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A Green Witch Mystery #1
Poisoned Leaves: A Green Witch Mystery
Find herself. Find the killer. Stay under the radar. All in time for tea.
Rhianne Alkenn is thrust into the heart of a murder investigation. When her gargoyle employee becomes the prime suspect, the investigation becomes personal.
She’s not very good with relationships or accepting help but a growing set of quirky friends won’t take no for an her cheeky incubus best friend, her wise familiar Toto, a sassy half-gargoyle lawyer and a pathologist who can tell you what she is but would then have to kill you.
As the layers of the investigation unfold, Rhianne must navigate the relationships with her ambitious witch mother, elusive elf father, and a blossoming connection with tech mage Kai.
Oh, and did she mention that her powers are not supposed to exist? Her solve the case, keep her powers hidden, and then return to being a regular halfling. Piece of cake, right?
★★★
If you enjoy books by Helen Harper, Heather G. Harris and K M Shea, then you’ll love this riveting urban fantasy story with a touch of humour and romance.
Rhianne Alkenn is thrust into the heart of a murder investigation. When her gargoyle employee becomes the prime suspect, the investigation becomes personal.
She’s not very good with relationships or accepting help but a growing set of quirky friends won’t take no for an her cheeky incubus best friend, her wise familiar Toto, a sassy half-gargoyle lawyer and a pathologist who can tell you what she is but would then have to kill you.
As the layers of the investigation unfold, Rhianne must navigate the relationships with her ambitious witch mother, elusive elf father, and a blossoming connection with tech mage Kai.
Oh, and did she mention that her powers are not supposed to exist? Her solve the case, keep her powers hidden, and then return to being a regular halfling. Piece of cake, right?
★★★
If you enjoy books by Helen Harper, Heather G. Harris and K M Shea, then you’ll love this riveting urban fantasy story with a touch of humour and romance.
348 pages, ebook
Published October 3, 2023
616 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
P.L. Matthews
9 books35 followersI love crafting stories that blend humour and romance, featuring strong and vibrant characters. Themes of family, friendship, and personal growth are at the heart of my writing. In my stories, I believe in embracing the light because life is too short for darkness.
When the waves are just right—warm and gentle—I fearlessly plunge into the ocean, catching waves like a pro surfer (lots of splashing anyway). Surfing is my sanctuary and my sweet escape.
The piano is my favourite instrument, but my persuasive husband encouraged me to pick up a guitar and learn to strum along (he needed someone to play the chorus). To my surprise, I now rock the guitar, (enthusiasm counts, right?) playing and singing along to my favourite tunes.
So, if you're ready for a spellbinding journey through the realms of urban fantasy and murder mysteries, buckle up and dive into my captivating stories. Prepare to be transported to a world where supernatural beings walk among us and the line between reality and fantasy blurs in the most mesmerising ways.
When the waves are just right—warm and gentle—I fearlessly plunge into the ocean, catching waves like a pro surfer (lots of splashing anyway). Surfing is my sanctuary and my sweet escape.
The piano is my favourite instrument, but my persuasive husband encouraged me to pick up a guitar and learn to strum along (he needed someone to play the chorus). To my surprise, I now rock the guitar, (enthusiasm counts, right?) playing and singing along to my favourite tunes.
So, if you're ready for a spellbinding journey through the realms of urban fantasy and murder mysteries, buckle up and dive into my captivating stories. Prepare to be transported to a world where supernatural beings walk among us and the line between reality and fantasy blurs in the most mesmerising ways.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 3, 2025
This was a fun book. Rhianne, Kai, Nel, Toto, the twins are all such quirky and wonderful characters. The book was a pleasant read, with characters that will be sure to grow on you as you read on. This is definitely around family story who are fiercely loyal to each other due to the traumas of their backgrounds/childhoods (parent abandonment, unrealistic expectations, etc) it earned the 4 stars
September 9, 2024
Brilliant
Omg I love everyone of these characters and can't wait to read more. Mystery humor and magic plus a kick ass female star role
Omg I love everyone of these characters and can't wait to read more. Mystery humor and magic plus a kick ass female star role
September 18, 2025
It's a weird read for me. I haven't quite decided if I'll give up the series over it yet, though. This was a very low-stakes story, and very boring. It feels like I skipped to the end to find out whodunit for all the story actually provided. There aren't any characters that you learn enough about to like yet, but some of them are more mysterious and intriguing. The glimpse into the witch political world is teasing, but inconsistencies/plot holes kind of ruin that. A few of the weird things that bother me:
- The nursery and her green witch skills don't matter past the first chapter. I expected a lot more focus on the plants - either in the investigation, in her display of powers, or just on the nursery she runs..nope.
- The main character is somehow good at everything. The overly perfect character is usually boring and ridiculous to read, and this main character is certainly boring...but none of her various skills matter in the story. Her mysterious magic that promises to be powerful is irrelevant, but likely to come back in a sequel. Her amazing fighting skills being able to best the otherwise undefeatable friend only come in to play to fend off some basic thugs in a two-sentence encounter. She is randomly mentioned as doing bookkeeping for her friends club for literally no reason other than to make the character seem weirdly skilled/smart.
- Related to the first point, she solved the mystery with no clear trigger or buildup, just "I know who did it." This, obviously, is important to the story, but the author doesn't take the reader along on the journey to finding out the culprit. Even once the main character knows, the author purposefully keeps it hidden while the team finds proof and builds the case to support the theory. We only find out when they tell the cops smugly at the end. It's not an exciting end, and it's very annoying to be told everything at the end instead of building the story and interacting with the culprit more.
- Weird relationship pacing. The main character talks frequently about not having friends, despite the author introducing us immediately to her friends. The MC just thinks hopefully of being friends with a lawyer she has met once, who then asks to be her friend. Later, the MC includes another woman she has met once (and bribed) in her friend group despite not knowing anything about her and not interacting with her in anything but a professional context. The dating relationship is the most normal, but there's zero chemistry and they only ever talk about their magical abilities and their parents. I hoped he would be a villain just to make things interesting.
- Very little information on the witch world, zero on the fae/elven, and a decent amount about the gargoyle world which also didn't matter much to the story.
- The nursery and her green witch skills don't matter past the first chapter. I expected a lot more focus on the plants - either in the investigation, in her display of powers, or just on the nursery she runs..nope.
- The main character is somehow good at everything. The overly perfect character is usually boring and ridiculous to read, and this main character is certainly boring...but none of her various skills matter in the story. Her mysterious magic that promises to be powerful is irrelevant, but likely to come back in a sequel. Her amazing fighting skills being able to best the otherwise undefeatable friend only come in to play to fend off some basic thugs in a two-sentence encounter. She is randomly mentioned as doing bookkeeping for her friends club for literally no reason other than to make the character seem weirdly skilled/smart.
- Related to the first point, she solved the mystery with no clear trigger or buildup, just "I know who did it." This, obviously, is important to the story, but the author doesn't take the reader along on the journey to finding out the culprit. Even once the main character knows, the author purposefully keeps it hidden while the team finds proof and builds the case to support the theory. We only find out when they tell the cops smugly at the end. It's not an exciting end, and it's very annoying to be told everything at the end instead of building the story and interacting with the culprit more.
- Weird relationship pacing. The main character talks frequently about not having friends, despite the author introducing us immediately to her friends. The MC just thinks hopefully of being friends with a lawyer she has met once, who then asks to be her friend. Later, the MC includes another woman she has met once (and bribed) in her friend group despite not knowing anything about her and not interacting with her in anything but a professional context. The dating relationship is the most normal, but there's zero chemistry and they only ever talk about their magical abilities and their parents. I hoped he would be a villain just to make things interesting.
- Very little information on the witch world, zero on the fae/elven, and a decent amount about the gargoyle world which also didn't matter much to the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2024
A lovely murder mystery, fantasy and romance!
Rhianne Alkenn is a witch/fae halfling who runs her own lawncare business and tries to stay off of her parents' radar. She has two great gargoyle employees to help her in her business, but also occasionally consults for the police as well. Her knowledge of plants, how they help and how they can harm, makes her extremely knowledgeable. This is how she finds herself part of a murder investigation. Unfortunately, it's not the only reason she finds herself needing to know answers.
The book follows her on her murder mystery, with unexpected twists and turns, as she tries to figure out what trouble in her life is related to that, and what is instead related to those in her life. Her mother is a witch council member, her father is an elusive elf, her best friend/brother figure is a sexy incubus who runs his own club and works in secrets, her gargoyle employees have their own family troubles, her new lawyer friend is a confident and take charge gargoyle halfling, the forensics specialist is a paranormal mystery addicted to sweets, and a fellow consultant is a handsome, nerdy and talented tech mage. She certainly has her hands full!
I love all of her relationships in this. The politician mom dodging is fitting. The funny and intriguing new friends bring a wider look at the world while having fantastic banter. Her guardian/pet Toto is more than meets the eye. Nel the sexy incubus is the usual attention-grabbing character, and while I love him and want more of his story, it's really refreshing that there is ZERO chemistry between him and Rhianne. Kia on the other hand is perfect for her, though I think there will be more revealed about him at some point.
The paranormal being just another part of the world coexisting with humans is interesting, while the fae world is still separate and mostly unknown for now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to find out more as this series progresses! At times the conversations didn't flow as steadily for me, but this is a great start to the series.
Just as an added note, this story takes place in Sydney, so there is some phrasing and spelling that is different from American English, but it didn't detract from the story for me at all.
Rhianne Alkenn is a witch/fae halfling who runs her own lawncare business and tries to stay off of her parents' radar. She has two great gargoyle employees to help her in her business, but also occasionally consults for the police as well. Her knowledge of plants, how they help and how they can harm, makes her extremely knowledgeable. This is how she finds herself part of a murder investigation. Unfortunately, it's not the only reason she finds herself needing to know answers.
The book follows her on her murder mystery, with unexpected twists and turns, as she tries to figure out what trouble in her life is related to that, and what is instead related to those in her life. Her mother is a witch council member, her father is an elusive elf, her best friend/brother figure is a sexy incubus who runs his own club and works in secrets, her gargoyle employees have their own family troubles, her new lawyer friend is a confident and take charge gargoyle halfling, the forensics specialist is a paranormal mystery addicted to sweets, and a fellow consultant is a handsome, nerdy and talented tech mage. She certainly has her hands full!
I love all of her relationships in this. The politician mom dodging is fitting. The funny and intriguing new friends bring a wider look at the world while having fantastic banter. Her guardian/pet Toto is more than meets the eye. Nel the sexy incubus is the usual attention-grabbing character, and while I love him and want more of his story, it's really refreshing that there is ZERO chemistry between him and Rhianne. Kia on the other hand is perfect for her, though I think there will be more revealed about him at some point.
The paranormal being just another part of the world coexisting with humans is interesting, while the fae world is still separate and mostly unknown for now.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to find out more as this series progresses! At times the conversations didn't flow as steadily for me, but this is a great start to the series.
Just as an added note, this story takes place in Sydney, so there is some phrasing and spelling that is different from American English, but it didn't detract from the story for me at all.
May 23, 2025
I was looking for an interesting, quirky, & attention grabbing book to get me back into reading mysteries…
I’m not big on the ‘blood & gore’ types of murder mysteries…nor do I want the types where I can figure out who the bad guy is by page five.
Poisoned Leaves checked all the boxes—
Interesting & attention grabbing description of the story…
Unique characters…
A blend of mystery, the paranormal, with just a touch of romance.
And an plot that kept me engaged to the very end.
Rhianne Alkenn considers herself to be a ‘regular halfling’…as long as no one knows about some of her powers (that shouldn’t exist). She owns & runs her own plant shop…plus every so often is called up to ‘consult’ with the police…usually reading over the reports from the pathologist.
This time…she’s called to the crime scene. Someone was murdered…the poison hard to come-by & even more difficult to ‘brew’…
What happens when one of her gargoyle employees is suspected?
Well..Rhianne decides to investigate…along with the help from her familiar Toto, her best friend (who happens to be an incubus), the tech mage (who was also called in to consult), plus the pathologist.
All the while…dealing with her mother…who wants her to ‘settle’ down…
Want to find out what happens? Besides looking for the killer…Rhianne is also on the hunt for the shifter that seems to be spying on her…plus possibly an elusive assassin??
Five out five stars for this mystery. I’ll be getting the other books in the series…as a ‘treat’—once I’ve read at least two to four books from my massive to-be read list…I’ll treat myself to the next installment of the Green Witch Mysteries.
I’m not big on the ‘blood & gore’ types of murder mysteries…nor do I want the types where I can figure out who the bad guy is by page five.
Poisoned Leaves checked all the boxes—
Interesting & attention grabbing description of the story…
Unique characters…
A blend of mystery, the paranormal, with just a touch of romance.
And an plot that kept me engaged to the very end.
Rhianne Alkenn considers herself to be a ‘regular halfling’…as long as no one knows about some of her powers (that shouldn’t exist). She owns & runs her own plant shop…plus every so often is called up to ‘consult’ with the police…usually reading over the reports from the pathologist.
This time…she’s called to the crime scene. Someone was murdered…the poison hard to come-by & even more difficult to ‘brew’…
What happens when one of her gargoyle employees is suspected?
Well..Rhianne decides to investigate…along with the help from her familiar Toto, her best friend (who happens to be an incubus), the tech mage (who was also called in to consult), plus the pathologist.
All the while…dealing with her mother…who wants her to ‘settle’ down…
Want to find out what happens? Besides looking for the killer…Rhianne is also on the hunt for the shifter that seems to be spying on her…plus possibly an elusive assassin??
Five out five stars for this mystery. I’ll be getting the other books in the series…as a ‘treat’—once I’ve read at least two to four books from my massive to-be read list…I’ll treat myself to the next installment of the Green Witch Mysteries.
December 20, 2024
I'm trying really hard to like this and it's falling flat. Mainly because of Kai. Hear me out, it's absolutely not because he's a nice guy. I really hate how many legitimately abusive and cruel behaviors populate romance and sci-fi M/F books thinly disguised as 'romantic' actions. It's refreshing to see a male lead who isn't like this at all.
The story is flat at least in the romance department because there is no tension, no plot, no rising and falling action. They just meet and like each other, plan to go out, have a good time, etc. This is exactly how I'd like a date to go in real life, but it's excruciatingly dull to read about in a story. Nothing happens at all! They have no problems! I have more excitement getting coffee with my grandmother than reading about their romance plot. At 30 percent in I'm tempted to give up.
The rest of the book is quite good and it's the only reason I'm still reading at this point. I love how the FMC interacts with her best friend and her employees and her attitude is a breath of fresh air, it's great to find a female lead who isn't a pushover or constantly pining after a man. Not sure what happened with the MMC, it's like this otherwise talented author just isn't sure what readers want here (or maybe other readers really like this dynamic and it's just me, idk.)
The story is flat at least in the romance department because there is no tension, no plot, no rising and falling action. They just meet and like each other, plan to go out, have a good time, etc. This is exactly how I'd like a date to go in real life, but it's excruciatingly dull to read about in a story. Nothing happens at all! They have no problems! I have more excitement getting coffee with my grandmother than reading about their romance plot. At 30 percent in I'm tempted to give up.
The rest of the book is quite good and it's the only reason I'm still reading at this point. I love how the FMC interacts with her best friend and her employees and her attitude is a breath of fresh air, it's great to find a female lead who isn't a pushover or constantly pining after a man. Not sure what happened with the MMC, it's like this otherwise talented author just isn't sure what readers want here (or maybe other readers really like this dynamic and it's just me, idk.)
April 20, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
I liked the MC.
I liked the love interest.
I liked the supporting characters.
I enjoyed the plot.
I liked the world.
I'd really like the author to return to these characters.
I read book one and then read the other books in the series back to back. The rating is for the entire series.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
I liked the MC.
I liked the love interest.
I liked the supporting characters.
I enjoyed the plot.
I liked the world.
I'd really like the author to return to these characters.
I read book one and then read the other books in the series back to back. The rating is for the entire series.
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
June 8, 2025
Rianne
New to this author, this is a supernatural mystery series set in Australia (but you don't see the accent on the pages) Rianne is part green witch with druid on her mother's side and Elf on her father's ( but she keeps elf side a secret from most) plus she is scared of her druid side but being close to witch magic she is unsure if it's used in her witch magic ( probably that's why she is powerful) her mum is high up and cold.her father is a no show. But from age 6 toto showed up a elf dog who can shift animal (we don't know yet but I'm thinking a gift from dad like a guardian or familiar) that mystery don't get figured out this book (but it's what will keep me reading) this
There is a love interest that's simple no push and pull or just sex all the time (kid friendly) with Kia so not the lead Detective as most books do (he's a mage and Tec support but not police)
Carl and Alice works for her (gargoyles) and are her friend's friendship grows in this book and she makes friends with two more making a Scooby gang, plus Nell is her best friend (think big brother but not blood) he is incubus.
You learn a lot in this book along with two mysteries gets solved a murder and stalker.But there is someone else in the shadows. Plus this book do end nicely but a cliff hanger do show up that makes you want to rush to next book.
Worth reading
New to this author, this is a supernatural mystery series set in Australia (but you don't see the accent on the pages) Rianne is part green witch with druid on her mother's side and Elf on her father's ( but she keeps elf side a secret from most) plus she is scared of her druid side but being close to witch magic she is unsure if it's used in her witch magic ( probably that's why she is powerful) her mum is high up and cold.her father is a no show. But from age 6 toto showed up a elf dog who can shift animal (we don't know yet but I'm thinking a gift from dad like a guardian or familiar) that mystery don't get figured out this book (but it's what will keep me reading) this
There is a love interest that's simple no push and pull or just sex all the time (kid friendly) with Kia so not the lead Detective as most books do (he's a mage and Tec support but not police)
Carl and Alice works for her (gargoyles) and are her friend's friendship grows in this book and she makes friends with two more making a Scooby gang, plus Nell is her best friend (think big brother but not blood) he is incubus.
You learn a lot in this book along with two mysteries gets solved a murder and stalker.But there is someone else in the shadows. Plus this book do end nicely but a cliff hanger do show up that makes you want to rush to next book.
Worth reading
July 16, 2025
Good start but needed more back story
I really enjoyed the characters and the world in Poisoned Leaves. The atmosphere and friendships were strong points, and I appreciated the magical tone throughout. Rhianne is an interesting protagonist, and there’s a lot of promise in her journey.
That said, I did feel like I’d missed a prequel. There wasn’t quite enough backstory about her family, her magic, or even how her dog Toto fits into the picture. It left me wanting more context to fully invest in her story.
Some of the plot developments didn’t quite convince me—particularly the investigation, which seemed to happen without strong motivation, and the police hostility, which felt a bit over-the-top. These elements pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, though, the charm of the setting and the warmth of the relationships kept me engaged. I’d definitely be interested in reading more from this world, especially if we get a deeper dive into Rhianne’s background and magical life.
I really enjoyed the characters and the world in Poisoned Leaves. The atmosphere and friendships were strong points, and I appreciated the magical tone throughout. Rhianne is an interesting protagonist, and there’s a lot of promise in her journey.
That said, I did feel like I’d missed a prequel. There wasn’t quite enough backstory about her family, her magic, or even how her dog Toto fits into the picture. It left me wanting more context to fully invest in her story.
Some of the plot developments didn’t quite convince me—particularly the investigation, which seemed to happen without strong motivation, and the police hostility, which felt a bit over-the-top. These elements pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, though, the charm of the setting and the warmth of the relationships kept me engaged. I’d definitely be interested in reading more from this world, especially if we get a deeper dive into Rhianne’s background and magical life.
December 10, 2023
Murder mystery meets fantasy meets romance... what more could you ask for in a book?
I have one question, though: when is number 2 coming out, and how do I get my hands on it?!
I love the concept of mythical beings living among us, doing everyday jobs, and living everyday lives, but having these abilities they can tap into to make them excellent at what they do.
I love the FMC and her surrounding family that she has made for herself. The little hints of their stories, which makes you want books for each of them.
I loved the romantic lead, nerdy and cute, and living by the rules, in contrast to the protective, sexy, big brother who skirts the edge of the law. You just want to hug them both.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to where the series goes. An easy 5 star to give.
I have one question, though: when is number 2 coming out, and how do I get my hands on it?!
I love the concept of mythical beings living among us, doing everyday jobs, and living everyday lives, but having these abilities they can tap into to make them excellent at what they do.
I love the FMC and her surrounding family that she has made for herself. The little hints of their stories, which makes you want books for each of them.
I loved the romantic lead, nerdy and cute, and living by the rules, in contrast to the protective, sexy, big brother who skirts the edge of the law. You just want to hug them both.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I look forward to where the series goes. An easy 5 star to give.
June 28, 2024
Rhianne’s life is pretty great, she has a the very best friend a girl can have, he loves buying her clothes—I mean come on. She has loyal employees and a little gig on the side that lets her play Sherlock Holmes every now and then. She’s relatable, too, has family problems and not as confident as some of us pretend to be.
It was nice to read an urban fantasy without all the violence, because there doesn’t need to be blood and sex to make it a good UF. And this proved it. If you want a Sherlock Holmes kind of feel, with some sweet romance and super supportive friends this book is perfect. She’s smart , fun and can beat her bestie on the mat at the gym. I’m about to read the second one tonight. Yay!
It was nice to read an urban fantasy without all the violence, because there doesn’t need to be blood and sex to make it a good UF. And this proved it. If you want a Sherlock Holmes kind of feel, with some sweet romance and super supportive friends this book is perfect. She’s smart , fun and can beat her bestie on the mat at the gym. I’m about to read the second one tonight. Yay!
November 23, 2024
Vraiment très sympa ce premier tome : à mi-chemin entre l’urban et le cosy mystery, on suit avec plaisir les aventures de notre héroïne Rhianne.
Hybride de plusieurs espèces, elle possède une pépinière reconnue et exerce également comme consultante auprès de la police. Rafraîchissante et spontanée, elle est entourée d’un chien qui n’en est pas vraiment un, de deux employés-amis gargouille , d’un grand frère de cœur succube ainsi que d’un petit ami Tech-magie.
Cette joyeuse troupe est embarquée sur une enquête d’un meurtre qui va leur donner du fil à retordre, mais surtout nous apprendre à les connaître. C’est léger, l’intrigue est assez prenante et les dialogues sont pétillants.
Une lecture détente très agréable.
Hybride de plusieurs espèces, elle possède une pépinière reconnue et exerce également comme consultante auprès de la police. Rafraîchissante et spontanée, elle est entourée d’un chien qui n’en est pas vraiment un, de deux employés-amis gargouille , d’un grand frère de cœur succube ainsi que d’un petit ami Tech-magie.
Cette joyeuse troupe est embarquée sur une enquête d’un meurtre qui va leur donner du fil à retordre, mais surtout nous apprendre à les connaître. C’est léger, l’intrigue est assez prenante et les dialogues sont pétillants.
Une lecture détente très agréable.
November 25, 2025
A new author for me and I was quite happy with the introduction into a new series. The fmc was strong and had just enough sassiness and personal issues to be interesting without a bunch of TSTL angst. I enjoyed all of the secondary characters from the "big brother" incubus to the newly discovered friends in a lawyer and a pathologist. A little bit of unbelief that Rhi didn't have other friends as easily as she connected to those two, but the story presented it that way. Her co-workers were also friends - which seemed to surprise her. Her love interest was (thankfully) not a police detective and was quite sweet and had some powers and defensive abilities too. Overall, enjoyable and set up for some future interesting developments. I look forward to book 2.
April 12, 2024
Ignore the cover!
I almost didn’t read this due to the cover! This is an excellent urban fantasy mystery novel. I highly recommend it. No spoilers here but I didn’t figure out who did it, and after the reveal, I realized that all the clue were there, I just missed them. I very much appreciated the fact that it wasn’t a mystery where, only the MC had the clues, they were there, I just didn’t pick up on them. Well played Ms Matthew’s, very well played.
I almost didn’t read this due to the cover! This is an excellent urban fantasy mystery novel. I highly recommend it. No spoilers here but I didn’t figure out who did it, and after the reveal, I realized that all the clue were there, I just missed them. I very much appreciated the fact that it wasn’t a mystery where, only the MC had the clues, they were there, I just didn’t pick up on them. Well played Ms Matthew’s, very well played.
April 22, 2024
Poison Leaves is a story that will leave you obsessed.
P.L. Matthews gives us an amazing fantasy - murder mystery story with characters that leave a lasting impression on your soul.
The author 100% has a way of writing a story that flows nicely, the characters have a huge impact on the storyline, and everything falls into place, leaving you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
P.L. Matthews gives us an amazing fantasy - murder mystery story with characters that leave a lasting impression on your soul.
The author 100% has a way of writing a story that flows nicely, the characters have a huge impact on the storyline, and everything falls into place, leaving you wanting more.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 25, 2024
Good stuff!!
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author! A good mystery and a bit of adventure. Nice to see a more realistic portrayal of the police… as real people, so better than others.
The main character is really likable! Same with her best friend and her new boyfriend, fun likable characters. Plus Toto!! Everyone should have a little white fluffy dog with an attitude!!!
I really enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to reading more by the author! A good mystery and a bit of adventure. Nice to see a more realistic portrayal of the police… as real people, so better than others.
The main character is really likable! Same with her best friend and her new boyfriend, fun likable characters. Plus Toto!! Everyone should have a little white fluffy dog with an attitude!!!
April 29, 2025
Do not let this crime of a book cover keep you from enjoying this story. Lacking depth of any kind but a delightful ride nonetheless.
This book could have benefitted tremendously by replacing unnecessary shopping expeditions with some light world building. Pretty much any understanding of the magic system at play here would have been greatly appreciated. Otherwise, the characters and dialogue are a joy. I have read many more polished books that have had much less going for them than this one
This book could have benefitted tremendously by replacing unnecessary shopping expeditions with some light world building. Pretty much any understanding of the magic system at play here would have been greatly appreciated. Otherwise, the characters and dialogue are a joy. I have read many more polished books that have had much less going for them than this one
August 16, 2025
3.5*
Enjoyable read.
After the first few pages I was excited. I’d finally found the book I’d been looking for. Everything about it screamed yes and I settled down to enjoy.
But…
While I did enjoy this book it didn’t live up to my expectations. Maybe they were too high, I’m not sure. But it all seemed a bit too twee. I liked Kai but there’s no drama at all. Everything is so smooth but I’m moving onto the next one now so fingers crossed 🤞🏻
Enjoyable read.
After the first few pages I was excited. I’d finally found the book I’d been looking for. Everything about it screamed yes and I settled down to enjoy.
But…
While I did enjoy this book it didn’t live up to my expectations. Maybe they were too high, I’m not sure. But it all seemed a bit too twee. I liked Kai but there’s no drama at all. Everything is so smooth but I’m moving onto the next one now so fingers crossed 🤞🏻
March 12, 2024
Wow, if this is just the start of the series, what did I get myself into?! Whatever it is, I am so glad I started reading this book. Just wild. The author's imagination is without parallel. Things happening that I hadn't even imagined in my mind. I am totally one hundred percent hooked on this series. This book was a complete pleasure to read. Many thanks to the author for that!
July 19, 2024
This was a fun book...the plot was a bit thin but when the book itself is chock full of characters that can be easily forgiven. Instead of asking 'whats up' the question here is 'what supe?' as in what kind of supe are you and there are plenty in this book. Gargoyles, shifters,witches,incubus etc but all portrayed as 'normal ' within their setting and it works Completely enjoyable!!
December 17, 2024
Poisoned Leaves (for when you’re ready for a nap)
A very long winded read. Not a great read for this reader due to too much information overload.
Characters, for the most part, are good. Toto and Carl are my favorite paranormals.
But what about Isobel Dupre? She’s the only reason I’m contemplating reading the next book. It sure isn’t for the main character who bores me.
A very long winded read. Not a great read for this reader due to too much information overload.
Characters, for the most part, are good. Toto and Carl are my favorite paranormals.
But what about Isobel Dupre? She’s the only reason I’m contemplating reading the next book. It sure isn’t for the main character who bores me.
April 5, 2025
This book is amazing!! I love Rhianne and the gang. This series has so much potential that I’m looking forward to it. If you’re a fan of witches, elves, face and other paranormal characters this is a series for you. This book is filled with intrigue, action, romance and some family drama. It’s a must read!!!!!
July 19, 2024
fun!
Entertaining and interesting characters that I want to read more about. Beginning of new relationships, new mystery solving, a new business. This book is a great storyline that is the perfect setup for more. Happy to havea new series to explore.
Entertaining and interesting characters that I want to read more about. Beginning of new relationships, new mystery solving, a new business. This book is a great storyline that is the perfect setup for more. Happy to havea new series to explore.
August 24, 2024
Loved it!
I’ve been in a reading slump lately and this book dragged me out. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
I’ve been in a reading slump lately and this book dragged me out. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
September 7, 2024
it was okay
The story was okay, but it really was just a detective story. There really hardly anything paranormal about it (apart from saying that all these characters were different types of ‘supes’,).
The story was okay, but it really was just a detective story. There really hardly anything paranormal about it (apart from saying that all these characters were different types of ‘supes’,).
September 25, 2024
Poison leaves by p L Matthews
This is one of the best books l have read in a long time and I read a lot of books. It is a story that, to me, has it all . mystery, romance, wonderful characters that makes your mind soar.
This is one of the best books l have read in a long time and I read a lot of books. It is a story that, to me, has it all . mystery, romance, wonderful characters that makes your mind soar.
December 19, 2024
Enjoyed this - seems like the whole gang is a bit magic-intense, but eh. For someone who hasn't had a lot of friends, she makes them quick enough - obviously necessary for a found family cast of characters. Minor quibbles, book moved along well.
September 24, 2025
great read
This is my second reading of this series which is high praise from me. It has everything I like: likable, competent protagonist and love interest, fun supporting characters, challenging mysteries, and intriguing plot twists with each new book.
This is my second reading of this series which is high praise from me. It has everything I like: likable, competent protagonist and love interest, fun supporting characters, challenging mysteries, and intriguing plot twists with each new book.
December 24, 2025
I didn't expect laughs, smirks and giggles in every other sentence, I didn't also expect unfinished conversations, skipping from topic to topic, plot holes and sloppy editing. The beginning was interesting, the overall plot was ok but in the end it was a big disappointment.
June 29, 2024
Great cast of characters. I think the author pulled off a good switch and certainly kept me entertained.
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