Curiosity Killed the Witch by Mara Webb is the first in the "English Enchantment" series, featuring journalist Elizabeth Sutton.
When her dreams of an exciting career in London fall apart, Liz returns home to the small town of Black Bridge in the English countryside. There, she does part-time work for the local paper, helps out in her parents' diner, and lives in her grandmother's house while her grandmother is off globe-trotting. The most excitement in Liz's life is trying to avoid her ex-boyfriend, policeman James Webster. Things get more interesting, however, when a development company rolls into town, wanting to convert the town green to condos and shopping malls. Most of the townsfolk are dead set against it. It's not until one of the company's representatives is murdered, however, that Liz realizes why so many people don't want the new development. Black Bridge was once a safe haven for witches, most of whom are buried in the area of the green, and Liz learns that she is a witch, too. It's all a bit much to take, but with her journalistic sense and her new magical powers, she just may be able to help solve the murder and save the town.
Although this story had many of the same elements as other Mara Webb books (woman learns she's a witch, has a talking black cat for a familiar, has more than one love interest), it differed enough so as not to annoy me. Aside from that, it was hilarious! I loved Liz's wry wit. The plot moved at a steady pace, characterizations were good, and the dialogue was delightful. Editing needed polish, but I was able to overlook it. Very good, and I'd definitely read more in the series. Four stars.