I Want Your Hex

Crescent Moon Mysteries #2

by Tara Lush

A bachelorette party turns deadly in this quirky paranormal cozy mystery!

Innkeeper Amelia Matthews' weekend goes from festive to fatal when a guest is murdered during a haunted swamp walk. With her psychic powers growing stronger and a killer on the loose, Amelia must channel her abilities and tap into the ghostly realm to catch the culprit.

Joined by a spectral new friend, witches with weird talents, and a charming, silver fox historian, Amelia races to solve the case before the killer strikes again. But with suspects around every corner and her own life on the line, will her newfound gifts be enough?

I WANT YOUR HEX is a lightly spooky, laugh-out-loud adventure filled with supernatural thrills, midlife mayhem, and a touch of romance. Perfect for fans of plucky heroines and haunted whodunits. If you loved Scooby Doo and Nancy Drew as a kid, this is the book for you! Grab your flashlight and join Amelia as she faces a baffling mystery in the Florida swamp!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Paranormal Mystery

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 29, 2023

About the author

Tara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable mystery with lots of humor! Relaxing to escape into this paranormal world and enjoy the characters and the cat, Freddy Purrcury! I’m ready for book three now!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it ! Murder , magic, cats, ghosts 💫 I cannot wait to read the next one. 💫🐈🔮

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Want Your Hex

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ When a group of wild bridesmaids descend on Cypress Grove for a spirited October weekend at the Crescent Moon Inn, owner Amelia Matthews comes prepared with champagne, plans for a spooky swamp walk, and a bottomless well of patience.”

Wow! This one was better than the first. I didn’t know who did it until about 3/4 of the way through which I love. The characters are developing so much more in this book and in a good way. The mystery itself was a good one. I would recommend this series to anyone and I cannot wait for the next one.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Want Your Hex
(Crescent Moon Mysteries Book 2)
By
Tara Lush

Thank you @the.book.lush for the opportunity to read the ARC of I Want Your Hex for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Tara Lush introduced us to Amelia and her cat Freddie Purrcury in Eat, Pray, Hex. In I Want Your Hex, Amelia is learning more and more about her “powers.” I love the cozy, paranormal aspect to the series.
There is a lot of humor throughout the story that will have you laughing out loud.
I am enjoying getting to know the main characters better. I am looking forward to learning more about Amelia’s paranormal powers, her friends and her town.
Overall, a fun, cozy paranormal series I highly recommend. I am already wondering where Tara Lush will be taking us next!
*the yummy cookie recipe for Gemma’s Pretzel Surprise Cookies was a great bonus!
#shortbookthyme #taralush #iwantyourhex #crescentmoonmysteries #yournextread #mustreadseries #paranormalwomensfiction #cozymysteryreader #cozymysteryauthor #cozymystery #thebooklush #booksbooksbooks #booksarelife #bookstagram #bookcommunity #bookreviewer #bookstagrammer #ireviewbooks #cozymysteryandtea #cozymysteryandcoffee #reviewersofinstagram #booklover #cozyparanormalseries #readwithme #readingdaily

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swamp tour at night? You would think the gators would be your biggest worry! But when a bachelorette party ends with one of the party goers face down in the mud, Amelia Matthews (paranormally gifted amateur sleuth) recognizes the telltale signs of foul play! With a list of suspects and her inn’s reputation on the line, it’s up to Amelia to use her psychic powers to investigate the crime, collect the clues and catch the killer before it’s too late!

🐾 Adorable Cat named “Freddy Purrcury”
🔮 Psychic Powers
👻 Paranormal Activity
✨ Eccentric & Lovable Characters
🔍 Cozy Mystery
📚 Second in a Series
😹 Hoot & a Half
🐊 Florida

I Want Your Hex is the second installment of The Crescent Moon Mystery Series and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Tara Lush has in store for us next!!

Thank you Tara Lush for the advanced copy!

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Want Your Hex is the second book in the Crescent Moon Mystery series by Tara Lush. I absolutely LOVED the first book Eat, Pray, Hex and couldn't wait to see what Amelia is up to next.

Amelia has a new booking at the Crescent Moon Inn, some spoiled girls in a Bachelorette Party. when things take a deadly turn, Amelia and Oliver are investigating even though the Chief of Police is not happy about it.

The character development is excellent. The mystery kept me guessing. I really love how Amelia is growing into her powers.

There are so many laugh out loud moments that I loved!

This is such a well written cozy paranormal coy mystery that I really loved.

I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Victoria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

love these characters

I enjoyed book 2 as much as I did the first one and recommend it for anyone who’s looking for a fun mystery
The characters are interesting and the relationships between the main characters is slow, almost shy, not interring with the pace of the mystery,
As a woman is a certain age, I had to laugh along with many of the situations the main character found herself in as well as her reactions. I love the use of music and songs from the 80’s, can’t wait to see what’s next.

[Mallory Lovings · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it all in one go. Couldn’t put it done. Delightful.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, running a haunted B&B in Florida was already a lot for Amelia, but now she’s dealing with an entire wedding party—and honestly, I’m not sure which is scarier. In I Want Your Hex, the second book in the Crescent Moon Mysteries, Amelia is back at it, juggling her psychic abilities, a murder investigation, and a group of bridesmaids who might be more terrifying than the actual ghosts. Between the living, the dead, and the barely tolerable, this stay at the Crescent Moon Inn is anything but relaxing.

Tara Lush delivers everything that made Eat, Pray, Hex such a blast—quirky characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a mystery that keeps you hooked. This time around, the chaos is dialed up with a wedding that goes very off-script (murder has a way of doing that), a ghostly sidekick who deserves an award for sheer entertainment value, and Amelia trying so hard to keep her business and sanity intact. The cozy mystery vibes are strong, the supernatural elements are just the right amount of spooky, and let’s be real—this inn sounds like the kind of place I’d absolutely book a stay at, ghosts and all.

I’m giving I Want Your Hex a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars! It’s fast, funny, and full of paranormal shenanigans, making it a must-read if you love witchy cozies with a side of mystery. If I ever find myself in Cypress Grove, I’ll be steering very clear of wedding parties—but I’ll definitely be checking in for the ghosts.

[NerdyWordyReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A fun, comical and enjoyable cozy mystery filled with magic, mystical moments and recipes." - nerdywordyreviews

Amelia is a middle-aged woman taking on new reigns as the life she once knew ended in divorce. Her aunt left her an inn located in a mystical town in Florida. One of beauty, blossoming friendships, magic, and strange paranormal situations. While there, she learns that she, too, has magical powers.
The Inn is finally getting reopened with her first guests, a bachelorette party. They want to do something out of the ordinary, so Amelia has them booked on a ghost walk. That is when situations turn for the worst and a death arises, stirring up emotions, secrets, and paranormal beings. Amelia sets out to find out what happened and why. The answers will be surprising.

I Want Your Hex is book 2 of the Crescent Moon Mystery series and is just as good, if not better, then the first book.
Tara Lush creates loveable characters with comical moments and realistic personalities.
The writing style is simple to follow, and the storyline is relatable. This is a very fun, cozy, and fast read.
Again, as with all of her Crescent Moon books, there is a great recipe at the back to make and enjoy.
I highly recommend this series. Looking forward to reading book 3.

[Lauren Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Want Your Hex by Tara Lush is an absolute witchy delight! If you're into cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist, this book will charm your socks off.

Amelia Matthews is the kind of heroine you instantly root for smart, slightly sarcastic, and discovering that psychic powers and haunted swamps make a surprisingly fun combo. The mystery kicks off during a bachelorette party gone fatally wrong, and from there, it’s a whirlwind of ghosts, spells, quirky witches, and a silver fox historian who might just steal your heart.

The pacing is perfect, just enough suspense to keep you guessing, but balanced with laugh-out-loud moments and a touch of romance that doesn’t overpower the plot. Tara Lush has created a world that’s spooky without being scary, making this a great pick for readers who want all the paranormal vibes without losing sleep.

Bonus points for the Scooby-Doo/Nancy Drew energy. it’s nostalgic in the best way. I couldn’t put it down and can’t wait to see where Amelia’s gifts (and ghostly allies) take her next!

Highly recommend for fans of quirky, feel-good mysteries with a magical twist. 🔮💀🌿

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series! The first book, Eat, Pray, Hex was one of my new favourite series of 2023 and the second book, I Want Your Hex, is even better. Full of Gen X references [we are the best generation!] the author combines a slightly older [and sassier!] sleuth, interesting friends with a fabulous setting of Cypress Grove, Florida.

The mystery has lots of twists and turns and I didn't manage to solve it before Amelia... not an easy feat given how many mysteries I read!

I Want Your Hex is a wonderful addition to this series. As Amelia's powers in pyschometry grows, so does her new life and I can't wait to see what secrets Cypress Grove still has to reveal.

If you like paranormal mysteries don't sleep on this series. Pick it up today! For both the mystery and adorable Freddie... and his "murder mittens"!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Want Your Hex (A Crescent Moon Mystery #2)" by Tara Lush is a great follow up to the first book of this series. It picks up not too long after the first book and is a good fall/Halloween (in Florida) read. You get the paranormal and a spooky Bachelorette party walk (I wont spoil what makes it spooky) through a Florida swamp.

We didn't get quite as much of the paranormal super powers in this one as we did in the first one. However, Amelia is starting to learn how to control all that so it would make sense it wouldn't happen as frequently. In a way it was kinda nice because we got more sleuthing. I had the right suspect in mind but not the right motive. So it was still a bit of a surprise in the end.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book, and I knew I was going to love the second book. I knew this as soon as I read the dedication. I love 80’s music. The title had me singing “I Want Your Hex” over and over.
 
The 80’s vibes in the book were the best. I loved the new ghost friend, Tiffany, that Amelia met. Tiffany helped with those 80’s vibes. I remember having a Sony Dream Machine! The book was funny and gave me some great laughs. It also had me singing some great 80’s tunes in my head thanks to DJ Ghostwave.
 
We cannot forget Oliver! We got to see more of him in this book and it was great to see how the relationship between Amelia and Oliver is developing.
 
Thanks to the author for the copy in exchange for my review. I cannot wait to see what is up next for Amelia.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book from Tara Lush's mystery series that kept me reading till midnight and I loved every bit of it! This was such an easy read and so very engaging. The second book of the Crescent Moon Mysteries Series definitely outdid the first book. I loved how this one was more focused on the mystery and the paranormal aspect of the book was brought in more naturally in the mix.

The writing and characters were amazing as always. I enjoyed getting reacquainted with the paranormal town of Cypress Grove and its people. The addition of new characters and the new dynamics between the old ones had me grinning from ear to ear (*cough* Sage *cough* Jimbo). I can't wait to see what new adventures await Amelia with the addition of a witches' coven in the picture.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Paranormal cozy mystery 

👻 Centered around an interesting bride and bridesmaids. 

🔮 Set in an inn that looks like The Addams family house.

👻 Features a friendly teen ghost from the 80s.

🔮 The mystery was well crafted and fairly tough to solve. 

👻 Loved the scene with the dog walker and the potential werewolf. That had me cackling. 

 🔮 The ending was so sweet, slightly spooky and heartwarming. 

Overall, I loved this story. The setting was cozy yet eclectic and the mystery was fun to work through. This series is a great escape read with all of my favorite elements: slightly spooky, cats and gen x references. Definitely recommend this author and I'm starting the next book tonight.  

[Leslee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and her lovable band of misfits are back for another cozy mystery and I could NOT put this one down. Tara weaves such an enjoyable yet suspenseful mystery that I needed to know more about these bachelorette attendees and their story. They were all so suspicious and kept me guessing! Of course, Freddie Purrcury makes several appearances, which are always delightful. My favorite scene with him in this book is when he plays with Oliver; if you have a cat, you’ll totally relate!! This series reminds me so much of The Ghost Whisperer and I was obsessed with that show. The Crescent Moon Mystery series is hands down the most bingeable series I have ever read. I highly recommend.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another great addition to the Crescent Moon Mysteries series!
Anna Maste narrated the story. She has a real talent for voicing the characters, jumping from one voice to the next without missing a beat.

Amelia Matthews has her first guests at the Inn she inherited from her aunt. The guests are a group of women celebrating a bachelorette party. When one of them ends up dead, Amelia uses her new power to figure out the killer.

This is such a fun series. The author has come up with a creative cast of characters.
I am looking forward to reading more about Amelia and her friends!

[Debbie Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second visit with Amelia and her quirky friends. They make me smile. Amelia's powers continue to evolve, and I still find her "gift" intriguing. The mystery has enough twists, turns, and suspects to engage readers, and the whole ghost in the lake scenario was particularly entertaining. I do hope she returns in future books. This is a great choice for readers looking for an entertaining read with a paranormal twist, fun and quirky characters, and a good mystery. I look forward to the next visit with Amelia and friends.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Matthews welcomes her first guests to the hotel she inherited from her aunt. It’s a bridal party weekend. One of the party winds up dead.
This book was a fun read. I like that Amelia and her friends are in midlife. It gives a different perspective to the story.
Amelia can interact with ghosts and it provides an interesting counterpoint to the events going on amongst the living.
The solution to who killed Megan the bridesmaid comes from Amelia in a reveal scene.
The series is a bit quirky and quite a bit zany but oh so fun to read if you keep your sense of humor.

[Amanda Sassy-pants · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect blend of cozy mystery and paranormal whodunnit. I love the light-hearted coziness of this series. The crew at Cyprus Grove are delightfully odd and quirky- also lovable, loyal, and kind. Everything you need when you’re a 40-something divorcèe who is starting over in a new town, with a new business, and trying to figure your life out. They are so genuine it feels like they’re my friends too.

[Tara Petersen Naccarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am enjoying The Crecent Moon Mysteries by @the.book.lush so much! I just love the setting and the way ghosts play an important role in the story. I also love the town and its residents. They are full of fun and you never know what they will do next. In this book, we also got to meet a dj who plays music for the spirits in the in-between, which I thought was an interesting twist to the undead aspect. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is settling into her new role as an innkeeper and is hosting the ladies from a bridal party for a bachelorette weekend. She joins up with another innkeeper, who is also hosting a bachelorette group, for a haunted swamp walk. During the walk, which has actors along the route, one of Amelia guests is murdered. Amelia must use her skills in psychometry and being able to speak to ghosts to find the killer and to save her reputation.
Another great book in the series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was not at all the direction I thought it was going to go in, but so entertaining. It’s fun to watch Amelia discovering more about her gifts and her strange new hometown. And, as a member of the “feral generation” myself, there was so much of this book that took me back. I’m really loving this current trend giving Gen X all the starring roles. I’m here for it and I can’t wait to read even more.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A guest from the bachelorette party group staying at the inn turns up dead during a haunted swamp tour. Amelia uses her psychic abilities to investigate.

It was fun to hang out with Amelia and her friends. I love the quirky characters in this series. I also enjoyed the Halloween theme. The mystery was interesting, and I did not guess the killer. A recipe was also included at the end. The narrator did a great job!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I enjoyed book one, I have to say that I think I loved book two. It was a great mystery, and I love all the characters. I especially love the quirkiness and the way the town embraces weirdness and weird people. It's a lot of fun to read. I also had some flashbacks to the 80s... I'd forgotten we talked like that. Well, I'm super stoked to get started reading book three, so that's all from me for now, folks.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story

I did say nice. Yes, there is a murder but very little detail about the act so it can be nice. We have 2 different bridal parties as suspects and none of them are someone you will want to hang around with. Unpleasant and deceitful. We learn more about locals including Police Chief Wolf and we meet a teenage ghost, Tiffany who helps with crime solving and loves 80's music!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book with an unusual plot and mystery.

Amazon synopsis:
Innkeeper Amelia Matthews' weekend goes from festive to fatal when a guest is murdered during a haunted swamp walk. With her psychic powers growing stronger and a killer on the loose, Amelia must channel her abilities and tap into the ghostly realm to catch the culprit.

Joined by a spectral new friend, witches with weird talents, and a charming, silver fox historian, Amelia races to solve the case before the killer strikes again. But with suspects around every corner and her own life on the line, will her newfound gifts be enough?

[Erin Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series that I have read and I truly enjoyed them both. It’s nice to read a book with a fmc that is my own age! Amelia is starting the second part of her life running her deceased Aunt’s inn where she discovers she has some witchy powers. In this book she solves the under of part of a bridal party staying at the inn with the help of some of Cypress Grove’s ghosts and crazy cast of characters. It’s a sweet, cozy mystery and is such a palette cleanse for me after reading some more intense novels.