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Enjoy this clean, small town, paranormal cozy mystery by award winning and bestselling author, Lucinda Race.

Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murders are multiplying.
It’s Halloween in Pembroke Cove, Maine, and witch-in-training Lily Michaels, with the help from her magical and non-magical friends, is determined to give the town a haunted house event they’ll never forget. There’s an extra reason to celebrate too, the engagement of Lily’s best friends, Nikki and Steve.

Of course, Lily’s boyfriend, Gage Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie—will be helping, too. A few weeks earlier they finally went on their first date, it only took fifteen years after they graduated college to admit they were more than just friends. They’re not ready to jump into the marriage pool, but working together on the haunted house will be a great change of pace from solving murders.

But scares and dares don’t always add up to fun. With cauldrons, and potions, and vampires popping out of coffins, everyone thinks the dead clown on the floor is just part of the haunted house festivities. Until it turns out he’s really dead. With so many people in disguise, and magic and spells abounding on All Hallows’ Eve, no one is above suspicion. Lily, with her clue chalkboard, is always ready to solve a puzzle, but Gage is worried about her safety. As Lily and Gage race to unmask the murderer, will the clown-killer get the last laugh?


Scares and Dares is the fourth novel in A Book Store Cozy Mystery Series, although each book can be read as standalone. A sweet and clean cozy mystery with a guarantee the culprit is caught. Happy reading!

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

56 people are currently reading
156 people want to read

About the author

Lucinda Race

69 books670 followers
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of cozy mysteries and romance novels

She spins tales of small town romance and cozy mystery—writing the kinds of stories she loves to read. Whether she’s weaving a heartwarming romance or a cozy mystery, her fingers practically fly across the keyboard.

Lucinda lives with her little dog— a shih tzu mix rescue—who is always by her side. When she’s not immersed in writing mystery, suspense, or romance, she’s wandering in her garden or curled up with a book, devouring everything she can get her hands on.


Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Kellie O'Connor.
414 reviews207 followers
November 5, 2025
4.5 shiny stars rating from me ✨✨✨✨💫

This book was a wonderful Spooky Season read. Lily and her familiar, Milo, a talking cat😸are ready to set up the Halloween haunted house and have fun doing so. The event helps to raise funds for the rest of the holiday events for the season. All's going well until someone shot a guy dressed up in a clown 🤡 costume and the hunt is on for the murderer. Can Lily and her detective boyfriend solve the mystery before someone else is shot?

It was a good story but the end was very confusing and that's why I dropped it from 5 shiny stars to 4.5.

Enjoy and Happy Reading 💫
Profile Image for Melissapalmer404.
1,338 reviews39 followers
Read
October 3, 2023
This book is the fourth book in a cozy mystery series. However, it stands up well as a standalone. The setting is cozy and there is a fun mix of paranormal beings that make this a perfect fall read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nadine.
835 reviews9 followers
November 6, 2024
This one was pretty great. Ok… I trust Dax and hoping he’s in more of the books. His character definitely grew on me. On to the next great read!!!! Happy Reading:)
Profile Image for Julia.
137 reviews
September 8, 2024
These books are so much fun, only thing is theyre quite hard to get through
1,502 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2023
Scares & Dares, #4 - It was easy to figure out the killer but that didn't stop the flow of the story. Interesting with some good fun with Dax, another correct assumption that I made about him. A fun, entertaining way to spend a few hours. Source: BookSprout. 4*

A Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series:
Books and Bribes, #1 - Usually a romance writer, Ms. Race tells a good witchy tale quite a lot better than the usual dumb down Cozy. Good characters, talking animals and a sweet romance made for an entertaining, enjoyable read. 5*

Catnaps & Crimes, #2 - Interesting. Romance becomes more of a focal point for the two best friends. It was easy to figure out the killer but still a good story with a good core of regular characters. 4*

Tea & Trouble, #3 - There's another murder with all kinds of "I did it" confessions. Dax and Gage open Lily's eyes. With plenty of secrets coming to light, an interesting mystery and our loveable characters blending together to make this a one sitting read. Sourece: Booksprout. 5*
A Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series end.

Marie: Always A Bridesmaid - 5*
Sugar Plum Inn - 4*
Holiday Heart Wishes - 4*
A Secret Santa Christmas - 5*
The Loudon Series:
Between Here and Heaven, #1
Lost and Found, #2 - 5*
The Journey Home, #3 - 5*
Ready to Soar, #5 - 5*
Love in the Looking Glass, #6 - 4*
Cowboys of River Junction:
Stars Over Montana, #1 - 4*
Hiding in Montana, #2 - 5*
Profile Image for N.N. Heaven.
Author 6 books2,142 followers
October 11, 2023
All Lily wants to do is celebrate Halloween with her boyfriend, Gage, and her best friend, Nikki. What’s a witch to do when a clown’s been murdered at the town’s haunted house, and everyone is dressed up for Halloween? Nab a killer or die trying. It’s another case for Lily and Gage to solve and I can honestly say I loved this cozy mystery more than I loved trick or treating as a kid. The trick is trying to solve the mystery before Lily does. The treat in this book is the cast of characters I’ve come to adore from this series.

Let’s start with the characters. Lily is growing into her witchy persona while also navigating being part of a couple. Her mind is sharper than ever. She’s my favorite character in this series and I love watching her celebrate Halloween and solve a murder. The rest of the characters are well-written and add so much to the story. I’m seriously attached to these characters.

The plot unfolds at a nice cozy pace and is written for the mystery reader. The setting and Halloween theme are the focus of the story which I really got into. The plot progression is without flaws and pairs well with the descriptive narration. Lucinda Race is quickly becoming my favorite cozy mystery author. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Profile Image for The Poisoned Pen.
163 reviews5 followers
September 7, 2023
Scares and Dares
by Lucinda Race
Genre - Cozy Witchy Mystery
★★☆☆☆

This series maintains a very clean and wholesome/innocent vibe throughout the entire series. If you love that style of writing, you'll love this series!

It is also a great series for younger YA readers, and adults who are just getting into the genre. The writing is very easy to read.

The twist on this series is that many of the characters are witches! You get to watch some of them just discovering this, and see their journey as they learn more about who they are.

This book is a fun addition to the series with a focus on one of my favorite holidays - Halloween! It adds even more of that spooky/witchy vibe to the books. We've got a holiday to celebrate and a mystery to solve in this book... just when the MC thought she could put murder and mayhem behind her.

Unfortunately this isn't my type of writing/book, so I likely won't be reading more in the future. I definitely gave more than one book in the series a try to be sure. And again, I know this will be a very enjoyable series for other readers!
Profile Image for Tari.
3,699 reviews103 followers
September 30, 2023
I’d just recently come to accept and really like Dax’s character maybe in the last book since he seemed to finally get that Lily wanted to be with Gage. In the first couple books I was a little worried he wasn’t who he said he was. But I like him even more now from what happened in this book. He’s an amazing friend to have, and I really hope Lily and Gage can find him his own happily ever after—if he decides to stay. Nikki and Steve had some good news to share, then all heck broke loose with the murder.

At one point, I’d guessed whodunit and was right but hadn’t thought about any of the other incidentals. I’m sure more is gonna get explained in the next book about Dax’s ongoing case and any connection to this murder. The showdown was tense and the very end of it was absolutely awesome! Then the book’s actual ending was so darn sweet that I really can’t wait for the next book now! Don't miss this installment when it comes out tomorrow!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lisa Marie.
11 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2023
Book is indeed stand alone, no need to have read the other books in the collection as from the first paragraph we get a good introduction to characters, and current happenings in the cozy, quaint town of Pembroke Cove, Maine.

Witches, familiars, nonmagicals, there's a good blend. Especially love how the witches and covens are portrayed in a positive light. A nice weave of tight friendships, working relationships, lovely community, sweet romances and murder!!! Oh my! Nothing gory, just truly fits in the box of cozy murders with twists and turns that left me turning page by page for the next clue. Was a fun, enjoyable, descriptive read that paints a picturesque view of a charming fishing town in Maine, so very New England, loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for  Jody Reads Smut.
1,124 reviews258 followers
September 7, 2023
The book is well-written and engaging, with a fast-paced plot that keeps you on the edge. Pembroke Cove is a fascinating place to explore, with its quirky residents and eerie atmosphere. The characters are relatable and likable, particularly Lily and Gage.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the romantic element that comes with the engagement of Lily’s best friends, Nikki and Steve. It adds a nice balance to the suspenseful and eerie atmosphere of the story.

Overall, “Scares and Dares” is a well-crafted paranormal witch cozy mystery that keeps you hooked until the end. Lucinda Race has excellently blended magic, mystery, and romance to create a truly captivating read. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, give this book a read.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews366 followers
October 2, 2023
Haunted Preparations . . .

Novice witch Lily and her friends are getting things organized for a spectacular Halloween haunted house. They have done a fine job, until they discover that the realistic-looking dead clown on the floor is actually really DEAD! Lily and her boyfriend Detective Gage Erikson are ready to put their heads together again and find out who killed the clown! With people wearing costumes and magic everywhere, this won’t be a simple case to solve.

The story line is exciting and the characters are amazing. And even with a murder to deal with, love is in the air! Grab your copy and follow along as they search for answers!
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,753 reviews31 followers
October 2, 2023
I'm loving how Gage has realised Lily and solving crimes go together although she does like to get too close to the action at times. While Lily continues to try and master her magic at times succeeding and others frustrating her familiar Milo a dead clown means she and her trusting board are needed to help solve the crime.
A clown, Halloween and a crime to solve, what more could you want .... well there is another treat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,574 reviews38 followers
October 2, 2023
Scares and Dares is an interesting, small town, paranormal, cozy mystery. Lily with help from both magical and non-magical friends is determined to create the best ever haunted house fundraiser. She got a bit more than she planned when a body turns up the first evening. This well crafted mystery caught and held my attention from the beginning. With too many suspects, some red herrings and more, Lily and her friends will be kept busy trying to solve this and finish hosting their fundraiser. I did not sleep until I reached the end.
Profile Image for Elaine Coghlan .
1,510 reviews14 followers
October 3, 2023
Scare and Dares is another fabulous story to add to this wonderful series from Lucinda.
Written brilliantly the storyline keeps you guessing until the end, and
I love this story, the characters feel like family.
This sweet, dreamy story kept me glued to the pages all the way to the end!
I highly recommend this book, but O will say that you need to read the series in order, as they follow on from each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Louise.
1,505 reviews20 followers
October 5, 2023
Book 4, it helps to read the previous books to follow Lily and Gage's relationship. However, the story itself is a standalone. It's Halloween, and Lily and her friends discuss what to do for decoration. However, a death in a haunted house kickstarts a paranormal investigation. The chapters switch between the two so readers follow a wider overview of the investigation. This is a cosy mystery and romance story.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,078 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2024
Audiobook: This was my first experience with this author's work, and although it wasn't the first book in the series, I enjoyed the story. I liked the characters as they were entertaining. I was pleased with the inclusion of magic. I delighted in trying to figure out the mystery. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. I was entertained by Meghan Kelly's narration as she provided different voices for the various characters. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
74 reviews8 followers
September 25, 2023
4-1/2 stars. Clean paranormal mystery, 4th in series. Lily has recently discovered she's a witch & is learning spells with the help of her family, friends & familiar Milo. A dead clown in the haunted house is really dead, not a prop, & Lily & her clue chalkboard help Detective Gage, her boyfriend, solve the case. Liked the characters & their interactions. Didn't see the solution coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,603 reviews
September 29, 2023
This book is another easy, fun cozy mystery to read! It has just the right mix of suspense, mystery, friendship, a bit of romance with twists, and turns to keep you turning the pages.
Milo the cat is such a great character to have in this mystery series!
Lucinda Race has the right mixture in this series to keep us all looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,147 reviews13 followers
October 2, 2023
Lily is a brand new witch but is getting better at it with the help of her friends. During a volunteer Halloween event, a man dressed as a clown has fallen down. There's no pulse so the emts take him away. This story had quite a few tricks up it's sleeves. It was a fantastic cozy. I couldn't believe how much I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
October 3, 2023
Lily and detective boyfriend Gage are on the case of the dead clown at the haunted house. Her familiar Milo tries to keep her on course with learning her craft. Her friends have good news. Plenty of drama, danger, romance, sassy banter, especially from Milo, Terrific characters and a storyline that keeps you wondering what will happen next. Great ending and can not wait for the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michele Brooks.
10 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2023
Love it!

I love this next book in the Cozy Mystery Book Store series. Lily is a hometown (newly found out) witch and her boyfriend Gage a long time friend and local town detective. Her Aunt and best friend being witches too along with her familiar cat Milo, helping Lily learn her craft during another murder in this small town of Pembroke Cove.
Lucinda is a wonderful author and can’t wait for her next book in the series.
3,221 reviews4 followers
October 24, 2023
Lily is going to do what she always does... Promise to stay our of Gage's investigation, and proceed to help solve the murder. Gage has the patience of a saint with her, knowing that she's going to get in the way his way. Well... that, and help solve the murder. All my favorite characters are back, especially Milo. It's a great mystery, perfect for the Halloween season. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
409 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2025
This book is fourth in the series and it is quite good. All of the story lines are entertaining. The characters are interesting. At times the heroine is annoying in that she always gets into trouble but what would the hero have to do if it wasn’t to follow her around and get her out of trouble? All in all I think it’s an enjoyable series.

I listened to all books. The narrator is okay; she grows on you with each book (so far).
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,503 reviews118 followers
September 14, 2023
I enjoyed reading a previous book in this series, so I was excited to read this one too.

This was a light-hearted, entertaining read. The characters were fun and quirky, and I enjoyed reading about Lily and her friends again.

Thank you to Booksprout, and to the author, for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Brooklyn L. Wolves.
444 reviews52 followers
September 28, 2023
I found this book cozy, mysterious and suspenseful to read. I loved how the story panned out. Scares & Dares is a Paranormal Cozy Mystery who follows a young witch who is trying to solve a crime that happen at her Haunted House Fundraiser. If anyone is looking for a Cozy Mystery with with interesting twist and turns please check out Scares & Dares it was spooktacular read.
Profile Image for Rebel.
2,654 reviews
September 30, 2023
A fun paranormal cozy mystery read. The characters and world were great. Lily is a strong character who can take care of herself but is smart enough to know when she can't do it by herself. Love Milo. Good plot with some twists and turns.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,422 reviews87 followers
September 30, 2023
Allow a day for this clean, fast-paced, contemporary family-friendly paranormal Halloween cozy mystery set in Pembroke Cove, Maine where bookshop owner Lily Michaels and Detective Gage Erikson (Drat: finishing this sentence would be a spoiler for earlier books},,,.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,372 reviews8 followers
October 2, 2023
I really am enjoying this series as the characters are all wonderful and very engaging. The way that Lucinda Race writes this series you feel as if you are also a resident of Pembroke Cove and I love every part of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for  Sophie.
2,034 reviews
October 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story because of the characters. The characters are really interesting both the human and animal ones. I loved the talking cat. I think that the storyline was entertaining and well done.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from Booksprout and I freely left this review.
17 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2023
I've enjoyed all of the books in this series, but since the Fall is my favorite season, I enjoyed this story so much more. Lily gets into the "season" by heading up the committee to set up a haunted house, but things don't go according to plan. Her witchy skills are put to the test. You don't want to miss this fun read. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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