Bonfire Betrayal: A Magical Mane Mystery

A Magical Mane Mystery #9

by Stella Bixby

Ellie's life has changed dramatically. From an orphan to part of a town who loves her—life just keeps getting better.

Until one of the people she loves is accused of a crime she didn't commit.

At least, Ellie doesn't think she did.

It's up to Ellie to find out the truth, even if it's not the truth she wants to hear.

Read the final book in the Magical Mane Series and get all your questions answered!

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 27, 2024

About the author

Stella Bixby is a native Coloradan who loves to snowboard, pluck at the guitar, and play board games with her family. She was once a volunteer firefighter and a park ranger, but now spends most of her time making up stories and trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.

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Reviews

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie is back trying to prove her mother didn't kill someone years ago. Her most daunting case yet is the reason her mother went on the run. Xander and Ellie found Emily in the last book and this one picks up right where they left off. Ellie has a new side kick in her little sister Elosie. Everything comes full circle as the family is together again, Xander and Ellie are starting their romance and Ellie is starting her new job. All Ellie wanted was to be loved and accepted. She found that with the people of Cliff Haven, even though she had to solve a murder or two. I am sad to see the series end, but I like the ending and maybe it left room for a spin off. Enjoy Ellie's final Mane changing Mystery!

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so writing this review is so bittersweet. I loved getting to know Ellie and her ever color changing hair and watching her turn into the person she is and to become Grand Witch. I'm so sad because this is it for my journey with Ellie as this is the final book in the series ( the reason for only 4 stars).

I also felt the ending was too short. I wanted more from her becoming the Grand Witch. That part felt like an afterthought and was really a let down. Maybe it's because this is the last book in this series but I was left disappointed.

Please don't let this review discourage you from reading this book or the series. It is an EXCELLENT series and you will really enjoy it. Just be prepared to miss the characters.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the ninth and final book in the Magical Mane Mystery series and you totally need to read the rest of the series before reading this!!! I recommend reading this series in order to get a feel for the characters and the arc mystery of Ellie's mother.

I'm not going to say anything about what's in this book. I will say that I really loved the way the writer wrapped this up, but I would very much LOVE to have another visit into Cliff Haven to visit with Ellie and all of her friends down the road. I just adored this book, and I think other readers will too.

I definitely recommend this series for fans of animal sidekicks, cozy mysteries and a little magic.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Ellie is preparing to become the Grand Witch of the States, we learn the reason that Emily erased everyone's memory and gave Ellie up as an infant.
Now Emily is out to right some wrongs once again, but this time has to do it without magic.

I was sad that this will be the last story in the Magical Mane series.
But, all the questions left over the series were answered satisfactorily.

There are developed characters, a bit of humor and a lot of surprises in this one.

I read this story as an Advanced Reader Copy and all opinions are my own.

[Linda Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited yet hesitant about delving into the final Magical Mane Mystery. Ellie is ready to step into her new job and continues to love, nurture and protect her new found family. I have come to love the quirky, hilarious characters and beautiful friendships that have become Ellie’s chosen tribe. I was happy with how our questions reached good resolutions. I will miss New Haven and its townspeople. I’m hopeful that Ellie just might magically appear once again!
I highly recommend this series and love Stella Bixby’s writing style.

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie never dreamed that she would be under so much pressure with everyone depending on her. When Emily is arrested for the murder of her teenage friend by the magical council, Ellie with her new sister in town, must find the real murderer so that Emily can go free. As Ellie finds out now that the town has their memories back, not all is what is seems and everyone was accusing Emily but no one had actually saw it with their own eyes. Can they get a confession before the Grand Witch ceremony or will Emily be in prison for a murder she didn't commit? Great read!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A New Era, A New Chapter

First off I’m sorry for the series to end. But most series do. Maybe we’ll see one with what happens to Eloise. Wouldn’t that be fun!
Not easy to say much without spoilers, but I’ll try.
This book wraps everything up in a tidy bow.
Emily is in the picture as is Ellie’s sister Eloise. Not much of Petunia, unfortunately. I like her!
So goodbye Everyone and maybe we’ll see you sometime.
Enjoy!

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one

I really enjoyed this book as well as the whole series. There were frantic moments, very sad happenings, a family reunion, one will accept fate’s decision, and one will do everything for love. It is a fun read that I totally enjoyed. Just a little sad that this ended the series. It was a great ending though. HEA for the H and h as well as other beloved characters. Enjoy this one as well as the others in the series.

[Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Series Well Worth Reading

The story and adventures of Ellie Vanderwick is a very interesting one. Ellie's character grows slowly until she is everything she needs to be to take her rightful place in the magical world. Each book is better than the previous one. With magic, romance, mystery, and adventure, the Magical Mane Mystery Series is very entertaining and well worth taking the time to read. Enjoy!

[Lesley Hewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are really good.

Witches and warlocks, these books are really good. I love Penelope the little pig. These books really should be read in order as Ellie has some surprises in each one that eventually leads her to family. If course there are twists, turns, mystery and murders too but she has help from her friends. Well worth five stars.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the last book in a great series. I think the ending was rushed by the author who wanted to get the series finished!


Amazon synopsis:
Ellie's life has changed dramatically. From an orphan to part of a town who loves her—life just keeps getting better. Until one of the people she loves is accused of a crime she didn't commit. At least, Ellie doesn't think she did. It's up to Ellie to find out the truth, even if it's not the truth she wants to hear.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the finale of this series is satisfying; the questions I had are answered and then some. An old crime takes center stage and a few unexpected surprises come up as Ellie tries to figure out who did it. Best to read in series order especially for the storyline and character backgrounds. Overall a very captivating story.

[Karen Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magical Mane Mystery series comes to a close...

...and it was everything I could have asked for and more! These nine books took us on a magical journey, raising and answering lots of questions along the way. I love it when good people win out over evil, selfish ones! Read this series!

[Ann Gillaspie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonfire Betrayal

This was a fun series to read. It had a bit of everything a cozy mystery should have: a little romantic tension, a little mystery, lots of magic and lots of heart. I enjoyed this quick little read and I think anyone who likes cozies will enjoy it.

[Jan Sjostrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie must solve a cold case where her Mother is accused of killing someone years ago . This books answers a lot of questions and is also the end of the series which is kind of sad Great book and good ending

[Sandra Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice conclusion to the series.

I hope the author will write more books in this universe in the future! The characters are wonderful and quirky. The plot is twisty and interesting. The world building is great. The humor is wonderful.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and entertaining, sad to see it end, hope there will be more at some future date

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to wrap up Elle's story. Though the book was a bit sad, the ending was great. Enjoyed the book and the characters. Recommend reading.

[Margaret Laubach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noooooooo!

I am not ready for this to be over! I need to watch Eloise grow up and to see Ellie be the Grand Witch!
Please?!?!

[Linda Younger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Won't be disappointed

Great series. She is a excellent writer. Keeps me wanting more. I Love the other 2 series she has also.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read

This was a fantastic read. I recommend reading the whole series since this is the last book. But it is a fast read and really keeps your attention.

[Debbi Lannon-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Enjoyable!

A wonderful tale of magic, romance and intrigue! I liked each book in the series and will look forward to this author’s new work.

[Ramona L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading until I finished the whole series

Funny sweet sad aggravating but yet beautiful and fun to read.. Loved the whole series. Will be reading more of her books.

[Luv_a_good_story · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, wrapped up most of the open items but I still didn’t understand why Xander was dating Laura and why he was such a jerk. Thought that would be resolved as well.

[Amy Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice story

This book went pretty quick because that happens when you just have to know what happens next! This one was like that.

[Carolee DeWitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sorry there won't be more of this series.

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in series :(

I have to say this book was nicely written and also complete. If the author wants to continue, she could, which I hope she does.

[Beth Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I loved this book. All the action and adventure kept me hooked all night long. The ending was so wonderful.

[Nanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this series so much! What a great ending.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and am sad to see it end. But what an ending!! Ellie sets out to proof her mother’s innocence. Along the way she gets the all the answers that she has longed for. I will miss Ellie and the rest of the Cliff Haven gang!