What do you think?
Rate this book
Murder Calls at Shadow Falls
Just one night as a fake psychic...How could she refuse her grandmother's plea?
Filled with remorse for a horrible mistake she made during a desperate time, Olivia vows to make amends for her past crime. If only she could undo the past. Now, all she wants is her ex-best friend’s forgiveness.
But how can Olivia repair the damage when Annie refuses to speak to her?
Then she learns Annie is in a panic because the psychic she booked for a crucial event canceled at the last minute.
With Olivia’s new skill set, she can read tea leaves better than any mystic, real or phony. It’s risky because of the statute of limitations, but if she disguises herself, she may save the event.
Will her mystical masquerade work?
It better work because Annie really needs help after her Lemon Delight event becomes the Lemon Deadly event, and she gets arrested for murdering a rival baker.
Despite distractions like an itchy wig, a found kitten and questions a bogus psychic can’t truthfully answer, Olivia stays determined to unravel the mystery of what really happened.
Can she do it without revealing her identity?
Because if she can’t, Olivia and Annie might end up renewing their friendship in prison.
You’ll love this cozy mystery because everyone adores a tale of making amends with a bit of crime-solving thrown in for good measure.
Filled with remorse for a horrible mistake she made during a desperate time, Olivia vows to make amends for her past crime. If only she could undo the past. Now, all she wants is her ex-best friend’s forgiveness.
But how can Olivia repair the damage when Annie refuses to speak to her?
Then she learns Annie is in a panic because the psychic she booked for a crucial event canceled at the last minute.
With Olivia’s new skill set, she can read tea leaves better than any mystic, real or phony. It’s risky because of the statute of limitations, but if she disguises herself, she may save the event.
Will her mystical masquerade work?
It better work because Annie really needs help after her Lemon Delight event becomes the Lemon Deadly event, and she gets arrested for murdering a rival baker.
Despite distractions like an itchy wig, a found kitten and questions a bogus psychic can’t truthfully answer, Olivia stays determined to unravel the mystery of what really happened.
Can she do it without revealing her identity?
Because if she can’t, Olivia and Annie might end up renewing their friendship in prison.
You’ll love this cozy mystery because everyone adores a tale of making amends with a bit of crime-solving thrown in for good measure.
Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2022
85 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
Irene Jorgensen
12 books221 followersIrene Jorgensen was that kid in class who secretly read books while the teacher was talking. A few decades later, she realized she had some stories of her own to share — the cozier, the better. Ever fascinated by people and their motivations, Irene’s writing brings together a mishmash of her favourite things: friendship, justice, personality profiling, shadow work…and the TV show Psych. A born-and-bred Canadian, Irene lives in southern Ontario with her Cornish Rex cats Razzle, Annie and Shadow. Their antics frequently end up on the pages of her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Olivia Twist is a great character and I can't wait to read more of her and her best friend Annies exploits. This is a great new addition to the cosy mystery genre.
March 24, 2022
When Olivia Swift left town years ago, it was under a cloud -- she had stolen several thousand dollars that her best friend Annie needed to start a bakery. Now Annie is a caterer, and the woman who bought the bakery isn't pleased that Annie has apparently whipped up a lemon meringue gluten-free pie that she hasn't been able to.
Olivia returns because her aunt sent her an ominous note, and she's wearing a disguise to cover herself, in order to stay out of jail. If she can make it one more year, when the statute of limitations runs out on her crime, she'll be safe. She's tried to make amends to Annie by returning the money, but there are others she needs to make amends too also. Her aunt has offered to help her if she remains in Shadow Falls. The only way Olivia can stay is if she hides out under her guise of a fake psychic, using her observations of people that she's learned.
When the bakery owner dies and Annie is accused of the murder, Olivia must use all of her powers of observation to save her. But since everyone hated the woman, who hated her enough to kill her? What reason could they have? With Annie the only other person who knows who she is, the two team up to find a killer who isn't going down easily...
This is the first book in the series, and I really wanted to like it a lot. Unfortunately, it has some problems I can't get over.
I also felt that the book was a bit too short to give us a true picture of Olivia. While the book was a quick, fun read, it just left me on the fence a little bit. However, the ending was done very well, and I will read the second in the series, since I want to give this series another chance.
I was given a copy of this book from BookFunnel but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
Olivia returns because her aunt sent her an ominous note, and she's wearing a disguise to cover herself, in order to stay out of jail. If she can make it one more year, when the statute of limitations runs out on her crime, she'll be safe. She's tried to make amends to Annie by returning the money, but there are others she needs to make amends too also. Her aunt has offered to help her if she remains in Shadow Falls. The only way Olivia can stay is if she hides out under her guise of a fake psychic, using her observations of people that she's learned.
When the bakery owner dies and Annie is accused of the murder, Olivia must use all of her powers of observation to save her. But since everyone hated the woman, who hated her enough to kill her? What reason could they have? With Annie the only other person who knows who she is, the two team up to find a killer who isn't going down easily...
This is the first book in the series, and I really wanted to like it a lot. Unfortunately, it has some problems I can't get over.
I also felt that the book was a bit too short to give us a true picture of Olivia. While the book was a quick, fun read, it just left me on the fence a little bit. However, the ending was done very well, and I will read the second in the series, since I want to give this series another chance.
I was given a copy of this book from BookFunnel but this in no way influenced my review.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
April 25, 2022
This is a short cozy mystery - I got hooked pretty quickly and kept reading to find out what would happen.
I like the "super powers" that the main character had in terms of figuring people's personalities.
A good friendly cast.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC). I do not know the author. It is the first book I'v read from her.
A plus: She's Canadian! :)
I like the "super powers" that the main character had in terms of figuring people's personalities.
A good friendly cast.
I received this book as an Advance Reader Copy (ARC). I do not know the author. It is the first book I'v read from her.
A plus: She's Canadian! :)
July 12, 2023
This is book one of the Madame Mystic Makes Amends Cozy Mystery series and the main character is Olivia Twist who hasn’t returned to Shadow Falls to visit her grandmother Meg aka GG since the black cloud events that led to her stealing from her friend and losing so much more. Only this time GG has made it sound serious and that she’s on her last legs, so she came in disguise. Olivia is currently sharing a flat in Boston and working under the radar, even using a burner phone, until at least the limitations on jail time for her crime are past. Her GG has been invited for an evening event at her former best friend Annie Parker’s bakery, but insists Olivia goes there to cover for the psychic Annie had booked to read tea leaves at the event, so Annie doesn’t let down her guests. Olivia has spent these past four years learning all about human tells and the mind, hoping not to be conned into a pyramid scheme ever again! She had gone to the town fairground earlier that day and managed to fool a few people who would normally have recognised her, having gone to school with them, so her disguise is seemingly good enough. She just needs to try and keep her fake British accent in place all of the time!
An uninvited guest makes her presence known at the event, which doesn’t go down well, but everyone else raved about Annie’s lemon meringue pies. Even Olivia’s fake tea leaf readings went down well, with some interested in more. Annie has worked out who Olivia is and isn’t exactly happy to see her there. But her gran has asked Olivia to stay in town for the next year and work on her redemption with those she wronged before. She goes back to the bakery the next day, only to find the police there waiting to question her, having already talked to Annie and her staff. It seems Annie’s unwelcome guest has dropped dead and was poisoned! When Annie is actually arrested due to some pretty obvious evidence, Olivia is determined to prove her innocence. That might make up in some small part for the damage she did to her best friend’s hopes and dreams years ago. There are the usual twists and turns expected of a cozy mystery, before the true killer can be revealed and Olivia comes up with a few more hair brained ideas for the future. A quirky read and still waiting to find out more about her MIA ex-fiancé Jake O’Grady and whether he might turn up in the future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
An uninvited guest makes her presence known at the event, which doesn’t go down well, but everyone else raved about Annie’s lemon meringue pies. Even Olivia’s fake tea leaf readings went down well, with some interested in more. Annie has worked out who Olivia is and isn’t exactly happy to see her there. But her gran has asked Olivia to stay in town for the next year and work on her redemption with those she wronged before. She goes back to the bakery the next day, only to find the police there waiting to question her, having already talked to Annie and her staff. It seems Annie’s unwelcome guest has dropped dead and was poisoned! When Annie is actually arrested due to some pretty obvious evidence, Olivia is determined to prove her innocence. That might make up in some small part for the damage she did to her best friend’s hopes and dreams years ago. There are the usual twists and turns expected of a cozy mystery, before the true killer can be revealed and Olivia comes up with a few more hair brained ideas for the future. A quirky read and still waiting to find out more about her MIA ex-fiancé Jake O’Grady and whether he might turn up in the future. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
June 30, 2023
Finding out her fiancée was MIA on the same day she was swindled in a pyramid scam led Olivia Twist to steal money from her friends and flee from Shadow Falls. After coming to her senses, she enrolls in a program on personality types to learn why she acted that way. When her grandmother offers her a way to make amends with the Olivia Redemption Program she reluctantly returns to Shadow Falls and takes on the persona of Madame Mystic and pretends to be a psychic. When her former best friend, Annie, is suspected of murdering her rival, Olivia has her first opportunity at redemption.
With a flawed but relatable lead character and her charming GG, the Olivia Twist series is off to a great start. Using her knowledge of personality types, with their positive & negative sides, as well as body language and intuition, Ms. Jorgensen imbues Olivia with a skill set that makes her a highly effective sleuth and fake psychic. Reminiscent of the tv show Psych, this cozy series will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With a flawed but relatable lead character and her charming GG, the Olivia Twist series is off to a great start. Using her knowledge of personality types, with their positive & negative sides, as well as body language and intuition, Ms. Jorgensen imbues Olivia with a skill set that makes her a highly effective sleuth and fake psychic. Reminiscent of the tv show Psych, this cozy series will keep you guessing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
This was such a fun new to me series starter and I liked this one so well, I've already borrowed the next one in KU. I like that not only was Olivia trying to pay people back that she'd taken money from but she was planning to go above and beyond by doing something for each person that was just a li'l bit extra. Her first concern was former bestie Annie who was pretty much a hard one to win back over, but all turned out great in the end. Proving Annie wasn't a murderer probably meant more to her than having her money paid back though.
The showdown was pretty awesome and since it took place at the diner, everyone involved took care of that perp the best way that food service people could think of which was pretty funny. I absolutely loved Olivia's Granny and all those GG nicknames like Generous Granny or Grumpy Granny, so much fun! I can't wait to see which friend Olivia's going to keep faking to be a psychic to help next.
The showdown was pretty awesome and since it took place at the diner, everyone involved took care of that perp the best way that food service people could think of which was pretty funny. I absolutely loved Olivia's Granny and all those GG nicknames like Generous Granny or Grumpy Granny, so much fun! I can't wait to see which friend Olivia's going to keep faking to be a psychic to help next.
February 26, 2022
2.5 stars
This short book is about a woman trying to make amends with an old friend that she wronged, by solving a murder that is being blamed on the friend. You have to be in the right mindset & mood for this one, as it is written in an unrealistic, playful manner. It has the protagonist in a silly disguise and talking in a fake British accent. I was envisioning the characters as cartoon figures. Plus, the writer often adds in non-sensical cutesy terms to express disappointment or surprise, such as ‘funky fried frackle’. The crime-solving itself was pretty basic. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was sufficiently interesting for me to finish it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This short book is about a woman trying to make amends with an old friend that she wronged, by solving a murder that is being blamed on the friend. You have to be in the right mindset & mood for this one, as it is written in an unrealistic, playful manner. It has the protagonist in a silly disguise and talking in a fake British accent. I was envisioning the characters as cartoon figures. Plus, the writer often adds in non-sensical cutesy terms to express disappointment or surprise, such as ‘funky fried frackle’. The crime-solving itself was pretty basic. It wasn’t my cup of tea, but it was sufficiently interesting for me to finish it.
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 18, 2024
Murder Calls at Shadow Falls
Irene Jorgensen
Review by Author Roy Murry
Olivia Twist returns home to Shadow Falls as her Grandmother GG says for REDEMPTION. Olivia is a thief but a nice one who somewhat repays her debt to society.
GG has a plan for redemption. However, it did not include the murder of someone Olivia knew in high school.
Assuming the role of a tea-reading British psychic so natives will not uncover her identity, Ms. Twist tries to clear her ex-best friend's name in a poisoning case.
With twists and turns highlighted by detailed character development, Jorgensen's cozy mystery comes to an exciting end.
This first episode is well-written and is part of an Olivia Twist tea-reading crime series. GOOD READ.
Irene Jorgensen
Review by Author Roy Murry
Olivia Twist returns home to Shadow Falls as her Grandmother GG says for REDEMPTION. Olivia is a thief but a nice one who somewhat repays her debt to society.
GG has a plan for redemption. However, it did not include the murder of someone Olivia knew in high school.
Assuming the role of a tea-reading British psychic so natives will not uncover her identity, Ms. Twist tries to clear her ex-best friend's name in a poisoning case.
With twists and turns highlighted by detailed character development, Jorgensen's cozy mystery comes to an exciting end.
This first episode is well-written and is part of an Olivia Twist tea-reading crime series. GOOD READ.
January 16, 2023
Olivia had made a terrible mistake in the past and wanting redemption comes back to her hometown when her grandmother calls. Her grandmother wanted her to help out Annie her friend who was in a panic because the psychic she had booked cancelled at the last minute. Olivia step in as the "Mystic Lady". But at the event Annie rival baker is killed and the police arrested Annie. Olivia comes to her help by funding the real culprit. This book is very enjoyable and humorous. I recommend this book to other readers.
March 30, 2023
A Cozy Mystery with a Difference: I really enjoyed “Murder Calls at Shadow Falls.” I loved the way the author mixed light and dark elements. At times, it was serious—murder, betrayal, redemption. At others, laugh-out-loud funny. Most cozy mysteries feature a theme of sorts: garage sales, book stores, etc. This series features a faux psychic who used her knowledge of psychology and human nature to solve crimes. I felt both intellectually challenged and also highly entertained. I will definitely read on in this series.
June 11, 2023
Fun read.
Olivia Twist, now known as Madame Mystic, did a bad thing in the past that made her best friend in the world refuse to speak to her. Olivia ran away and hasn't returned until her grandma finally gets her to come back home for a visit. From there, Olivia has to pretend to be Madame Mystic, tea leaves reader. When her former best friend is accused of murder, Madame Mystic has to snoop out the real killer and earn redemption for her past crimes. I liked the book, I liked the character of Olivia, and I liked her sense of humor. I will read the next book, too.
Olivia Twist, now known as Madame Mystic, did a bad thing in the past that made her best friend in the world refuse to speak to her. Olivia ran away and hasn't returned until her grandma finally gets her to come back home for a visit. From there, Olivia has to pretend to be Madame Mystic, tea leaves reader. When her former best friend is accused of murder, Madame Mystic has to snoop out the real killer and earn redemption for her past crimes. I liked the book, I liked the character of Olivia, and I liked her sense of humor. I will read the next book, too.
July 2, 2023
Murder Calls at Shadow Falls is the first installment of the Madame Mystic Makes Amends Cozy Mystery Series written by Irene Jorgensen. This was a fun read that you can get lost in for a while. You will have fun trying to figure out how Olivia fumbles through solving the crime. Also, the now the newly added mystery that is revolving around Annie. Time will tell what is going to happen next. Great series starter, looking forward to the next book.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2023
Extra Special Friends
Just one night as a fake psychic...How could she refuse her grandmother's plea? Filled with remorse for a horrible mistake she made during a desperate time, Olivia vows to make amends for her past crime. If only she could undo the past. Now, all she wants is her ex-best friend’s forgiveness.
When Olivia's friend Anne gets accused of murder it is her duty to find the actual culprit.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Just one night as a fake psychic...How could she refuse her grandmother's plea? Filled with remorse for a horrible mistake she made during a desperate time, Olivia vows to make amends for her past crime. If only she could undo the past. Now, all she wants is her ex-best friend’s forgiveness.
When Olivia's friend Anne gets accused of murder it is her duty to find the actual culprit.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
February 23, 2022
This is a very good good start to this new series. It’s an entertaining cozy mystery and so much more. There is family, friendship, redemption and forgiveness. The characters are unique and fun. Who doesn’t want to get to know a fake psychic who’s seeking redemption for her past transgressions?! And, oh yes, she needs to put her ‘psychic’ skills to work to prove her ex best friend is innocent of murder. A really entertaining new series!
March 15, 2025
This is the first in the series. The main character is Oliva. Oliva left town with a lot of money she stole from friends. She hasn't been back since then. Her grandma, GG, still lives there and keeps trying to get her to come back. She finally showed up and that night her best ex-friend is charged with murder. Oliva knows she didn't do it and wants to help clear her name. Can she help her friend and figure out who did it ?
February 27, 2022
A good cozy mystery. I enjoyed the premise of woman returning in disguise to her home town to make amends for her crime. The mystery was quite straightforward but well executed. The story is quite short but is a good introduction to the series. Well written with good characters and a touch of humour. I received a complimentary copy from AXP and am leaving a honest voluntary review
March 11, 2022
Great start to a new cozy mystery series! I loved Olivia Twist, the quirky, fake psychic who is trying to make up for past mistakes by helping the people she hurt. The small town of Shadow Falls is a perfect back drop and who wouldn’t love Olivia’s GG. Looking forward to seeing how Olivia redeems herself in future books. What a fun and interesting premise!
June 6, 2023
Entertaining cozy mystery.
A fun cozy mystery that keeps you entertained as Olivia Twist returns to her home town to visit her grandmother. Having left town in disgrace, Olivia attempts to avoid being recognized and hilarious events follow her as she investigates a murder that her best friend is charged with committing. A quick and enjoyable read!.
A fun cozy mystery that keeps you entertained as Olivia Twist returns to her home town to visit her grandmother. Having left town in disgrace, Olivia attempts to avoid being recognized and hilarious events follow her as she investigates a murder that her best friend is charged with committing. A quick and enjoyable read!.
June 11, 2023
Love these characters. The redemption is heartfelt. The "mystical magic" is hilarious and impressive. The mystery kept me duped. these elements kept me entertained and engrossed in this cozy. Never had the pleasure of partaking of a lemon tart but this story definitely sheds more light. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 3, 2023
Annie won't talk to Olivia, but Annie needs help. Olivia agrees to be a psychic for one more night, but she needs to be careful and not have her lie uncovered. The story is character-driven, delving into the various characters featured.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2025
Murder Calls at Shadow Falls
A delightful start to a multi-faceted story of friendships lost and the long way of redemption and some laughter along the way! Then there is the murder, jealousies, and pretense for a fascinating read. Can't wait for book 2!
Glad I already bought 2 and 3!
A delightful start to a multi-faceted story of friendships lost and the long way of redemption and some laughter along the way! Then there is the murder, jealousies, and pretense for a fascinating read. Can't wait for book 2!
Glad I already bought 2 and 3!
March 6, 2022
This is a cozy mystery with a smooth read and just the right amount of fun. The main character isn't a run of the mill snoop, and I loved the humor laced throughout the novel. The mystery had several unexpected turns, but overall it is a nice light read good for anyone needing a good laugh.
April 10, 2022
I loved this book! This was my first cozy mystery genre book and I look forward to continuing this series and finding out who is on next on Olivia’s redemption list. A great read of friendship with mystery, shadow work and justice!
July 5, 2023
I loved it!
What a great first-in-series! An original take on a classic cozy genre. And even though I didn't like Olivia immediately, or more accurately, I didn’t like what she did, she deserved redemption, because we all make mistakes, don't we? A fun book, so cool!
What a great first-in-series! An original take on a classic cozy genre. And even though I didn't like Olivia immediately, or more accurately, I didn’t like what she did, she deserved redemption, because we all make mistakes, don't we? A fun book, so cool!
October 23, 2024
This is a great start to a new series. The story was so different from many cozy mysteries. Enjoyed the mystery and thought the characters were likeable. Recommend reading, on to the next in the series.
February 28, 2022
A quick, easy and fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
March 12, 2022
A great, fun read ! I’m new to the genre and this book has me hooked. Excited to see what Olivia gets up to next !
March 22, 2022
Very engaging story. I found the main character quirky and entertaining. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I received a complimentary copy from AXP and am leaving a honest review.
January 15, 2023
Fun, entertaining book, love the characters and how they interact, wish I could have my own GG, she is so fun. Great story, lots of twists and turns with the killer revealed at the very end.
January 23, 2024
Who killed Marie Holinder and why??? He was only a two-woman man??? I recommended this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews