Bruja Brouhaha

A Mind for Murder #2

by Rochelle Staab

Practical psychologist Liz Cooper and occult professor Nick Garfield are enjoying the sixteenth wedding anniversary celebration for their charming hosts Paco and Lucia Rojas, devout Santeria practitioners who own the historic Botanica Rojas near MacArthur Park. But the small group of friends is left horrified and confused when the evening ends in tragedy.

Devastated by loss, Lucia, a Santeria priestess, blames the locals for the escalating crime in her beloved community. She casts a vengeful hex on the neighborhood, leading strangers and friends alike to dub her bruja --Spanish for witch--and turn on the elderly woman. Lucia may be in harm's way, and it's up to Liz and Nick to unravel a mysterious disappearance and solve a murder before more lives are lost...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fiction, Paranormal Mystery

296 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 7, 2012

About the author

Rochelle Staab, former radio programmer and music industry executive, combined her love for mystery with a strong curiosity about the supernatural in her bestselling Mind for Murder Mystery series featuring psychologist Liz Cooper and occult expert Nick Garfield.

WHO DO, VOODOO? the first novel in the series earned Anthony, Agatha, Eureka! nominations for Best First Mystery along with a Golden Heart nomination. BRUJA BROUHAHA, Mind for Murder #2, won the 2013 Watson Award for Best Sidekick. And don't miss the third novel in the series, HEX ON THE EX..

Reviews

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Line: Nick Garfield, my boyfriend and college professor of mainstream, arcane, and bizarre forms of religion, took four chunks of unshelled coconut from the Santeria altar and set them in my hand.

Practical psychologist Liz Cooper and occult professor Nick Garfield are celebrating the sixtieth wedding anniversary of their hosts, Paco and Lucia Rojas, devout Santeria practitioners who own the historic Botanica Rojas near MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. The evening turns to tragedy for the small group of friends when Paco is killed in a drive-by shooting.

Lucia, completely devastated by her loss, blames the locals for the growing crime in the area, and she casts a hex on the neighborhood. Strange things begin to happen, accidents are on the rise, and Lucia's neighbors begin calling her "bruja" (witch). They turn on the elderly woman who's always been their friend, and they want her gone.

With the way the locals are behaving, Lucia is definitely in harm's way, and it's up to Liz and Nick to solve Paco's murder before anything happens to Lucia.

I often hear talk of a "sophomore slump" when referring to the second books in series. These second books allegedly tend to be weaker than the first, but that most certainly is not the case with Bruja Brouhaha. Two minor annoyances in the first book were not present in the second (Liz's preoccupation with the color and application of her lipstick, and her mother trying to get Liz back with her alcoholic ex-husband), and I quickly settled down to a very enjoyable read.

The Santeria religion is an interesting one, and I wish there'd been a little more about it in the book, but Staab does an excellent job of showing the behavior of its practitioners and how their beliefs color their perceptions. This series is not a paranormal one; the author focuses on a little-known religion in each book, giving a bit of its history and how it is used by its followers. This allows Nick to flex his professorial muscles while Liz puts her knowledge of psychology to good use.

I liked seeing how a group of people banded together to help a grieving, elderly friend while they still kept their own lives going. Liz, for example, gets notice that she has to move out of her condo, so on top of job and Lucia, she's got that worry to contend with.

I found that I could spot the villain(s) in the book rather quickly; what I couldn't do was piece everything together to know the why. I found myself reading faster and faster in a fruitless effort to figure things out before Liz and Nick. I've grown to enjoy the company of those two; I love learning about little-known religions; and I love watching Liz's mind for murder solve a mystery. When's the next book?

[Melodie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was pretty good right up until the end and then it just....wasn't. Tied it all up way too abruptly, and though I liked Liz in the first book, in this one she just got on my nerves. Just seemed like this could have been so much better......and why is this woman so stupid about this wonderful man in her life??? Seriously?? I will read the next one and hope it's better.

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first book in this Rochelle Staab series was kind of fun and cutesy, I didn't mind it. The second one, I couldn't finish. It seemed like she was creating situations out of nothing, bringing new characters in that did not exist in the first book, but are the most important thing ever in the second book.

I also always find it a challenge when you have a complete layperson, someone with no training, abilities, or skills, who believes that they should be the one to interfere with a police investigation. I mean come on, I enjoy stretching reality (check out all the Urban Fantasy I read), but it pushes my boundaries when a psychologist decides it is a good idea to confront a hispanic gang leader about potentially murdering her friend. Can we say... dead.

I think the author did alright with the first book and then decided, "Hey, lets do the exact same thing for the second book, except throw in some Mexican flare".

I couldn't even finish this book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 of an o.k. series. It will not be one I will seek out for my order list, but if I find it, I won't ignore it either. The best thing going for these books is the removal of myth and misunderstanding of two religions so far, and the truthful explanation of them over the two books. That is what makes me want to keep reading them, not the characters for whom I still do not have much feeling for, but they may come along as the series does, so I am trying to be fair, but they are a little stiff and cliched in some cases. This, as I have said, may pass as the author learns how to write better (this is a debut series and author,so I do give some slack here) and begins to listen to her characters as they grow. There is potential here,and I hope that it is developed well as time goes on.

[amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

there's no depth to this character or maybe it's bc I find her shallow and a wee bit cold. like nick and he saves this book for me. disappointed in this 2nd book in series. I liked 1st book much better.

[Alison (Lady Coffin) S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Paranormal Cozy Mystery set in the greater LA area

[Lisa Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liz and Nick are at it again. While attending the anniversary party for a couple of friends, Paco is shot in what appears to be a drive by. But is it? Lucia, Paco's widow, doesn't seem to understand what happened and they fear for her mental wellbeing. Especially later when she places a Santeria curse on the neighborhood to force out the guilty party.

Liz doesn't believe in curses, but unfortunately the neighborhood does. Everything that goes wrong is blamed on Lucia, forcing Nick and Liz to stay around as much as they can to ensure that Lucia is okay. There's something off with the caretaker her doctor recommended stay with her - and where is the doctor?

I enjoyed the first book, Who do Voodoo, much better. This was a quick read and probably falls into the cozy mystery category, with a little magic lore thrown in. Liz is a non-believer brought into contact with mystics and such by her boyfriend Nick, a professor of occult studies. I like Nick and Liz and will search out book three.

[Kellene · Rating 1 out of 5]

Enjoyed the first book in the series, but didn't care for this one at all. The book absolutely drug through anything that was happening. Lots of characters that weren't in the first book but were vital to the second, but that I couldn't keep straight and didn't care about at all. And while I enjoy the discussions of the religious/supernatural elements of the series, there was too much other stuff going on in this one to pay any attention to it. I literally had to force my way through this one, and I hate that because I was hoping to enjoy the series enough to read the next book. Maybe eventually....

[Maggie Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liz Cooper is back and this time she's embroiled in the murder of an elderly local Santero. Was it a gang shooting gone wrong, or something much more complicated? Once again, Staab treats Santeria respectfully despite Liz's skepticism. The mystery itself is a fun, complex problem with a lot of heart behind it. I really felt for Lucia, though I admit there were a few things I did want to strangle Liz for not figuring out. But that's part of the cozy mystery experience :D

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this second in the series, a good friend of Liz's is gunned down in an apparent gang shooting. Soon after, another family friend disappears. A mix of Santeria and other religious beliefs flow throughout the story but seem more of an annoyance to Liz in this book than opening her extremely logical mind to other possibilities as the occult did in the first book.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m just so sorry for the loss of Paco. It’s sad to know that in some areas that one has to pay for protection. Additionally, the lengths some greedy commercial real estate agents will go through to get their hands on property to sell. Nick is still my favorite character. I like Liz too. I love the communication between them.

[Kiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent installment in this series

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

second in this series about a psychologist a non believer whose friends and mother believe in the accult

[Zia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a FIGHT 💪👊🔫! Ending on a good note. 👍😎 Even though this is book number 2, I enjoyed it. The chase was great 👍.
5 stars
I recommend 😍

[Jennifer Peer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

[Lynn Dubinsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Really enjoying this trilogy!

[Sonye Golden · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was just all over the place. Too many unnecessary characters and it moved so very slow.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Psychologist Liz Cooper and her boyfriend, college professor Nick Garfield, are at a small dinner party in a Los Angeles neighborhood, when one of the hosts is murdered. The widow of the recently deceased soon announces she's put a hex on the entire neighborhood until her husband's killer is brought to justice. Liz and Nick get involved in the investigation, to the point of Liz not only jeopardizing her career, but putting her life in danger, as well. On the personal front, Liz needs to make a decision as to where to next call home, as the lease on her townhouse is soon ending. Should she move in with Nick, as he would prefer, or buy a house of her own?

I thought this storyline moved at a slower pace than the first book in this series. I also was not as drawn to the characters involved in this mystery, from the widow Lucia to the staff at the clinic. I do like Liz's thoughts to herself in italics throughout the book, which are quite humorous.

[Bonnie Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Three dead bodies and a curse that was everyone scared it's up to Liz Copper and her boyfriend to find out the truth before two dear friends and herself a killed out right.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paco and Lucia Rojas own the historic Botanica Rojos near MacArthur Park and are devout Santeria practitioners who mix up potions for many rituals like love, success and safety. They have gathered with their friends to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Lucia is also teaching Liz how to make tamales.

The party comes to an end quickly when tragedy strikes. a devastated Lucia lashes out at the community by casting a vengeful hex on the entire neighborhood. They quickly give her the label of "Bruja" - Spanish for witch. Soon this elderly woman is alone with the exception of her friends Nick and Liz. They need to protect her and get to the bottom of a lot of strange happenings in the community including a murder and a missing person before more lives are lost.

Dollycas's Thoughts

This author has a way of writing that just draws you in and holds on tight. The setting for this story really drove the mystery.

A close knit community dealing with a few unscrupulous residents and some rival gangs members looking for trouble. The residents rally together to help Lucia showing the such strong friendship, putting themselves in danger to save her and her Botanica.

I also was drawn by the education we receive about a religion I knew nothing about. The beliefs and practices of a Santeria priestess were very interesting.

While Nick is an expert in the occult I do not classify these stories as paranormal. Like most readers Liz is not savvy to all these different beliefs so we can feel as if we are learning right along with her. She definitely learned more from Lucia than how to make a great tamale.

The romance between Liz and Nick hit a few bumps this time out. I would call them growing pains as there relationship grows the trust in one another has to grow as well. The way this is written makes the characters so real and easily identifiable. Character development is perfectly paced.

I have to say I really enjoyed the character of Lucia. A strong woman suffering a devastating lost. It takes her time to come to grips with the many changes in her life. She did have a little help holding her back from accepting the truth but as a reader seeing her come out even stronger after her ordeal was inspiring.

Just like the first installment the clever plot spiced with a little humor made this a perfect cozy. I can't wait to see where the author takes us next! According to Amazon Hex on the Ex (A Mind for Murder Mystery) hits stores May 7, 2013.

[Vilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review from Backchatting Books

Pragmatic psychologist Liz and her Occult Studies Professor boyfriend Nick are back and this time investigating Santeria. A joyous 60th wedding anniversary goes terribly wrong when the husband Paco is shot and killed. His widow Lucia is so overcome with grief and anger she places a hex on the community. The hex seems to work as accidents escalate and soon Lucia’s neighbours turn on her. Liz and Nick decide to solve the crime in order to keep Lucia safe.

Liz is more rounded in this novel even though most of the revelations come from how she interacts with others. She retains her disbelief in the occult and is fairly critical of those who believe that a hex can hurt them but finds herself wearing a hex ward bracelet to keep Lucia happy. We see Liz at work which allows her to showcase her skills but acts as a useful plot device to feed her extra information about the case. Liz is involved in a possible ethical breach and I didn’t really like how she dealt with it as she is supposed to be a professional. Despite her father and brother being cops, she still relies very little on the police force e.g. when she thinks a man has gone missing she decides to break into his place and she confronts a gang leader without proper backup. Nick is still the font of all knowledge and causes Liz no end of stress by suggesting she move in with him. He has a large network of friends and acquaintances that can be relied on to advance the plot. Some of the characters are still fairly stereotypical and that was a shame.

The strength of this novel was the way Santeria was presented. It would have been easy, but obviously not fair, to lambast the whole religion given the actions of Lucia. Instead we get to see different a diverse range of opinions and find out a bit about the history of it. More information would have been nice. The mystery itself was fairly solid even though some of the baddies were fairly obvious. Gentle humour helped carry the novel along.

I enjoyed this novel and was pleasantly surprised that controversial issues such as ethics and mental health were raised within the confines of a cozy mystery. Liz’s relationship with Nick is of the ‘two steps forward, one step back’ variety and I want to find out what happens between them in the next novel. All in all, it’s a fun, light read.

[Anna Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A special thanks to Berkley Prime Crime Mystery publishers and author Rochelle Staub for allowing me this GoodReads First Reads win. I sincerely loved reading this second installment in the A Mind fot Murder series.

Without going into too much detail (I don't want to spoil a thing in this eerie page-turner), the plot centers around psychologist Liz Cooper and her occult college professor boyfriend Nick Garfield. Side note: the blooming romantic relationship between these two greases the plot of the already tightly-woven mystery. On the eve of their friends' sixtieth wedding anniversary, a drive-by shooting occurs that leaves two victims, one of the victims being the husband of the aforementioned celebrating couple. Both are practicioners of Santeria - the details and history of the religion is highlighted throughoutthe book, making this easy, cozy-armchair read both fun and informative. When the grieving widow Lucia casts a hex on the neighborhood at her husband's wake, things begin to go awry. Liz and Nick set out to protect Lucia, find Paco's killer and stop the hex before more deaths and/or disappearences occur.

If I could, I would give this novel an enthusiastic three-and-a-half stars. It's not a short-coming of the novel or the author. I would readily recommend this book to those in search of a fluffy, fun book to read at the beach or on vacation. It was an escape, but as I mentioned previously, it had bits and pieces of occult and religious fact riddled throughout the narritive. I haven't read the first in the series at the time of this review, but I'd definately like to in the future. The knowledge of the first book's plot or character development wasn't nesessary to enjoy the book. Kudos to the author for being able to segway the series in this masterful manner. I'd eagerly pick up a sequel if only to find out how Nick, Liz and Erzulie the kitten are progressing. As my previous status updates suggested, the end of the book was a whirlwind of activity. I almost didn't want things to be wrapped up so asily, so quickly - a definate sign of a good read and good characters.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychologist Liz Cooper believes in science and facts. Occult professor Nick Garfield believes in the supernatural. They couldn’t be more opposite, but the old saying is that opposites attract and that’s certainly the case with these two. However, when tragedy strikes a family friend, their beliefs quickly clash.

Lucia Rojas, a Santeria priestess, is devastated by the loss and in a moment of seeking justice – she puts an evil hex on the entire community. She blames all of them for the tragedy and the crime that has taken over the town she loves so much. When accidents begin to happen to the locals and one local citizen mysteriously disappears, Lucia is called bruja – the Spanish term for witch – and now Lucia finds herself in danger.

Liz and Nick adore Lucia and vow to protect her from the town’s viciousness and her own declining health. Nick wants to stop the hex, while Liz wants to look for a more practical explanation. Together, they pray they can find answers and maybe even a little romance along the way.

This is the second book in Rochelle Staab’s “A Mind for Murder Mystery”. I reviewed the first one Who Do, Voodoo? and I absolutely loved it. This one is no different. In fact, if possible, I loved this one even more. Probably because I was more familiar with the characters. Liz and Nick are so good together.

The story moves at a fast-pace and has everything you’d want in a cozy mystery – great characters, a quaint small town, a baffling mystery and even some romance thrown into the mix. I devoured this book over the weekend and am anxiously awaiting for book #3. Rochelle Staab is proving she isn’t a one-book wonder, she’s the real deal!

The book will be released tomorrow! Plus, scroll down for a chance to win this fun book!

5 out of 5 kitties!

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

BRUJA BROUHAHA is a clever title that fits this book perfectly. The bruja (witch) in question is Lucia Rojas who puts a hex on her neighborhood to avenge her husband's murder in front of their home. Soon after, the residents begin blaming her hex for every misfortune that befalls them. Lucia refuses to lift the curse, believing it is the only thing that will bring Paco's killer to justice.

Fearing that their elderly friend will become the target of an angry mob, Liz Cooper and Nick Garfield step in to help. Liz is a psychologist who works weekends at the clinic across from Lucia's building, and Nick is a professor of religious studies specializing in the occult.

When one of the doctors at the clinic goes missing after Paco's wake, Liz and Nick start digging for clues to see if the disappearance could be connected to the murder. If the two incidents are related, then there may be more to Paco's death than random gang violence.

BRUJA BROUHAHA is a fantastic follow up to WHO DO, VOODOO. This time around, the religion of Santeria is explored. I enjoyed how the author blended Santeria beliefs, practices and history into the story. This is not a paranormal mystery, though supernatural elements are explored. Practical Liz doesn't want to believe in things like hexes, but she's quick to wear an anti-hex protection bracelet made by Lucia. ;-)

The characters in this book are all engaging and well-drawn. I definitely get the sense that I know them and care what happen to them. Nick and Liz make a great couple, and their relationship progresses in this book, though they've got important issues to work through.

BRUJA BROUHAHA is a smart, well-written mystery and an entertaining continuation of the series. I can't wait to see what's next for Liz and Nick!

Review copy courtesy of the publisher.

[Stina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #20 of 2013

I'm so happy that Rochelle won the Watson for this! I had fun grilling her on the nominees' panel at Left Coast Crime, and I think it's interesting that she had originally intended Nick, not Liz, to be the main character. I liked him, and he made a good sidekick (what the Watson award recognizes), but I did find Liz far easier to identify with, so I'm glad she changed it up before publishing the first book. I haven't read the first book (yet), so I guess my only real complaint, that I had trouble keeping track of the characters, is at least partially my own fault.

This story deals with Santeria, a religion I previously did not know much about. Though I think I once went into a shop in New Mexico that sold Santeria items. It was...unnerving.... And I think Rochelle did a good job here of capturing that feeling of a rationalist white girl stumbling into a subculture she neither understands nor really wants to think about too much. Liz was a good character for this, rational and skeptical, yet willing to learn from Nick (a professor of occult studies) how to treat with respect what she considers mere superstition. She was even able to acknowledge that she herself was not completely immune to superstition. Who is, after all? But I'm especially grateful that Rochelle didn't back down and stood by Liz's rational viewpoint to the very end. It seems like too often authors fudge and let the superstitious carry equal weight of possibility. Here Rochelle achieved a nice balance without gimmicky ambiguity or out-and-out fantasy.

I look forward to going back and reading the beginning of the series, and I wish Rochelle continued success at turning out prize winners!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paco and Lucia Rojos are practice Santeria along with their Catholicism. They hold a big party to celebrate their 60 wedding anniversary. There is a drive by shooting which plunges Lucia into shock and Lucia puts a hex on everyone in the neighborhood. Some unfortunate things happen and people are beginning to hate Lucia for the hex. She is called bruja which is witch in Spanish.

We have the some of the same characters from the first in the series, Liz Cooper, divorced psychologist, her friend Robin Bloom and Liz’s ex-husband and Nick, her love interest and professor of occult religions. He adds to the knowledge of those particular religions but this book is not paranormal and that is partly why I love it. We learn some of the history and the practices of Santeria.

Rochelle Staab gets you hooked on the story early on and doesn’t let you go. She is a master storyteller. There is a little romance but there are some troubles in Liz and Nick’s relationship. Lucia is an excellently drawn character with the woman in a strong state of denial and yet she is a very strong woman.

I loved this second installment of this series and hope to read the third in the future. I wonder what occult religion will be featured. I checked and there are at least 42 occult religions. That could make for a very long series!

[Hilary "Fox" · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book through First-Reads!

Someone before me shelved this book under the heading of "cozy-mystery"... I think that pretty much describes this book to a tee. This is the second book in the series (the first being Who Do Voodoo) and although I'm unfamiliar with the first book, that didn't cause me too much difficulty in reading this one.

Basically, a professor of Comparative Religion and a Psychologist are dating one another and get wrapped up in a complex case of murder and desirable real estate when their mutual friend, Paco, is killed. The police aren't making much headway on the case, and when Paco's widow hexes the town things get far nastier, as everyone blames her for whatever ills come to pass.

The writing is good, and the plot moves fast. The information bandied about regarding Santeira and its history was certainly fascinating, and the book is not without humor. The mystery itself was pretty good, although certain aspects of it I saw coming.

This book is an entertaining, cozy mystery that is perfect for the summer months. It won't take too long for anyone to read, and I'd be surprised if anyone didn't find at least a few of the jokes in it something to smile at.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything seems to be going wrong lately for Liz and Nick and their friends. Could it be life or is it the curse that their dear friend, Lucia threw at the community to avenge her husband's death? If you know Liz Cooper and Nick Garfield, you will realize that there might be two answers to that question.

Liz Cooper is a Psychologist and Nick, her boyfriend is a Professor of Occult studies. They live in Studio City and North Hollywood. Liz volunteers for a counseling session at the clinic across the street from their friends, Lucia and Paco's 'Botanica Rojas.' The Roja's religion is Santeria but we quickly learn how fearful the community is of Lucia's power and also the gangs that have moved in.

Liz also must face whether to buy a house or move in with Nick when her house becomes an issue of non-renewable lease.

I would have loved to learn more about Santeria but hope that in coming novels we will.

It was a good, solid, and fun as well as sad novel. I have grown to care for the characters.

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 2nd in the series was a bit slow for me. It picked up in the last 20 chapters or so. I do adore the developing relationships for the characters but I still have issue with some of their reactions.
Liz cooper - divorcee, psychologist and quickly becoming a sluth in her little area in Cali. She has some a handsom new beau and a pesky mother that seems to like being the main event in everything. After meeting and being charms by Paco & Lucia, a sweet older couple, liz is left reeling by a part of the pairs tragic end. As Suddenly as the death hits Liz and her friends, everything else begins to unravel around her. A colleague goes missing, she will lose her home, possibly a friend and hopefully not her own life. In this thrilling novel, Liz is caught off guard when she simply needs a bit of sugar to distract from the boyish fight of her past & current beau. That leads to a very close call, and almost the end of her friend.

This is a good read.

[Alice Liu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew to like this book, but I had trouble with the main character, Liz. For a Voodoo based mystery series, it's annoying that Liz is so dismissive of the practice, and that she so easily labels Lucia's grief as delusional after her husband's murder. It was as if Liz has no feel for the emotional or intuitive aspects of life. Further, when someone is reluctant to talk to Liz because she is afraid of gang retaliation, Liz acts completely ignorant about that topic. It was like reading about an entitled, sheltered person slumming in a grittier, more esoteric world. I also found it troubling that Lucia felt justified in hurting other people out of her grief. However, the mystery was engaging and the murderer was a surprise. Also, the people around Liz (Nick, her mother, etc) were quite savvy and added an interesting layer to the mystery.