Toil & Truffle

Gloam Hollow #1

by Jane Lenore

Stars Hollow meets Halloweentown in this new cozy witch mystery series from #1 bestselling author, Jane Lenore (J.L.) Vampa, the perfect read for fall and fans of Pumpkin Spice Cafe and The Ex Hex

Gloam Hollow is a quaint mountainside town of magical creatures---witches, vampires, dread monsters, werewolves, faeries, and even trolls. When a murder disrupts her small-town life as a witch, Blair Wardwell does what she does she meddles. Join Blair and her mystical friends in the Gloam Hollow Series as they solve cases and embark upon cozy adventures in bakeries, book clubs, and bubble baths.

Toil & Blair Wardwell's Copper Cauldron Apothecary isn't doing well, but she has no interest in working at her grandmother's inn or her mother's bakery. When she stumbles upon a murder in their sleepy little town of Gloam Hollow after fall book club one night, she thrusts herself face-first into amateur sleuthing, to the dismay of the sheriff. The number one suspect happens to be the handsome Dread Monster who's new to town and opening a café next door to her apothecary. When he sets his sights on Blair, mayhem ensues!

Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Pumpkin Spice Cafe, and Legends & Lattes

Genres: Fantasy, Cozy, Romance, Witches, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy Fantasy

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Holiday · Rating 4 out of 5]

**UPDATE:** I just discovered the recipes at the end of the book, along with a QR code linking to a fashion board for the main character! How amazing is that? It’s clear the author poured a lot of love and thought into this book. Because of that attention to detail, I’m adding an extra star—this story truly feels crafted with magical vibes and genuine care!

- **Cozy Fall Read:** Perfect for autumn, infused with Halloweentown vibes.
- **Magical Creatures:** A charming small town filled with diverse magical beings.
- **Subtle Romance:** Sweet and understated, enhancing the main plot without overshadowing it.
- **Intriguing Murder Mystery:** Keeps readers guessing, with hints of deeper stories for future installments.
- **Delectable Food & Beverages:** Mouthwatering descriptions that create a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- **Stylish Protagonist:** The main character’s outfits are so cute they deserve a Pinterest board.

Overall, Gloam Hollow is a delightful blend of magic, romance, and mystery—ideal for a cozy read this fall!

[Kelsey Cornelsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a cute cozy mystery book, small town vibes and perfect to read when falls starts.

[Poppy Calliope · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️
the autumn energy is unmatched in this book, super cozy and wholesome! Blair is such a sweet MC and I love how the author included her style board and the recipes. The mystery lost me a bit from one point onwards and I was hoping everything would be revealed by the end of the book but nope 🙅‍♀️🍂🤎🎃

[Linnea Kleist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a perfect cosy autumnal read that got me even more in the mood for Halloween. It is a light murder mystery with magical vibes all around. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

Thank you Jane Lenore for this ARC ♥️

[Christine Stitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well… now I can say I’ve read a cozy mystery. 🕵🏻‍♀️☕️ And at first I didn’t mind it. The world is adorable… felt like Nightmare Before Christmas meets Scooby Doo. But then, the more I got into the book, and there was no romance (because hello, this isn’t primarily a romance book, it’s mystery), my enjoyment diminished.

I’m primarily a romance reader, so while it was refreshing to have a palette cleanser, eventually I just got frustrated, remembering this wasn’t gonna follow the same plot arc that typical romances do.

Nevertheless, I was eager to find out whodunit. Well…. it was rushed. All thrown together in the VERY LAST chapter. I almost thought we wouldn’t get a resolution (and we actually don’t, fully) in this book, because oh hello, she’s got another book. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Argghh..

The middle of the book I kept falling asleep to bc it was a lot of writing, for not a lot going on. The FMC runs around trying to solve the mystery, but doesn’t get much of anywhere. There were also TOO MANY characters, names, and details for me to keep up with (esp for an under 300 page book).

All in all, I think it was great for what it was, just not my typical genre or read. 🤗

[My Little Happy Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

I met JL Vampa on TikTok (she is genuinely so sweet and has the best fall vibes), and I was so excited to hear she had a clean, cozy fall vibe murder mystery book series. This was such a perfect start to my fall reads. I am not a big romance reader, but I found that this was a whimsical and interesting read overall. I appreciated that the mystery was more forward than the romance, and I always enjoy cat sidekicks which was an added bonus.

Blair was a unique and fun character to read about, and I found that I also enjoyed the many side characters and their cute magical backgrounds. The story was very whimsical, autumnal, and cozy! I am excited to read the next one to see what happens.

As an added bonus there were recipes at the end of the book that tied back to the story, and also a Pinterest board to imagine what












Potential spoilers in the content review below:











Content:
•Murder, Violence
•Romance (clean)
•I feel like this was PG-PG-13 max which I appreciated

[Chloe Pounds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: Gloam Hollow
Author: Jane Lenore
Rating 4 stars

I really enjoyed this book! It had everything to love about a cosy mystery ✨️

It was full of witches, warlocks, and monsters. Autum was in every corner, with cosy coffee, apothecaries, an inn, and a library!

We follow Blair in her quaint hometown of Gloam Hollow when a new stranger comes to town and there's a murder! She is determined to find out what's happened and who is involved!

Along the way, we have a harvest festival, fall treats, and a small romance building.

I can't wait to read book 2 and really enjoyed this!

[Samantha Michiels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! A cozy witch mystery to start the fall season🍂

[Katie Weathersbee · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so bizarre lol so many characters to keep up with for such a cute short book but it was a short and sweet festive read

[Morgan wentworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute read! Gilmore girl fans will be able to see some of the similarities! Definitely stars hollow vibes but make it magical murder mystery

[Gintare Sipa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect book for the autumn season! Cosy vibes with the right amount of mystery and romance. Gloam Hollow is my sort of town!

[Kait W · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the cozy fall book I was looking for! I think I would enjoy being a witch and owning an apothecary. However a bit disappointed by the ending. I still have a lot of questions and I guess I have to read the next book to get the answers to them.

[Jocelynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If only I could actually live in Gloam Hollow, I would!

This brings a whole new level of cozy to the cozy mystery genre. The characters are fun & engaging, the scenes are written so well it’s like you’re there with all the details, and the mystery is fun.

As a cozy mystery reader, this was a top read of the year + brought a new level of whimsy & magic to the genre.

[Miss · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a great little cozy book! The characters are wild and fun, the little sleepy town is a dream. This was a perfect witchy, quick fall read!

[Melissa Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toil & Blair by J.L. Vampa is like a warm mug of cinnamon tea with a splash of mystery and a generous swirl of magical mayhem. Set in the delightfully quirky town of Gloam Hollow, this book gave me all the cozy vibes I was craving—with just enough intrigue to keep me turning pages well past bedtime.

Blair Wardwell is exactly the kind of main character I love to root for: a little stubborn, a little sarcastic, and totally uninterested in doing what everyone expects of her. Her struggling apothecary business might not be thriving, but she’s too proud (and maybe a little too chaotic) to fall back on her family’s more traditional paths. I loved how her refusal to “stay in her lane” is what pulls her into the town’s mystery, especially after stumbling on a murder post-book-club—classic Blair!

The real joy of this book, though, is the town itself. Gloam Hollow is this magical melting pot of creatures, from dread monsters (hello, tall dark and monstrous!) to faeries and trolls, and it somehow works in a way that feels both whimsical and lived-in. It reminded me of a mashup between Stars Hollow and Halloweentown in the best possible way—small-town charm with supernatural flair.

And let’s talk about the slow-burn tension between Blair and the new Dread Monster in town who may or may not be a murder suspect (but is definitely opening a rival café next door). Their banter had me grinning, and I genuinely enjoyed the enemies-to-something-more undertone brewing in the background of the murder mystery.

The pacing felt just right, never rushed, but never dragging, and the mystery kept me guessing without becoming overly complicated. The touches of humor, friendship, and self discovery added just enough depth to balance the lighthearted tone.

If you’re into cozy witch mysteries with a dash of romance, found family, and an aesthetic that screams crunchy leaves and flickering candlelight, Toil & Blair is your next fall read. I'm already itching to dive back into Gloam Hollow for whatever magical mess Blair stirs up next.

[Alexandra Boldes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toil & Truffle: A Gloam Hollow Cozy Witch Mystery is an enchanting little escape into a world of spells, sweets, and small-town secrets. From the first page, Gloam Hollow feels like a place you’d want to visit. It’s full of quirky shops, eccentric townsfolk, and the comforting scent of something magical baking in the oven.
The main character is instantly likable: smart, kind, and just flawed enough to feel real. Watching her juggle her bakery business, her witchy heritage, and a dash of amateur sleuthing makes for a story that’s both heartwarming and fun. The mystery itself isn’t overly dark or twisty, as it's more about community, friendship, and the quiet strength that comes from believing in yourself (and maybe a little bit of spellwork).
Jane Lenore's writing has a cozy rhythm. It’s lightly humorous, descriptive without dragging, and full of sensory charm. The magical pastries alone deserve their own spin-off!
While it doesn’t completely reinvent the cozy mystery genre, Toil & Truffle is a delightful, feel-good read that hits all the right notes for fans of witchy cozies. Perfect for curling up with a blanket and a treat.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is coming locally to do a book signing in my town. So I picked up this book on the premise that it’s a light not super heavy fantasy book. Where all these monsters coexist and it’s just like a contemporary with a supernatural element. And it did not disappoint at all!

Blair is a witch who runs an apothecary when a new guy comes into town and happens to be a rather rare creature. Not to mention super hot! But unfortunately, somewhat cry, crime spree and murders happen shortly after he comes to town. And unfortunately, unfortunately, fortunately, he becomes the number one suspect.

Not all of the crimes are solved by the end of the book, but it doesn’t leave you on an absolute cliffhanger. It’s just a mini cliff and I cannot wait to start!

I did listen to this on audio, and the narrators are pretty good

[caroline dalton · Rating 3 out of 5]

i’d give the cozy vibes of this book 5⭐, but plot wise it just didn’t land for me. if you love stars hollow energy and slightly spooky small towns, you’ll probably really enjoy the setting. it definitely has that small-town charm and cozy autumn feel.

that said, don’t go into it expecting a super gripping plot. i think it works better as a little palette cleanser between heavier reads rather than a mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. i found myself getting a bit bored with the mystery itself and by the end, i wasn’t all that invested in the reveal.

overall: super cozy autumnal vibes, slower plot, and no spice or language!

[C Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The vibes of this book were nice, especially if you play a good witchy playlist in the background. I think “witchy vibes” were more the author’s priority than a mystery that the reader could solve. Some of the MCs interaction with technology felt a little bit cringe. Overall, I would recommend this for fall vibes and coziness, not for anything serious. We were left with enough questions to want to pick up the second book, but I never felt unsettled. It truly is a “cozy” in that sense. Fun book!

[Mandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Minus Mr. Dreads occupation, this was super predictable but I loved it anyways.

I really appreciated the curvy girl representation in this, as well as the descriptions of her outfits. I’m jealous I don’t have money cuz I’m a sahm to go buy stuff to replicate them!

This book is described as Halloweentown meets Star Hollow and I couldn’t agree more!

This left off on one hell of a cliffhanger which would have made me sooo mad if the next book wasn’t out already. Thankfully it is so it’s already been downloaded and I’ll read it tomorrow!

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this 3.75⭐️I absolutely adored the first portion of the book- particularly the world building - it started off giving Halloween Town and I was thrilled with the quirky spooky characters, ghost cat, etc. But the storyline itself fell very flat. I typically will put down a book if it’s below a 4 star read for me, but I wanted to see this through simply because it was my Halloween read + it was a short read. But I was honestly bored 3/4th of the book.

[Charlie Boddeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wat was dit een gezellig, herfstachtig boek. De schrijfster is goed in sfeer creëren en beeldend schrijven. Het gevoel van beginnende herfst, warme vesten, pumpkin spice latte in Stars Hollow, maar dan is iedereen een magisch wezen. Als kers op de slagroom is er een mysterieuze moord die opgelost moet worden.

[Booksandcoffee931 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great Fall book! I am so glad that I read it during this time. It is so comfy/cozy, with no spice. The FMC and MMC are such cinnamon rolls. It is definitely Halloweentown meets Stars Hollow! The only complaint that I have is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Luckily, I immediately downloaded the second book on KU. On to the next one!

[Breweryof Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great Fall book! I am so glad that I read it during this time. It is so comfy/cozy, with no spice. The FMC and MMC are such cinnamon rolls. It is definitely Halloweentown meets Stars Hollow! The only complaint that I have is that it ended on a cliffhanger. Luckily, I immediately downloaded the second book on KU. On to the next one!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a cozy fall feel-good read. Very likable characters with a well-structured plot. I liked the small town gossip and family dynamics. Toward the end, it felt like maybe the story was a little sloppy, but it ended with Blair and I asking the same questions. So, I suppose book 2 might hold our answers.

[Braileigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did what I thought it would.. Provided me with cozy autumnal pumpkin spice feels with a little bit of mystery while I sit inside in my house mid August and pretend it’s not still 95 degrees outside :)

[Kylee Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is beyond cute and cozy. It’s giving Gilmore Girls, Halloweentown, with a mysterious twist. If you’re wanting a cute cozy fall read, I highly recommend adding this to your TBR. I will be picking up book 2 STAT.

[Cindy Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little cozy mystery.
Liam Hollow is filled with magical creatures. That made the story interesting. Very clean book & that’s refreshing. I will read book 2.
I do recommend it if you’re looking for fun and nothing near a literary masterpiece.

[MlEaNnReAdS · Rating 1 out of 5]

Started out decent. Got repetitive and overly descriptive. Then the author felt the need to tell readers this “ Word of advice , my friends , never talk to the cops. You don’t have to” . Seriously two books in a row of authors throwing in their stance on things with little innuendos . *****SIGH****

[Samantha Nagi · Rating 2 out of 5]

An insufferable goody two shoes fmc and 60% of the book was describing how cozy everything was including her daily fashion choices 🙄 skipped through the last 20% only to get to an unsatisfying ending. The author lost me at using the words “spaghetti squash” instead of “shit”.