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Strange magic? Check. A brother who’s still a cat? Check. A cryptic message from an ex-husband who’s in trouble? Wait… what?

Morgan and her ex-husband broke up on bad terms. But when he sends her a cryptic message, Morgan knows that whatever trouble he’s in, it’s likely her fault. Over Ruiner’s protests, she ventures beyond Hollowbeck’s borders to find him.

But instead of finding him, she finds a dead body.

Then she finds the Oubliette, an exclusive gambling club in the town of Darrowdale, which is a mirror image of Hollowbeck – only with a decidedly more dangerous population.

Treachery, dangerous deals, and soul-stealing coffee are all in the cards as Morgan and Ruiner try to find her ex-husband while staying one step ahead of the killer.

But the killer has plans that go beyond murder, and if they get their way, both Hollowbeck and Darrowdale will be lost forever.

Life’s A Witch is the third book in the Hollowbeck Paranormal Cozy Mysteries series from Amelia Ash and bestselling author Kim M. Watt.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2024

106 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

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Amelia Ash

6 books26 followers

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5 stars
202 (54%)
4 stars
114 (30%)
3 stars
44 (11%)
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9 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for desiree(finally back) .
121 reviews87 followers
November 9, 2024
Book three; welcome to Darrowdale.

While I did miss the cozy charm of Hollowbeck, Darrowdale brought its own unique allure. The introduction of new characters added depth and excitement to the story, and I found myself enjoying most of them immensely.

This book has it all—comedy and peril, fear and heartwarming moments. The world-building is phenomenal, and I haven't found a single book in this series that deserves less than 5 stars. These characters and their stories linger in my mind long after I've finished reading. October 2025 can't come soon enough; I'm eagerly awaiting the fourth book!

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴.
Profile Image for Eric.
649 reviews34 followers
March 17, 2025
Well, Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt get a bit goofy in this latest tale of a yet to be witch learning to be witchy and her forever in trouble brother, who just happens to have been turned into a talking cat.

I'll leave this review with goofy. No offense to the Disney character and you'll note I did not capitalize goofy.
Profile Image for Elliot A.
704 reviews45 followers
June 7, 2025
ElliotScribbles.com



Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Life's a Witch in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

The Gist

It’s 2025, yet Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt still hand readers a heroine who feels obligated to mop up every man’s mess. Grown men toss their emotional garbage at her feet, and—surprise—she shoulders the blame. I kept waiting for one of these dudes to pick up a broom or, better yet, grow a conscience. No such luck.


The Details

Our protagonist flees her hometown to start fresh. Great plan—until three separate books yank her backwards because the men in her orbit can’t handle their own consequences. They pout, they ghost, they scheme, and somehow it’s on her to fix everything. Why should I care about these deadbeat satellites when the series title says she should be the sun?



Worse, the narrative keeps rewarding their behavior. The plot stalls so each guy can air his grievances, and the heroine dutifully soothes them. I’d call it character development, but that implies forward motion. Instead, we circle the same swamp of male fragility chapter after chapter. Meanwhile our witch—talented, smart, ready for a new life—shrinks so they can shine. Spoiler: they never do.



Some sparkle exists. The magic system feels cozy, the small-town setting oozes autumn charm, and the dialogue has pep when the men aren’t whining. A few side characters—women who actually support one another—breathe life into the gloom. Those moments kept me turning pages even while I rolled my eyes.





Pros: warm setting, snappy banter, flashes of sisterhood.



Cons: heroine’s agency kneecapped, plot hijacked by man-sized pity parties, third installment still spinning the same wheel.



The Verdict

Bottom line: Life’s a Witch mixes potential with a hefty dose of frustration. If I wanted to watch capable women rescue irresponsible men for the zillionth time, I’d scroll social media. I came for witchcraft and growth; I got a rerun of the “girls fix everything” trope. Two stars for the atmosphere—the rest evaporated faster than cheap potion smoke.

Profile Image for Hollie M.
9 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
More Effie please! This is book three of the Hollowbeck Paranormal Cozy Mysteries and probably my favorite. Morgan and her still cat brother Ruined, leave Hollowbeck to find Morgan’s ex-husband after receiving several cryptic messages from him for her help. I was worried I wouldn’t like the book being in a different city (another magical city!) but it offers new mysterious characters to the series, some I’m sure we’ll be reading more of! I received an advanced copy for review but it will be available on kindle unlimited on 9/27.
I’m looking forward to more in this series. If you’re looking for a good cozy mystery that will have you chuckling out loud, this is it!
Profile Image for Elle (Lost in Wonderland).
184 reviews216 followers
November 15, 2024
I have enjoyed each and every one of the books in this series . Full of mystery, laugh out loud moments, wit and an ensemble of quirky characters. Each book has its own mystery while also having a running storyline throughout the series.

In this instalment, Morgan is on a rescue mission to save her ex-husband who has been suspected kidnapped. We are introduced to a host of new characters who reside in the town of Darrowdale, a sinister, topsy turvy version of Hollowbeck.

The third instalment in the Hollowbeck series is just as delightful as the first two.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Mahnoor  Lasania.
432 reviews7 followers
December 28, 2024
This book has it all—comedy and peril, fear and heartwarming moments. The world-building is phenomenal, and I found myself hooked.

These characters and their stories linger in my mind long after I've finished reading like the gambling house boss, the faye bartender and especially the ghouly, but I wasn't really invested in her ex-husband's fate. It made me less invested in the outcome of this plot.

But I still loved it enough for it to be a full 5 stars.
Profile Image for Cindy.
471 reviews9 followers
October 22, 2024
Life's A Witch is the 3rd book in the Hallowbeck series following Morgan as she's building her life in a magical town after divorce and discovering her brother has been turned into a cat. She's also in control of a powerful grimoire, which should imply that she could become a powerful witch herself. Unfortunately, this is all very new and overwhelming and Morgan doesn't quite believe in herself or understand what to do with the book. This installment takes her away from her new home of Hallowbeck to another magical town called Darrowdale, a place that is a like a dark or bad version of her home. It's where those ousted from Hallowbeck live and people can gamble their souls away literally. She ventures there after her ex-husband reaches out for help and is attached to the town. Ruiner also has some experience with it's gambling house, so things aren't likely to go well.

I enjoyed some of the characters in this new town like the gambling house boss, the faye bartender and especially the ghouly, but I wasn't invested in her ex-husband's fate. It made me less invested in the outcome of this plot. I also missed her friends in Hallowbeck, especially after the last book centered around the carnival and not the town either. There are so many interesting characters to delve into and plots surrounding the deals, the book and Ruiner and Morgan's destinies that still need to be discovered. I hope there are more books in this series and we can get back to those topics.

That said I still enjoyed the book and I loved seeing a deeper bond between Morgan and Ruiner develop and Morgan step into her power and build her confidence. I highly recommend this series if you like modern paranormal cozy mysteries.

4,392 reviews57 followers
October 31, 2024
2 1/2 stars. Morgan, a new not-so capable witch with a powerful grimoire and her brother-turned-cat leave the magical town of Hollowbeck to try to save her ex who is asking for help. What she finds is a mirror image magic town of Hollowbeck that is filled with more dangerous characters and a murder who has plans for Morgan.

I have not read the books previous to this one but it was easy to understand though I'm sure I'm missing somethings. There definitely seemed to be some quirky characters in Hollowbeck I would like to read more about and there seemed to be some in the new town that I wouldn't be surprised would show up in the future. I really liked the ghoul and the Dealer. They seemed intriguing.

The book had plenty of action, some funny scenes and hints at mysteries to still be unraveled. I guessed who the culprit was fairly early on but there were plenty of surprises along the way.

But it was Morgan who kind of annoyed me. She says that she always had to rescue her brother from his disastrous actions and she did the same thing for her ex. Now her ex is able to get messages to her in a magical town that doesn't have reliable internet or phone service. She automatically thinks she is responsible for him being in trouble so she must save him and leave the safety of Hollowbeck. Everyone tells her that something is suspicious of this but she must save him. The hero complex is too much. Plus, she really needs to take ownership of her powers. All her wishy washy stands make her unreliable as a witch at best.

So a mixed bag. But it has potential.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
2,240 reviews30 followers
November 25, 2024
There are times when I want to take Morgan and give her a big shake. She is fixer for all the weak men in her life from her brother to her ex. When they get into trouble, she cannot resist the temptation to try and make things better. It makes her a muggins at times but she is also a big hearted person. In the previous books she has been trying to come to terms with the fact that she is now a witch, with a powerful grimoire, in a magical town. But when she receives a plea from her ex to extricate him from some danger in another, more sinister, magical town, caution is thrown to the wind and she and her brother Ruiner, who has been turned into a cat, go to the rescue.

Needless to say, things are not simple. Not by a long shot. This town is the exact reverse of hers and where the town was built on order and good deeds, this new one has very dark corners and many evil things that want to capture her and steal her grimoire. While it has been anything but smooth or easy, she and her team that now includes a ghoul named Essie, manage to survive. But the final betrayals put all of that into question. There is an unexpected puppet master who is determined to harness Morgan and her powerful grimoire and he is willing to use any means. But when things are looking their grimmest, Morgan, once again, discovers her powers and is able to turn the tables.

But there is no doubt as the book ends that there will be many more challenges and dangers before Morgan is in control of her own destiny. Five purrs and two paws up.

347 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2024
One Smart Witch is the third book in the Hollowbeck Paranormal Cosy Mystery series. Once again this book steps away from Hollowbeck itself and instead focuses on another magical township that is both alike and very different from Hollowbeck as Morgan and Ruiner search for Morgan's missing Ex.

Morgan still has no idea what she's doing but determinedly blunders onward and in a possible sign of some character growth it's often Ruiner who acts as the voice of reason. Despite some slightly darker elements (e.g. zombies) the story holds onto a cosy, charming and somewhat absurd feeling throughout. I've long ago given up trying to figure out who-dunnit as I read Ms Watt's books as it's often obvious and they're more about enjoying the ride than reaching a destination, but this time the reveal of the party responsible for the trouble did come as a surprise to me.

Overall, it's a charming, comfortable adventure with lots of humour and heart.

I received an ARC and leave an honest review.
Profile Image for Cozy Reader Lady.
1,161 reviews124 followers
September 21, 2024
"Life's A Witch (The Hollowbeck Paranormal Cozy Mysteries #3)" by Amelia Ash and Kim M. Watt is more thriller paranormal cozy mystery, I would say. Yes, there's always a mystery. There's lots of paranormal. The sense of dire circumstances is a bit higher than the usual cozy mystery though. The underlying story that links all the books puts it more in the thriller side of things I think. Morgan seems to be starting to understand her new potential powers towards the end of this book though.

Morgan gets summoned to another magical town when her ex starts sending her cryptic messages asking for help. This other town is like Hollowbeck's mirror twin. It has everything Hollowbeck has but slightly twisted. There's also some seriously fae style gambling and rules going on. Morgan gets sucked in trying to find her ex and trying to just get everyone back home.
Profile Image for Tanvi.
600 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2024
Just like the first two, the book is well written, filled with adventures and quirky characters.

The setting is weird and there are no rules, which is something that keeps attracting me to it. And a similar town like Hollowbeck, great.

But I am getting tired of waiting for Ruiner to explain something of what happened to him, it's been 3 books already and we know nothing.

Also I would have liked the book better if it wasn't The Ex who was in trouble. Ruiner made so much sense in the book and I wish she never went to help him, rather she should work on getting everything back. She's just too good and that doesn't make sense after going through so much.

I would definitely keep following the series, but I want to see growth in Morgan's character, both in terms of getting what is hers, and becoming a witch and Ruiner needs to spill some secrets.
39 reviews
September 30, 2024
Oh dear...
I adore Kim's Toot Hansell and Gobbelino London books, and that's why I've been reading the Hollowbeck books. I definitely don't adore these. In Kim's solo books the magic is occasional and much of the fun derives from how people react to it. In these books EVERTYTHING is weird and paranormal, weirdness for the sake of it - like a minotaur in a maxi dress - without advancing the plot in any way. It's too much. It's unsubtle. Like Ruiner's name - not funny. I feel like I'm being hit around the head with 'magic' while the plot is very slow. Some of Kim's lovely writing is still there, and an occasional reference to baked goods, but Kim's lovely, rather gentle sense of humour is being drowned. Sorry Kim - I'm now going to read your solo books again (for the sixth time).
Profile Image for Annarella.
14.2k reviews167 followers
September 29, 2024
This is common review for One Smart Witch and Life's A Witch
I think that the best compliment for an ARC is to buy or pre-order the rest of the series and that's what happened after I read Witch Slap. I got a book because I liked the cat on the cover and got a very entertaining and well plotted series that makes me laugh and keeps turning pages.
These books are a mix of cozy fantasy and cozy mystery. There's a solid mystery, quirky characters, and a well developed and intriguing setting.
The authors did a good job in world building and I like the storytelling. The banters and the humour are a plus.
Go and read it, you're in for a treat.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Profile Image for Kims Book Coven.
58 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2024
What a lovely little read. I hadn't realised this wasn't the first book in a series but I don't think it mattered as it was easy to follow along.  This is a great who done it mystery adventure full of magic. It follows morgan and ruiner on a magical journey to find her ex and they come across enemy's and lots of obstacles on their journey to find him.  Although morgan isn't the best at magic she finds her way following the clues and trying to  keep her grimour safe from evil hands. I love the way this is written, amelia ash and kim watts really know how to pull you in to a magical story and keep you reading and guessing.  I will definitely be picking up the other books.
558 reviews12 followers
September 22, 2024
This feels like a wonderful combination of a cozy mystery and a Kelly Armstrong book with the wild magical towns. I will first say that even though this is the third in the series I was able to catch up pretty fast. (I haven't read the first two. ) And this just dragged me in with great speed and an engrossing plot. This book was good enough that I really need to go back and read the first two because even though I know a little of what happens, I still feel like I want to live more in this world. Recommended.
Profile Image for Gail.
618 reviews1 follower
October 3, 2024
Is it ever worth saving your ex???

Well, Morgan feels guilted into it.

Which means things will go wrong.

Somebody, possibly Jason, her ex, has called and text, saying he needs help.

She's advised, mainly by Ruiner, to leave it. Then others tell her it might be a ruse to grab her and the grimoire.

But she doesn't listen and ends up in Darrowdale, which is like Hollowbeck, but darker.

Will they find Jason?

Will Morgan leave with Ruiner, her familiar and the grimoire???

Brilliant book 😁

Can't wait for book 4👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😁😁
Profile Image for Old Time Tales.
314 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2024
Getting stronger.

I truly enjoyed this installment in the series. I had to wade through books one and two but this one was much stronger and much more fun.

This book seemed like a mix between the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and the Mirror Universe of Star Trek because of the contrast between the two villages.

My main complaint is how long it takes for Morgan to get her act together and quit simply reacting to everything.

Morgan’s character took a big jump forward here, I hope she keeps it up. Capable, confident Morgan is much more fun than insecure Morgan.
2,292 reviews40 followers
October 5, 2024
This is the third entry in this series and it’s still going strong! Each and every one of the books has captured me right from the start. Morgan is a well intentioned witch, if only she knew how powerful her intentions are in the craft, and Ruiner is a bratty brother who actually does love his sister, though he may not always express it.

Weaving her tale with Morgan and Ruiner at the center, the authors cast their spell and take you on a journey to solve a mystery and bring them one step closer to getting Ruiner back tobe ing his true self. A fun and engaging series!
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
October 16, 2024
A not so bad deal

I love this series! Morgan has always been the one her feckless brother ran to for rescue. Only now he's running on four paws. Cursed to be a cat, he inveigles Morgan to the magical town of Hallowbeck to find a cure. But when she gets a strange phone call from her equally feckless ex-husband crying for help, she heads to the spooky similar town of Darrowdale. Dead bodies, the mysterious Dealer and creatures she's never seen, who is the enemy? Adventures galore lead to a (nearly) heart-stopping ending. Can't wait to visit Hallowbeck again .
665 reviews
September 24, 2024
Morgan is still learning how to be a witch and Ruiner is still a cat. Now her husband is missing. This is another good and entertaining paranormal mystery with likeable characters. I really love this series. I think book 1 and 3 are the best ones. I can truly recommend this series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Sterling & Stone and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Marie Cordalis.
105 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2024
Round Three!

Morgan and Ruiner are back and getting into trouble again, for once not caused by Ruiner. At least directly. A trip to another magical village even as they are still adapting to Hollowbeck is almost the end of them. The world building is absolutely unique. The characters are all endearing and villainous and sometimes either or both! There's comedy and peril, fear and heart warming moments. I can't wait for the next installment!
Profile Image for Stephanie Givre.
219 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2024
I did not realize this was the third book in the series when I requested this arc. Totally my fault because it was right when I was starting my arc reading journey. So I am sure that I missed things while reading that I would have comprehended better if I had read the previous two stories. Overall this is a cute cozy read and I will probably start at the beginning of the series and read it all again at some point.
Profile Image for Tsippi Jelingold.
94 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2024
A great third installment

This is the 3rd part in a series that keeps getting better. Morgan and her brother Ruiner get called out of Hollowbeck for a dubious rescue mission that demand all their power and cooperation. The tone is darker but the dialogs are still funny. I recommend.
Profile Image for Jill Elizabeth.
1,993 reviews50 followers
November 15, 2024
This is such a fun series, but I must confess that this was my least favorite of the books so far... I didn't care for the darkness of Darrowdale. I get that it's the contrast to Hollowbeck, and the world building is very well done to that end, but I found it to be a heavier feeling book and the quest to figure out the dynamics felt more convoluted. I liked the ending when things went back to more of a normal feel, and there are clearly hints of Things To Come that I'm looking forward to seeing!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,142 reviews85 followers
September 21, 2024
I have a habit recently of starting a book series NOT on the first one, and this series is one I did that with. I am happy to report that you don’t really need to have read the others to enjoy this one. I enjoyed getting to know this universe, and I enjoyed getting to know Ruiner (such a funny name!) and Morgan. While the clues to this mystery were a little confusing, I couldn’t help but be charmed by the book. I can’t wait to read another installment so I can get to know the universe a little better, and I can catch up on what I missed. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily revewed.
111 reviews
October 1, 2024
Life's a Witch

Book 3, by Amelia Ash & Kim M. Watt. I said this about the last book but I think I meant this time. I really like the author, but one of the characters is so unlikable that it ruins the book. I don't think I'll read the next book
Profile Image for Annie.
5 reviews
October 20, 2024
This was definitely a fun read! I must be honest and have not read any of the other books in the series (yet) however, this was good as a stand alone as well!! In my opinion this would make for a good/fun movie or series!! (If done right, of course!! ) :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kjersti.
74 reviews8 followers
January 26, 2025
It just keep getting better

I am so happy i started reading this series. Each book is like warm tea, a cozy blanket and thick socks. I will be absolutely devastated when this ride is over.
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