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Family Fortune Mystery #2

Be Careful What You Witch For

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Leaving a traumatic police career behind, Clyde Fortune has returned to her seemingly quiet hometown of Crystal Haven, Michigan. In spite of the psychic powers of its residents, there’s no telling what trouble is brewing in this burg…
 
The highlight of this year's fall festival in Crystal Haven is a bonfire with a witch’s cauldron resting over it. Clyde’s best friend, Diana, leads a ritual to divine the future, but it seems no one foresees that one of their own will drop dead—or that Diana will be a prime suspect.
 
Clyde already has her hands full with her eccentric family, runaway nephew, and burgeoning secret romance with a hunky homicide detective. But after another coven member is attacked, Clyde suspects there’s a witch hunt afoot and focuses her psychic and sleuthing skills to clear her friend’s name and catch a killer.

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 1, 2014

41 people are currently reading
1102 people want to read

About the author

Dawn Eastman

8 books414 followers
Dawn lived in Michigan for many years, in a house full of animals, unusual people, and laughter. She now lives in Iowa with her husband, son, daughter, and one extremely bossy small dog.

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5 stars
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263 (23%)
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35 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,598 reviews14 followers
June 30, 2014
From the lovely setting of Crystal Haven, Michigan, where the town is filled with psychics and fortune tellers....it's Fall Fun Festival season! Clyde Fortune's 'gift' is predicting future calamity's by dreams. Her best friend, Diana's, magic brings on bad dreams for Clyde. While Diana is holding a Wiccan ceremony, a coven leader dies. Suspicion is cast on Diana and her brother, Dylan, who is arrested for murder. Mac, Clyde's homicide detective boyfriend, hates to arrest Dylan, but all evidence seems to point toward him. Seth, Clyde's only nephew, unexpectedly shows up with his dog, Tuffy, to stay with Clyde and her bullmastiff, Baxter. Seth says he's not happy living in New York with his mother, Grace, Clyde's older sister. Young Seth has his own 'gift'.

Will the help of elderly, Neila Whittle, lead Clyde to embrace her dreams and visions, rather than fear them?

Who are the mysterious people raising Clyde's suspicions as to their motives/agendas?

The startling revelations Clyde, Mac, and her family and friends uncover, lead to a climatic, unexpected ending, and a humdinger of a cliffhanger!!

I received a copy of this book from the Author/Publisher. I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa ♥ Melissa's Eclectic Bookshelf.
296 reviews95 followers
July 5, 2014
The Good:

~I love the small town setting of Crystal Haven…Eastman makes us feel as if we live there and know all the residents.
~Clyde and her entire family are such an amazing bunch. From Aunt Violet to Seth…this book would not be the same without the multiple generations all working together.
~Witches…need I say more. OK I’ll say a little more…I love the paranormal aspects of this series and the fact that all of the family members have such different talents.
~Even the pets lend a hand..love Baxter and Tuffy:)
~The friends and supporting cast (Diana, Thom, Alex, etc) all add so much to the story without taking anything away from the Fortune’s.
~A sweet slowly, maybe too slowly at times, re-developing love between Clyde and Mac gives us a taste of romance without overpowering the plotline.

The Not So Good:

~I wish that there were a bit more of the paranormal elements and I wish that they were a bit more closely connected to the resolution of the mystery. Sometimes it feels as if they are just thrown in there but aren’t really integral to the story.

Final Thoughts:

Dawn Eastman has created a wonderful setting and a great cast of characters that I can’t wait to spend time with again. Looking forward to book 3 in the series.
Profile Image for Debbie.
920 reviews77 followers
September 18, 2015
This is a fun series...full of action and set between Halloween and Thanksgiving, so it's a perfect read for this time of year. Looking forward to finding the next in the series.
Profile Image for Beverly.
540 reviews37 followers
July 1, 2014
Some of you may know that in addition to participating in several of the Great Escape's Virtual Book Tours, I'm also participating in Lori's Just for Fun Reading Challenge. I really wish I could add this book for my June just for fun read. And I would, except that since I made a committment to read this book and provide a review, I don't think it qualifies for a just for fun read. However, it is one of the most fun reads I've read this summer.
It is the second book in the series, but even though I've not read the first book, I didn't have any trouble following along. After meeting the citizens of Crystal Haven I do plan to go back and read book one: A Pall in the Family.

Be Careful What You Witch For is a mild paced mystery with likable characters. While I wasn't on the edge of my seat for the book (and you know sometimes it's nice to just be able to savor a story without feeling like you are rushing toward a cliff), I was engaged for the entire book. In fact, while reading the book in bed one night it somehow got buried under the covers after I turned off the light and I spent an entire day panicking because I couldn't find the book. I was halfway through and I really wanted to know how it ended.

I particularly like Clyde. She seems well grounded and is certainly a character I would like to get to know better. Her nephew, Seth who is running from his own troubles, is another likable character. He's pretty grounded for a teenager - especially for one who can talk to dogs. Though not perfect, he's a good kid and I think he and Clyde make a good team. Of course there is a romance and Clyde does have a quirky family with special talents - these all mix together to make an interesting community that will keep the reader coming back. I know I will. And, I already know a number of people who will enjoy this book.

If you'd like to learn more about Dawn Eastman and her books check out her website here.
Profile Image for Diana.
913 reviews723 followers
August 1, 2014
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WITCH FOR is the second book in the Family Fortune Mystery series, starring former cop and reluctant psychic Clytemnestra “Clyde” Fortune solving mysteries and struggling to accept her special “gift.” It’s fall festival time in the mystical town of Crystal Haven, Michigan. During a Wiccan ritual lead by Clyde’s friend Diana, something goes terribly wrong and one of the participants dies, and the police suspect foul play. To turn their attention away from Diana, Clyde sets out to find other suspects, and she’s surprised to learn that several people had a reason for wanting the victim dead.

I haven’t read the first book in the series, but I was able to jump into this one with no problem. I did have question or two about the town’s and residents’ back stories, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Crystal Haven is a curious place I loved visiting, especially with the crisp fall setting and paranormal activity going on. The murder mystery was intriguing with a few different angles Clyde had to consider, and I didn’t know until the end how things would go. I also enjoyed the side story of Clyde’s troubled nephew, Seth, and the reclusive witch who may be able to help Clyde with her visions.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WITCH FOR is an entertaining cozy mystery with just the right about of humor, paranormal woo-woo, and romance to shake things up. Enjoyable! (P.S. I want that house on the book’s cover!)

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,177 reviews119 followers
March 14, 2016
I really like this quirky series. I have seen both positive and negative feedback about this series. In my honest opinion, I enjoy far fetched stories with colorful characters and unbelievable actions. That is why I read fiction in the first place. I want to disappear into a world of make believe, where the characters are funny and bizarre, and who set out on wild and crazy adventures. I want to laugh and be amazed, I want to picture myself doing exactly what they are doing, I want to experience it all. Dawn Eastman does that for me. She has created such a fantastic world in the mystical world of Crystal Haven and each of her characters bring their own flair to the story. Vi & Rose balance each other out so well and Frank ads a touch of old world charm to the story. Even the animals make me laugh, as I picture Tuffy jumping up and down in excitement and Baxter drooling all over Clyde.
In this book, Diana is in charge of the Fall Festival and when someone close to her is murdered, Clyde stops at nothing to search for the truth. She has her ever present amateur sleuths by her side and with nephew Seth back in Crystal Haven, you can be sure it will be an adventure to remember. I hope to see so much more in the outstanding series.
Profile Image for Alice Liu.
Author 6 books20 followers
June 2, 2014
3.5 stars - I loved A Pall in the Family, but I felt Be Careful What You Witch for lacked the dramatic tension of its predecessor. There is just no sense of danger throughout most of this book. The few suspects were set up in fairly obvious "set-up" situations, so the misdirection didn't really work for me. Plus, much of Clyde's suspicions were based on how they looked, which seemed a bit prejudicial. Rather than amateur sleuthing, there was a lot of sleuthing in an amateurish way, and mystical talents were constantly discussed, but not used. While Clyde has visions, they really don't help in solving the murder, they just merely coincide with the climax. Overall the characters needed to have their strengths and weaknesses more fully blended into the plot. That being said, I still really like the main characters and I especially appreciated how Eastman brings multi-generational involvement to the table, and so, I will be back for the next book.
Profile Image for Kate.
473 reviews17 followers
August 11, 2015
3.5 stars, I could have done with some more Halloween theming based on the cover (the book starts on Oct. 31 and the day is quickly over), but I still liked the mystery and the different twists the book took. I wish we would have also seen more of Aunt Vi's or Seth's psychic ability with animals but maybe in the next installment. That one appears to be Christmas themed so I hope it's nice and festive :)
Profile Image for Melodie.
1,278 reviews83 followers
August 6, 2014
I like this series and almost all of the characters. The setting is interesting, a small Michigan town that's full of psychics. When a local falls out dead at a Wiccan ceremony, Clyde looks to help her best friend and the friend's brother when the brother is arrested for the man's murder. A good tale, but Clyde SERIOUSLY needs to get over her angst over her own psychic abilities. RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Donna.
301 reviews
March 29, 2017
This is a great series. I love Clyde's eccentric family. They keep you on your toes. They are having a fall festival in Crystal Haven and Clyde's friend Diana is doing a ritual at a bonfire when one of the coven participants dies from a peanut allergy when his epi pen doesn't work. Of course the police suspect Diana or her brother Dylan. Not only does Clyde have to figure out who the killer is but her teenage nephew runs away from home and wants to stay with her. When another coven member is attacked Clyde is concerned there will be more. On top of all this her grandmother is trying to get Clyde to use her psychic powers but Clyde doesn't want to and fights it even when she gets visions. Great setting in a small town with a town full of interesting characters. Great read, a little romance, never a dull moment and always a surprise ending. Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,866 reviews328 followers
January 16, 2016


Dollycas’s Thoughts

Crystal Haven’s Fall Festival has something for everyone, a bonfire, a boiling cauldron, and even a dead body. Okay so the dead body of Rafe Godwin was not part of the planned festivities but it will definitely make the event memorable.

Clytemnestra, oh what a name, (Clyde) is right in the middle of another murder investigation and her “gift” is really haunting her. She has dreams about things that seem to be happening in the future but she really doesn’t understand her ability yet. Can she change the future? She enlists a little help from woman she never imagined ever visiting hopeful that it will help her dreams not be such nightmares.

Clyde’s family takes eccentric to a whole new level. With the exception of her father they all have different special gifts. Aunt Vi is an absolute hoot and a half. I would only be able to handle her myself in very small doses but she does really add the humor to the story.

Diana, Clyde’s best friend finds herself in hot water when it appears Rafe died of an allergic reaction from a piece of bread she had baked but then the prime suspect quickly becomes her brother Dylan. The Fortune family goes into overdrive using all their crystals and pendulums. They even stakeout suspects and follow them to try to catch the real killer.

Seth has also returned to Crystal Haven. I really felt for this teenager who has learned he also has a special gift and it is unbearable in the big city. His mother has vowed not to return to Crystal Haven but she just may have to if she wants to do what is best for her son.

Eastman has brewed up a real mystery for us readers to enjoy. The paranormal parts are not overpowering, they just give the story a very interesting element. There is the perfect balance of spooky, mystery, humor and romance. We also see that not everyone is happy with the Wiccans having so much of a presence in the community. Even Clyde catches herself making presumptions.

The Fortunes are not your normal American family but I sure love our visits with them. Then again my family is far from normal but I don’t think we have anyone with these nice spiritual gifts :) but there are times I wish they did.

A truly charming mystery that I highly recommend. Fun and entertaining. You may catch yourself laughing out loud.
Profile Image for Jillyn.
732 reviews
December 15, 2017
Well, I'll start this by saying that I did not read Pall in the Family, the first book in the series.

I didn't think that this would be an issue, but it was. There were a lot of callbacks to things and references and scenes and personality traits that I was expected to know, and I did not. The first part of the book was messy to get through as I sorted through this.

I didn't care much for the characters. I understand that they're supposed to be eccentric/quirky, but it got into annoyingly campy territory. To the point that I didn't have much investment in the characters and the tribulations that they were going through. I was just sort of over it.

I also expected it to be more "Halloween-y" based on the title and the cover, which was a bit of a let down.

But there were some good things about this book. I really liked the setting, for example. Crystal Haven seems like a charming little weird place that I would love to visit.

It was a pretty standard cozy mystery. Some twists, some turns. Some were more predictable than others. It's a quick read.

I think if you read the first one, you'll enjoy this one more. But, I did not. Based off of my lukewarm experience with this one, I won't be reading the first one, or the subsequent ones. If you've read book one, or if you're a big cozy mystery fan, I hope you enjoy it.
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,598 reviews88 followers
June 4, 2016
This second book in the series fell a bit flat for me. Much of the charm and fun of the first book seemed to be missing in this one.

The first book's murder investigation felt light-hearted, and there was a lot more of the kooky family shenanigans that kept the mood fun and entertaining. This time around the feel was much more dark throughout the story, and while that isn't necessarily a bad thing in a book, when you are expecting the quirky fun feel, and you don't get it, that becomes a bit of a let-down.

This was much more about the murder and investigating it. Even the aspects of Clyde's family that were included were a bit more "drama-esque" than light-hearted.

This was okay, but not as much fun as the first book. I might read others in this series, but only if I ran out of other cozy mysteries to read first.
Profile Image for Diane ~Firefly~.
2,201 reviews86 followers
August 8, 2015
I like the Fortune family and the small, eccentric town they live in.

What I enjoyed:
* No love triangle. Plus Mac and Clyde are actually communicating with each other.
* Seth and the dogs. Definitely want to learn more about his gift.
* Aunt Vi is good for a laugh.
*


What could be better:
* I didn't really care about the victim or finding the killer.
* Clyde needs to find a job.
*
1,867 reviews8 followers
June 27, 2015
Number 2 was a bit better than the lead book. The obnoxious family members are still a pain but were toned down a bit. Our head character Clytemnestra is no longer a police officer in another town, She inherited a house and land and money so has moved out of the family zoo. She and her boyfriend are getting back together. The new murder is tough on her and the woo woo gang she has for friends but her actions to help solve the crime are not as hap hazard as in the first book. Will give a third one a try.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,256 reviews101 followers
November 11, 2025
Be Careful what you Witch For by Dawn Eastman is the second book in A Family Fortune Mystery series. Celebrating Halloween in Crystal Cove at a wiccan cauldron bonfire ceremony, one of the members is murdered and Clyde and her family are once again involved in the investigation. I loved this book just as much as the first one. The same kooky characters are back and just as funny. Altogether a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Annie.
55 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2015
This is the second book in a series, which I didn't realize until I started it. I assumed that like many similar reads, my lack of first book knowledge wouldn't be a hindrance. Well...it was a bit in that events in the first book are alluded to many times without explanation. I don't feel it took a ton away from the story, but enough to leave me feeling I was missing out on character development and obvious back story.
Profile Image for Dakota.
415 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2014
2.5

it wasnt a bad book per se just not for me. All the things that are suppose to be quirky just annoyed me and I find myself not liking Clyde so much so it took some effort to finish the book. There are positive sides and I did like Seth and Alex but unfortunately this would be my last book in the series
Profile Image for Latisha Bramlett.
362 reviews41 followers
July 5, 2015
I still don't like Aunt Vi and Mac is getting on my nerves. He is treating Clyde like a child. He keeps telling her not to get involved. It's like he completely forgets that she used to be a cop too. I hope he straightens out, or I won't be able to get behind their pairing.
264 reviews2 followers
September 2, 2014
Family fortune mystery #2
I haven't read the first, don't think I will. This book did not impress me at all. Supposed to be magic, psychics, fun family but it all seemed too eccentric to me.
Profile Image for Jenn.
402 reviews36 followers
May 13, 2016
I liked this book better than the first one in the series. Lots of potential here.
Profile Image for Deranged Dreamer.
413 reviews26 followers
April 30, 2016
Its silly fun.
But why cant Clyde talk more to Mac?
Also, she was probably a terrible cop.
Profile Image for Valerie.
348 reviews21 followers
April 9, 2019
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Clyde (Clytemnestra) Fortune has settled into her new life back in her hometown of Crystal Haven, Michigan. Clyde also has her hands full with Seth, her nephew who has unexpectedly returned to stay with her and her wacky family. Now that she is slowly accepting her abilities of the psychic nature things are getting crazier. She also is moving forward with her relationship with her old flame, Detective Mac McKensie.
It’s that time of year for the fall festival, and Clyde’s best friend, Diana, is the witch in charge of the big finale. A bonfire and cauldron and murder. Diana’s old family friend falls dead and her brother is accused of the murder. Clyde and Diana soon realize they will need the help of all the family to get to the bottom of it. There are funny moments with this goofy family. I really enjoy the setting and characters. Very well hammered out, the story moves along at a nice pace, and answers a lot of questions about Clyde’s powers. Lots of Wiccan elements as well as psychics and tarot card readers. Crystal Haven is a tourist destination!
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
882 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2017
When one of the members of the wiccan community falls dead during the fall festival, Clyde (short for Clytemnestra) Fortune and her friends can't help but investigate when her best friend's brother is accused of the crime. Clyde is still trying to fight off the visions and dreams that sometimes come to her, although she's beginning to realize that they may be helpful if she can learn to interpret them correctly. Clyde is also ready for her secret romance with detective Mac McKensie to move forward at a faster pace.

This was another fun and humorous installment in this series set in small town Crystal Haven, Michigan, a tourist destination for those seeking guidance from psychics, tarot card readers and the wiccan community. There are also some serious moments in the book, as well, as Clyde is given some disturbing information from one of the town's oldest citizens, a recluse who has visions of her own.
764 reviews3 followers
January 9, 2020
Clyde Fortune is settling back into her seemingly quiet hometown of Crystal Haven, Michigan, after giving up a traumatic police career. Her bff, Diana, becomes a murder suspect after someone in their coven with a peanut allergy unknowingly eats bread laced with peanut oil and dies during a fall celebration. Another coven member gets attacked and Clyde has to use her psychic and police skills to find out the real criminal and clear Diana.

This was an enjoyable read. The paranormal parts are plausible, the characters well-developed, the writing is clean, and the plot kept me guessing until the end. It’s also a funny book. I enjoyed keeping up with Clyde’s eccentric family, her runaway nephew (who is struggling with burgeoning psychic skills), and her secret romance with the hunky homicide detective. I also enjoyed the relationship between Clyde and Diana. It feels like a real friendship to me.

I will read more in this series.
Profile Image for Lainey.
107 reviews3 followers
July 14, 2017
I like the small town setting and the MC's family unit, however I found this particular book had more than enough characters, the plot seemed to move slow and didn't have me anxious to turn the Next page.
The conclusion with the teens figuring out the mystery seemed far fetched to me.
I will read the next book in the series as this "town of psychics" has much potential.

I do hope the author has Clyde embracing & honing her skills in the next book, and Vi either needs to be exposed as a fake or have a chapter on her really interacting with animals and providing police with break through evidence because I find it very irritating to constantly have Vi stating,"I knew it" AFTER the fact. I would like to read more about Seth's budding animal communication as well, beyond the vague statements in this particular book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews

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