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Witch City Mystery #14
Death Scene
It takes a lot for Salem locals to get excited about their historic Massachusetts town being known as “the witch city.” But when a major studio arrives to shoot a witchcraft-themed movie, folks go Hollywood. For WICH-TV’S program director and chief documentary-maker, Lee Barrett, however, the project may come complete with a real-life death scene . . .
Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .
When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act . . .
Between documenting the progress of the movie, corralling starstruck autograph seekers and fans, and managing unmanageable traffic on Salem’s narrow streets, Lee and her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, are beyond busy. Even Lee’s best friend, River North, tarot card reader and practicing witch, gets in on the action, landing a job as a stand-in and body double. But it only takes one interview for Lee to realize that the male and female leads—whose roles include torrid love scenes—despise each other. Yet the problem is short-lived, literally . . .
When the gorgeous lead actress is found dead on a set staged to replicate the room where suspected witches were tried in 1692—and her on-screen lover, in full costume, is discovered sound asleep in her trailer—the hunt is on for a killer on the loose. Nevertheless, the producer decrees “the show must go on!” Now, even with help from River, Lee’s Aunt Ibby, and O’Ryan, a remarkably clairvoyant gentleman cat, sorting out a witch’s brew of secrets, sorcery, and special effects might turn Lee’s documentary into her own final act . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 20, 2024
64 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Carol J. Perry
36 books782 followersCarol J. Perry is the author of the Witch City Mystery series and the Haunted Haven series, both from Kensington Publishers. The Witch City stories take place in the magical city of Salem, Massachusetts--the "Witch City." Carol was actually born in Salem (on Halloween eve!) and knows the city well. The Haunted Haven books take place in Carol's adopted home state of Florida. As an experienced travel writer for magazines and newspapers, Carol knows her way around the Sunshine State too. The Salem books are based of course on a real city but Haven, Florida is made up of bits and pieces of some of the Sunshine State's charming older towns--bypassed by the theme parks. Readers of the Witch City books have come to know O'Ryan, a most remarkable cat. The new series introduces Finn, a lovable Golden Retriever.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 23, 2024
I said the last book from this series would be the last one I read but I changed my mind and I'm so glad I did. This book is so much better than the last book! In this book there is a big film production at to Salem and disrupting Lee's and everyone at Salem's lives. The film production is everything everyone can talk about and there are lots of rumors about the diva who is the film's star. When she winds up dead Lee and Pete (who isn't insufferable in this book) team up and actually get some investigating done quickly to figure out who killed her.
I cannot stress enough how the attitude change from Pete made this book so much better. It could also be that he wasn't in the book as much, I'm a certified Pete hater so that might have done it for me. I really like Lee and most of the cast of characters so it was really nice revisiting Salem and the WICH-TV crew. I thought the mystery was very easy to solve so I deducted one star but I still had a good time finding out how the characters get there. Last, I would recommend reading the previous books since there is very little background in this one, but I'm sure you can just pick it up without knowing the lore and enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies, and Carol J. Perry for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. All opinions are my own.
I cannot stress enough how the attitude change from Pete made this book so much better. It could also be that he wasn't in the book as much, I'm a certified Pete hater so that might have done it for me. I really like Lee and most of the cast of characters so it was really nice revisiting Salem and the WICH-TV crew. I thought the mystery was very easy to solve so I deducted one star but I still had a good time finding out how the characters get there. Last, I would recommend reading the previous books since there is very little background in this one, but I'm sure you can just pick it up without knowing the lore and enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies, and Carol J. Perry for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2024
I’ve read the entire series and even though I have a few annoyances, I’ve continued to read them. The part about the bear was very confusing to me, but otherwise it was nice to be back in Salem.
September 7, 2024
3.5 stars
* Love when Lee gets a chance to do field reporting. Her ongoing competition with Scott for stories is fun.
* Perry continues to find ways to showcase Salem in an engaging way.
* I appreciate that Lee actually does her job instead of finding ways to avoid work to go sleuthing.
* The actual mystery and clues move kind of slowly/bog down a bit.
* Love the animals
* I don’t buy that Pete would bumble around
* The “mystery” and reveal are disappointingly obvious
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
* Love when Lee gets a chance to do field reporting. Her ongoing competition with Scott for stories is fun.
* Perry continues to find ways to showcase Salem in an engaging way.
* I appreciate that Lee actually does her job instead of finding ways to avoid work to go sleuthing.
* The actual mystery and clues move kind of slowly/bog down a bit.
* Love the animals
* I don’t buy that Pete would bumble around
* The “mystery” and reveal are disappointingly obvious
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2025
I really enjoy this series and 14 books in, it's still going strong. Lee is documenting the making of a movie based on the Salem witch trials when the star of the film is found dead, poisoned to death. The mystery is good, but the real enjoyment from this series comes from the fun Salem location and the wonderful characters.
October 2, 2024
Was it just last year I picked up my first Witch City Mystery and enjoyed following along as Lee, her Aunt Ibby, her psychic cat O’Ryan, her bestie, and her detective hubby solved a supernatural crime on All Hallow’s Eve in Salem? I had such a good time that I was delighted to keep going with the next installment in Carol J Perry’s engaging cozy mystery series.
Death Scene is the fourteenth in a series of standalone paranormal cozies set in the bewitching old New England town of Salem. While I likely would have gotten more out of Death Scene if I had read the series sequentially, Carol J Perry writes in such a way that readers can pick up any book in the series and do alright jumping in wherever.
I was glad the time period was back in the fall during spooky season. This time Salem is hosting a movie crew filming on site in the building where the Salem Witch Trials took place. Lee has to put back on her journalist had and step into the interviews and getting the spilt tea on the actors, crew, and all that’s going on. The whole town is in a fervor about it and even her best friend, River has a bit role.
Not long on the set and Lee realizes the romance leads despise each other and there is a whole lot of dangerous undercurrents here. Then the leading lady gets bumped off on the set. There are so many people who have a motive and then there is the sabotaging of the film that Lee is determined to help her detective husband, Pete get to the bottom of it all.
O’Ryan remains my favorite character with his uncanny abilities and Ibby and her older gal pal friends are scene stealers, too. The setting of Salem and the spotlight on the Witch Trials was a real shining bit especially in the fall season and mysteries related to the movie set on location. Lee and Pete are a good partnering and I appreciated the low drama related to her amateur detecting at his professional side. She’s smart and doesn’t horde what she knows. The paranormal element is low key, but a fun addition. The pacing is steady and swift in places unlike many cozies, but I appreciated this as this could have slogged down with all the movie staff and locals who were in the circle of suspects and witnesses. Sadly, I missed being right about the culprit because I changed my mind.
All in all, this was a fabulous fall light spooky read to get me charged up for the season. I appreciated my second encounter with the Witch City Mystery series as much as the first and now would like to go back for the earlier mysteries. Paranormal cozy fans need to nudge this one onto the fall reading stack.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Review 9.25.24
Death Scene is the fourteenth in a series of standalone paranormal cozies set in the bewitching old New England town of Salem. While I likely would have gotten more out of Death Scene if I had read the series sequentially, Carol J Perry writes in such a way that readers can pick up any book in the series and do alright jumping in wherever.
I was glad the time period was back in the fall during spooky season. This time Salem is hosting a movie crew filming on site in the building where the Salem Witch Trials took place. Lee has to put back on her journalist had and step into the interviews and getting the spilt tea on the actors, crew, and all that’s going on. The whole town is in a fervor about it and even her best friend, River has a bit role.
Not long on the set and Lee realizes the romance leads despise each other and there is a whole lot of dangerous undercurrents here. Then the leading lady gets bumped off on the set. There are so many people who have a motive and then there is the sabotaging of the film that Lee is determined to help her detective husband, Pete get to the bottom of it all.
O’Ryan remains my favorite character with his uncanny abilities and Ibby and her older gal pal friends are scene stealers, too. The setting of Salem and the spotlight on the Witch Trials was a real shining bit especially in the fall season and mysteries related to the movie set on location. Lee and Pete are a good partnering and I appreciated the low drama related to her amateur detecting at his professional side. She’s smart and doesn’t horde what she knows. The paranormal element is low key, but a fun addition. The pacing is steady and swift in places unlike many cozies, but I appreciated this as this could have slogged down with all the movie staff and locals who were in the circle of suspects and witnesses. Sadly, I missed being right about the culprit because I changed my mind.
All in all, this was a fabulous fall light spooky read to get me charged up for the season. I appreciated my second encounter with the Witch City Mystery series as much as the first and now would like to go back for the earlier mysteries. Paranormal cozy fans need to nudge this one onto the fall reading stack.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Caffeinated Review 9.25.24
August 23, 2024
Great read! I need the next book now please!!!!
August 31, 2024
I don’t usually jump into a long-running series midstream, but that’s exactly what I did with Death Scene, the 14th book in the Witch City Mystery series, set in Salem, Massachusetts. So that may be the reason for my lukewarm reaction to this book. I do love a good cozy mystery, especially one with some gentle paranormal vibes, but this one was just okay for me. The author did provide some backstory at the beginning of the book so I didn’t feel lost, not having read the other books in the series.
Lee Barrett works on the local TV station in Salem. She wears many hats there: program director, field reporter, etc. So, okay, here’s something right off the bat that I just had to suspend my disbelief for - Salem is a suburb of Boston and definitely wouldn’t have its own TV station, except maybe a public access channel. Anyway … a movie is being shot in town, one that combines the famous Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century and a contemporary aspect. When an actress is murdered, Lee puts on her sleuthing hat, trying to assist her policeman husband, Pete, in the investigation.
From perusing the blurbs for previous books in the series, I expected more of a paranormal focus, from Lee’s scrying talent to her supposedly clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan. There really wasn’t much of either in this story. I did enjoy her friend River, who did some tarot card interpretations.
As is sometimes the case with cozy mysteries, there are a few nice-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Lee Barrett works on the local TV station in Salem. She wears many hats there: program director, field reporter, etc. So, okay, here’s something right off the bat that I just had to suspend my disbelief for - Salem is a suburb of Boston and definitely wouldn’t have its own TV station, except maybe a public access channel. Anyway … a movie is being shot in town, one that combines the famous Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century and a contemporary aspect. When an actress is murdered, Lee puts on her sleuthing hat, trying to assist her policeman husband, Pete, in the investigation.
From perusing the blurbs for previous books in the series, I expected more of a paranormal focus, from Lee’s scrying talent to her supposedly clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan. There really wasn’t much of either in this story. I did enjoy her friend River, who did some tarot card interpretations.
As is sometimes the case with cozy mysteries, there are a few nice-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2024
I liked this one a lot. Good mystery and I had no idea who the murderer was. And I liked all the personal movements that we are shown at the end of the book. I don’t like the audio books for this series, I prefer reading them much more.
July 3, 2024
Salem, Massachusetts has gone a bit Hollywood crazy! The final scenes of a new movie is being filmed in the city and it is a hot topic of discussion. When a body is discovered local WICH-TV reporter Lee Barrett finds herself investigating alongside her police detective husband, Pete Mondello, while also trying to do her day job successfully.
Lee soon realises the newly deceased wasn't universally loved, meaning there will be various colleagues who could easily become main suspects. As she works with Pete to solve the case it becomes clear that the studio itself is also in danger and, as she gets closer to identifying the killer, so is she!
Death Scene is the 14th book in the Witch City Mystery Series but the first I have read. This was absolutely no problem, there was a recap in the first chapter describing the main protagonists and some of their past exploits as well as giving details about the city itself. I loved this novel and am delighted there are so many stories for me to catch up on. I will also definitely be on the lookout for book 15.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great read and I highly recommend it.
Lee soon realises the newly deceased wasn't universally loved, meaning there will be various colleagues who could easily become main suspects. As she works with Pete to solve the case it becomes clear that the studio itself is also in danger and, as she gets closer to identifying the killer, so is she!
Death Scene is the 14th book in the Witch City Mystery Series but the first I have read. This was absolutely no problem, there was a recap in the first chapter describing the main protagonists and some of their past exploits as well as giving details about the city itself. I loved this novel and am delighted there are so many stories for me to catch up on. I will also definitely be on the lookout for book 15.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great read and I highly recommend it.
April 28, 2024
#DeathScene #NetGalley featuring Lee Barrett Mondello is a great story to keep you guessing.
Lee lives in Salem, MA and works for a television show, wearing many hats and filling in where she's needed.
She also has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations, much to the chagrin of her detective husband, Pete.
This story is very interesting, with many details about witches, and the ending left me amazed!! I'm not sure if this series will continue or not, but I am hoping to see it continue for at least another book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book .
Lee lives in Salem, MA and works for a television show, wearing many hats and filling in where she's needed.
She also has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations, much to the chagrin of her detective husband, Pete.
This story is very interesting, with many details about witches, and the ending left me amazed!! I'm not sure if this series will continue or not, but I am hoping to see it continue for at least another book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book .
May 20, 2025
4.25 stars
I first discovered the Witch City mystery series from a Halloween-themed novella. I really enjoyed it and Death Scene was the second full-length book from the series that I've read. The series is set in present-day Salem, Massachusetts. The main character, Lee Barrett, works in a variety of roles including program manager and occasional on-air personality for the local tv station, WICH-TV. The whole town is excited that a witchcraft-themed movie is being filmed in their town, but when the leading lady is found dead on the set, Lee adds sleuthing to her job description while creating a documentary about the movie.
This book is full of fun, relatable characters and the stories are interesting with a bit of the paranormal included. Lee sometimes has visions when she looks at a reflective surface and her best friend, River, is a skilled Tarot card reader. This story, like the others I've read, are fast-paced and fun to read. I like following Lee as she goes about her job at the TV station and the town of Salem is a great setting for a cozy mystery, especially when it takes place around Halloween.
I first discovered the Witch City mystery series from a Halloween-themed novella. I really enjoyed it and Death Scene was the second full-length book from the series that I've read. The series is set in present-day Salem, Massachusetts. The main character, Lee Barrett, works in a variety of roles including program manager and occasional on-air personality for the local tv station, WICH-TV. The whole town is excited that a witchcraft-themed movie is being filmed in their town, but when the leading lady is found dead on the set, Lee adds sleuthing to her job description while creating a documentary about the movie.
This book is full of fun, relatable characters and the stories are interesting with a bit of the paranormal included. Lee sometimes has visions when she looks at a reflective surface and her best friend, River, is a skilled Tarot card reader. This story, like the others I've read, are fast-paced and fun to read. I like following Lee as she goes about her job at the TV station and the town of Salem is a great setting for a cozy mystery, especially when it takes place around Halloween.
August 30, 2024
2024 bk 129. Loved the newest addition to the Witch City Mystery #14. Newly married and returned from their honeymoon, the main characters are learning how to be married and put all of the pieces of their lives together. With a movie being filmed in Salem, all hands are on deck for both the tv station and the police force and time together is even more limited. And then a murder occurs and Lee's visions return briefly, enough to provide a focus and this time her husband listens. It also turns out he is a little bit of a worrywart about Lee's safety!
August 28, 2024
Another fun addition to the series. I enjoyed following Lee and Pete as they tried to figure out who the murderer was but thought it was obvious from the beginning. I also enjoyed the movie setting but this was not my favorite in the series. I will still continue with it as there are a lot of changes coming for the residents of Salem.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
August 27, 2024
Love This Series
I love following the stories of Lee and her family, co-workers and friends. All of these books hold your interest and I can’t put them down. It took me less than a week to finish this one. Hope there is another one.
I love following the stories of Lee and her family, co-workers and friends. All of these books hold your interest and I can’t put them down. It took me less than a week to finish this one. Hope there is another one.
August 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐ rounding up.
Another fav series. From Lee Barrett's arrival back in Salem, Massachusetts, after the death of her racecar driver to now, fourteen books in the series, her inquisitive and empathetic nature has landed her in the middle of many an investigation. While she does get a bit of info from some visions off shiny surfaces, it's mostly her putting pieces of the puzzles together. An exceptionally engaging group of characters make this series so enjoyable. In this latest book, a Hollywood production has come to Salem to finish shooting. Plagued with accidents in California, it seems the bad juju has followed them to Salem for Lee, now a program director at WICH-TV, to uncover. Thanks to netgalley and Kensington Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Another fav series. From Lee Barrett's arrival back in Salem, Massachusetts, after the death of her racecar driver to now, fourteen books in the series, her inquisitive and empathetic nature has landed her in the middle of many an investigation. While she does get a bit of info from some visions off shiny surfaces, it's mostly her putting pieces of the puzzles together. An exceptionally engaging group of characters make this series so enjoyable. In this latest book, a Hollywood production has come to Salem to finish shooting. Plagued with accidents in California, it seems the bad juju has followed them to Salem for Lee, now a program director at WICH-TV, to uncover. Thanks to netgalley and Kensington Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2024
It is fun to revisit the world of Witch City's Salem, Massachusetts in this 14th entry by Carol Perry. I have read all her books, but I am still hooked.
This mystery series is a keeper for Perry's excellent writing and unforgettable setting. I have visited Salem twice with my best friend, so to walk the streets of Salem with the fictional Lee Barrett gives me a vicarious thrill.
In this novel, past meets the present when a Hollywood film crew puts the final touches on a movie that takes place in two eras. It is in today's world, however, that murder occurs.
While Lee works for a television station, she frequently assists her husband, Police Detective Pete Mondello. Here she helps him discover who poisoned the film's star.
Ok, I figured this one out, but is the journey that counts. Besides, I was also greeted with new surprises along the way. Kudos to the author for them.
This mystery series is a keeper for Perry's excellent writing and unforgettable setting. I have visited Salem twice with my best friend, so to walk the streets of Salem with the fictional Lee Barrett gives me a vicarious thrill.
In this novel, past meets the present when a Hollywood film crew puts the final touches on a movie that takes place in two eras. It is in today's world, however, that murder occurs.
While Lee works for a television station, she frequently assists her husband, Police Detective Pete Mondello. Here she helps him discover who poisoned the film's star.
Ok, I figured this one out, but is the journey that counts. Besides, I was also greeted with new surprises along the way. Kudos to the author for them.
September 6, 2024
Another great addition to the series- I love diving back into the happenings around Salem with Lee and Pete and Aunt Ibby! This was a fun mystery with the backdrop of a movie set being filmed in town. I can’t stress enough how much I just love these books and characters. The ending was absolute perfection and I just hope there’s many more!
September 4, 2024
Another fun visit to "Witch City" and the cast of characters who live, work, and visit there. This time Lee is putting together a documentary about an ill fated movie being filmed in Salem. It was good to see her able to report live from the scene since the nepo baby who pushed her aside was out of the area this time. (He returned at the end, dang it!)
I loved Barny the bear! I hope Lee will continue to visit him in future books. His chimpanzee friend requires a bit of a stretch of the imagination. The chimps we see in movies or TV are usually babies or toddlers who are small and agile. The bear's chimp companion was described as if it were small. If this chimp had retired from movies, it would be because he had grown up, and full grown male chimps raised by humans can grow to be over 5ft tall and weigh over 120 pounds! It should have been close to the same size as the bear! So I'll just have to chalk it up to willing suspension of disbelief. ;-) I also liked Roney, the former stunt man who moved into Aunt Ibby's house and hope he stays around. (I still hate it that Lee got married and left her apartment in that house. To me, it always ruins a series when a marriage disrupts the setting and general context of the series, but apparently I'm in the minority.) I was glad to see O'Ryan make many appearances.
I look forward to book 15, though the surprise at the end of this one leaves me worried about the direction the series might take next. [Sorry for all the typos in my original review. I hope I got them all fixed!]
I loved Barny the bear! I hope Lee will continue to visit him in future books. His chimpanzee friend requires a bit of a stretch of the imagination. The chimps we see in movies or TV are usually babies or toddlers who are small and agile. The bear's chimp companion was described as if it were small. If this chimp had retired from movies, it would be because he had grown up, and full grown male chimps raised by humans can grow to be over 5ft tall and weigh over 120 pounds! It should have been close to the same size as the bear! So I'll just have to chalk it up to willing suspension of disbelief. ;-) I also liked Roney, the former stunt man who moved into Aunt Ibby's house and hope he stays around. (I still hate it that Lee got married and left her apartment in that house. To me, it always ruins a series when a marriage disrupts the setting and general context of the series, but apparently I'm in the minority.) I was glad to see O'Ryan make many appearances.
I look forward to book 15, though the surprise at the end of this one leaves me worried about the direction the series might take next. [Sorry for all the typos in my original review. I hope I got them all fixed!]
June 23, 2025
Maybe I'm gearing myself up to be done with this series, as But this one just didn't do it for me. There was very little of the paranormal aspect - Lee sees like 2 of her visions and gets River to help her by looking in a dream encyclopedia; and River does 1 or 2 lackluster tarot readings. The mystery is not great, there's not enough O'Ryan or River for me (I wish River would have a whole spin-off series, to be honest). Usually O'Ryan gives some clues and this time he just guarded Lee from opening a package
As always, I enjoyed the Salem vibes and once again, we are in the fall season so that's always a plus. I'm sorry, Carol J. Perry, I have truly loved most of the entries in this series, but this one really didn't come together for me.
As always, I enjoyed the Salem vibes and once again, we are in the fall season so that's always a plus. I'm sorry, Carol J. Perry, I have truly loved most of the entries in this series, but this one really didn't come together for me.
May 24, 2024
Traffic in Salem, MA is always a nightmare in October. But add in a major motion studio shooting a witch themed movie and WICH-TV program director and former reporter Lee Barrett finds the streets almost gridlocked. When the traffic nightmare puts Lee right on the spot to cover several of the incidents that are plaguing the movie, including a death scene that’s all too real, she begins investigating.
This is another strong entry into the series. I enjoyed reuniting with the cast of WHIC-TV and the author adds just enough paranormal elements to make them interesting. I did figure out who the killer was fairly early on but not the reason why so trying to figure out why everything was happening held my interest.
This is another strong entry into the series. I enjoyed reuniting with the cast of WHIC-TV and the author adds just enough paranormal elements to make them interesting. I did figure out who the killer was fairly early on but not the reason why so trying to figure out why everything was happening held my interest.
August 23, 2024
I love this series! Been reading since the very first one & as soon as they come out! It was great revisiting with Lee & her cop husband, as well as the rest of the regulars. Can't wait until the next one....
August 20, 2024
Death Scene
(Witch City Mysteries 14)
Carol J Perry
Lee Barrett Mondello is enjoying married life. Her and new husband Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello have been enjoying a relatively peaceful newlywed existence. The town of Salem’s citizens are being tested by the ongoing Hollywood movie madness. The historical scenes in Night Magic are being shot on location in Salem. Lee’s bestfriend River host of her own late night show, has a new job as a body double for star Darla Diamond.
Local WICH-TV owner Bruce Doan has invested in the making of Night Magic, and needs Lee, who is ready for filming madness to end. To produce a new documentary on the Salem witches. One that’s educational, entertaining and can be used to promote the town and movie. This is of course on top of all of her other duties… mercy! After doing a favor for another reporter, Lee and her cameraman decide to make a quick stop by the Paragon Productions movie set at Gallows Hill Park to do a test shot to possibly be used for the documentary. Shockingly, moments later Lee is alerted to the cops and medical examiner being called to the site. Starlet Darla Diamond is… dead!
For anyone new to the Witch City series the main cast is small, Lee & Pete, Aunt Ibby, River and O’Ryan. The occasionally returning characters are the Angels, Wich-TV associates and Michael Martell.
This was a difficult review to write because I enjoyed the book overall. I just didn’t find it to be that mysterious. After a slow start, it was quickly evident who the killer was for me. I still enjoyed the process and the ending was truly sad. There are more than a few animals in this story and while none die… I don’t even like them being mistreated or in pain even briefly. It was wonderful playing catch up with Aunt Ibby and the gang. I hope we get a book 15 but if not this book closed out a wonderful series cleanly and with a hopeful note. 4 stars
We receive five recipes at the end, and the Chicken Marsala turned out wonderful!
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Carol J Perry, and the publisher for the ARC.
(Witch City Mysteries 14)
Carol J Perry
Lee Barrett Mondello is enjoying married life. Her and new husband Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello have been enjoying a relatively peaceful newlywed existence. The town of Salem’s citizens are being tested by the ongoing Hollywood movie madness. The historical scenes in Night Magic are being shot on location in Salem. Lee’s bestfriend River host of her own late night show, has a new job as a body double for star Darla Diamond.
Local WICH-TV owner Bruce Doan has invested in the making of Night Magic, and needs Lee, who is ready for filming madness to end. To produce a new documentary on the Salem witches. One that’s educational, entertaining and can be used to promote the town and movie. This is of course on top of all of her other duties… mercy! After doing a favor for another reporter, Lee and her cameraman decide to make a quick stop by the Paragon Productions movie set at Gallows Hill Park to do a test shot to possibly be used for the documentary. Shockingly, moments later Lee is alerted to the cops and medical examiner being called to the site. Starlet Darla Diamond is… dead!
For anyone new to the Witch City series the main cast is small, Lee & Pete, Aunt Ibby, River and O’Ryan. The occasionally returning characters are the Angels, Wich-TV associates and Michael Martell.
This was a difficult review to write because I enjoyed the book overall. I just didn’t find it to be that mysterious. After a slow start, it was quickly evident who the killer was for me. I still enjoyed the process and the ending was truly sad. There are more than a few animals in this story and while none die… I don’t even like them being mistreated or in pain even briefly. It was wonderful playing catch up with Aunt Ibby and the gang. I hope we get a book 15 but if not this book closed out a wonderful series cleanly and with a hopeful note. 4 stars
We receive five recipes at the end, and the Chicken Marsala turned out wonderful!
Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Carol J Perry, and the publisher for the ARC.
May 22, 2024
DEATH SCENE is the fourteenth book in the Witch City Mysteries by Carol J. Perry. I was introduced to the characters in this series through the holiday novellas released by the publisher. Intrigued, I decided I need to read the full-length novels. While I probably should have started with the first book (and I have plans to do so and catch up) I jumped at the chance to read this latest release when I saw it on NetGalley. The author does an admirable job in giving just enough backstory throughout the book, so I never felt lost about who the characters were. And the mystery itself is fully contained and can be read as a standalone. I can see why this has been a long-running series with its charming characters and the history of the witch trials steeped in the locale, Salem, Massachusetts. The protagonist, Lee Barrett Mondello, works for the local TV station, WICH-TV, while her husband is a detective. I like their comradery and they way they work together to solve crimes. The addition of Lee’s Aunt Ibby and her gaggle of friends—known as The Angels, a cross between The Golden Girls and Charlie’s Angels—helping to find clues adds to the enjoyment of the book.
With the town’s Halloween hijinks gearing up along with a studio crew in town filming a movie about the witch trials, Lee hands her hands full. The action ratchets up when the leading lady is found murdered and someone seems to be intent on sabotaging the movie. Pulled into the investigation, Lee bounds from mishap to crime scene. The plot is fast-paced and multi-faceted. Given the number of people working on the movie, along with the multitude of townspeople involved, there were many suspects. I had my suspicions about the culprit, but with each new twist, I changed my mind. In the end, as the clues fell into place, the reveal brought everything to light in a highly satisfactory way. And with the conclusion, I can’t wait to find out what comes next for Lee and her crew!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With the town’s Halloween hijinks gearing up along with a studio crew in town filming a movie about the witch trials, Lee hands her hands full. The action ratchets up when the leading lady is found murdered and someone seems to be intent on sabotaging the movie. Pulled into the investigation, Lee bounds from mishap to crime scene. The plot is fast-paced and multi-faceted. Given the number of people working on the movie, along with the multitude of townspeople involved, there were many suspects. I had my suspicions about the culprit, but with each new twist, I changed my mind. In the end, as the clues fell into place, the reveal brought everything to light in a highly satisfactory way. And with the conclusion, I can’t wait to find out what comes next for Lee and her crew!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 2, 2024
Tinsel town comes to Spooky town and Lee Barrett Mondello is ready to don her reporter hat for WICH‑TV news and solve the mystery of the starlet who was murdered by designer chocolates. Darla Diamond was quite the actress and had the ability to play the part of a witch both on and off the screen, just ask her costar Lamar Faraday. Faraday seems like a nice enough guy but maybe even he could be driven to do something rash, like making a $1000 bet that he could hit every single bar in Salem during his stay. Then there are the death threats, but those seemed to have stopped when the left the west coast. The one thing that was not left behind was the odd accidents that seem to plague Paragon Productions. Lee gets a chance to do a little reporting as a result of those accidents in addition to her program director job and has some great luck when it comes to learning things from the gossip network aka Jenna’s hair salon. Thanks to the salon and locals who are in the know, it seems that Lee is getting a jump on details before her husband Pete, a detective with the Salem police either hasn’t released or had not learned just yet. Lee finds some clues in the most unusual places. Even River who is acting as a body double for Darla/Pauline has heard things. River has also seen things in the tarot cards and helped Lee with a little dream interpretation. Lee is a “scryer” which means that she can see things in shiny surfaces, which is like a day dream. Pete has often told Lee that she would make an excellent detective and fully supports the exchange of information. This is another great Witch City Mystery and just in time for Halloween. I have always wanted to visit Salem but after reading this one, I am pretty sure that I will not be going in October. This was a great story with plenty of misdirection and clues to keep me guessing. There are even some great recipes at the conclusion of the story.
September 24, 2024
ARC Review
Death Scene by Carol J Perry
4.25/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley @netgalley , Carol J Perry, and Kensington Publishing @kensingtonbooks for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a Halloween cozy mystery to read this October check out this book
This is book #14 in the Witch City Mystery series. It takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in October. It is a story about a movie being filmed about the witches of Salem. There is talk about Hocus Pocus and classic cult reference that millennials will enjoy. And who doesn't love a book that has animals in it - there's cats, goats, and retired show biz animals that settle in a farm for their retirement. Reading this is like being behind the scenes of filming BUT with mayhem and murder being at center stage. There are some magical elements in this story are Lee is seeing things that aren't really there....or are they?
This was a fun cozy mystery read. It gave me all the fall/Halloween feelings. It is a Hollywood story murder but taking place in Salem, Massachusetts where the movie is being filmed. There were lots of possibilities for whodunit but can Lee find out who the real killer is along with her police detective husband Pete. You can read out of order but might struggle with who is who for the characters. I haven't read any others in the series but I was able to follow along. If you're looking for a good cozy mystery this fall, check out Death Scene.
#book #deathscene #caroljperry #caroljperryauthor #cozymystery #cozy #netgalley #netgalleyreview
Death Scene by Carol J Perry
4.25/5 ⭐
Thank you to NetGalley @netgalley , Carol J Perry, and Kensington Publishing @kensingtonbooks for this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking for a Halloween cozy mystery to read this October check out this book
This is book #14 in the Witch City Mystery series. It takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in October. It is a story about a movie being filmed about the witches of Salem. There is talk about Hocus Pocus and classic cult reference that millennials will enjoy. And who doesn't love a book that has animals in it - there's cats, goats, and retired show biz animals that settle in a farm for their retirement. Reading this is like being behind the scenes of filming BUT with mayhem and murder being at center stage. There are some magical elements in this story are Lee is seeing things that aren't really there....or are they?
This was a fun cozy mystery read. It gave me all the fall/Halloween feelings. It is a Hollywood story murder but taking place in Salem, Massachusetts where the movie is being filmed. There were lots of possibilities for whodunit but can Lee find out who the real killer is along with her police detective husband Pete. You can read out of order but might struggle with who is who for the characters. I haven't read any others in the series but I was able to follow along. If you're looking for a good cozy mystery this fall, check out Death Scene.
#book #deathscene #caroljperry #caroljperryauthor #cozymystery #cozy #netgalley #netgalleyreview
September 6, 2024
Salem, MA is used to huge crowds and traffic jams in October but even long-time residents are excited when a movie is filming there. WICH-TV program director and chief documentary maker Lee Barrett is busy with filming a documentary about the movie along with her other duties; unfortunately, her police detective husband Pete Mondello also becomes involved when someone is murder on the movie set. Lee and Pete investigate the murders separately but together and they find the killer before the movie crew leaves town?
“Death Scene” is the nicely done fourteenth book in Carol J. Perry’s Witch City cozy mystery series. I really love this series starting with the setting of Salem, MA – Perry does a great job of depicting Salem on the page throwing in just a touch of the supernatural. Halloween in Salem is an important part of the storyline without overwhelming it. I also like the way Perry seamlessly blends in fictional and real stories of Salem’s history – so well done that at time I couldn’t tell which was which! I also love the description of Lee’s day to day job including her interactions with her coworkers and the way she helps Pete solve the mystery without being intrusive. Speaking of the mystery, while it was well plotted, I did figure out very early on who the killer was. Still, it was fun to read and the part where the killer was finally revealed was well done. All in all a fun read with a great ending!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
“Death Scene” is the nicely done fourteenth book in Carol J. Perry’s Witch City cozy mystery series. I really love this series starting with the setting of Salem, MA – Perry does a great job of depicting Salem on the page throwing in just a touch of the supernatural. Halloween in Salem is an important part of the storyline without overwhelming it. I also like the way Perry seamlessly blends in fictional and real stories of Salem’s history – so well done that at time I couldn’t tell which was which! I also love the description of Lee’s day to day job including her interactions with her coworkers and the way she helps Pete solve the mystery without being intrusive. Speaking of the mystery, while it was well plotted, I did figure out very early on who the killer was. Still, it was fun to read and the part where the killer was finally revealed was well done. All in all a fun read with a great ending!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
September 14, 2024
Residents of Salem, MA are excited that a movie about the Salem Witch Trials is being filmed in town. It means extra work for Lee--as program director for WICH-TV she's also been tabbed to make a documentary about the making of the film. Her husband, Detective Pete Mondello, is also busier. Their respective workloads increase when the lead actress in the film is found dead on the set. Soon both Lee and Pete are chasing down leads as they try to find out who may have killed Darla Diamond. Lee's visions aren't telling her much, but with the help of friends, family, and even her cat O'Ryan, she may just shine a spotlight on a killer.
Reading a new book in this series is like putting on a comfortable outfit. I love reconnecting with familiar characters. The author has a knack of bringing them to life, whether it's someone who's been in the series since its inception or a newly introduced character. I enjoyed the fact that Lee's documentary had her in the field more, and she was even in the right place/right time to do some on the scene reporting. I did figure out the killer fairly early, but of course I couldn't be 100% certain until the end. It was still entertaining to read along as Lee and Pete put the pieces together.
A story both lively and lovely. Five stars.
Reading a new book in this series is like putting on a comfortable outfit. I love reconnecting with familiar characters. The author has a knack of bringing them to life, whether it's someone who's been in the series since its inception or a newly introduced character. I enjoyed the fact that Lee's documentary had her in the field more, and she was even in the right place/right time to do some on the scene reporting. I did figure out the killer fairly early, but of course I couldn't be 100% certain until the end. It was still entertaining to read along as Lee and Pete put the pieces together.
A story both lively and lovely. Five stars.
August 15, 2024
Death Scene by Carol J. Perry is the fourteenth A Witch City Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series as there is a recap in the first chapter. I enjoyed visiting Lee in Salem, Massachusetts in late October (Halloween is my favorite holiday). I am glad, though, that I did not have to deal with the traffic. Lee is a strong, likeable protagonist with a special talent. I always enjoy Lee’s visits with Aunt Ibby (Aunt Ibby is smart and resourceful plus she is supportive of Lee). My favorite character is O’Ryan. I like how he goes back and forth between two abodes (Aunt Ibby’s and Lee’s) since Lee and Pete acquired their row house. I grew up in a home very similar to Lee and Pete’s (two brick row homes that share a wall—an early version of a duplex). I liked the author incorporated Salem history, historical events, and myths. The whodunit is one that I was able to solve early in the book. I did not know why this person committed the crime, though, and I had to know. I like how Lee’s gift played into the mystery as well as River’s readings. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Death Scene transports readers to Salem for movie madness, troubling traffic, a murdered actor, revealing cards, a protective cat, and a Happy Halloween.
September 12, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: This is another of my favourite series as I have travelled an entertaining journey with Lee, her aunt, her husband and her cat, O’Ryan. They have been through a number of hair raising adventures and this one is no different. Lee is wearing her investigative reporter hat, amongst many others, as she works on a documentary of a witch trial movie that is being shot on site. Things take a much more serious turn when the leading lady is murdered. This is just the latest disaster that has plagued the film both in Hollywood and Salem.
Lee and Pete work together to get to the bottom of the mysteries. Lee, in her reporter guise, gets people to talk to her and she shares her information with Pete’s investigation. She is a heroine who tries to be careful and does not charge off into dangerous situations. But O’Ryan senses there is danger around and becomes very protective of her. He has a doubly good reason but I will let you read the story rather than let “the cat out of the bag”.
Always enjoyable, this story keeps up the tradition. Five purrs and two paws up.
Lee and Pete work together to get to the bottom of the mysteries. Lee, in her reporter guise, gets people to talk to her and she shares her information with Pete’s investigation. She is a heroine who tries to be careful and does not charge off into dangerous situations. But O’Ryan senses there is danger around and becomes very protective of her. He has a doubly good reason but I will let you read the story rather than let “the cat out of the bag”.
Always enjoyable, this story keeps up the tradition. Five purrs and two paws up.
April 28, 2024
This is one of my favourite series, I pre-order the books and never check the blurb as I know I want to read it.
If I can find a fault it's the sense of closure at the end of the story: it could be the or it could be a sort of reboot that will promise be as entertaining and intriguing as the rest of the series.
This is a love letter to Salem, its history and the complex mix of historical events and myths that makes this one of the most original towns in the world (trust me I visited it and it's very high on my chart of places to visit again).
The mystery is complex, full of red herring and twists. I guessed the culprit quite soon in the story but i was never sure because there were a lot of twists and the solution was a very satisfying moments.
Lee and the characters are as likeable as usual and O'Ryan is the start, one of my fav cozy cats.
I can't wait to read the next installment, this one is highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
If I can find a fault it's the sense of closure at the end of the story: it could be the or it could be a sort of reboot that will promise be as entertaining and intriguing as the rest of the series.
This is a love letter to Salem, its history and the complex mix of historical events and myths that makes this one of the most original towns in the world (trust me I visited it and it's very high on my chart of places to visit again).
The mystery is complex, full of red herring and twists. I guessed the culprit quite soon in the story but i was never sure because there were a lot of twists and the solution was a very satisfying moments.
Lee and the characters are as likeable as usual and O'Ryan is the start, one of my fav cozy cats.
I can't wait to read the next installment, this one is highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
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