old house Juliet goes to with its oak beams, low ceiling and wainscoting, and the references to its occult/pagan past; corn dollies on the wall and stuff like that gave it a Wicker Man kind of feel. When Juliet finally meets her sister we see that Zoe is utterly caught up in the cult way of life. Craig ... is manipulative and scary. He has special shaman powers that give him superiority over the others. This overall feel of creepiness is maintained. Again Juliet''s character is reminiscent of the policeman in The Wicker Man. Juliet becomes more and more dubious about the merits of the group and the credibiltity of Craig as its leader." (Kimbie, Amazon reviewer)