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Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries #1
Magic, Movies, and Murder
CURL UP IN THE COZIEST MAGICAL TOWN… And solve an enchanting mystery!
Pumpkin spice, buttery popcorn, and gasoline. One of these scents is not like the other and Noema's nose knows.
As a werewolf who can smell emotions, Noema always finds herself tangled in small-town gossip. Gossip that explodes when superstitious locals cry wolf after a visitor winds up dead in front of Noema's video rental shop. Can her nose sniff out the suspects before the rumors put her out of business?
Noema successfully balances life as a single mom, the owner of Mockbuster video rental, and a playwright until the murder investigation kills her schedule. And her shop is next on the chopping block if she can't prove to the town that the rumors are false. Despite the gossip, she's definitely not a witch, her VHS tapes are not cursed, and renting one absolutely will not hurt anyone - unless they forget to return it on time. Late fees are killer.
Step into a simpler time in 1990s coastal California where the only complications are cozy mysteries, video rental late fees, and gossiping ghosts. Meet the sassiest vampire, a brooding gargoyle, and a pack of cuddly werewolves.
The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries is a series about magical people dealing with small-town drama and finding family through it all. Take a blast into the paranormal past and enjoy the 1990s nostalgia in this cozy combination of THE GOOD WITCH meets THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SERIES.
Pumpkin spice, buttery popcorn, and gasoline. One of these scents is not like the other and Noema's nose knows.
As a werewolf who can smell emotions, Noema always finds herself tangled in small-town gossip. Gossip that explodes when superstitious locals cry wolf after a visitor winds up dead in front of Noema's video rental shop. Can her nose sniff out the suspects before the rumors put her out of business?
Noema successfully balances life as a single mom, the owner of Mockbuster video rental, and a playwright until the murder investigation kills her schedule. And her shop is next on the chopping block if she can't prove to the town that the rumors are false. Despite the gossip, she's definitely not a witch, her VHS tapes are not cursed, and renting one absolutely will not hurt anyone - unless they forget to return it on time. Late fees are killer.
Step into a simpler time in 1990s coastal California where the only complications are cozy mysteries, video rental late fees, and gossiping ghosts. Meet the sassiest vampire, a brooding gargoyle, and a pack of cuddly werewolves.
The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries is a series about magical people dealing with small-town drama and finding family through it all. Take a blast into the paranormal past and enjoy the 1990s nostalgia in this cozy combination of THE GOOD WITCH meets THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SERIES.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
408 people are currently reading
2934 people want to read
About the author
Emily Fluke
27 books216 followersEmily Fluke is a Congenital Heart Defect survivor who finds joy and peace through writing (though she’ll tell you her scars are from a dragon attack or a sword fight). She is an internationally published author with an honorable mention for science fiction from the Roswell Awards and a recent contributor to the United Disability Services’ magazine; Kaleidoscope. Inspired by Tolkien and her children's’ imaginations, Emily writes when she’s not spending time with her family. For an extensive look at her publications and life as well as access to giveaways, visit emilyfluke.com or follow Author Emily Fluke on Facebook.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 2, 2023
I have been searching for a book that gives off Halloweentown & 90’s vibes for the longest time and have finally found it!!! Magic, Movies and Murder perfectly encapsulates those vibes and it was the perfect paranormal cozy mystery to kick off spooky season!!
We follow Noema - owner of Mockbuster Movie Rental, playwright, werewolf, badass single mom and amateur sleuth as she (literally) sniffs out clues. Everything was going great in their idyllic supernatural haven when tragedy strikes and leaves a patron of Mockbuster deceased. Now instead of finishing the play she is writing, running her business and raising her pack of werewolves she is busy trying to save her store while using her power of emotional scent detection to sniff out the killer before they can hurt anyone else!
Magic, Movies and Murder is full of all the nostalgic 90’s vibes, mystery, murder, a cozy supernatural town, quirky characters and all of the Halloweentown vibes! 10/10 recommend and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you Emily Fluke the ARC!
We follow Noema - owner of Mockbuster Movie Rental, playwright, werewolf, badass single mom and amateur sleuth as she (literally) sniffs out clues. Everything was going great in their idyllic supernatural haven when tragedy strikes and leaves a patron of Mockbuster deceased. Now instead of finishing the play she is writing, running her business and raising her pack of werewolves she is busy trying to save her store while using her power of emotional scent detection to sniff out the killer before they can hurt anyone else!
Magic, Movies and Murder is full of all the nostalgic 90’s vibes, mystery, murder, a cozy supernatural town, quirky characters and all of the Halloweentown vibes! 10/10 recommend and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Thank you Emily Fluke the ARC!
July 1, 2024
This started off a bit slow, and the world was a bit hard for me to get into because I don't read many paranormal books. (I'm not a fan of shifter romance, but I love paranormal aspects without the romance.) Cozy is also a somewhat new category for me, but I wanted to pick this one up because of a TikTok I saw about it and the 90s nostalgia, which I am a sucker for and which the book delivered nicely on from experiences and verbiage to puns like Mockbuster!
Once I understood the world a little better and could picture the main characters, I started having a lot of fun with it! (Trying to figure out if I should be picturing something like ZooTopia with a wolf in people clothes or humans that can shift appearance was a little unclear at first. If I'm being honest it's still a little fuzzy...no pun intended! And Sett is so Goliath in my brain no matter how else I try to see him!)
Anyway, I absolutely loved Noema's personality, though I would like to learn more about her mysterious past, which I am sure we'll get more details about in future books.
Squeaks was so cute. (I'm a rat mom, and I have also had mice in the past, so I know how sweet they can be!)
I had fun trying to figure out the mystery and changed my mind about who the culprit was a few times before the end. Noema reminds me a lot of myself. She is very determined and a little impatient but has a strong sense of justice and smell, lol!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and will be reading future books in the series!
Once I understood the world a little better and could picture the main characters, I started having a lot of fun with it! (Trying to figure out if I should be picturing something like ZooTopia with a wolf in people clothes or humans that can shift appearance was a little unclear at first. If I'm being honest it's still a little fuzzy...no pun intended! And Sett is so Goliath in my brain no matter how else I try to see him!)
Anyway, I absolutely loved Noema's personality, though I would like to learn more about her mysterious past, which I am sure we'll get more details about in future books.
Squeaks was so cute. (I'm a rat mom, and I have also had mice in the past, so I know how sweet they can be!)
I had fun trying to figure out the mystery and changed my mind about who the culprit was a few times before the end. Noema reminds me a lot of myself. She is very determined and a little impatient but has a strong sense of justice and smell, lol!
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and will be reading future books in the series!
November 17, 2023
I loved this little town of Bewitcher’s Beach. Much like Emily’s other fictional town of Folklore Falls, I want to live in this town. Her descriptive narration makes her worlds real. Now while Fluke describes this latest novel a cozy True Blood meets Good Witch, it gave me adult Halloweentown vibes. All the different supernatural creatures living in a community where they feel safe from the dangerous humans. Our werewolf heroine, Noema, owns Mockbuster video and is trying to become a famous screenwriter while handling four 8 year old werepups. And if that isn’t enough on her plate murder comes knocking at Mockbuster’s door. Will Noema be able to clear the talks of curse surrounding her business by finding who murdered the victim found outside Mockbuster? This cozy mystery has the 90’s nostalgia, Gargoyles bringing that Goliath vibe, wereanimals, fairies, ghosts, and curses. Even with the supernatural aspect these characters have a real depth about them. I feel like they could be real people. I highly recommend this book for all those who loved Halloweentown growing up. I am anxiously looking forward to the next installment.
October 16, 2024
bro not the furries
February 1, 2024
Magic, Movies, and Murder is the first in a new paranormal Bewitcher's Beach Mystery series, by Emily Fluke. It is set in a fictional California town in the 1990s. It is the follow-up to the prequel, Be Careful What You Witch For. However, they can be read as standalones.
Noema is a werewolf single mom who is the owner of Mockbuster video rental store. She is also a playwright. Her ability to smell emotions comes in handy when a dead body is discovered in front of her video rental shop and she finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Noema sets out to uncover the the truth behind the crime and the rumors that may or may not be true.
This was a delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this world Emily Fluke created. The first thing it has going for it right from the beginning is the vivid description of popcorn. As someone who loves popcorn with a passion, I found it very enticing and I was pulled right into the story.
It was relatable with the 1990s nostalgia, but also imaginative. I couldn't help but love the main characters. There are a variety of different characters in this little town, including werewolves, gargoyles, fairies, and ghosts. And there may just be a hint of a romance on the horizon between Noema and another creature.
Noema succeeds at balancing being a single mom to "pups" (they're werewolves, after all), while also running her store, writing a play...and becoming an amateur sleuth! She can transform into mostly human form when necessary, though she maintains some werewolf characteristics. While it is convenient to have the ability to transform, it can also be a challenge. And that challenge provides some laugh out loud moments for readers. The attention to detail also made me smile. I could visualize every time Noema's ears wiggled just a bit when certain thoughts and feelings were running through her mind.
The mystery is also strong. There are plenty of viable suspects to keep readers guessing. The character list with descriptions in the front of the book was helpful. I referred to it a few times, especially early in the book when I was just getting acquainted with the characters. I thought I had the suspect figured out, only to be proven wrong later. I then thought it was someone else, which also turned out to be incorrect. I eventually had another hunch who it was and I ended up being correct about that suspect, but that didn't occur to me until late in the book. The mystery was a fun ride!
If you are a fan of paranormal cozies, this is a book you will want to read. And while this isn't a culinary cozy, there are recipes at the end of the book. I am very much looking forward to book two, Summoning, Skating, and Skulls. To tide us over until then, there is also a novella that comes after book one called Squeaks and Spooks. (Cozies often have cozy companions, like cats and dogs. In this series, it's an adorable mouse named Squeaks.) I will be reading that one soon, as it is set around Halloween.
Thank you to Emily Fluke for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Noema is a werewolf single mom who is the owner of Mockbuster video rental store. She is also a playwright. Her ability to smell emotions comes in handy when a dead body is discovered in front of her video rental shop and she finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. Noema sets out to uncover the the truth behind the crime and the rumors that may or may not be true.
This was a delightful read! I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this world Emily Fluke created. The first thing it has going for it right from the beginning is the vivid description of popcorn. As someone who loves popcorn with a passion, I found it very enticing and I was pulled right into the story.
It was relatable with the 1990s nostalgia, but also imaginative. I couldn't help but love the main characters. There are a variety of different characters in this little town, including werewolves, gargoyles, fairies, and ghosts. And there may just be a hint of a romance on the horizon between Noema and another creature.
Noema succeeds at balancing being a single mom to "pups" (they're werewolves, after all), while also running her store, writing a play...and becoming an amateur sleuth! She can transform into mostly human form when necessary, though she maintains some werewolf characteristics. While it is convenient to have the ability to transform, it can also be a challenge. And that challenge provides some laugh out loud moments for readers. The attention to detail also made me smile. I could visualize every time Noema's ears wiggled just a bit when certain thoughts and feelings were running through her mind.
The mystery is also strong. There are plenty of viable suspects to keep readers guessing. The character list with descriptions in the front of the book was helpful. I referred to it a few times, especially early in the book when I was just getting acquainted with the characters. I thought I had the suspect figured out, only to be proven wrong later. I then thought it was someone else, which also turned out to be incorrect. I eventually had another hunch who it was and I ended up being correct about that suspect, but that didn't occur to me until late in the book. The mystery was a fun ride!
If you are a fan of paranormal cozies, this is a book you will want to read. And while this isn't a culinary cozy, there are recipes at the end of the book. I am very much looking forward to book two, Summoning, Skating, and Skulls. To tide us over until then, there is also a novella that comes after book one called Squeaks and Spooks. (Cozies often have cozy companions, like cats and dogs. In this series, it's an adorable mouse named Squeaks.) I will be reading that one soon, as it is set around Halloween.
Thank you to Emily Fluke for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2024
Bin leider mit der Protagonistin und der Welt nicht so warm geworden. Evtl hatte ich auch eher mehr cozy Erwartungen.
Es war sehr nostalgisch 80er Jahre (? 😂), wer auf sowas mit paranormalen Elementen steht, ist hier genau richtig
Es war sehr nostalgisch 80er Jahre (? 😂), wer auf sowas mit paranormalen Elementen steht, ist hier genau richtig
October 8, 2023
5🌟 Such a fun, cozy mystery. I loved the 90s feel, with Mockbuster video store, a cheesy, romantic town play, the Gargoyle for the Love interest, it was great!!
June 1, 2024
This book reminds me of Halloween town but on a beach where humans can go! Love murder mystery with a twist? This is the book for you! It's so nicely written and reminds me so much of Halloween town!!! I read the Pre-Sequel first. Which I think you should read because it gives just a little bit of background not much but a little bit about the ending. Now I'm on to the third Pre-Sequel the 1.5 book in the series!
August 8, 2025
A cozy mystery on the beachside and it’s the best time of the year (Halloween).
Plus magical creatures. Werewolves. Gargoyles. Dragons. Vampires. Pixies. Fairies.
I really enjoyed the coziness of this story while also keeping the plot there thru the mystery and a bit of romance.
Plus magical creatures. Werewolves. Gargoyles. Dragons. Vampires. Pixies. Fairies.
I really enjoyed the coziness of this story while also keeping the plot there thru the mystery and a bit of romance.
September 21, 2023
She can smell emotions, widow werewolf this was such a cozy fall read.
I have received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own.
I have received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are my own.
September 24, 2024
This was a cute little small-town story murder mystery story. It was set in the fall season. The town is trying to boost sales and tourism to keep all the local businesses going. A dead body appears in front of the playwrites business. Will the towns gossip and accusations sink her business? Who did it? Will the play go on? It is fun to see all of these questions answered as the mystery untangled.
September 30, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Read
October 15, 2025DNF at 49%. Just couldn’t get into it.
June 8, 2025
Nice cosy read!
November 5, 2024
Popcorn and puppies
A lovely cozy mystery for the first entry into this series.
I loved the video store vibes and the tiny town niche
The end has me needing more!
A lovely cozy mystery for the first entry into this series.
I loved the video store vibes and the tiny town niche
The end has me needing more!
September 3, 2025
Such a cozy mystery! Loved the characters and the nostalgia in the book. The descriptions of smell were so atmospheric to me and added so much to the ambiance. I'm curious to see where the story will go and what will happen to the characters... On to book 2!
October 17, 2023
Nostalgia laced cozy paranormal mystery
Set in a small beach town inhabited by all sorts of paranormal beings and normal humans, this a fun, cozy mystery romp back to the wonderful era of the 90s!
You'll enjoy the nostalgia with the conversations of movies and music at the time, as well as the reminder of the beauty of movie rental stores.
The story was fleshed out well, and I honestly was unsure of the killer for most of the book, I liked that I wasn't able to guess who it was from the start.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun read and can't wait for book 2!
Set in a small beach town inhabited by all sorts of paranormal beings and normal humans, this a fun, cozy mystery romp back to the wonderful era of the 90s!
You'll enjoy the nostalgia with the conversations of movies and music at the time, as well as the reminder of the beauty of movie rental stores.
The story was fleshed out well, and I honestly was unsure of the killer for most of the book, I liked that I wasn't able to guess who it was from the start.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fun read and can't wait for book 2!
October 16, 2023
And a Map! Loved this first in a series, the story of supernatural characters interacting in daily life and solving a murder! The heroine of the book, a single Mom of 4 young uns, is a very believable werewolf. My favorite characters are her pups, each with their own distinct personality. All the characters are fully developed,plus the world building is so unique. I'm hooked and can't wait to start the next book. Oh! BTW, Recipes Included!
July 19, 2025
Emily did it again—this book was fantastic! Crimson Pines was so vividly described I wanted to pack a bag and move there. I could see myself browsing the quirky shops, grabbing a bite at the local spots, renting a movie, and catching a play. The setting felt cozy, real, and full of heart.
The mystery? Absolutely hooked me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist yanked the rug out from under me. When the final reveal hit—I literally gasped out loud at my desk. That last puzzle piece was so clever, and so satisfying.
Noema completely stole the show. Her banter with the sheriff had me laughing out loud, and her little mouse Squeaks? Adorable. She’s single mom goals—juggling her business, writing plays, wrangling four pups/kids, and still finding time to (reluctantly) solve murders.
Reading the prequel first made the ending hit even harder in the best way. I already need the next book—I’m obsessed. 🐭📚🔍
The mystery? Absolutely hooked me. Every time I thought I had it figured out, a new twist yanked the rug out from under me. When the final reveal hit—I literally gasped out loud at my desk. That last puzzle piece was so clever, and so satisfying.
Noema completely stole the show. Her banter with the sheriff had me laughing out loud, and her little mouse Squeaks? Adorable. She’s single mom goals—juggling her business, writing plays, wrangling four pups/kids, and still finding time to (reluctantly) solve murders.
Reading the prequel first made the ending hit even harder in the best way. I already need the next book—I’m obsessed. 🐭📚🔍
December 13, 2024
cozy and a bit boring
The characters in this book are too flat for me. The sheriff talks a lot about protecting the town but is so slow moving it’s ridiculous. He follows the rules right into a brick wall and has to ask for her help and then is mad she is helping. Non compelling characters, an okay ish plot and a ton of nostalgia.
The characters in this book are too flat for me. The sheriff talks a lot about protecting the town but is so slow moving it’s ridiculous. He follows the rules right into a brick wall and has to ask for her help and then is mad she is helping. Non compelling characters, an okay ish plot and a ton of nostalgia.
May 27, 2025
2.75 but I rounded up. I liked the quaint 90’s themes of this book (I’d forgotten all about Crème Savers!!!) so the nostalgia was a fun factor. However the story itself felt dry and boring to me, and I like the “cozy” genre that’s supposed to be slower reading. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, even the FMC. The recipes at the back of the book are a very cute touch though!
February 14, 2024
If you're looking for a fresh paranormal cozy mystery, this is definitely one to check out. Noema is a widowed werewolf mom in the mystical town of Bewitcher's Beach, running a video store and trying to write this year's community theater play. Unfortunately, life becomes more complicated when a dead body ends up outside her store and gossip says it's because the videotapes she rents are cursed.
It's a nice change of pace from the typical cozy mystery, paranormal or not, that Noema is a widow raising an adorable -- and exhausting -- group of kids/werepups. But there is a potential love interest in the gargoyle town sheriff.
The mystery is good, the characters are quirky, and the plot has A LOT of twists, turns and red herrings.
My one quibble would be that the book would have benefited from a tiny bit of world building information earlier in the story. Most paranormal cozies are set in some form of "the real world" with paranormal characters hiding their natures from regular people. Even series where the characters live in a magical community, such as Danielle Garrett or Kristen Painter's books, quickly let the reader know this town is different and why, so it threw me off the book mentioned a shifter child with tentacles before establishing the fact that Bewitcher's Beach is a magical enclave protected by witch's spell. Even then, it took awhile to learn more about it and the info wasn't abundant. Part of the fun of a paranormal cozy is world building so tell us the rules and circumstances.
I also mistakenly thought that the video store and other references to clunky technology was due to the magic but the GoodReads blurb indicates that the book is set in the 1990s, which the blurb I saw when I got the audiobook didn't indicate. But that leads to some other confusion because in the story the sheriff says it'll take time to get a certain piece of info because it can't be faxed, which I thought was due to the magic but now it just seems odd.
The other thing that threw me off was that whenever a character said "Noema..." I heard it as "No, Emma." :-) I thought I'd get used to it but never did.
Still, those two points are minor quibbles. I enjoyed the book and if you like paranormal cozies with lots of plot twists and red herrings, you might, too.
It's a nice change of pace from the typical cozy mystery, paranormal or not, that Noema is a widow raising an adorable -- and exhausting -- group of kids/werepups. But there is a potential love interest in the gargoyle town sheriff.
The mystery is good, the characters are quirky, and the plot has A LOT of twists, turns and red herrings.
My one quibble would be that the book would have benefited from a tiny bit of world building information earlier in the story. Most paranormal cozies are set in some form of "the real world" with paranormal characters hiding their natures from regular people. Even series where the characters live in a magical community, such as Danielle Garrett or Kristen Painter's books, quickly let the reader know this town is different and why, so it threw me off the book mentioned a shifter child with tentacles before establishing the fact that Bewitcher's Beach is a magical enclave protected by witch's spell. Even then, it took awhile to learn more about it and the info wasn't abundant. Part of the fun of a paranormal cozy is world building so tell us the rules and circumstances.
I also mistakenly thought that the video store and other references to clunky technology was due to the magic but the GoodReads blurb indicates that the book is set in the 1990s, which the blurb I saw when I got the audiobook didn't indicate. But that leads to some other confusion because in the story the sheriff says it'll take time to get a certain piece of info because it can't be faxed, which I thought was due to the magic but now it just seems odd.
The other thing that threw me off was that whenever a character said "Noema..." I heard it as "No, Emma." :-) I thought I'd get used to it but never did.
Still, those two points are minor quibbles. I enjoyed the book and if you like paranormal cozies with lots of plot twists and red herrings, you might, too.
June 25, 2024
I loved this book, it's definitely a pack everybody will want to belong too. This is the first book in the series and it's off to a captivating start. I just loved the characters and with such a big group of super naturals they are entertaining and quirky. There is plenty of humour and movie references that made me wish I had a bowl of popcorn to enjoy while I listened. even the cubs names brought a smile to my face. It's hard to pick a favourite with four young wolf pups full of mischief, a small mouse ready to investigate, a ghost obsessed with the theatre to make just a few. The sniffing for clues was an unusual twist, with every emotion giving off a different smell, it could be a big help when investigating a murder of only the over protective detective would let Noema help . There was two stories running throughout the book with the main one, the murder getting wrapped up nicely. There was plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, most of which I was hoping wouldn't turn out to be the killer. I think the second mystery, the origin around who casted the spell of protection over the town is going to be a long running one and I can't wait to start the next book and find out more.
As a single mother of four Noema has her work cut out for her looking after them, earning a pay check at the family owned movie rental shop and writing a play for the local drama group to perform. The last thing she wants is to find a dead body outside her shop and a rumour to start that she cursed him for not returning his tape. With the police no where near finding the murderer and everybody avoiding her shop, she has no choice but to investigate, under the guise of writing a script. With all her suspect auditioning for the play it gives her plenty of time and opportunities to sniff out the truth. But can she find the killer before she goes out of business?
I like the narrator. I have heard her narrate a number of audio books by other authors and as soon as she started speaking I knew I was going to be in for an entertaining couple of hours and I wasn't wrong. Great narration and story.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
As a single mother of four Noema has her work cut out for her looking after them, earning a pay check at the family owned movie rental shop and writing a play for the local drama group to perform. The last thing she wants is to find a dead body outside her shop and a rumour to start that she cursed him for not returning his tape. With the police no where near finding the murderer and everybody avoiding her shop, she has no choice but to investigate, under the guise of writing a script. With all her suspect auditioning for the play it gives her plenty of time and opportunities to sniff out the truth. But can she find the killer before she goes out of business?
I like the narrator. I have heard her narrate a number of audio books by other authors and as soon as she started speaking I knew I was going to be in for an entertaining couple of hours and I wasn't wrong. Great narration and story.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 7, 2023
Review of Magic, Movies, and Murder by Emily Fluke
Magic, Movies, and Murder by Emily Fluke is the first book in the Bewitcher’s Beach series and is considered part of the paranormal cozy mystery genre. In my opinion, it was a very interesting read that was definitely enjoyable.
The main character, Noema Wolf, is able to smell emotions. As the reader, we are told what these smells are in connection with the emotion. Noema is a mom to four pups (Halen, Dio, Jovi, and Stevie) whom keep her on her toes just like typical 8 year olds. She is also the owner of a video rental store, Mockbuster, and currently working with Hattie (a ghost from the 20’s) in conducting Bewitcher’s Beach next play for the Everland Theater. With all of this on her plate, she is topped with a murder that had taken place right outside of the video rental store soon after residents of Bewitcher’s Beach believe that Mockbuster curses those that don’t rewind their VHS tapes before bringing them back. Noema needs to find out who the murderer is before too much financial and reputational damage is done to her business as well as prove to everyone that the curse is a bunch of rubbish.
Included in the book are a map of Bewitcher’s Beach and a list of characters with a little tidbit of their information. The settings in this story were wonderful. I was able to imagine each of these places with ease and in some cases quite enjoyable, such as the roller rink and dinner, Roller Shakes and the Oyster Inn. The characters are also amazing. There is a wide range of creatures that believe they are protected by a protection spell as long as they are at Bewitcher’s Beach. These include pixies, fairies, sirens, vampires, and many more. All of this was enjoyable as well as picking out the 90’s nostalgia that is found throughout the story.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a really fun read and I am looking forward to seeing what Emily Fluke has in store for us readers with Summoning, Skating, and Skulls, the second book to the Bewitcher's Beach series.
Magic, Movies, and Murder by Emily Fluke is the first book in the Bewitcher’s Beach series and is considered part of the paranormal cozy mystery genre. In my opinion, it was a very interesting read that was definitely enjoyable.
The main character, Noema Wolf, is able to smell emotions. As the reader, we are told what these smells are in connection with the emotion. Noema is a mom to four pups (Halen, Dio, Jovi, and Stevie) whom keep her on her toes just like typical 8 year olds. She is also the owner of a video rental store, Mockbuster, and currently working with Hattie (a ghost from the 20’s) in conducting Bewitcher’s Beach next play for the Everland Theater. With all of this on her plate, she is topped with a murder that had taken place right outside of the video rental store soon after residents of Bewitcher’s Beach believe that Mockbuster curses those that don’t rewind their VHS tapes before bringing them back. Noema needs to find out who the murderer is before too much financial and reputational damage is done to her business as well as prove to everyone that the curse is a bunch of rubbish.
Included in the book are a map of Bewitcher’s Beach and a list of characters with a little tidbit of their information. The settings in this story were wonderful. I was able to imagine each of these places with ease and in some cases quite enjoyable, such as the roller rink and dinner, Roller Shakes and the Oyster Inn. The characters are also amazing. There is a wide range of creatures that believe they are protected by a protection spell as long as they are at Bewitcher’s Beach. These include pixies, fairies, sirens, vampires, and many more. All of this was enjoyable as well as picking out the 90’s nostalgia that is found throughout the story.
All in all, I would have to say that this was a really fun read and I am looking forward to seeing what Emily Fluke has in store for us readers with Summoning, Skating, and Skulls, the second book to the Bewitcher's Beach series.
December 9, 2024
Pumpkin spice, buttery popcorn, and gasoline. One of these scents is not like the other and Noema's nose knows.
As a werewolf who can smell emotions, Noema always finds herself tangled in small-town gossip. Gossip that explodes when superstitious locals cry wolf after a visitor winds up dead in front of Noema's video rental shop. Can her nose sniff out the suspects before the rumors put her out of business?
Noema successfully balances life as a single mom, the owner of Mockbuster video rental, and a playwright until the murder investigation kills her schedule. And her shop is next on the chopping block if she can't prove to the town that the rumors are false. Despite the gossip, she's definitely not a witch, her VHS tapes are not cursed, and renting one absolutely will not hurt anyone - unless they forget to return it on time. Late fees are killer.
Step into a simpler time in 1990s coastal California where the only complications are cozy mysteries, video rental late fees, and gossiping ghosts. Meet the sassiest vampire, a brooding gargoyle, and a pack of cuddly werewolves.
The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries is a series about magical people dealing with small-town drama and finding family through it all. Take a blast into the paranormal past and enjoy the 1990s nostalgia in this cozy combination of THE GOOD WITCH meets THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SERIES.
Heather's Notes
Unfortunately, I did not care for this story. I felt Norma acted TSTL at times and how she doesn't know that Sett likes her (especially since she can smell emotions) is unbelievable. I also didn't really care for the plot. She is trying to "prove" her movie rental isn't "cursed" but didn't really do that at all, since the killer and murder victim were both supernaturals. This story just was not for me and I doubt I will continue the series
As a werewolf who can smell emotions, Noema always finds herself tangled in small-town gossip. Gossip that explodes when superstitious locals cry wolf after a visitor winds up dead in front of Noema's video rental shop. Can her nose sniff out the suspects before the rumors put her out of business?
Noema successfully balances life as a single mom, the owner of Mockbuster video rental, and a playwright until the murder investigation kills her schedule. And her shop is next on the chopping block if she can't prove to the town that the rumors are false. Despite the gossip, she's definitely not a witch, her VHS tapes are not cursed, and renting one absolutely will not hurt anyone - unless they forget to return it on time. Late fees are killer.
Step into a simpler time in 1990s coastal California where the only complications are cozy mysteries, video rental late fees, and gossiping ghosts. Meet the sassiest vampire, a brooding gargoyle, and a pack of cuddly werewolves.
The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries is a series about magical people dealing with small-town drama and finding family through it all. Take a blast into the paranormal past and enjoy the 1990s nostalgia in this cozy combination of THE GOOD WITCH meets THE SOOKIE STACKHOUSE SERIES.
Heather's Notes
Unfortunately, I did not care for this story. I felt Norma acted TSTL at times and how she doesn't know that Sett likes her (especially since she can smell emotions) is unbelievable. I also didn't really care for the plot. She is trying to "prove" her movie rental isn't "cursed" but didn't really do that at all, since the killer and murder victim were both supernaturals. This story just was not for me and I doubt I will continue the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Set against the nostalgic backdrop of the 90s, this cozy mystery unfolds in a small town called Bewitcher's Beach, where the supernatural is just an everyday occurrence. Noema a single mother who is also a werewolf, gets involved in a murder investigation after one of her clients is found dead in front of her video rental store.
This book was a perfect blend of a light and entertaining narrative with a compelling mystery that kept me hooked until the very end. Fluke's vivid descriptions of Bewitcher's Beach and its quirky inhabitants create a charming atmosphere that makes the town come alive.
The characters themselves are a highlight, each one more picturesque and eccentric than the last. From the lovable werewolf protagonist to the mischievous ghosts and enigmatic vampires, Bewitcher's Beach is a tapestry of supernatural personalities. Their interactions are filled with humor, warmth, and the occasional eerie moment, making them truly memorable. My favorite character was Squeaks, the adorable mouse that accompanies Noema in her adventures.
Madeline Mrozek's narration deserves special mention, as it elevates the audiobook to a whole new level. Her ability to give distinct voices to each character adds depth to the storytelling, making it easy to distinguish between the various supernatural beings. Her expressive interpretations bring the characters to life, and her nuanced delivery sets the right tone for the unfolding mystery. Mrozek masterfully captured the essence of each character, making the audiobook an immersive experience.
Magic, Movies, and Murder is a delightful blend of supernatural charm, mystery, and humor. The 90s setting, coupled with the quirky characters of Bewitcher's Beach, creates a unique backdrop for a story that is both engaging and lighthearted. With Madeline Mrozrek's exceptional narration adding an extra layer of enjoyment, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone looking for a captivating and entertaining experience.
This book was a perfect blend of a light and entertaining narrative with a compelling mystery that kept me hooked until the very end. Fluke's vivid descriptions of Bewitcher's Beach and its quirky inhabitants create a charming atmosphere that makes the town come alive.
The characters themselves are a highlight, each one more picturesque and eccentric than the last. From the lovable werewolf protagonist to the mischievous ghosts and enigmatic vampires, Bewitcher's Beach is a tapestry of supernatural personalities. Their interactions are filled with humor, warmth, and the occasional eerie moment, making them truly memorable. My favorite character was Squeaks, the adorable mouse that accompanies Noema in her adventures.
Madeline Mrozek's narration deserves special mention, as it elevates the audiobook to a whole new level. Her ability to give distinct voices to each character adds depth to the storytelling, making it easy to distinguish between the various supernatural beings. Her expressive interpretations bring the characters to life, and her nuanced delivery sets the right tone for the unfolding mystery. Mrozek masterfully captured the essence of each character, making the audiobook an immersive experience.
Magic, Movies, and Murder is a delightful blend of supernatural charm, mystery, and humor. The 90s setting, coupled with the quirky characters of Bewitcher's Beach, creates a unique backdrop for a story that is both engaging and lighthearted. With Madeline Mrozrek's exceptional narration adding an extra layer of enjoyment, this audiobook is a must-listen for anyone looking for a captivating and entertaining experience.
March 19, 2024
*This review is for the audiobook on Audible.*
The audiobook Magic, Movies, and Murder: Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book 1 by Emily Fluke, narrated by Madeline Mrozek, transports readers to the 90s…the simpler times…when drama and gossip filled the streets, rather than social media. This is the first book I’ve read by Emily Fluke, and I thought it was so much fun! I immediately felt “at home” with the characters and setting, and I especially loved Noema’s video store because as a teen in the 90s, renting videos was something I always looked forward to!
Madeline Mrozek’s performance kept my attention throughout. Not only did she bring the characters to life through her various voices, but she made it so easy to visualize what was happening in each scene. If she narrates the rest of the series, I definitely plan to listen. She is a fantastic narrator who made me forget I was listening to an audiobook at all; I literally felt like I was watching everything happen right next to me.
I give 5/5 stars to Magic, Movies, and Murder: Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book 1 by Emily Fluke, narrated by Madeline Mrozek. The characters are well-developed, and the storyline is engaging and unpredictable. Also, I love that the ending is set-up perfectly for Book 2 (I’m excited!!). I recommend this audiobook to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, as well as those looking for a light and funny read that keeps you guessing. Happy listening! :-)
Thanks for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.
The audiobook Magic, Movies, and Murder: Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book 1 by Emily Fluke, narrated by Madeline Mrozek, transports readers to the 90s…the simpler times…when drama and gossip filled the streets, rather than social media. This is the first book I’ve read by Emily Fluke, and I thought it was so much fun! I immediately felt “at home” with the characters and setting, and I especially loved Noema’s video store because as a teen in the 90s, renting videos was something I always looked forward to!
Madeline Mrozek’s performance kept my attention throughout. Not only did she bring the characters to life through her various voices, but she made it so easy to visualize what was happening in each scene. If she narrates the rest of the series, I definitely plan to listen. She is a fantastic narrator who made me forget I was listening to an audiobook at all; I literally felt like I was watching everything happen right next to me.
I give 5/5 stars to Magic, Movies, and Murder: Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, Book 1 by Emily Fluke, narrated by Madeline Mrozek. The characters are well-developed, and the storyline is engaging and unpredictable. Also, I love that the ending is set-up perfectly for Book 2 (I’m excited!!). I recommend this audiobook to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, as well as those looking for a light and funny read that keeps you guessing. Happy listening! :-)
Thanks for reading my review. I hope it was helpful.
December 11, 2023
As a 70s/80s child, this book instantly drew me in with the time-period references. From the name of her VHS rental store to the names of her children, I was hooked from the beginning. I love a well-done paranormal cozy, with a suggestion of romance, and this fit the bill.
Noema Wolf is a werewolf shifter with keen hearing and exceptional talent for sniffing out emotions. After she's accused of being a witch who curses people for not rewinding their returns, an on-again off-again patron turns up dead in front of her store with her VHS tapes scattered around his body, thereby jeopardizing her family's livelihood when the townspeople believe the rumour. All this while simultaneously writing a script for a play for this year's Fall Festival. As an aspiring author myself, references to her writer's block, note-taking, and love of mysteries resonated with me.
I enjoyed getting to know Noema, the quirkiness of her four cubs, Squeaks - her partner in crime - and the way emotions smelled to her. Almost made me wish I could smell emotions too, especially the happier ones.
Along with Sett, the reluctant gargoyle sheriff, they eventually solve the crime. The cliffhanger and all the lovely people of Bewitcher's Beach have drawn me to continue the journey through the series. Hope to meet you there soon!
This is my honest review of this title that I received as an ARC.
Noema Wolf is a werewolf shifter with keen hearing and exceptional talent for sniffing out emotions. After she's accused of being a witch who curses people for not rewinding their returns, an on-again off-again patron turns up dead in front of her store with her VHS tapes scattered around his body, thereby jeopardizing her family's livelihood when the townspeople believe the rumour. All this while simultaneously writing a script for a play for this year's Fall Festival. As an aspiring author myself, references to her writer's block, note-taking, and love of mysteries resonated with me.
I enjoyed getting to know Noema, the quirkiness of her four cubs, Squeaks - her partner in crime - and the way emotions smelled to her. Almost made me wish I could smell emotions too, especially the happier ones.
Along with Sett, the reluctant gargoyle sheriff, they eventually solve the crime. The cliffhanger and all the lovely people of Bewitcher's Beach have drawn me to continue the journey through the series. Hope to meet you there soon!
This is my honest review of this title that I received as an ARC.
October 1, 2025
I read this book based on a friend's recommendation. She said it perfectly combines 90's nostalgia, cozy mysteries, and the supernatural. She is definitely right. This book was cute and fluffy. I enjoyed the beachy setting, and it was fun spending time with all of the quirky residents of Bewitcher's Beach. Our FMC, Noema, was likable.
The problem is there is cozy and there's too cozy, and I think this was just a little too cozy for me. Adults in the story went out of their way not too cuss. That was distracting and did not feel realistic. The book went out of its way to stay light to the point where I did not really connect with any of the characters or the story. Because the story was light and airy, I also did not feel any sense of suspense, and suspense is what makes mysteries so engaging. I liked the characters and the town, but I feel no desire to rush back to this series because it just reads a bit too fluffy and family-friendly for me.
That said, there is definitely an audience for this book. I would recommend this one to fans of clean fiction, and also to people who might want to listen with the family. There is nothing in this book that would be objectionable to young ears.
The problem is there is cozy and there's too cozy, and I think this was just a little too cozy for me. Adults in the story went out of their way not too cuss. That was distracting and did not feel realistic. The book went out of its way to stay light to the point where I did not really connect with any of the characters or the story. Because the story was light and airy, I also did not feel any sense of suspense, and suspense is what makes mysteries so engaging. I liked the characters and the town, but I feel no desire to rush back to this series because it just reads a bit too fluffy and family-friendly for me.
That said, there is definitely an audience for this book. I would recommend this one to fans of clean fiction, and also to people who might want to listen with the family. There is nothing in this book that would be objectionable to young ears.
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