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Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries #3

Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson

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Just as this suspect-sniffing werewolf and her four kids settle into the festive spirit of Bewitcher's Beach, a scorching threat ignites the holiday season.

In a town I love for its warmth and charm, the only thing burning hotter than the holiday lights is a series of ruthless arson attacks.

When my beloved video rental shop becomes the latest target, I find myself caught in a dangerous game with a shadowy arsonist who seems determined to destroy the very heart of my home. As the townspeople flee in fear, including the guy I'm dating, I’m faced with a choice: leave behind the place I’ve come to love or stay and fight to protect it.

To preserve the Christmas spirit and save our home, I decide to take matters into my own hands. But when my plan to draw out the culprit backfires, and another man I can’t stop thinking about becomes trapped in a blazing inferno, I must race against time to rescue him and put an end to the arsonist’s fiery rampage.

Join Noema and her 'found family' full of supernatural friends in Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson for a cozy mystery filled with holiday cheer, heart-pounding suspense, and a small-town heroine who’s ready to face the flames and save her home. HALLOWEENTOWN meets GILMORE GIRLS in The Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Mysteries - a series that can be read as standalone books unless you're following the overall romance and series-wide mystery.

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

14 people are currently reading
236 people want to read

About the author

Emily Fluke

27 books216 followers
Emily Fluke is a Congenital Heart Defect survivor who finds joy and peace through writing (though she’ll tell you her scars are from a dragon attack or a sword fight). She is an internationally published author with an honorable mention for science fiction from the Roswell Awards and a recent contributor to the United Disability Services’ magazine; Kaleidoscope. Inspired by Tolkien and her children's’ imaginations, Emily writes when she’s not spending time with her family. For an extensive look at her publications and life as well as access to giveaways, visit emilyfluke.com or follow Author Emily Fluke on Facebook.

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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Briana Briggs.
243 reviews19 followers
October 1, 2024
A fun, cozy, paranormal mystery, reminiscent of Gilmore Girls, Buffy ( but not as scary), and Scooby Doo. Can't wait to see what happens next!!
Profile Image for Meezan.
141 reviews
October 9, 2024
I have been enjoying the Bewitcher's Beach series, by Emily Fluke, since the beginning. Every time I have finished one book in the series, I have eagerly anticipated the next one. So I was very excited when an ARC of Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson, book 3, was recently delivered to my inbox.

In this installment of the Bewitcher's Beach Mysteries, Christmas is around the corner. Everyone is in a festive mood until their plans to celebrate the holiday go up in flames. A serial arsonist is targeting certain residents of the small paranormal town. While some of the townspeople flee the area after receiving threatening notes, Noema decides to stay in order to protect her video rental shop and try to figure out who the culprit is.

This is another strong installment in the Bewitcher's Beach Mystery series. This paranormal town is like no other I've read in a cozy. There continues to be an eclectic mix of characters with quirky traits that make their interactions fun to read about. At the front of the book, there is a list of the main characters. I always find this helpful, but I would have liked to see all of the secondary characters listed too. As I read more books in the series, I'm getting to know all of the main characters and I really enjoy spending time with them.

Noema, our werewolf single mom of four pups, amateur sleuth, and narrator, frequently uses her sense of smell to detect the emotions of others and explain her own feelings. For example, she smelled banana cream pie when something excited her. This is such a unique way of getting the reader to understand the characters' thoughts and feelings, and it works really well.

Since Noema is a werewolf, she can transform into wolf form whenever she needs to get some place fast. However, the ability to transform comes with its challenges. When she is not able to control her emotions, she can easily start to turn into wolf form when she doesn't want to. It's interesting and amusing at the same time to see how she deals with this challenge.

The mystery is well-crafted with lots of suspects to consider. I did figure out who the culprit was fairly early, but it was still fun to see how Noema and the authorities would identify them. Noema did a lot of speculating and wondering throughout the book and I felt her emotions. While I would have liked to see more sleuthing on her part, I enjoyed all the twists and turns that eventually led us to the arsonist.

There is a bit of romance in this installment, but it does not overshadow the mystery. I'm hoping to see more of the love triangle in future installments. Believe me when I tell you this is the most intriguing and unique love triangle I've ever read about. I'm curious to see how Noema will sort out her feelings and which one she will choose, if she does choose one of them.

This series is set in the late 90s and it is filled with nostalgia. Emily Fluke does a fantastic job detailing certain aspects of that era. The fact that Noema works at a video rental store is just one example. Mention of an internet modem trying to connect online is another example. I especially enjoyed the references to Whitney Houston, as she was one of my favorite singers from that time period. There are more examples of 90s nostalgia, but you'll have to read the series to find out what they are.

If you enjoy recipes in cozies, you will be happy to know there are a few at the end of the book. Since this is a Christmas-themed book, all of the recipes are traditional holiday dishes. Each recipe comes from a different character in the book.

If you have not yet picked up this series, I highly recommend starting with the first installment, Magic, Movies, and Murder, and reading them order. While each one is a self-contained mystery, as with most cozy mysteries, you will enjoy following the subplots if you read them in order. If you've enjoyed the first two, I'm confident you'll enjoy this third one as well. All three books in the series so far are perfect for this time of year when we're in the midst of fall, with Christmas on the horizon.

I'm so glad there are more books in this series in the works. I can't wait to spend more time with these characters in the small town of Bewitcher's Beach!

Thank you to Emily Fluke for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
October 25, 2024
I loved this book, there is something magical about this series and I am not just talking about the super natural characters. It does work as a standalone but as the town is under threat and is a long running problem I think it works best when as part of the series. You also get to know the wonderful characters so much better that way too. This is a series set in a small town so there are a lot of regular characters that you will just fall in love with and will enjoy spending time with. Noema is a great main character, I like that she is a werewolf and uses her skills or nose to help solve the case, like only she can. The four pups weren't as active in this book as previous books, which is a shame as I love there antics but with so much going on I didn't really miss them. The investigation was unusual and was mostly searching for an arsonist, although a murder does accrue (sort of. No spoilers here you will just have to read it to find out what I mean). The story jumped around taking it in lots of directions with all the suspects and motives. I had guessed who was responsible but it was still fun finding out if I was right and what was going to happen. I can't wait for the next book and hopefully we will be that bit closer to finding out who has it in for the town.
When threatening notes start appearing telling the residents to get out of town, nobody really takes them seriously until the fires start. Noema is finally feeling like she and her four pups have a family and somewhere they belong and she isn't going to let somebody run them out of town. Can she discover who wants them gone and why? With time running out to find the arsonist before Christmas she might have to decide if saving her ideal Christmas is worth losing her home and business.
I just love the narrator, I think she is one of my favourite people to listen too. She has so much fun doing her job that the enthusiasm comes alive in the characters and just makes them magical.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Tara Brown.
334 reviews28 followers
June 16, 2025
**This review is for the audiobook on Audible.**

The audiobook Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson is Book 3 in Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries. Beautifully written by Emily Fluke and masterfully narrated by Madeline Mrozek, this cozy mystery has it all…well-developed characters, unpredictable plot twists, a dash of romance, and no loose ends (well, sort of…the end actually sets you up for the next in series, which, of course, I’m super excited!!). Fluke did a fantastic job with the storyline, which kept me guessing throughout and definitely has me curious for what comes next. Although it can stand alone, I’m confident you will love the series so much you’ll wish you started at the beginning. The 90s nostalgia and small-town charm will definitely keep you coming back to Bewitcher's Beach for more!

I cannot imagine anyone doing a better job narrating this series than Madeline Mrozek. Her performance not only deepened my connection to each of the characters, but also brought life to the setting and scenes in a way that I don’t always get with regular reading. For example, Noema is a great character, but for me, Mrozek’s narration transforms this “werewolf single mom turned amateur sleuth” into a strong, loyal heroine with realistic emotions and relatable issues that often turn out hilarious. In addition, the distinct voices she gives each character help shape their personalities, making for a smooth and uninterrupted listen. Hands down, my overall reading experience was made better because of Mrozek’s performance. Bravo!

That being said, the audiobook Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson: Book 3 in Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries written by Emily Fluke and narrated by Madeline Mrozek is very deserving of 5/5 stars across the board. I recommend this book and series to those who enjoy clean, fun, and engaging mysteries with outstanding character development, 90s nostalgia, and lots of laughs!

Thanks for reading my review. I hope it was helpful. Happy listening!


Profile Image for Breana Sprinkle.
160 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2024
Another comforting installment of the Bewitcher's Beach series, with all the nostalgia of the 90s & early 2000s blended with another small town mystery. A twist of paranormal creatures being everyday individuals with families, plus nosy or hardworking neighbors... you get a brilliant combination in this series.

I'm loving Noema's journey of discovery along with all the antics of her life.
The Arson and Threats revealed in these pages will be sure to keep you entertained.

Noema makes the story relatable to different groups of people but could be especially popular to the target audience of millennial parents (I'm not one but still love this book).

It's a nod to times when neighbors all new one another, people were just trying to get by, the junk food was worth chemical processing, and video rental shops were popular.

What I particularly love about these books are the family friendly feelings of watching Halloweentown esque creatures in a cozy small town with many mysteries and lots of feelings. Humor. Joy. Shock. Fear. Gratitude.

What about this one in particular stands out?

Well, the Arsonist threat makes the stakes go up for the characters but the dedication of Noema to her community is compelling.
Then there's the possibility of losing their home due to threats as the neighbors around them are thrown into chaos that despite going through seem to help one another out as a real community should.

I think that I read this at just the moment I was meant to despite being two months after publication date because I recently heard of a business in our smallish town that recently had a fire incident.
Moments like this get you seeing how important community can be to one another and I hope they recieve the kind of help that Aerobics Lives does in the story.

Remember to keep that spirit of community alive. To be as kind to people as possible.

It was an ARC. My opinion is my own.
Profile Image for Rochelle .
120 reviews9 followers
October 5, 2024
*ARC Review*

Get ready to dive into a whimsical and witchy ride with "Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson", the third book in the Bewitcher's Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries series by Emily Fluke. This book is a bubbling cauldron of fun, mystery, and supernatural shenanigans. Our fierce, single-mom werewolf, Noema Wolf, is back, balancing life as a video store owner, mystery solver, and mom to four mischievous wolf-pups. But in Bewitcher's Beach, nothing stays ordinary for long.

Fluke amps up the heat—quite literally—with a suspicious fire at Aerobics Alive, the local gym run by a retired reaper, Miss Raven. Was it just faulty wiring or something far more sinister? This is where the plot sizzles, mixing in a dash of danger, a sprinkle of romantic tension (hello, Crow, the mysterious, sexy reaper), and a good helping of quirky town characters, from a dragon grandma to a sarcastic ghost. The chemistry between Noema and Crow adds that spicy, flirtatious flavor, giving you just enough heat to keep you invested in their slow-burn romance.

Packed with magical chaos, adorable werewolf pups, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this cozy mystery has all the ingredients for an entertaining 5-star read. The stakes are high—can Noema figure out who’s threatening her beloved town before things get even hotter? With charming dialogue, a cozy seaside town full of secrets, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you guessing, "Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson" is a must-read for fans of paranormal cozies with a fun twist.

Fluke masterfully blends magic, mystery, and humor with a spicy undercurrent, making this book the perfect 5-star companion for a cozy night in or a quick weekend escape. Just be ready for some fiery revelations and a dash of romantic tension that will leave you craving more!
Profile Image for Nancy.
60 reviews
September 29, 2024
Emily Fluke was a relatively new to me author. I had read a Novella that I absolutely fell in love with! The prequel to the Bewitchers Beach series. But this review is about her new book in the series Apparitions, Aerobics and Arson. It has quickly became one of my favorite cozy mystery reads! If you love paranormal cozy mysteries with Halloweentown and Gilmore girls vibes this series is definitely for you! Set in the late 90s, it follows a werewolf with a very keen sense of smell, who has a knack for helping to solve crimes and to protect her chosen family in the town that she loves. Emily has quite the way of transporting you back to that time from the details of what everyone is wearing to current music and movies, and what the town looks like. A coastal Beach town with the shops and businesses, some stuck in the 80s and some with that 90s flare. You have all kinds of quirky characters from humans to ghosts, werewolves and gargoyles, and half dragons the gambit of fantasy characters. This book comes on the heels of just having solved a mysterious crime, when life settles down and they’re all looking forward to celebrating the Christmas season. But suddenly notes are beginning to show up on peoples houses and businesses... To leave Bewitchers Beach or else.. and one by one fires to the properties start to occur! Which leaves the towns people to wonder who would want to destroy everything, and most importantly who would want them to leave their wonderful town! So Noema the werewolf and Sett the gargoyle are at it again trying to solve this mystery before its too late! This was such a cozy fun little mystery, a wonderful cast of characters. I am definitely reading the rest of the series, it’s one of those that I would enjoy reading again and again!
Profile Image for T.M..
Author 8 books46 followers
September 26, 2024
AA&A has taken the spot for my top fave in the Bewitchers series. Once again, Emily Fluke has woven together elements of 90s culture, references, paranormal, mysteries, and motherhood—adding a splash of romance this time—and created another incredible cozy mystery from them.

Noema, Sett, and Crow are back and honestly… I have really grown to like Crow. He’s almost like Jess Mariano and Max Medina mixed together. The way he cares for Noema is so stinking sweet and I loved watching that blossom throughout this book. Sett, being set, is definitely Luke Danes coded and we get to see a bit of a softer side of him. And Noema? Our Diet Pepsi addicted werewolf keeps getting better and better. My only question? HOW DOES SHE KEEP THE MEANING OF THE SCENTS ORGANIZED!? It’s so crazy to me!

Also, seeing Mae and Wallace take over the grandparent role for Norma’s pups? Absolutely freaking adorable.

I loved everything about this book. And now I’m anxiously waiting on book number four. Not a want, but a need. Cus I need to know what happens next!

I receive a complimentary edition of this work in exchange for my own thoughts. Thank you so much, Emily, for allowing to me read this early!!
24 reviews
October 3, 2024
I keep forgetting it's the '90s!

But I don't mind; in fact that's part of the charm of Bewitcher's Beach. Video rental and a roller rink evoke feelings of nostalgia. As does the overall feel of the town.

And the residents are completely relatable (even if they are werewolves, gargoyles, dragons, ghosts & other supernatural beings!). Noema's just a mom determined to give her pups a family. And she's not going to let some arsonist run her out of town now that that family's finally coming together. And defninitely not for Christmas!

Of course she frustrates those who love her with her stubbornness and wanting to do everything herself. Especially the sheriff and her boyfriend. And most especially when she puts herself in danger trying to solve the mystery they've both asked her to stay out of. And her personal life's a bit of a mess too (who's isn't!), which coincidentally (or not?) involves those very same two people!

I'm loving this series and can't wait to find out what mysteries await Noema in the future.

I received a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Samii Vasquez.
69 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2025
Apparitions, Aerobics, and Arson brings the heat—literally—in this next twisty, magical mystery at Bewitcher’s Beach. Just as Noema starts settling into holiday cheer, a string of suspicious fires sends the town into panic… and one of them hits far too close to home.

This series continues to stand out with its paranormal charm and quirky heart. Noema, a werewolf single mom of four, uses her keen sense of smell in the most unexpected and emotional ways—scents tied to feelings that pull you deeper into her world. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it works.

The mystery was layered with suspects and tension, and while I spotted the culprit early, the journey there still had plenty of twists to keep me hooked. I would've liked a little more hands-on sleuthing, but Noema’s emotional arc and the unraveling danger kept the stakes high.

The romance simmers in the background—just enough to add depth without overpowering the plot. And this love triangle? One of the most unique I’ve ever read. Dark, complicated, and full of promise.

With fires, secrets, and shifting loyalties, this installment adds a spark of danger to the cozy chaos—and I’m already eager for the next one.
38 reviews
October 2, 2024
Apparitions, Aerobics & Arson by Emily Fluke is the third book in the Bewitcher’s Beach Paranormal Cozy Mysteries series. Each book is free standing, but with many of the same characters and overarching concerns. Necessary information is briefly explained but without spoilers, if they are read out of order. As do the earlier books, this one focuses on Noema Wolf, mother of 4, manager of a video rental shop, playwright, and emotion-sniffing werewolf. With the town’s protection spell broken, crime has recently entered the small town. Together with a group of mostly paranormal characters, Noema and the gargoyle sheriff, Sett, investigate these crimes and threatened crimes, including murder, as the residents try to prepare for Christmas. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys interesting characters and fast-moving plots. The final solution fits well, but keeps the reader guessing.
Profile Image for Amanda.
231 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2024
*ARC REVIEW *

It’s Christmas in Bewitchers Beach!

While this wasn’t my favorite installment of the series (I simply don’t LOVE Christmas books), I still had such a great time! I did predict the arsonist, but there were so many little twists along the way that I didn’t mind the ride.

I do wish we had gotten more on the town and with Noema with the way book 2 had ended, and I feel like Noema’s inner monologue was slightly repetitive (but whose brain isn’t, right?!) I also wish we’d gotten more of the found family aspect that was building from book 2, but really the only bonding was in Nowma’s inner monologue, we didn’t really get to see it play out. But that’s a minor thing.

Over all I had fun and am excited to keep reading the series!

Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews100 followers
October 27, 2024
Fun read in a fun series that leaves reality in the dust.
Noema is a mother of quadruplets, small business owner in Bewitcher's Beach, playwright, and werewolf who can sniff out lies. Other than her sons, the two men in her life are Sheriff Sett (a gargoyle) and Crow (a reaper) which adds a bit of change in her perspective. But who burned down the local gym, and why?
Come for the characters and laughs, stay for the mystery plot twists and suspense!
I loved this fun piece of paranormal nostalgia!
Voice actor Madeline Mrozek is always adds a lot to the stories/characters with all the voices, emotions, and hints of both overt and suppressed laughter.
I won this fun audiobook in a giveaway. Yea for me!


gargoyle, ghosts, nostalgia, romance, librarian, spell
419 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2024
She did it again!!! Oh I loved this book so much!!! Ugh!! From what I learned from every book, the suspect is always someone that is mentioned a lot in the book. That's what makes it tricky, because there's multiple people always being mentioned and you have to figure out who it is!!! I love th mystery side of this book and how it's so cute set in the 90s. Bring back memories of my childhood!!

This one brings you closer and closer to who could of been the one who broke the protective spell. Who causing all this issues and why do they want people gone! If you love a cute, funny, paranormal mystery series. Give this series a read. I honestly can not wait for book 4!!!
Profile Image for Cyndi Taylor.
513 reviews5 followers
November 15, 2024
I love Noema. Her desire for her kids to have a home, family (found or otherwise), and Christmas is her driving force. I love how protective and fierce she is about those that she considers family.
Crow is a neat new character. I have to say, I'm still team sour dough.
I can't wait for the next book. This one took me way too long to figure out who was guilty. I'm usually much better at it.

I was given this as an arc. My opinion is my own.
82 reviews
September 20, 2024
Oh my gosh I loved this book! First off, why is the criminal wanting everyone out of town? Who benefits from this? I was guessing all along, and I was always wrong!! Noema and Crow are cute together, but in all honesty I really hope she gets with Sett!! I feel there are sparks there lol. So many twists and turns in this book, I just couldn't put it down. I can not wait for the next one!!
8 reviews
December 17, 2024
Still my favorite series, cozy and nostalgic. I check on the authors Instagram every day to check if there's any new information on the next book.

I think this might be my favorite in the series, in this book Noema dives more into her relationships with her found family and I cannot get enough of Grandmae
Profile Image for Maggie Rogers.
373 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2025
I like this series, but the overload on the found family trope kind of ruined this one for me. She's going to keep her kids in danger, because she just can't fathom the idea of them spending Christmas away from some random old lady in town she decided was going to be a grandmother figure to them?? NO.
Profile Image for Sarah Havener.
371 reviews9 followers
September 22, 2024
I loved it! It was a good balance of Christmas and mystery, and I was into it the whole time! Lots of good twists and turns, and the emotions and tension between Noema and Sett have me itching for more! I like how it left off and am intrigued as to where the story is going.
963 reviews11 followers
September 22, 2024
A wonderful story in a vividly original setting with delightful characters and a lot of twists. I am looking forward to book 4!
Profile Image for Jennie.
695 reviews48 followers
September 23, 2024
It was a cute fun read, good pallet cleanse series and perfect for the fall vibes. Love a good cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Sarah.
199 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2024
A great fun edition to the series!
Profile Image for Melissa.
6 reviews17 followers
April 21, 2025
Super cozy

Very cozy and cute mystery. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope this series never ends.
600 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2024
Cozy, nostalgic, and add in a dash of Christmas! What a wonderful story! The characters are all amazing still, and this mystery was one heck of one. I spent the whole time thinking maybe I figured it out then being proven wrong over and over, haha I'm still frustrated at the love-triangle portion, but that's just a personal preference. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book, thankfully. Just an absolutely wonderfully cozy story with a super high nostalgia factor for the 90s!
Profile Image for Vicki.
10 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2024
This has quickly became one of my favorite series. What’s not to like in a cozy mysterious beach town all wrapped up 90s nostalgia with a Christmas mystery? Gilmore Girls along with Practical Magic vibes. I will not give any type of spoilers for those who dive into this series. I will say the love triangle though, wow! I know who my choice is and I’m rooting for him. The twists and turns in this book and the tension is chef’s kiss. Can’t wait for the next one.
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