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Myrtlewood Mysteries #7
Formidable Magic
As the leaves fall and the fog thickens, the town of Myrtlewood prepares for the annual Samhain festival. But this year, something is different. The chill in the air is not just from the frost, but from a deeper magic, an ancient magic that has lain dormant for years.
Rosemary Thorn and her daughter Athena both sense that something is amiss. They soon find themselves caught up in a thrilling mystery as strange occurrences happen around town. They must navigate through the mystical and mysterious world of magic and uncover the truth behind the spooky happenings before it's too late.
As All Hallows draws near, the spirits in the land begin to stir in restless frustration and the anticipation in the air thickens, promising to be a Samhain that the people of Myrtlewood will never forget!
Rosemary Thorn and her daughter Athena both sense that something is amiss. They soon find themselves caught up in a thrilling mystery as strange occurrences happen around town. They must navigate through the mystical and mysterious world of magic and uncover the truth behind the spooky happenings before it's too late.
As All Hallows draws near, the spirits in the land begin to stir in restless frustration and the anticipation in the air thickens, promising to be a Samhain that the people of Myrtlewood will never forget!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2023
1282 people are currently reading
1210 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
August 27, 2023
It could really be something, but...
... it just lacks depth and has plot holes...
Where did Genevieve go... one minute in a sunlight cage, not mentioned again
What was going on with the bats and spiders... Where did they come from? Where did they go? (Rousing chorus of cotton-eyed Joe... lol)
Where did the bloodstone cult members go?
The whole chat with her great x8, or whatever, grandmother about seeking within was moot because none of it made a lot of sense to the outcome
Suddenly, everyone is friends, even Elamina, Beryl's family, and all the weirdness is done with... why were Beryl's family there if the MIB crew were keeping people out...
Fully expand... don't just miss out on things that would clarify because it weakens the idea and makes it impossible to maintain believability in the world and your concept.. ducking out of the theory behind the premise you're making renders it moot
... it just lacks depth and has plot holes...
Where did Genevieve go... one minute in a sunlight cage, not mentioned again
What was going on with the bats and spiders... Where did they come from? Where did they go? (Rousing chorus of cotton-eyed Joe... lol)
Where did the bloodstone cult members go?
The whole chat with her great x8, or whatever, grandmother about seeking within was moot because none of it made a lot of sense to the outcome
Suddenly, everyone is friends, even Elamina, Beryl's family, and all the weirdness is done with... why were Beryl's family there if the MIB crew were keeping people out...
Fully expand... don't just miss out on things that would clarify because it weakens the idea and makes it impossible to maintain believability in the world and your concept.. ducking out of the theory behind the premise you're making renders it moot
May 28, 2023
Great book, great storylines, great series. A shame about the grammar.
I have never left a review before, even though I have read a lot of great books from the Kindle library.
Now for the good points.
I love the characters, even some of the quirky ones, lol. Love the storylines. Love the fact that they are set in the UK, so at least I know of places mentioned.
Now the bad. Only one but the reason for 4 rather than 5 star review. Marjie mentioned 4 times on one page, but the first time was spelt Margie, then the number of times in the last 2 books that I have had to reread a particular passage to try and make sense of it which happened so many times in the last 2 books I came very close to giving up reading the books.
Now, to be fair, this may not bother some people, but it rather spoiled things for me. Maybe it's a Kindle issue, or maybe a new proofreader is needed, but whatever the problem can, somebody please fix it?
Thanks for reading my review. I hope it helps.
I have never left a review before, even though I have read a lot of great books from the Kindle library.
Now for the good points.
I love the characters, even some of the quirky ones, lol. Love the storylines. Love the fact that they are set in the UK, so at least I know of places mentioned.
Now the bad. Only one but the reason for 4 rather than 5 star review. Marjie mentioned 4 times on one page, but the first time was spelt Margie, then the number of times in the last 2 books that I have had to reread a particular passage to try and make sense of it which happened so many times in the last 2 books I came very close to giving up reading the books.
Now, to be fair, this may not bother some people, but it rather spoiled things for me. Maybe it's a Kindle issue, or maybe a new proofreader is needed, but whatever the problem can, somebody please fix it?
Thanks for reading my review. I hope it helps.
August 4, 2024
Awesome
The more I read this series the more I love it, it picks up right where it leaves off into the next book. I have 2 more books in this serie and can't wait to jump into book 8. I love all the magic, witches, vampires and wolves. I should have read these books in the Fall. Lol
The more I read this series the more I love it, it picks up right where it leaves off into the next book. I have 2 more books in this serie and can't wait to jump into book 8. I love all the magic, witches, vampires and wolves. I should have read these books in the Fall. Lol
September 6, 2024
love the story but….
The editing is horrible!!! I gave this book a three because of the editing. Reading a book with grammar errors, spelling errors and missing words or incorrect words drives me nuts! I will finish this series because I like the characters and the stories but probably won’t read anything else by this author.
The editing is horrible!!! I gave this book a three because of the editing. Reading a book with grammar errors, spelling errors and missing words or incorrect words drives me nuts! I will finish this series because I like the characters and the stories but probably won’t read anything else by this author.
August 2, 2024
Deb says, "I'm not thirteen any more."
April 28, 2023
I am always so happy to see a book in this world as I just love Rosemary and Athena. In this latest it’s almost Samhain, and there’s evil afoot. I was just so engrossed in this book from the beginning until the end. So much happens in this one, and I was almost getting whiplash from it all. We don’t see as much of Burk as I would have liked, but there were plenty of other characters that I didn’t miss him too awful much. I was intrigued by the end, and I’m curious just what this is going to do to the characters, and how it will shake out. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 2, 2025
I had very almost lost faith in this series. The previous two books were just not good. Everything felt clunky, especially the dialogue so I felt like giving up on the series. Thankfully, this instalment was miles better.
My hopes were pretty high for an instalment of this series set around Samhain, and for the first time in a while, these were met. The story felt so much more serious this time around, something that can often be missing from ‘cosy mysteries’. There’s been a murder and there are ghosts, possessions and (slight spoiler) zombies. The mystery actually felt like a mystery in Formidable Magic. Don’t get me wrong, the books set in the land of the fae were interesting, but I really enjoyed the darker themes in this instalment.
Something that I find with ‘cosy mysteries’, especially with ones that have multiple new instalments every year, the plotlines are pretty shallow. I will say the possession storyline of Formidable Magic is one of the strongest of this series so far, but other areas do feel either underdeveloped or it’s a case of ‘this thing happened really fast and off page, trust me, it did happen’. I’m not sure if that makes sense or if other people feel the same way, but there is a level of shallowness to these types of books. This series is the only one I’ve actually stuck it out with.
One thing I will say about Formidable Magic is there was a distinct lack of Burk. Rosemary’s commitment issues are really starting to annoy me. The guy literally worships the ground she walks on (for reasons completely unknown to me) and she clearly loves him back but she a huge commitment phobe. Having a hot vampire boyfriend is the dream of most women, don’t screw it up Rosemary.
The editing of these books seem to be getting worse with each instalment. There were so many grammar errors, missing words and spelling mistakes throughout. If I’m reading an ARC, this isn’t something I’d comment on as that’s an unfinished proof, but this book is fully published. I get that it’s indie published (I think) so I can forgive a few errors, but there were quite a few this time.
This hasn’t been the most glowing review but I did genuinely enjoy Formidable Magic. These books aren’t the best ever written but they do serve a purpose of being entertaining.
Rating: 3.5/5
My hopes were pretty high for an instalment of this series set around Samhain, and for the first time in a while, these were met. The story felt so much more serious this time around, something that can often be missing from ‘cosy mysteries’. There’s been a murder and there are ghosts, possessions and (slight spoiler) zombies. The mystery actually felt like a mystery in Formidable Magic. Don’t get me wrong, the books set in the land of the fae were interesting, but I really enjoyed the darker themes in this instalment.
Something that I find with ‘cosy mysteries’, especially with ones that have multiple new instalments every year, the plotlines are pretty shallow. I will say the possession storyline of Formidable Magic is one of the strongest of this series so far, but other areas do feel either underdeveloped or it’s a case of ‘this thing happened really fast and off page, trust me, it did happen’. I’m not sure if that makes sense or if other people feel the same way, but there is a level of shallowness to these types of books. This series is the only one I’ve actually stuck it out with.
One thing I will say about Formidable Magic is there was a distinct lack of Burk. Rosemary’s commitment issues are really starting to annoy me. The guy literally worships the ground she walks on (for reasons completely unknown to me) and she clearly loves him back but she a huge commitment phobe. Having a hot vampire boyfriend is the dream of most women, don’t screw it up Rosemary.
The editing of these books seem to be getting worse with each instalment. There were so many grammar errors, missing words and spelling mistakes throughout. If I’m reading an ARC, this isn’t something I’d comment on as that’s an unfinished proof, but this book is fully published. I get that it’s indie published (I think) so I can forgive a few errors, but there were quite a few this time.
This hasn’t been the most glowing review but I did genuinely enjoy Formidable Magic. These books aren’t the best ever written but they do serve a purpose of being entertaining.
Rating: 3.5/5
August 12, 2025
An enchanting return
From the very first page, Formidable Magic by Iris Beaglehole casts a spell that refuses to let go. The pace is quick, the stakes are high, and the sense of mystery is woven so seamlessly into the narrative that you’re drawn in before you realize it. The notorious Bloodstone Society make their return, scheming in the shadows with plans that could unravel everything. Elise’s increasingly strange behavior adds another tantalizing thread to the story — her actions feel like the tip of a much larger iceberg, and it’s exciting to imagine what future installments might reveal about her.
Samhain serves as a brilliant backdrop for the drama, a night when magic hums through every moment and the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. This lends an electric, almost otherworldly atmosphere to the unfolding events, making every twist feel sharper and every danger more potent.
But it’s not all victories and newfound strength. The story delivers moments of genuine heartbreak, particularly for Marjorie, whose struggles and losses carry a deep emotional weight. Her pain adds a bittersweet note to the tale, reminding us that even in worlds of magic, triumph often comes with sacrifice.
Yet amidst the tension and supernatural threats, the heart of the story shines in its portrayal of unity. Family members set aside differences to face peril together, and unexpected bonds are forged in the heat of battle. These moments of connection and loyalty give the book an emotional resonance that balances its darker, more suspenseful elements.
Beaglehole has once again delivered a tale rich with atmosphere, memorable characters, and a world you don’t want to leave. Formidable Magic is both a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga and a promise of more enchantment — and danger — to come.
From the very first page, Formidable Magic by Iris Beaglehole casts a spell that refuses to let go. The pace is quick, the stakes are high, and the sense of mystery is woven so seamlessly into the narrative that you’re drawn in before you realize it. The notorious Bloodstone Society make their return, scheming in the shadows with plans that could unravel everything. Elise’s increasingly strange behavior adds another tantalizing thread to the story — her actions feel like the tip of a much larger iceberg, and it’s exciting to imagine what future installments might reveal about her.
Samhain serves as a brilliant backdrop for the drama, a night when magic hums through every moment and the veil between worlds is at its thinnest. This lends an electric, almost otherworldly atmosphere to the unfolding events, making every twist feel sharper and every danger more potent.
But it’s not all victories and newfound strength. The story delivers moments of genuine heartbreak, particularly for Marjorie, whose struggles and losses carry a deep emotional weight. Her pain adds a bittersweet note to the tale, reminding us that even in worlds of magic, triumph often comes with sacrifice.
Yet amidst the tension and supernatural threats, the heart of the story shines in its portrayal of unity. Family members set aside differences to face peril together, and unexpected bonds are forged in the heat of battle. These moments of connection and loyalty give the book an emotional resonance that balances its darker, more suspenseful elements.
Beaglehole has once again delivered a tale rich with atmosphere, memorable characters, and a world you don’t want to leave. Formidable Magic is both a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga and a promise of more enchantment — and danger — to come.
October 9, 2025
📚 Book 7 of the “Accidental Magic” series by Iris Beaglehole
This one had a much darker tone than the earlier books in the series… and I LOVED it. It felt perfect for this time of year! Moody, witchy, and full of atmosphere. 🍂🕯️ I wasn’t expecting it to start off the way it did, but honestly, that shift in tone made it stand out from the rest of the series.
The family Samhain event was amazing. I don’t want to spoil any details, but the way it unfolded was so beautiful and magical that I found myself wishing it could be real.
This installment didn’t focus as heavily on Rosemary and Athena’s relationship, and I actually appreciated that. It felt intentional — like Rosemary is learning to give Athena the space to grow into her own person. That kind of character growth is subtle, but it really adds layers to the story. And I loved seeing other town relationships come into the spotlight. It made the world feel richer and more alive, as if the town itself is growing right alongside the characters.
There was also so much wisdom woven into this book. Some of the reflections really hit home for me! It seems rare for a cozy, witchy fantasy to blend heart, magic, and depth in a way that actually makes me pause and think, but this one did that (granted, I am a therapist…but I loved it!).
This is hands down my favorite book of the series so far. I loved it from beginning to end. 🖤💜 It’s the kind of book that made me fall even more in love with this world and these characters. It’s worth reading the whole series just to get to this one.
This one had a much darker tone than the earlier books in the series… and I LOVED it. It felt perfect for this time of year! Moody, witchy, and full of atmosphere. 🍂🕯️ I wasn’t expecting it to start off the way it did, but honestly, that shift in tone made it stand out from the rest of the series.
The family Samhain event was amazing. I don’t want to spoil any details, but the way it unfolded was so beautiful and magical that I found myself wishing it could be real.
This installment didn’t focus as heavily on Rosemary and Athena’s relationship, and I actually appreciated that. It felt intentional — like Rosemary is learning to give Athena the space to grow into her own person. That kind of character growth is subtle, but it really adds layers to the story. And I loved seeing other town relationships come into the spotlight. It made the world feel richer and more alive, as if the town itself is growing right alongside the characters.
There was also so much wisdom woven into this book. Some of the reflections really hit home for me! It seems rare for a cozy, witchy fantasy to blend heart, magic, and depth in a way that actually makes me pause and think, but this one did that (granted, I am a therapist…but I loved it!).
This is hands down my favorite book of the series so far. I loved it from beginning to end. 🖤💜 It’s the kind of book that made me fall even more in love with this world and these characters. It’s worth reading the whole series just to get to this one.
October 2, 2024
Wow! What a wild ride
So the last couple chapters of this book were really fantastic and the slight cliffhanger was great. I have so many questions, mainly what is going to happen next???
Proofreading is still not the greatest and I will mention it every time because it really messes up the vibe when you are reading.
One thing that is kind of bothering me is that the book is introducing too many things that are very popular in society nowadays: LGBTQIA+ , Polyamory, and pronouns. It seems disengenuine, like it's only in the book to relate to the audience instead of having a real purpose. So I am curious to see if more stuff like this will be added to the book.
Also why does serpentine never have a big part in the story???
So the last couple chapters of this book were really fantastic and the slight cliffhanger was great. I have so many questions, mainly what is going to happen next???
Proofreading is still not the greatest and I will mention it every time because it really messes up the vibe when you are reading.
One thing that is kind of bothering me is that the book is introducing too many things that are very popular in society nowadays: LGBTQIA+ , Polyamory, and pronouns. It seems disengenuine, like it's only in the book to relate to the audience instead of having a real purpose. So I am curious to see if more stuff like this will be added to the book.
Also why does serpentine never have a big part in the story???
January 4, 2024
I loved this book. I think it is my favourite of the series so far. I love everything samhain and the every undertone throughout the book has me wanting answers the whole way through. The witchcraft being the main focus of this book was also right up my street and the family reunion in the cemetery was also perfection. I loved the feeling of the love surrounding the characters in this book. I also love that the morrigan came back and it was shown that she was completely misunderstood and just needed friends. I'm sad I'm about to start the last book because I've grown attached to these characters and I'm not sure what I'm going to do without them in my life. I can always reread I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
This one was a bit darker that the others with Elise being possessed by the ghost of a girl who had been killed as part of a sacrifice by the Bloodstone Society years earlier. Centering around the pagan holiday of Samhain, it takes on aspects of honoring the dead on that day as well. I do think this series would have been better if the author didn't borrow so heavily from ideas found on the Gilmore Girls, particularly with the character Ferg, however, that is simply my personal preference. I've enjoyed the stories so far and there is one more book that has been released that I plan to read. The ending of this one makes me a bit sad.
February 11, 2024
Again, I like the story and the concept but it’s just a bit sloppy. There’s plot point which just aren’t explored fully or are brought in for seemingly no reason… there’s typos and stylistically there’s just some problems - describing two different people as crestfallen within a page or two feels unimaginative.
There’s a lot of characters and some aren’t explained very well and the story could have done without them. Just feels a little over full.
There’s a lot of characters and some aren’t explained very well and the story could have done without them. Just feels a little over full.
March 15, 2024
Formidable Magic
Love all of the Myrtlewood Mysteries so far. Everything else in my library is on hold until I have finished the series. It is getting in the way of everything else that I have to do including housework!
The only problem that I have with the books is that the proofreading could be better. Some words are left in that shouldn't be and some words are left out. Slightly irritating.
Love all of the Myrtlewood Mysteries so far. Everything else in my library is on hold until I have finished the series. It is getting in the way of everything else that I have to do including housework!
The only problem that I have with the books is that the proofreading could be better. Some words are left in that shouldn't be and some words are left out. Slightly irritating.
March 17, 2024
I LOVE MYRTLEWOOD!
Every adventure is DIFFERENT! The characters here are so fleshed out and vibrant.. like old friends.. I LOVE Rosemary... I imagine her to be a spunky Catherine Tate lol, red hair sassy ,tough and bit quirky! And unlikely Heroine who in her own unconventional way, is the toughest Witch on the block!!!! Athena is the perfect complement to Rosemary!! Such thrilling fun!!
Every adventure is DIFFERENT! The characters here are so fleshed out and vibrant.. like old friends.. I LOVE Rosemary... I imagine her to be a spunky Catherine Tate lol, red hair sassy ,tough and bit quirky! And unlikely Heroine who in her own unconventional way, is the toughest Witch on the block!!!! Athena is the perfect complement to Rosemary!! Such thrilling fun!!
May 10, 2024
Entertaining but there were so many errors in this novel in particular that sometimes it made the novel confusing to read. There was some errors in the previous books in the series but this one takes the cake. It feels like they rushed to get the book out without a proper editorial review. Disappointing because the novel could be a lot stronger. I will still finish the series by reading book 8 but really hope it doesn't have as many mistakes as this one.
May 20, 2024
Well worth following the series
I am new to giving reviews but here goes a try.
If you like Gothic tales of witches, vampires, the fae and other non-human entity stories, you must follow this series.
A mother and daughter struggling to survive in this world of ours are in for the ride of their lives.
They must try to make sense of the new life that is forced upon them. Can they survive and at what cost?
I am new to giving reviews but here goes a try.
If you like Gothic tales of witches, vampires, the fae and other non-human entity stories, you must follow this series.
A mother and daughter struggling to survive in this world of ours are in for the ride of their lives.
They must try to make sense of the new life that is forced upon them. Can they survive and at what cost?
May 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book even more than I expected to! I've enjoyed all the Myrtlewood Mysteries so far & the Witches of Holloway Road, so it was lovely to see them tie in together. What a lovely romp for Samhain - a fresh new, original story, celebrating (& fearing) life after death, where even Rosemary's parents were useful. Thoroughly recommend.
October 25, 2023
Another rushed and jumbled ending and another read full of mistakes, repetition (if I hear about “older woman” Marjie “bustling” somewhere again…), and odd flowing conversation (while they’re supposed to be in a bicycle chase for example??). But, with all that said, this was probably my favourite plot(?) so far!
October 7, 2024
So far one of my favourite of the series. I felt this one was a very good pace and had quite a bit of action. Never seemed to be a dull moment. Where a few others earlier in the series had some lulls before the buildup, this one seemed to keep a good tempo throughout.
Though I did find the wrap up missing a few things, like what happened to Genevieve and Dora…
Though I did find the wrap up missing a few things, like what happened to Genevieve and Dora…
May 2, 2025
This is probably my favorite of the series so far, I was consistently giggling to myself, especially at the Morrigan and Mabon, such fun characters. Also, epic family battle in the graveyard? Yes please! Kinda wish it was a bit longer of a battle actually…maybe it just felt so short because so much happened all at once? This is making me want to recommend this series to everyone!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2025
Brilliant Series
Formidable Magic: Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 7) by Iris Beaglehole. As Samhain nears Athena’s girlfriend Elise becomes possessed by a ghost, Granny Thorn is organising the biggest party yet in the Thorn mausoleum and the Bloodstones are going to bring the dead back as an army. The fight is described in such detail by Iris Beaglehole that you feel you are there.
Formidable Magic: Myrtlewood Mysteries Book 7) by Iris Beaglehole. As Samhain nears Athena’s girlfriend Elise becomes possessed by a ghost, Granny Thorn is organising the biggest party yet in the Thorn mausoleum and the Bloodstones are going to bring the dead back as an army. The fight is described in such detail by Iris Beaglehole that you feel you are there.
May 1, 2023
Wow!
OMG! WOW! What a book. So much happening in this one. Quite a few surprises, laughs, and tears!
Samhain is such a magical time of year and definitely created chaos for them all.
I just love this series, and I can't wait for Book 8 in July
OMG! WOW! What a book. So much happening in this one. Quite a few surprises, laughs, and tears!
Samhain is such a magical time of year and definitely created chaos for them all.
I just love this series, and I can't wait for Book 8 in July
May 3, 2023
Another amazing book
Myrtlewood is such a brilliant place to live, I wish I were a witch so that I could.
I love Rosemary, Athena and their family and friends. They have great adventures, both exciting and scary, keeping me ‘hooked’ from beginning to end.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment xx
Myrtlewood is such a brilliant place to live, I wish I were a witch so that I could.
I love Rosemary, Athena and their family and friends. They have great adventures, both exciting and scary, keeping me ‘hooked’ from beginning to end.
I can’t wait to read the next instalment xx
August 18, 2023
This is an entertaining series of books about an older woman and her teenage daughter, who embrace their magical heritage in a quirky mystical town. It’s fast paced and a little bit late on plot development, but very enjoyable.
August 27, 2023
This is an entertaining series of books about an older woman and her teenage daughter, who embrace their magical heritage in a quirky mystical town. It’s fast paced and a little bit late on plot development, but very enjoyable.
August 28, 2023
Series just keeps on giving, fantastic!!
What a truly magical read, everyone involved within Myrtlewood & beyond. Could not stop turning pages this book took me a few hours to read, I shan’t forget this one in a hurry!
What a truly magical read, everyone involved within Myrtlewood & beyond. Could not stop turning pages this book took me a few hours to read, I shan’t forget this one in a hurry!
October 30, 2023
Good Read
I’m glad that I went back and read this novel that I accidentally skipped because it helped me understand aspects of the eighth novel that I wasn’t quite clear about.
A very enjoyable series.
I’m glad that I went back and read this novel that I accidentally skipped because it helped me understand aspects of the eighth novel that I wasn’t quite clear about.
A very enjoyable series.
January 25, 2024
Probably my favorite of this light-hearted, quick-reading series. Brings together the characters, relationships, and issues that have been building so far.
STILL NEEDS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADER. It's annoying how many textual mistakes can be found.
STILL NEEDS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PROOFREADER. It's annoying how many textual mistakes can be found.
January 28, 2024
I am enjoying this series and this book has definitely set us up for a sequel. Despite the portrayal of Rosemary as a witless wonder and the many editing issues, I am ready for the next book. Please let me proofread it for you prior to release!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews