Ritual Elements

by J.R. Pearse Nelson

When I pictured turning forty, I never could have imagined this.

The college spring break crowd has descended on Crescent Bay. All our favorite haunts are overrun by half-clad, partying young people. But the friends celebrating my birthday with karaoke make even the spring-breakers look tame. Until ten o’clock anyway.

Everyone’s having a great time, until Forrest McCall takes over for the disgruntled bartender.

I have my own past with the arrogant young man. I kept his secrets – in order to keep my own.

Now that choice is coming back to haunt me. And my friends.

When Marty discovers Forrest’s body the very next day, I have to help clear them of suspicion. What happened after Forrest left his bartending shift? How did his body end up in the bay?

My fortieth birthday comes with a happier surprise too, thank goodness. A date. The first one to give me this sort of anxiety since my divorce last year. If I can just quit second guessing, this thing with David might stand a chance.

That turns out to be a pretty big if when my ex-husband calls out of the blue with news I do not want to hear.

Luckily, all is possible with the help of my friends. Because the moon garden depends on us being there when things get dark…and the shadows are creeping in. I’ve never faced a test like this before.

I’d better pass, because if I miss this date, I’ll be so mad…

Welcome to the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy mystery series, a magical blend of paranormal women’s fiction and cozy mystery for those who believe forty marks a new beginning, cats can talk (and you’d better listen), and when you’re guarding a fae portal, chocolate is a girl’s best friend.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2024

About the author

J.R. Pearse Nelson is a fantasy and romance writer who has authored more than 20 novels. She hails from Oregon, USA, where she lives with her husband, two teens, and two dogs among the plentiful trees and clouds of the Pacific Northwest. J.R. weaves tales rooted in mythology, bringing legend to life in modern-day settings and fantasy realms. When not writing, you can find her making magic in the kitchen and enjoying long walks or “rambles” outdoors. J.R.’s books include the Moon Garden Mysteries paranormal cozy series, the Aeon Society fantasy romance series, and the Water Rites fantasy trilogy.

You can connect with J.R. and learn more about her fiction at her website. Visit jrpearsenelson.com.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Springbreakers and a run in with Forrest McCall mar Namoi’s 40th birthday celebration. Things get worse when Marty discovers Forrest’s body drowned in the bay. Mel also tells her about a missing naiad and a fire salamander breaches Covett House wards to seek Naomi’s help. Naomi’s prior run in with Forrest forced her to keep a secret that ends up being related to his death. With the fae already upset about the spread of the Moon Garden’s existence to cousin Darcie, Naomi is walking on eggshells to help Marty and find the missing creatures.

Ritual Elements is the fourth book in J.R. Pearse Nelson’s magical Moon Garden Series. Best read in order to get the most from the relationships and world building, although each mystery is self contained. Along with solving the mystery and protecting the far portal, Naomi tentatively steps back into dating after her divorce. Her ambivalence feels true to life for anyone starting over in midlife, especially with the added pressure of the depth of her crush on David. David’s romantic first date was definitely goals. Marty’s dilemma with their obligations to the garden versus their romantic life also added to the tension in the story. Looking forward to see how both Naomi & Marty navigate the problem in future books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.