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Witch in the Woods #3
Deadly Critic
A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
It's witch Shayla Loci's fortieth birthday, and what better way to celebrate than at a spa resort on the mainland with Serena and Zoie--and a stowaway Needles! With the grand opening underway, and Serena's human friend--head chef, Lora Danner--preparing for her big debut, the resort is abuzz with excitement. But when a semi-famous guest arrives and her numerous enemies come crawling out of the woodwork, danger and threats lurk around every corner. When someone makes good on their threat, and Shayla stumbles over a dead body, she figures it's up to her and the rest of the gang to find the killer. Because not only is the local sheriff looking at Shayla as a murder suspect, but Serena's human friend just might lose her job before the resort even opens. Can Shayla, Serena, Zoie, and a stowaway Needles sift through all the clues and find the killer? Or will this be the last birthday Shayla lives to celebrate?
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
It's witch Shayla Loci's fortieth birthday, and what better way to celebrate than at a spa resort on the mainland with Serena and Zoie--and a stowaway Needles! With the grand opening underway, and Serena's human friend--head chef, Lora Danner--preparing for her big debut, the resort is abuzz with excitement. But when a semi-famous guest arrives and her numerous enemies come crawling out of the woodwork, danger and threats lurk around every corner. When someone makes good on their threat, and Shayla stumbles over a dead body, she figures it's up to her and the rest of the gang to find the killer. Because not only is the local sheriff looking at Shayla as a murder suspect, but Serena's human friend just might lose her job before the resort even opens. Can Shayla, Serena, Zoie, and a stowaway Needles sift through all the clues and find the killer? Or will this be the last birthday Shayla lives to celebrate?
Audio CD
First published May 18, 2021
665 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Jenna St. James
135 books274 followersJenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 9, 2021
This series is so enjoyable that I pick up each one almost as soon as it's released. This time the action takes place off of the island but that doesn't stop Shayla, Serena and even Zoie from using a little bit of magic to help them solve the case. These characters are so likable and humor keeps the story light and fun to read.
December 31, 2023
Short, cute cozy mystery. We have witches and a flying porcupine body guard. Shayla(game warden, witch), Serena(deputy, pastry chef), and Zoie( teenage witch, daughter of gargoyle sheriff) are taking a weekend at a new spa for Shayla's 40th birthday celebration. When people start dying they step in and solve the case.
March 3, 2024
Great case!
This has been a quite satisfying mystery, with a perfect set of victims and a very realistic reason for the murders.
I personally appreciated the touch of justice served to a certain type of self entitled people!
This has been a quite satisfying mystery, with a perfect set of victims and a very realistic reason for the murders.
I personally appreciated the touch of justice served to a certain type of self entitled people!
October 27, 2023
Really good cozy mystery in this series. My only problem is that the main character is 40 years old but the narrator sounds like a teenager so it’s impossible to think of her as a 40 year old. Otherwise, all the other voices are great.
August 8, 2023
I received this AUDIOBOOK for free. My opinions are my own.
I did enjoy this one while listening to it, but I doubt I will listen to it again. It very much seemed like a needless filler episode. Shayla, her cousin Serena, and the sheriff's daugther Zoe were away from home so it is unlikely that we will get to read about any of the side characters again (not that any of them were interesting). I especially wish that the book had been a bit longer to allow for more actual development of the relationships between the regular characters. If (as is being hinted at) Shayla is eventually going to be Zoe's step-mom, I would like to see more character based growth between them, rather than just plot related stuff (ie getting to know each other rather than just doing stuff together).
All in all, it was the least enjoyable one so far, but I didn't have anything specific that I disliked.
The narration was good, I especially enjoyed the way she handled the villian's characterization once the reveal was made. She (all the suspects are female, so it's not a spoiler) sounded really cold and nasty, without it being overdone.
I did enjoy this one while listening to it, but I doubt I will listen to it again. It very much seemed like a needless filler episode. Shayla, her cousin Serena, and the sheriff's daugther Zoe were away from home so it is unlikely that we will get to read about any of the side characters again (not that any of them were interesting). I especially wish that the book had been a bit longer to allow for more actual development of the relationships between the regular characters. If (as is being hinted at) Shayla is eventually going to be Zoe's step-mom, I would like to see more character based growth between them, rather than just plot related stuff (ie getting to know each other rather than just doing stuff together).
All in all, it was the least enjoyable one so far, but I didn't have anything specific that I disliked.
The narration was good, I especially enjoyed the way she handled the villian's characterization once the reveal was made. She (all the suspects are female, so it's not a spoiler) sounded really cold and nasty, without it being overdone.
October 13, 2024
Almost the whole story this time took place in some sort of luxury spa off of the island. I don't know why the writers of mystery series inevitably find it necessary to have some of the members of the cast leave the regular setting, but it is the setting I love the most about this series. Maybe some folks find the idea of having a stranger rub smelly, sticky lotions all over your naked body appealing, but I don't! I also have no desire to spend time in a mud bath, sauna, or steam room! I really don't like stories about "mean girls," so I didn't find the mystery at all appealing. I'm assuming this one might appear more to Gen Z or Millennials than to this old Baby Boomer! The same way I knew that if Cleveland Amory trashed a TV show or movie I would love it and if he praised it I would hate it—a bad review from somebody with the reputation of this reality show has been would motivate me to patronize instead of avoid. Then the author threw in the stereotype of the LEO who didn't care if he solved the crime correctly so long as he arrested somebody as quickly as possible.
August 31, 2023
entertaining Paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If I can cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. It is almost Sheila‘s 40th birthday. Her cousin Serena has got an invitation from an old cooking school friend to visit a resort hotel spa that her friend is the head chef at. So Shayla and Serena And Zoe the sheriffs daughter oh head to the resort for a girls weekend. A bit of pampering good food and spa treatments for a few days it’s just a thing to get your mind off of the world. Yet we all know there’s going to be some kind of adventure that happens. So wait on and see what happens on the girls weekend have fun. Entertaining with lots of twist interns. Check it out.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If I can cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. It is almost Sheila‘s 40th birthday. Her cousin Serena has got an invitation from an old cooking school friend to visit a resort hotel spa that her friend is the head chef at. So Shayla and Serena And Zoe the sheriffs daughter oh head to the resort for a girls weekend. A bit of pampering good food and spa treatments for a few days it’s just a thing to get your mind off of the world. Yet we all know there’s going to be some kind of adventure that happens. So wait on and see what happens on the girls weekend have fun. Entertaining with lots of twist interns. Check it out.
July 21, 2021
Shayla Loci is celebrating her 40th birthday at a spa resort on the mainland. Joining her are Serena and Zoie - and, of course, her familiar Needles! They are the guests of Serena's friend , head chef Lora Danner who is ready for her big debut at the resort's grand opening weekend!
Other guests are arriving, including an obnoxious social media influencers and some of her enemies too! Of course, Shayla finds the body and gets embroidered in the investigation - partly to thwart the obnoxious, chauvinist pig local sheriff! Will they all find the right clues and save themselves from the murderer too?
Other guests are arriving, including an obnoxious social media influencers and some of her enemies too! Of course, Shayla finds the body and gets embroidered in the investigation - partly to thwart the obnoxious, chauvinist pig local sheriff! Will they all find the right clues and save themselves from the murderer too?
May 24, 2021
Good
When Shayla Loci, her cousin Serena, and their teenage friend Zoey, go off to a new spar resort for Shayla’s fortieth birthday celebration, they don’t expect to be thrust into a murder mystery!
A cute, cosy paranormal mystery, with a slight hint of slow burn romance. The characters are fun, and quirky, while Needles the miniature flying porcupine provides entertainment with a side of comedy.
This is an enjoyably entertaining series, that fans of cosy paranormal mysteries will enjoy.
When Shayla Loci, her cousin Serena, and their teenage friend Zoey, go off to a new spar resort for Shayla’s fortieth birthday celebration, they don’t expect to be thrust into a murder mystery!
A cute, cosy paranormal mystery, with a slight hint of slow burn romance. The characters are fun, and quirky, while Needles the miniature flying porcupine provides entertainment with a side of comedy.
This is an enjoyably entertaining series, that fans of cosy paranormal mysteries will enjoy.
October 24, 2023
This was another very good story! Each story I read in the series is very good and slightly better than the last. I think it is because the main characters are becoming important to me, and I see their growth and maturity. The plot is easily followed in it's meandering way, and the premise is finding the correct killer, despite the incompetent sheriff and his prejudices. NOT referring to Alex, the sheriff where the live, but another man, entirely. I most definitely recommend this book.
November 4, 2023
Deadly Critic: Book 3 4.7stars*
Great celebration of Shayla's 40th birthday at a brand new resort. Serena and Zoie were also with her and they had a wonderful time but would like to have not found dead bodies or be suspected of being murders. Personally, I was bothered by the ugliness of the blogger and her side kick and the negative conversation in general at the table.
Great celebration of Shayla's 40th birthday at a brand new resort. Serena and Zoie were also with her and they had a wonderful time but would like to have not found dead bodies or be suspected of being murders. Personally, I was bothered by the ugliness of the blogger and her side kick and the negative conversation in general at the table.
February 18, 2024
Wow
I just seems the series gets better and better. I really love these characters, that's only because of the outstanding talent of the author. I'm completely committed to this series as I know others will be also, I have to mention the last names of the characters are really interesting and funny, also I want to give a nod to the artist who did the cover art, excellent all around.
I just seems the series gets better and better. I really love these characters, that's only because of the outstanding talent of the author. I'm completely committed to this series as I know others will be also, I have to mention the last names of the characters are really interesting and funny, also I want to give a nod to the artist who did the cover art, excellent all around.
April 7, 2025
When Serena takes Shayla and Zoie to a resort spa for Shayla’s fortieth birthday, we should know mischief will ensue. When Instagram influencers have way too much power to ruin lives and careers, there are plenty of folks with motives when a critic is a fellow guest. I am happy that Zoie is included and that she is accepted as a part of Shayla’s family. And who doesn’t love a flying porcupine bodyguard?
August 12, 2021
Wonderful premise, an island where almost everyone is magical. Every book has a murder to be solved and every book has people with different interesting magical talents. The characters are believable and although they are stand-alone books, there is a romantic thread running through them. Can’t wait for the next one. Well done!
Read
January 23, 2022Good read
In Book 3 Shayla, Serena, and Chloe take a trip to the mainland to the grand opening of a spa. Naturally, they stumble over one body and in the course of investigating, they find a second body. No men involved in this one except a sheriff that just wants to close the case. Highly recommend.
In Book 3 Shayla, Serena, and Chloe take a trip to the mainland to the grand opening of a spa. Naturally, they stumble over one body and in the course of investigating, they find a second body. No men involved in this one except a sheriff that just wants to close the case. Highly recommend.
June 17, 2022
Girls spa weekend!
Massage, mud bath, murder. Nothing like a relaxing all girls getaway. Though some things just don't go as planned for Shayla and her cousin and Zoie. Liked getting to know the three characters more while trying to solve a mystery in the human world was great but look forward to going back to the island and see what new mysteries await.
Massage, mud bath, murder. Nothing like a relaxing all girls getaway. Though some things just don't go as planned for Shayla and her cousin and Zoie. Liked getting to know the three characters more while trying to solve a mystery in the human world was great but look forward to going back to the island and see what new mysteries await.
October 23, 2022
Not as magical, but still interesting
I really enjoyed this book even though it mostly takes place off the island. That means not much magic or fascinating beings, just "normals." These characters weren't really your regular normals though. . Fun and mystery still occurred. Anxious to see what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book even though it mostly takes place off the island. That means not much magic or fascinating beings, just "normals." These characters weren't really your regular normals though. . Fun and mystery still occurred. Anxious to see what happens next.
November 13, 2022
Deadly Critic: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery (A Witch in the Woods book 3)
This was another winner. I highly recommend all her books and this series is great. Jenna writes wonderful fiction and I love her characters in this series. It is a great series when you have a father who is a giant tree in the forest. Diana Romano
This was another winner. I highly recommend all her books and this series is great. Jenna writes wonderful fiction and I love her characters in this series. It is a great series when you have a father who is a giant tree in the forest. Diana Romano
March 14, 2023
Always
I always expect excellence with any and all of Jenna's books!! When I finish one, I quickly start another. I love all her characters. Yes, even the bad ones! You will never be disappointed, when you any of Jenna's books. If you've never read any of Jenna's books what's stopping you??
I always expect excellence with any and all of Jenna's books!! When I finish one, I quickly start another. I love all her characters. Yes, even the bad ones! You will never be disappointed, when you any of Jenna's books. If you've never read any of Jenna's books what's stopping you??
July 18, 2024
Cozzy mystery. Shayla celebrates her 40th birthday at a swanky spa with her friends. Of course a murder (or two) occur to distract them from a fun weekend. Instead the team focus on solving the mystery and catching the killer. Definitely some "mean girl" conversations and entitled actions are heard and seen.
May 18, 2021
Fun series
Paranormal island, a multitude of paranormal creatures and a mystery. This book actually took place off the island with a girls spa weekend. The plot and subplots move quickly , making it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book!
Paranormal island, a multitude of paranormal creatures and a mystery. This book actually took place off the island with a girls spa weekend. The plot and subplots move quickly , making it hard to put the book down. I can't wait for the next book!
June 29, 2021
Deadly Critic
If you don't like women acting like cats skip this book. I like to read the books in a series before reading the next one. This one did have a good ending that was surprising.
If you don't like women acting like cats skip this book. I like to read the books in a series before reading the next one. This one did have a good ending that was surprising.
September 7, 2021
Vacation---Not!
Serena, Zoie, and Shayla have been invited to the grand opening of a new luxury hotel to celebrate Shayla's fortieth birthday. There they meet some of the most unlikable women around, so it's no surprise when one of them ends up dead.
Serena, Zoie, and Shayla have been invited to the grand opening of a new luxury hotel to celebrate Shayla's fortieth birthday. There they meet some of the most unlikable women around, so it's no surprise when one of them ends up dead.
November 8, 2021
Good reads
I am enjoying this series. Plots are great and characters are fun. My only criticism is you are not very descriptive. Still don't really know what the characters look like. I like to see the characters in my minds eye but you don't describe them enough to picture them.
I am enjoying this series. Plots are great and characters are fun. My only criticism is you are not very descriptive. Still don't really know what the characters look like. I like to see the characters in my minds eye but you don't describe them enough to picture them.
March 27, 2022
In this third in the series, Serena decides to help Shayla celebrate her fortieth birthday with a spa resort weekend. Shayla asks Zoie's dad if she could accompany them on the weekend celebration all the while assuring him that she and Serena will keep Zoie safe. Of course things go awry.
November 8, 2022
Could be more..
Lacking depth, it's all so obvious there's nothing to really discover as you read it.. maybe it's intended for YA market although I think that might be insulting the YA
Lacking depth, it's all so obvious there's nothing to really discover as you read it.. maybe it's intended for YA market although I think that might be insulting the YA
January 2, 2024
Another Fantastic Book!!
Book 3 in the A Witch in Woods series did not disappoint!! A spa weekend with the girls shows you can find dead bodies and excitement anywhere!! On to Book 4!!
Book 3 in the A Witch in Woods series did not disappoint!! A spa weekend with the girls shows you can find dead bodies and excitement anywhere!! On to Book 4!!
April 23, 2024
Quick light read
I would term this a novella vs a book. Quick read. It all takes place off island so only Shayla, Serena, Zoie and Needles are involved. Will continue reading the series.
I would term this a novella vs a book. Quick read. It all takes place off island so only Shayla, Serena, Zoie and Needles are involved. Will continue reading the series.
August 22, 2024
I enjoyed this book
Shayla is narrowing down her list of suspects. She has two dead bodies and two bloggers and more people who the bloggers offended. Pretty good sized list of suspects. Good fun read.
Shayla is narrowing down her list of suspects. She has two dead bodies and two bloggers and more people who the bloggers offended. Pretty good sized list of suspects. Good fun read.
September 6, 2024
Thirds the charm
This third book is as good as the first two. A fun read with magic and murder. No graphic sexual content or gory stuff. Also no foul language. I recommend for all ages.
This third book is as good as the first two. A fun read with magic and murder. No graphic sexual content or gory stuff. Also no foul language. I recommend for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews