Deadly Tempo

Witch in the Woods #26

by Jenna St. James

A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career


A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter


And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets





With only a few days left until Tamara and Zac tie the knot, the last thing they need is a disaster...but that's exactly what they get when Shayla and Needles discover one of the wedding vendors dead. While the others scramble to get a replacement, Shayla, Needles, and Alex dig in deep to find the killer. Between last-minute dress fittings, suspect interviews, and helping Zoie through her latest crisis while away at PADA detective training, Shayla isn't sure if she has enough strength and magic to pull this latest disaster off. Can she figure out who the killer is? Or will the wedding party hit a deadly tempo?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

About the author

Jenna 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!

Reviews

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical vibes

A fairly quick read, fun characters and it's just a wild ride in a magic society that's on an isolated island. what could possibly go wrong. Or in some cases right I mean you're going to get a few good laughs you got to go 😲 a few times too but hey you got to have some fun

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was glad to see Zoie and Harlow back on the island, the concept of them shadowing in their respective fields was interesting, honestly I'm just waiting for their spin off.

Everything other than that felt repetitive. 

I love this series so it's hard to see the same things happen with virtually no progress. 

There are things from the very first stories that I am still waiting to come to fruition, like I said I love this series, but I'm just not I'm willing to wait much longer.

[stephanie huntington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and entertaining, excellent series

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoie is back on the Island and Shayla is busy with Tamaras' upcoming wedding. Then, came the call, one that would overwhelm anyone. There has been a murder and it is under Shaylas' jurisdiction. Zoie, most eagerly accepts the opportunity to investigate with Shayla. One Island and 2 competing D.J.'s find them selves plunked into a war of the D.J.'s. It is DJ Tidal-Wave who has been found dead, standing in front of his eel tank, head in the water. Did he drown? Was it a blow to the head? Did the eels electrocute Tidal? Each person they talk to, they get another name making this quite a list of suspects for Shayla, Zoie and of course the ever brave Needles. Another page turner from Ms. St. James! Thank you!

[Spinneretta]

Good

This is the 26th book in the series, and now Shayla’s stepdaughter Zoie is back on the island. This means that when Shayla discovers a dead DJ, Zoie is there to help her figure out whodunnit!

As usual, we have plenty of antics from Needles, as well as a stakeout with Serena, while Shayla and Zoie mix their investigation with preparations for the wedding of Shayla’s friend Tamara.
It’s a fun, fast, paranormal cosy mystery, and fans of the series will enjoy this trip back to Enchanted Island.

[Dragonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding job Jenna St. James! It's hard to believe this is book 26 in the series, it is incredible! Every single book is well written with strong characters and storylines. Zoey and Harlow are back on Enchanted Island and getting settled in as they wait for their first assignment. With a murder, they end up shadowing Shayla and Finn. I definitely didn't expect who they figured out to be the murderer and it wasn't revealed till the very end. The storyline had so many twists and turns.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoie's back!

Zoie's back on the island now that she's a detective and awaiting her next assignment. Tamara, Serena's bakery partner, is getting married in 4 days. But when the DJ is found murdered in his home, Shayla, Zoie, and Needles are on the case.

With a suspects list that keeps growing bigger by the day, they run around town trying to fulfill wedding duties while still interviewing people.

A must read!

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

Deady Tempo is book 26 in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James.

This was such a fun book, I loved seeing Shayla and Zoie working together on a murder investigation while trying to balance that with preparations for Tamara's wedding.

I really like Harlow's character too; she adds so much to the story.

The mystery was so good, and I was surprised when the murderer was revealed.

Another fantastic story in a series I just can't get enough of!

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and jumping to conclusions

They could be more... they have possibilities but somehow they just fall short and I mean that literally and figuratively... expand them... paint the scenes, describe the characters... investigate don't leap from one suspect to the next grasping for reasons

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery with plenty of suspects and surprises. So good to see Zoie back and great to see her working on this case with Shayla. Another lovely wedding. So many special things are added with each story so it's always a joy to read. Looking forward to the next adventure.

[Richard Mannen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always excellent

Never a dull moment for the crew, it was so nice to see Zoie and Harlow back, could be a whole new series with them, we can only hope. Really great story, as always Jenna.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a great afternoon read for me. The characters are so likable, and it was great to see Zoie and Harlow again in this one. Twists and turns and a surprising reveal (I never guessed "who done it").

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series. I like Zoie, but having her assist Shayla is now making this more a YA series than when Alex was involved. Maybe a lead up for a Zoie spin off since this series has been going a while. Still pretty consistent and a quick easy read.

[Karla Hoskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best series ever.

Another good read. It’s hard to talk about these books without giving away part of the story. Suffice to say more great ( some bad) characters and definitely a murder plot. On too the next, wonder what’s up in this one.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good storyline had me guessing until the very end!! It was interesting having Zoie and Shayla working together. Both are so smart!!

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is another great book in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St James. I can't wait for the next book.

[Michele bookloverforever · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit stale

[Stephen Levesque · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!

[Janice Mahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery

I enjoy these books. I cannot always figure out who the villain is. Perfect read for the beach or rainy day.

[Kim Wedel · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series

I love that they tell a whole story and don’t drag the storyline out with a lot of extra fluff. Feel like a part of the family at this point

[Sue Crosby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series

My only complaint with this book is that I miss Shayla and Alex working together. I love Zoe.....I do but I miss the dynamic between Shayla and Alex.

[Belinda Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

an ear for music

Really great book enjoyed reading this really left you with a true who done it ant wait for the next book

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery as a bachelorette party and pending wedding are on the menu for this book. It is always fun when Zoie gets to work with Shayla and Needles.

[Erika Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

mused

Was used 43 times in this book. The series is a wonderful read but the repetitive use of the word is distracting.

[Nanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this author and this series!