The Caretaker

by Shawn McGuire

Dusty Hotte must be cursed.

First she lost her job then her house caught fire. On the same day. There are worse things than starting over at fifty, right? But when someone threatens her granddaughter’s life, enough is enough.

Seeking protection, they move to Dusty’s enchanted family farm - filled with elderly witches whose magic has gone a bit wonky, a horde of familiars, and a couple ghosts - in the safe town of Blackwood Grove, Wisconsin, where nothing can harm them.

Or so she thought.

Minutes after they arrive, a man is found dead in the family diner, and her cousin is wrongfully accused of murder. Things like this don't happen here. Ever.

So did Dusty bring the curse with her, or is something more sinister at play?

To find out, she must clear her cousin’s name and uncover the real killer, even if it means performing magic, something she swore she’d never do again.


One part CHARMED, one part THE FACTS OF LIFE, one part THE GOLDEN GIRLS, and a dash of DEXTER. You're going to love The Witches of Blackwood Grove!

Genres: Paranormal, Witches, Cozy Mystery

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 22, 2024

About the author

Mystery and fantasy author Shawn McGuire loves creating characters and places her fans want to return to again and again. She started writing after seeing the first Star Wars movie (that's episode IV) as a kid. She couldn't wait for the next installment to come out so wrote her own. Sadly, those notebooks are long lost, but her desire to tell a tale is as strong now as it was then. She lives in Wisconsin near the beautiful Mississippi River and when not writing or reading, she might be baking, crafting, going for a long walk, or nibbling really dark chocolate. You can learn more about her work on her website www.Shawn-McGuire.com

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining witch listening 🎉🎧

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 1 of 1

I assume more to come! Shawn McGuire is one of my favorite authors. I just don't seem to be ready for the short time her series are available on Kindle Unlimited.

Dusty has returned to her home with her granddaughter. They are welcome and there is a murder. Why? The mystery is solved with a happy ending!

I would recommend this series to readers of witches fantasy world 🌎 mystery novels. 2024

[K.E. O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Lots of complex characters. A fun mystery to solve. A way bigger subplot brewing in the background, and some adorable magic. Super enjoyable.

[Vicki Blackmore-schoch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. What I do not understand is why authors put in LGBTQ characters for no purpose. This book has a store assistant, he is trans. I think he is mentioned twice with only a few sentences (maybe 3) each time. Yet there he was, with his pronouns (they) which was very confusing. For example, I read something like, Avery said good-bye as they left. My brain is thinking him and who else (and I am an English instructor). And again, I just didn't see the point. The character had no purpose; he was filler. I genuinely like Ms McGuire's writing style, but it seems like authors, not only her, are just checking boxes laid out by publishers and editors so that they are representing every cultural or gender group known or invented by man.

[LaUna Guinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting!

Shawn McGuire takes your hand and leads you into a world that accepts more than just a touch of magic. Reading this story is like sitting in your favorite chair with a cup of tea and your softest cat. It's complex, imaginative, and hopeful. It is a true joy to begin another series where the characters and their relationships develop and you are happier after reading it than before you started!

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whimsical and Witchier

Oh, my! This new series, The Witches of Blackwood Grove, is going to be another strong contender for our attention in Shawn McGuire’s arsenal. A little witchier, a little more out-in-the-open magic, a few ghosts, but all still a little believable! Great new characters, charming town and shops, a villain or two, and very sassy aunties! And, of course, a murder. Or was it? And who or what is the mysterious apparition in the attic and the woods?

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!!!

I didn't know what to expect upon starting & reading this book. I'm thrilled to say that Shawn has done it again! She's created another world, where the reader is hooked by the end of the first chapter. The characters are engaging, and the character development is spot on. I read this book in two days - while working a full time demanding job. I just couldn't put it down & read everything time I had a chance.

[Anne G. Kasaba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this first book in a new series. I have been so entrenched in her other series I was afraid this would be a let down. Wow was I wrong. From the first page I was hooked. Everything is perfect from the writing, to the mystery, to the characters names. If I could I would give it ten stars!

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

[April Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting

This story grabbed me and didn't let go! Strength of characters abound, even reaching a four year old child. This book has love written all over it. Love of family, best friends and 'the House'. New author to me, but I'll be back to visit Blackwood Grove very soon . Highly Recommend.

[MaryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book!

I found Shawn in the Whispering Pines series and loved the Hearth and Cauldron books. I was hoping to fall in love with this one too and it did not disappoint ! Shawn knows how to suck you into the story from page 1 and every character feels like an old friend. I’m looking forward to The Crones!

[Larry Coulson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Yet another fantastic book by Shawn McGuire. I always feel like one of the community in all of her books. Only thing missing is a lil Westie aka West Highland White Terrier! Maybe a new puppy for Cricket! Can't wait for the next book!

[Kelly Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting story line!

This one took me about half the book to get into the story but once I did I couldn't stop reading! Love all the magical elements that keep the story interesting. Looking forward to the next book.

[Debbie ONeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I enjoyed reading this book. The fact that family needs each other is so true. I loved the precious Cricket and the backstory of what happened with Dusty. Can't wait for the next story.😊

[Betty Houtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shawn McGuire is an excellent author. I have enjoyed all of her books that I have read. The Caretaker was an example of her excellent writing. I read through the night because I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for the next book.

[Laureen Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written

I'm a fan of Shawn McGuire's Whispering Pines books so this is just as good and well written. The characters and setting are perfect and promise much more to come. Hard to put down.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE

Can I be Dusty??? I love this book and hope it is the beginning of a new series. I could not stop reading except to sleep. Thank you Shawn 💕

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

I love Shawn's Whispering Pines series, am looking forward to more to come about Blackwood Grove.
A house full of witches and a Cricket!

[D M Marrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book by Shawn McGuire so far, secrets yet to be revealed, cosy, magical,mysterious unputdownable!

[Rebecca Banks Meiners · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

I really like Dusty. I loved the whispering pines series but found jayne to be so unlikable. I almost didn’t read this book but so happy i did.

[Mary Cokenour · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it a second time, just to make sure my first review was fair....it was. Good try though.

[Dana Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this book was kind of meh. I hope it was mainly just an introduction into the town and family and inner workings. Looking forward to reading the second one when it comes out.

[Jane Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I was really impressed with this story, I love the idea of safe towns for witches, for anyone different. Looking forward to reading many more.

[Blu Luna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pacing a bit slow

The world is beautiful, but I found the pacing dragged out at times. Overall, it was a very lovely read and something I will probably continue with.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought the Whispering pines series was great this series is looking like it will be even better

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this on my Kindle for ages, and had started it ages ago but couldn't get into it. I picked it up this afternoon, and read it all the way through! Loved it!

[Kelly Powles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the build up is for book 2 but this just didn't have quite the ending I was thinking it would - hoping book 2 seals the deal for me!

[Dawn Godman-Martz · Rating 5 out of 5]

can’t wait to see what’s next

Such a wonderful new adventure!
I cannot wait to read the next one!
Shawn delivered on creating a new world somehow still connected to the amazing one she’d already built.