What do you think?
Rate this book
A Bewitching Mystery #5
Where There's a Witch
This title has been removed from sale by Penguin Group, USA.
304 pages
First published July 7, 2009
56 people are currently reading
1885 people want to read
About the author
Madelyn Alt
9 books836 followersFrom the Authors Website
Madelyn Alt is the national bestselling author of the witchy and hip Bewitching Mystery Series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The Bewitching series features small town single girl and fledgling empath Maggie O'Neill, her witchy boss, and an unlikely circle of ghosthunting friends, the N.I.G.H.T.S., as they investigate an increasing level of paranormal disturbance--not to mention a series of unrelated murders--in Maggie's hometown of Stony Mill, Indiana. In other words, they are: "Mysteries... with Hex Appeal."
Madelyn writes from her home, an 1870's era Victorian in northeast Indiana, which she shares with an extraordinary number of persons of the male persuasion of assorted ages and sizes, two Siamese cats who rule the roost, and a Shepherd-Lab mix sweetheart who is only too happy to let them.
Madelyn Alt is the national bestselling author of the witchy and hip Bewitching Mystery Series, published by Berkley Prime Crime. The Bewitching series features small town single girl and fledgling empath Maggie O'Neill, her witchy boss, and an unlikely circle of ghosthunting friends, the N.I.G.H.T.S., as they investigate an increasing level of paranormal disturbance--not to mention a series of unrelated murders--in Maggie's hometown of Stony Mill, Indiana. In other words, they are: "Mysteries... with Hex Appeal."
Madelyn writes from her home, an 1870's era Victorian in northeast Indiana, which she shares with an extraordinary number of persons of the male persuasion of assorted ages and sizes, two Siamese cats who rule the roost, and a Shepherd-Lab mix sweetheart who is only too happy to let them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
July 20, 2009
Overall, I really like this series a lot. There were some really good things happening in this particular installment, especially in the romance department. If there's one thing I hate about the Stephanie Plum series, it's that Stephanie doesn't progress with either of the men in her life. I find that so irritating, that I no longer look forward to reading the series. However, I'm pleased to see that this series isn't following that same pattern. It appears as though Maggie is making a little more headway in her love life and I'm glad to see it. I can only take so much waffling between men before I lose sympathy for your situation.
The biggest negative? It has to be the clues for the reveal and how the main characters never seem to figure things out until it's too late. I figured out who did the crime long before all of the clues made sense. But, they made sense to me a LONG time before they made sense to the characters, which I found a little disappointing. However, I did enjoy the ending a lot more than I thought I would. So, even though the main characters seemed a little dense at times, I felt more than satisfied with how it all went down. I look forward to reading more in this series and I hope the author continues to let Maggie's love life develop. :)
The biggest negative? It has to be the clues for the reveal and how the main characters never seem to figure things out until it's too late. I figured out who did the crime long before all of the clues made sense. But, they made sense to me a LONG time before they made sense to the characters, which I found a little disappointing. However, I did enjoy the ending a lot more than I thought I would. So, even though the main characters seemed a little dense at times, I felt more than satisfied with how it all went down. I look forward to reading more in this series and I hope the author continues to let Maggie's love life develop. :)
September 23, 2019
Ms Alt has done it again! Maggie is knee deep in paranormal trouble before she can blink!
This time she gets suckered into driving the two young assistants from Enchantments over to a local church where there is to be a ground breaking festival ready for a new wing (the boyfriend of Tara, one of the young women, the other being Evie, is one of the construction crew), before they can leave (having had their car boxed in) there is a cave in and a spirit attaches himself to Maggie, with all the excitement Tara managed to leave her mobile at the site so back she, her boyfriend Charlie, Maggie, Evie and Marcus go to find it (oh and they DO let the vicarage know!), what they find is more than just the mobile they also find a corpse - so back to spirit helping all round (not assisted by an article in the local paper outing the adults as witches).
Maggie and Marcus need to find out what happened so that young Elias (the Spirit) can stop being stuck on the earthly plane and Maggie needs to make a decision about her boyfriend (or is he?) Tom.
This time she gets suckered into driving the two young assistants from Enchantments over to a local church where there is to be a ground breaking festival ready for a new wing (the boyfriend of Tara, one of the young women, the other being Evie, is one of the construction crew), before they can leave (having had their car boxed in) there is a cave in and a spirit attaches himself to Maggie, with all the excitement Tara managed to leave her mobile at the site so back she, her boyfriend Charlie, Maggie, Evie and Marcus go to find it (oh and they DO let the vicarage know!), what they find is more than just the mobile they also find a corpse - so back to spirit helping all round (not assisted by an article in the local paper outing the adults as witches).
Maggie and Marcus need to find out what happened so that young Elias (the Spirit) can stop being stuck on the earthly plane and Maggie needs to make a decision about her boyfriend (or is he?) Tom.
December 28, 2016
Madelyn Alt's Bewitching Mysteries have had me hooked from the first book. They are a fast, fun, read, with eclectic, loveable, and not so loveable characters.
In this installment, Tara and Evie wrangle Maggie into coming with them to a church carnival. It is there that Maggie witnesses an argument between a woman and a man...and that woman is found dead that same evening.
I was intrigued by the buried room. I really wish we had found out more about it, and all the crosses inside. I really wanted more information, because I think a lot could have been done with it.
Elias communicating with Maggie...loved it. I'm glad Maggie continues to embrace her abilities, and the "u-n-i-c-e"/ ULC riddle was clever. I did figure it out a bit before it was officially solved, but I enjoyed it none the less.
Was anyone else as relieved as I was to see Maggie and Marcus officially get together? It's about damn time! The Tom/Maggie/Marcus love triangle had bogged down the series a bit, so I'm glad it has been solved...at least for now.
I am really not a fan of Maggie's mother or sister.Mel seems like and A #1 bitch, and I wish Maggie would get angrier with her for instigating the rumors that led to the boycott of the store and Margo's "anonymous" op ed piece in the paper.
One to the next!
*****
2016 reread: Same thoughts, for the most part:
-Alt has really grown as an author throughout this series and it shows.
- favorite book of the series, thus far.
- SO much more could have been done with the underground room.
-Maggie's sister and mom are still generally awful people and Maggie must have the patience of a saint.
-I would have given Tom the boot 2 books ago, but that's just me.
- for the love of god, Maggie and Marcus just need to get it on and stop pussyfooting. LOL.
On to book 6! :)
In this installment, Tara and Evie wrangle Maggie into coming with them to a church carnival. It is there that Maggie witnesses an argument between a woman and a man...and that woman is found dead that same evening.
I was intrigued by the buried room. I really wish we had found out more about it, and all the crosses inside. I really wanted more information, because I think a lot could have been done with it.
Elias communicating with Maggie...loved it. I'm glad Maggie continues to embrace her abilities, and the "u-n-i-c-e"/ ULC riddle was clever. I did figure it out a bit before it was officially solved, but I enjoyed it none the less.
Was anyone else as relieved as I was to see Maggie and Marcus officially get together? It's about damn time! The Tom/Maggie/Marcus love triangle had bogged down the series a bit, so I'm glad it has been solved...at least for now.
I am really not a fan of Maggie's mother or sister.Mel seems like and A #1 bitch, and I wish Maggie would get angrier with her for instigating the rumors that led to the boycott of the store and Margo's "anonymous" op ed piece in the paper.
One to the next!
*****
2016 reread: Same thoughts, for the most part:
-Alt has really grown as an author throughout this series and it shows.
- favorite book of the series, thus far.
- SO much more could have been done with the underground room.
-Maggie's sister and mom are still generally awful people and Maggie must have the patience of a saint.
-I would have given Tom the boot 2 books ago, but that's just me.
- for the love of god, Maggie and Marcus just need to get it on and stop pussyfooting. LOL.
On to book 6! :)
October 30, 2010
If you've been following along in the series, you'll be sympathetic with my gripe about the love triangle between Maggie, Tom & Marcus. It's just been stretched out for far too long in the series. Luckily for us, the love triangle is resolved (although there's always the potential for it to return, I guess). No spoilers, but most fans can guess who Maggie will end up with.
This latest volume of the series does focus on the long standing love triangle between the trio, but it also focuses on the tension left after the last book when the town became aware of N.I.G.H.T.S. & the existence of witches. And of course there's a murder. (Can't have a mystery without a murder!) And as always, Maggie seems to find herself in the thick of it when Tara & Evie discover a dead body in an old underground room that was unearthed during the opening ceremonies for the local baptist church. (There was a fair to celebrate a new wing being added onto the church.)
If you were worried that this is the last book- have no fear! There is going to be another volume released in the series & we'll get to see much more of the characters! I really have enjoyed this series so far. Yes, there's been a few gripes but overall the quality of the series has endured without falling for most of the cheap gimmicks that many long running series have fallen for. (Ok, so the love triangle was drawn out for way too long.)
This latest volume of the series does focus on the long standing love triangle between the trio, but it also focuses on the tension left after the last book when the town became aware of N.I.G.H.T.S. & the existence of witches. And of course there's a murder. (Can't have a mystery without a murder!) And as always, Maggie seems to find herself in the thick of it when Tara & Evie discover a dead body in an old underground room that was unearthed during the opening ceremonies for the local baptist church. (There was a fair to celebrate a new wing being added onto the church.)
If you were worried that this is the last book- have no fear! There is going to be another volume released in the series & we'll get to see much more of the characters! I really have enjoyed this series so far. Yes, there's been a few gripes but overall the quality of the series has endured without falling for most of the cheap gimmicks that many long running series have fallen for. (Ok, so the love triangle was drawn out for way too long.)
September 1, 2010
5th installment of the series. IMO the strongest so far. The story was easy enough to follow, nothing too complicated here.
This go round we follow Maggie, Tara, and Evie to a church carnival. Maggie witnesses an argument between one of the parishioners and her ex-boyfriend, (a construction worker) Soon after the construction kicks off, one of the machines falls into a hole in the ground (a hidden cellar) and releases a spirit trapped within. Later that night the parishioner is found dead near the site.
With the entire town in an uproar, the newspaper releases the next day completely outing and bashing Liss, the store, and other paranormal researchers. To solve the case, the girls get down and dirty with a ouijji board talking to the spirit of Elias who gives the girls clues as to who he is, how he died, and who to watch out for.
This was a fun, mindless book, and I figured out the clues about 2/3 the way through the book. Maggie finally makes a decision between Tom and Marcus, and I was happy with her choice. Looking forward to reading the next book. :)
This go round we follow Maggie, Tara, and Evie to a church carnival. Maggie witnesses an argument between one of the parishioners and her ex-boyfriend, (a construction worker) Soon after the construction kicks off, one of the machines falls into a hole in the ground (a hidden cellar) and releases a spirit trapped within. Later that night the parishioner is found dead near the site.
With the entire town in an uproar, the newspaper releases the next day completely outing and bashing Liss, the store, and other paranormal researchers. To solve the case, the girls get down and dirty with a ouijji board talking to the spirit of Elias who gives the girls clues as to who he is, how he died, and who to watch out for.
This was a fun, mindless book, and I figured out the clues about 2/3 the way through the book. Maggie finally makes a decision between Tom and Marcus, and I was happy with her choice. Looking forward to reading the next book. :)
November 11, 2009
The 5th book in the series and I just really enjoy them.
I agree with some of the other reviews I have read that the mystery is pretty easy to puzzle together before Maggie (the main character) does. And yet I find the story and the self reflection and the humor carries the book along. I enjoy the writing and I find almost all the characters very likeable. When I get to the end of the book I am always a little sad that it is over.
I agree with some of the other reviews I have read that the mystery is pretty easy to puzzle together before Maggie (the main character) does. And yet I find the story and the self reflection and the humor carries the book along. I enjoy the writing and I find almost all the characters very likeable. When I get to the end of the book I am always a little sad that it is over.
October 24, 2025
This was such a slow book, and I definitely did not get into it from the very beginning. I skimmed a lot of this book, although I enjoyed the story.
April 15, 2013
Basic Plot: A bizarre buried room is found when the local Baptist church has a groundbreaking to add a new wing, and pretty soon there's a dead body discovered inside. Unfortunately, this woman is recently deceased and not long buried, and Maggie O'Neill was one of the last people to see this woman alive.
Alt continues to keep up a good pace with these books. They're still literary popcorn and not a hearty meal, but they are fun nonetheless, and I like them for what they are. The Enchantments staff is still dealing with the community backlash after Maggie's sister spilled the beans about Liss being a witch, so very little happens at the actual store in this book. Maggie FINALLY makes up her mind about her Tom-vs-Marcus non-dilemma (HONESTLY, why did this take 5 books to resolve???). Maggie's involvement in the mystery felt pretty natural, even if she did make a few boneheaded mistakes, and there was actually a sense of danger towards the end.
I must confess my biggest issue with this book is that I figured out some major plot points 100 pages before Maggie did. Which kind of irritated me. Especially when the author is hitting the reader with clue-by-fours and Maggie (who has supernatural help in the form of a ghost following her around) is still pondering, "gee, what does this mean?" I wanted to bang my head against the wall a few times. This book was enjoyable enough to perhaps have been a 4-star book for me, except for that. This book wasn't long enough that I should be ABLE to figure out the major mystery a full 100 pages before the main character. I know it's not exactly Sherlock Holmes, but still. 100 pages???
I'll be continuing on, but I'm going to take a book or two's worth of break before I do, so I don't get burned out.
Alt continues to keep up a good pace with these books. They're still literary popcorn and not a hearty meal, but they are fun nonetheless, and I like them for what they are. The Enchantments staff is still dealing with the community backlash after Maggie's sister spilled the beans about Liss being a witch, so very little happens at the actual store in this book. Maggie FINALLY makes up her mind about her Tom-vs-Marcus non-dilemma (HONESTLY, why did this take 5 books to resolve???). Maggie's involvement in the mystery felt pretty natural, even if she did make a few boneheaded mistakes, and there was actually a sense of danger towards the end.
I must confess my biggest issue with this book is that I figured out some major plot points 100 pages before Maggie did. Which kind of irritated me. Especially when the author is hitting the reader with clue-by-fours and Maggie (who has supernatural help in the form of a ghost following her around) is still pondering, "gee, what does this mean?" I wanted to bang my head against the wall a few times. This book was enjoyable enough to perhaps have been a 4-star book for me, except for that. This book wasn't long enough that I should be ABLE to figure out the major mystery a full 100 pages before the main character. I know it's not exactly Sherlock Holmes, but still. 100 pages???
I'll be continuing on, but I'm going to take a book or two's worth of break before I do, so I don't get burned out.
July 7, 2015
I really love this series. Each book just gets better and better! Onto book #6!
April 15, 2018
I liked this book a little better than the last one. First of all, Tom? Really? Obviously not working out, and when the only thing he has said in the last two books that’s been positive (??) towards developing their relationship is that he would like to get to know Maggie better, isn’t it about time (wink wink, nudge nudge)…um, NO. I think Maggie should be much more annoyed at her sister for letting the cat out of the bag about the witches in town, but she seems to just be okay with moving on from that. How Liss chooses to handle the questioning I found really fascinating (what a great portrait of love instead of reacting out of fear). Maggie is starting to really accept and be more comfortable with her magickal abilities which is also fun to read.
Overall, I’d give this an 8.5 out of 10 for enjoyment and 4.5 out of 5 for readability.
-Holly
For the rest of this review, visit: https://bedroopedbookworms.wordpress....
Overall, I’d give this an 8.5 out of 10 for enjoyment and 4.5 out of 5 for readability.
-Holly
For the rest of this review, visit: https://bedroopedbookworms.wordpress....
June 20, 2022
The town of Stony Mill is getting a little bit crazy with the "witch" stuff, helped along by Maggie's sister and her friend Margo, via a newspaper report about "witches" in their midst. Enchantments is losing customers, although some stop in out of curiosity. Evie's mother, who sounds like a total bitch, pulls her from working at the store or associating with the others. Maggie finally gets some closure about Tom; thank goodness because I was really getting tired of him yanking her chain. When a man can't accept you it's time to say tell him goodbye. The latest murder victim is a woman with problems, done in by the Baptist church pastors mother-in-law, who it turns out is a total psycho loon who's been drugging her daughter and son-in-law...including herself in a final goodbye. It's easy to sense early on that the person responsible for a few nasty things is her. That she does herself in at the end was no surprise either. Controlling to the last...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2017
I have an odd affinity for these books. Sort of a love-hate relationship, except don't hate anything about these books. I just get frustrated.
Alt knows how to create sweet-natured characters and compelling interpersonal relations, but she is so heavy-handed on clues and setup that I knew who the murderer was about a third of the way through the book. "Spot the Victim" is also an easy game to play with this author.
I enjoy the atmosphere in Alt's books and I'm over the moon that the silly love triangle is over, though a bit disappointed in how it was resolved. I will be keeping on with the series if only for the campy enjoyment of it.
Alt knows how to create sweet-natured characters and compelling interpersonal relations, but she is so heavy-handed on clues and setup that I knew who the murderer was about a third of the way through the book. "Spot the Victim" is also an easy game to play with this author.
I enjoy the atmosphere in Alt's books and I'm over the moon that the silly love triangle is over, though a bit disappointed in how it was resolved. I will be keeping on with the series if only for the campy enjoyment of it.
October 21, 2021
Shop clerk and empath, Maggie O'Neill, has a spirit trying to communicate with her, after an underground hidden room is discovered in her small hometown in Indiana. As Maggie tries to understand the spirit's message of warning, a young woman's body is found near the recently discovered hidden room. Maggie also continues to be conflicted about her quasi relationship with police officer, Tom Fielding, who is not comfortable with Maggie's boss, mentor and witch, Felicity Dow, nor the rest of her psychicly gifted friends, especially Marcus, who Maggie continues to be more and more drawn to all the time.
July 3, 2024
Reading "Where There's a Witch" was a magical and captivating experience. As the fifth installment in the Bewitching Mystery series, it did not disappoint. The protagonist, Maggie O'Neill, is a charming and tenacious witch who finds herself embroiled in yet another thrilling mystery. The blend of supernatural elements and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. The small-town setting and its quirky inhabitants added an extra layer of charm to the story. This book is perfect for anyone who loves a good cozy mystery with a touch of witchcraft. I eagerly look forward to Maggie's next adventure!
May 29, 2018
It was a bit slow at the beginning, especially since it had been years since I read the previous book. A good mystery with ties to the past (and a spirit). The town itself has problems and it sounds like they may continue until a big bad is found. The love triangle is finally resolves, which is a good thing.
February 20, 2019
This mystery was okay in my opinion. Others obviously enjoyed quite a bit, so maybe it’s just not my style.
The best character was the cat, Minnie.
I found the mystery too easily solvable as the clues are repeated over and over and over and (literally) spell out the name of the murderer. The main character, Maggie, should be embarrassed about how long it took to connect the dots. Not to mention that she’s dull, stringing along two guys, and is serving as a dubious mentor to two teenage girls. I couldn’t figure out why anyone really liked her.
The best character was the cat, Minnie.
I found the mystery too easily solvable as the clues are repeated over and over and over and (literally) spell out the name of the murderer. The main character, Maggie, should be embarrassed about how long it took to connect the dots. Not to mention that she’s dull, stringing along two guys, and is serving as a dubious mentor to two teenage girls. I couldn’t figure out why anyone really liked her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
Things are heating up in Stony Mills and we're not just talking about the weather! Maggie has deicisions to make regarding her relationship with Tom, the town is seemingly going crazy, and now a woman is found murdered after a ground breaking ceremony at a local church. On top of all that, the local gossip is also heating up about Maggie's boss Felicity Dow, her friend Marcus and their N.I.G.H.T.S. group and not in a good way.
Another interesting chapter in Maggie's life in Stony Mills and her growth as a "sensitive".
Another interesting chapter in Maggie's life in Stony Mills and her growth as a "sensitive".
September 18, 2017
kind of a bittersweet ending, but definitely a fantastic addition to the series. Things for the town are really coming to a head. Also, romantically things come to a head in this book and Maggie finally makes a choice. The flighty back and forth was honestly quite annoying. I'm glad to see that resolved. I love seeing Maggie grow into her abilities. It is definitely encouraging me to stop neglecting my own studies :)
October 26, 2023
Much of the story involves Maggie's two younger coworkers, who are lots of fun, and of course her boss, who (I'm agreeing with Maggie here haha) is one of the best people in town. The theme of ostracisization is a little tough in this one, but it's wonderful to finally see Maggie embrace her *actual* relationship! ;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2017
Another hit in the series
Was thrilled to find one more out of the series that hadn't been read. Easy writing style makes for a quick read of an enjoyable mystery while continuing Maggie's trek through life.
Was thrilled to find one more out of the series that hadn't been read. Easy writing style makes for a quick read of an enjoyable mystery while continuing Maggie's trek through life.
September 4, 2017
This is such a fun series. It's like Stephanie Plum moved to Indiana and became a psychic! If you like Janet Evanovich, you'll enjoy the "A Bewitching Mystery" series. They are perfect reads for a dark and stormy night.
September 22, 2017
Finally reading these in order they were written. Excellent characters that carry through from book to book. No surprises in way they act or where they are living. Good, gentle mystery stories with always a hint of romance.
April 5, 2023
I love the character developments in these books. In some booms they are fast paced but this is more realistic. It’s a great mystery and not to quickly to pinpoint who did it. I really enjoy these books.
April 11, 2018
one of my favorites so far! I had the least amount of eye-roll moments in this one, and we're finally getting some progression in the romance department. Marcus is my bae
December 3, 2021
This book is a real page turner. It is a thrilling entertaining mystery from the start. I highly recommend reading it!!
February 23, 2022
Needed some “fluff”. Fun little mystery series, had to refresh my memory with some of the characters, but great, quick read.
October 10, 2022
Fun, quick mysteries with a touch of spookiness thrown in.
Read
February 17, 2024Not the best book in the series... it made me sleepy...
May 17, 2024
DNF
I really wanted to love this story. I like witchy tales and cozy mysteries, but this was too slow moving for me. I may try to read it again.
I really wanted to love this story. I like witchy tales and cozy mysteries, but this was too slow moving for me. I may try to read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews