Ophelia P. I.

by T. Lockhaven, Catherine LaCroix, Grace Lockhaven

Travel back in time to 1950s Illinois in Ophelia's cozy, magical, and mysterious debut. Fans of the Eastwind Witches and Dresden Files won't want to miss this book!

Ophelia Windsor's life as a private eye in Cicero is smooth enough. Find a missing wife here, catch an unfaithful, two-bit Johnny there, the usual. It's the perfect cover-up for a witch. That is until John Salazar comes knocking after hours with news of a murder and evidence that the victim was a fellow Immortal. The more Ophelia uncovers, the more she realizes that James O'Connor's death was no accident. It's a race against time to preserve Illinois' best-kept secret.

The Immortals are no longer safe in Cicero.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

238 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2024

About the author

You can blame my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Ownby. I began writing mysteries in middle school, with gripping titles like, The Secret in the Swamp and The Ghost of Hollow Lake—Mr. Ownby, would kindly read them, and then encourage me to keep writing and reading the classics. His words, "Some day I'll be reading your mysteries with the rest of the world," inspired me.

Forty years later, I was able to fulfill my dreams and become a full-time writer. When I began writing, I decided that my books would be a safe-haven from the real world. My children's series, which I write under Thomas Lockhaven, all have strong messages of perseverance, thinking outside the box, friendship and loyalty. I have a daughter, and as I work through my manuscripts, I always try to imagine what I can say to inspire and entertain at the same time.

For my cozy readers, I spent much of my life traveling to small coastal towns in North Carolina and then later in my life to the coastal towns in New England. I've always loved the idiosyncrasies of the locals, and I've always wanted to bring them to life in a book series. My Coffee House Sleuths stories are just that. And just like my children's books, I endeavor to write stories that are clean, with very little violence and no profanity. I do my best to help people disappear from the craziness of life, even if just for a little while.

I currently live in Boston, but my dream is to move to a small coastal town, stare out over the ocean, and to let the words flow. I have an incredible wife who constantly inspires and encourages me, and an amazing daughter who is my most harsh, but loving critic. As I said earlier, my passion is to write and to continually improve and perfect my craft. For those of you who read my books, I humbly thank you. For those of you who have never read my books, I welcome you with open arms.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining fantasy listening 😎👀

This kindle ebook novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account

Ophelia is a PI Detective with special powers and very old. She is friends with detective Jackson from the police department. Someone is killing people of the community group. With friends and detective Jackson help they solve the case. 😏😉

I would recommend this hopefully series and author to readers of fantasy world 🌐 friends relationships adventures mystery novels 🌃🤗 2025 🎉😆

[Michael Dennos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully comfy start to what should prove to be an equally delightful mystery series.

You can tell that this book was well-researched on the period/setting front, as well as the mystery genre front. It has a refreshingly to-the-point pace to it that keeps things moving, but fortunately, that doesn't come at the cost of sacrificing character or overall mood. Not only does this book feel very much of the 50's culture, due to a number of nice details both big and small, the characters also feel well-defined. And the fact that the book is also economical and effective with its storytelling is like the cherry on top. Ophelia herself is already a fun and charming character, and I for one can't wait to see her develop more in further adventures. Both she and the world she inhabits are very interesting, and the world itself feels well thought-out while having plenty of room for expansion -- also of a piece with The Dresden Files, in certain respects, and favorably so.

Ophelia P.I. does exactly what you'd want both a comfy mystery and the start of a new series to do, and I'm looking forward to this series' further enchantments.

[Nere · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ophelia P. I.: A Witch Cozy Mystery: Book 1" es una novela que combina a la perfección el misterio y la fantasía. Ophelia, una bruja con una personalidad encantadora y un don para resolver crímenes, nos invita a sumergirnos en el fascinante mundo de Cicero, una ciudad donde la magia y lo cotidiano se entrelazan.
La trama, centrada en una serie de asesinatos que sacuden a la comunidad inmortal, mantiene al lector al borde del asiento. Los autores logran construir una atmósfera de misterio y suspense, mientras que los personajes, especialmente Ophelia y Max, son carismáticos y memorables. La relación entre Ophelia y Renee, la suma sacerdotisa, añade profundidad a la historia y muestra la importancia de la amistad y la lealtad.
La construcción del mundo de Cicero es uno de los puntos fuertes de la novela. Los autores logran crear una atmósfera mágica y misteriosa, donde la convivencia entre humanos y seres inmortales es una realidad cotidiana. Los detalles sobre las costumbres, las jerarquías y los lugares de Cicero están cuidadosamente elaborados, transportando al lector a un mundo fascinante. La mezcla de elementos urbanos y fantásticos crea un escenario único para la investigación de Ophelia.
Si eres fanático de los misterios con un toque de fantasía, esta novela es una lectura imprescindible. La combinación de elementos urbanos y mágicos, junto con una protagonista encantadora, hacen de "Ophelia P. I." una novela que te mantendrá entretenido de principio a fin.
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"Ophelia P.I.: A Witch Cozy Mystery: Book 1" is a novel that offers a unique blend of mystery and fantasy. Ophelia, a witch with a charming personality and a gift for solving crimes, invites us to immerse ourselves in the fascinating world of Cicero. In this city, magic and everyday life intertwine, creating a world that is both familiar and enchanting.
The plot centred on a series of murders that shake the immortal community and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The authors manage to build an atmosphere of mystery and suspense, while the characters, especially Ophelia and Max, are not just charismatic but also deeply engaging. The relationship between Ophelia and Renee, the high priestess, adds depth to the story and shows the importance of friendship and loyalty, making the world of Cicero even more captivating.
The construction of the world of Cicero is one of the novel's strong points. The authors manage to create a magical and mysterious atmosphere where the coexistence between humans and immortal beings is an everyday reality. The details about Cicero's customs, hierarchies, and places are carefully crafted, transporting the reader into a fascinating world. The mix of urban and fantastical elements creates a unique setting for Ophelia's investigation.
This novel is a must-read if you are a fan of mysteries with a touch of fantasy. The combination of urban and magical elements and a charming protagonist make "Ophelia P.I." a novel that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia P.I. by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix is a beautiful start to a new historical paranormal cozy mystery series.

Will Ophelia figure out who is killing the supernatural creatures in Cicero?

Our detective is Ophelia Windsor, a three-hundred-year-old witch. Our story takes place in the 1950s in Cicero, Illinois. Ophelia is a private detective for hire. The mystery and setting immediately enthralled me, but adding in the paranormal, and I found the perfect trifecta.

The Mystery
One night a man is killed, and he has Ophelia's name in his pocket. Now she is on the case along with her friends at Cicero Police Department.

I love Ophelia. She has such depth of character and a strong work ethic. The thing about this time frame is she has a lot of leg work, but she handles it well. She is like a Samantha Spade. The mystery moves quickly as red herrings are introduced and discarded. None of the murders were alike, which leaves Ophelia wondering how they are connected.

Ophelia has an analytical way of processing the evidence that kept me on my toes. Add in the paranormal aspects of the case, and I was immediately enthralled.

Five Stars
My rating for Ophelia P.I. by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix is five stars. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this mystery. The characters are incredibly well-formed, and the setting is perfect. I loved the way the authors included bits of history. They wrapped the mystery, magic, and history together brilliantly. I highly recommend Ophelia P.I. to all. I hope that the authors decide to write more in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Ophelia P.I. by T. Lockhaven and Catherine LaCroix.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

[NDJackSparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My detective skills have detected a good detective novel!

Ophelia P.I. is an excellent mystery/detective novel set in an urban fantasy Earth where mages and magical beings of all sorts of variety exist, though in secret. A wonderful blend of magic and 1950s noir, you can tell the author went to great effort to both accurately depict the time period and seamlessly blend the magical elements into a Earth-like city.

Great care went towards replicating the technology, social behaviors, and prevailing mindsets of the 50's aesthetic. It was easy to immerse myself in the setting while reading.

In terms of the urban fantasy half of the genre, there are clear and logical explanations for both how and why the various magical races have chosen to live in secret.

I loved the interactions that Ophelia had with the supporting cast--particularly with Officer Jackson.

Though the main mystery of the novel may have been solved, there are some threads of mystery left open that I am excited to see explored in future installments. And even when those questions get answered, there is a world left of cases to solve, and a Private Investigator's work is never done.

Overall, an excellent start to what shall hopefully be a fantastic series.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often that I come across new characters that hook me so much that I can’t wait for a sequel but Ms. Ophelia Windsor has certainly been added to my list!
The idea of combining a Private Eye with a community of immortals has certainly given this genre a new twist and this does not disappoint in any way. At each plot twist and turn the reader meets red herrings and new characters that develop as the story grows. Throughout we learn more and more about Ms. Windsor and her powers as both a PI and a witch - I love the fact that even her name has been very cleverly contrived to hint at her elemental affinity - and the circle established by herself and the High Sorceress Renee, through clever historical insights, powerful character descriptions and clever asides as the case draws to its conclusion.
From the start I was drawn into the world of 1950’s Cicero and hope it won’t be too long before Ophelia, Renee and the begrudging Abara return in a new case.

[Bahar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I did like the story and the characters, throughout the whole book, I felt rushed. The idea is original and exciting - having an immortal network in a small town and having one of its esteemed members be a PI - however this book was more like a second/third book in the series where the writer assumes all the characters were introduced in the first book and focuses solely on the murder. Given this is the first book of a series, I would expect a lot more emphasis on the background of the circle, the main characters and the history. Reading this book was like reading any other murder mystery although there was a great foundational idea that could set it apart from the multiple murder mysteries available.
It was still a pleasant and short read if you are looking for a murder mystery to pass the time.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Leigh Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ophelia PI is the perfect blend of cozy mystery and supernatural. Ophelia is a witch who after three hundred years has settled in 1950s Cicero, Illinois to become a private detective. When the local police ask for her expertise in a strange murder case, she becomes embroiled in an urban case of who-done-it.

I previously read the short stories in this series and I was not disappointed in this novel. The authors flawlessly combine the city setting and characters with elements of magic and magical beings. The only part of the plot that didn't gel for me was there was never an explanation as to why the killer used multiple weapons to kill their victims. I think that Ophelia Windsor is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Cozy Mystery and look forward to more stories from her world.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sindy Castellanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young adult novel that attracts from the first page, thanks to Ophelia, a charismatic, intuitive, brave protagonist whose magic is not limited to enchantments. Following the clues of the murders with her is a real adventure, gradually getting to know the world and the peculiarities of each mythological being that she meets. I definitely want to continue learning more cases from this extraordinary and magical detective.
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Novela juvenil que atrae desde la primera página, gracias Ophelia, una protagonista carismática, intuitiva, valiente y cuya magia no se limita a los encantamientos. Seguir junto a ella las pistas de los asesinatos es una auténtica aventura, al ir conociendo poco a poco el mundo y las peculiaridades de cada ser mitológico que va encontrando. Definitivamente quiero seguir conociendo más casos de esta extraordinaria y mágica detective.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine leads a double life as a detective and a witch, but both require delicacy and discretion. Her latest case required both of these in abundance and her skills are going to be sorely tested.

This is book one of a potential series, so a perfect place to start.

This is a cozy witch mystery story, one of my favorite genres. The story is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is very period yet not quite normal once you peak beneath the surface. The characters are also very well done and provide both mystery and humor for the story. I like our heroine a lot and it was fun watching her pursue the mystery. The plot moves at a good pace throughout and provides plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, a highly enjoyable story and I look forward to visiting our heroine again.

Highly recommended.

[KimMacs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ophelia PI is a paranormal cozy mystery centered around Ophelia Windsor, a witch who also works as a private investigator. This book is filled with different magical beings, witch, druids, sirens, vampires, and more. James is found dead, was it murder or an accident? When someone knocks on her door with the password to her secret circle, Ophelia decides that she needs to investigate James's death and find out if he is a magical being. When there are more murders, she must work quickly before another victim is targeted. I loved the premise of this book and am a fan of a good cozy mystery, but this one fell a little short for me. I didn't feel like we got enough background on the magical beings, Ophelia's history, and all of the suspects she investigated. The mystery was solved way to fast for me and felt very rushed.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia Windsor is a female P.I. in 1959 Cicero Illinois. And if that's not enough she is also a witch.When a normal human comes to see her with the secret password to her immortal circle written on a piece of napkin that was found on a dead man she know's that there is something not right going on in her world. when a second man is killed before she can interview him things go from bad to worse and an urgency goes into her search for the person handing out the secret information and doing the killing.
A quick and easy read with many interesting characters and a well done plot and story.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery story with all the characters that were within. The main character was Ophelia Windsor.

Ophelia Windsor is a private eye and also a witch. She lives in the city of Cicero. One night, a guy shows up with a problem. He wants Ophelia to help uncover the death of an employee whom he worked with. She is not sure that she wants to take his case. But after looking into it more, she decided that it could help the immortals that are living in the city.

This was fun to read and solve the mystery. It had action, adventure, and suspense throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within.

I received a complimentary copy via Hidden Gems. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable mix of historical and paranormal cozy mysteries with a touch of fantasy in the mix. Ophelia Windsor an immortal witch and PI is brought a mysterious clue one evening. Once she reads the note she is both fearful and angry as the safety of the immortals in the town of Cicero is now in jeopardy. What follows is an investigation which to me has a bit of a noir feel into the deaths of three individuals except in this case the dame is the PI. A fun quick read. A very good start to a series, I’d definitely be interested in reading more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanvi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around magical creatures or Immortals, settled in a small town and how they start dying one after the other.

Ophelia is one of the Immortals who acts as a private investigator looking into their deaths.

Her character is portrayed as a strong witch who knows her abilities, but also knows where to draw the line.

I previously read a short story in the series and just as the case with the story, the writing is flawless and the story is quite captivating.

I hope there are other books in the series soon and would definitely recommend this book to all the mystery and paranormal lovers.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ophelia is a witch who's lived a few centuries. She's drawn into a case when an unknown male arrives at her PI door speaking a code series of words. He shows her a note he found in his dead coworker's pocket with her name on it. Now she's on the trail to find who killed the worker and more bodies start to show up. Cicero may not be save for her kind any longer. She needs to uncover the truth and the killer quickly.
Fascinating story that will enthrall the reader!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a strong female sleuth in a mystery with some paranormal activity thrown in then you will love this book. Ophelia is a P.I. but she's also a witch and she takes on a case that involves someone preying on paranormal beings. Can she solve it without putting her circle of friends in jeopardy and before the body count mounts up? I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy cozy mysteries (yeah that's a thing!) this might be just what you're looking for. Not a huge world to be build but the reader also doesn't get bogged down with unnecessary details. Ophelia in her witchy glory is a delightful character and I look forward to reading more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1950s Chicago area - the sights and sounds of a time period I grew up in. The characters are a great mix and the storyline was enjoyable and funny at times. The blend of paranormal into the mystery kept me intrigued and ready for the next shoe to drop. Ophelia and this new world has me hooked and I can not wait for the next book to come out.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emilene LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, it was a nice fast read without feeling too rushed. I would love this to be a series and learn more about the taxi driver and how he becomes more apart of Ophelia's operation. The characters were likable and I loved the little twist at the end.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch PI Ophelia has a message reach her that includes links to her magical circle of protection

is there a supe needing help? a threat to the circle?

dangerous and deadly characters and connections in this twisted whodunnit.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Puisan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! The storyline was interesting and all the characters bring so much colour into this book! Definitely a who-done-it type of murder mystery with a twist! This was also a relatively quick read with only 119 pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is a witch and working as a PI as cover which she really enjoys. Life is good until a murder happen and an immortal is a suspect. Can she find the truth? Will there be more murders? Who is behind it all? Follow her adventures.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping!

A very well build plot, superbly crafted characters, a nice window on the '50 and the perfect dose of magic. I couldn't lift my eyes from the pages as I kept wanting to read what was happening next. Highly recommended!!

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is charming. The use of magic in an almost noir setting is unique and intriguing. I love Renee. She's so cool. I'd love to have a talking mirror. The mystery itself kept me guessing. It reminds me of a Miss Fischer mystery.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the paranormal aspect combined with this time period. It was fun to read. I also enjoyed tagging along with Ophelia as she worked to solve the case. She is a very perceptive investigator. I hope there will be more of her adventures to read!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good start to this series. Fun, packed full of cozy goodness, you just can't put it down. I really enjoyed this story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andrew Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating book. Drew me in quickly and moved along at a good pace. A nice blend of mystery and paranormal.

I received a free copy of this book via Twisted Key Publishing and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great cozy mystery, I was enthralled the entire time. It went by so fast I couldn't believe it. This is a new author for me and now will be on my must read list. Totally worth it. I hope you enjoy it too!

[Jennifer Loschiavo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic quarky funny magical sci fi read. Some great “weird” mysteries are going to come from this series. When this was compared to dresden files they are very on the money. I enjoyed this with my tea and blanket burrito great in between book from my super serious fantasy books