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Kotahi Bay #1
In the Spirit
When Alyssa inherits her late grandmother’s house in the quiet town of Kotahi Bay, she hopes for a fresh start. But as she settles into her new home, Alyssa quickly learns that her family legacy is more than just property—it's a powerful magic and a centuries-old ghost desperate to break free.
The townspeople expect her to step into the role of local witch, but haunting memories of a night filled with fire and loss make that impossible.
Torn between a restless spirit and mounting pressure from the town, Alyssa faces an impossible embrace the power she’s been given or flee back to the safety of her old life. To protect her new home and honour her grandmother's memory, Alyssa must confront her fears, unlock her hidden powers, and uncover a web of long-buried secrets.
A tale of healing, self-discovery, family, and the magic that binds us to the places and people we’re meant to protect.
The townspeople expect her to step into the role of local witch, but haunting memories of a night filled with fire and loss make that impossible.
Torn between a restless spirit and mounting pressure from the town, Alyssa faces an impossible embrace the power she’s been given or flee back to the safety of her old life. To protect her new home and honour her grandmother's memory, Alyssa must confront her fears, unlock her hidden powers, and uncover a web of long-buried secrets.
A tale of healing, self-discovery, family, and the magic that binds us to the places and people we’re meant to protect.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2024
327 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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December 22, 2024I enjoyed this series starter. Definitely want to research New Zealand mysticism for sure. Want to see where this goes and I will absolutely read book 2
October 25, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a nice find for me.
I don't think I've ever read or listened to a book set in New Zealand before. (Greetings from Sweden!)
All references to birds and flowers went straight over my head so I - always curious about plants and animals - had a fun time googling things I'd previously only seen glimpses of on TV, at best.
In the end, I think the setting and atmosphere was what I enjoyed the most with this book.
The plot and the characters didn't stand out as much to me as the setting did. I kind of wish the story itself had a bit more "umph", somehow. Instead, it felt more like standard fare for the sub genre.
Either way, it's a genuinely good cosy book though, and I suspect I will show up for the sequel.
PS. Beaglehole might one of the best surnames I've ever seen!
This was a nice find for me.
I don't think I've ever read or listened to a book set in New Zealand before. (Greetings from Sweden!)
All references to birds and flowers went straight over my head so I - always curious about plants and animals - had a fun time googling things I'd previously only seen glimpses of on TV, at best.
In the end, I think the setting and atmosphere was what I enjoyed the most with this book.
The plot and the characters didn't stand out as much to me as the setting did. I kind of wish the story itself had a bit more "umph", somehow. Instead, it felt more like standard fare for the sub genre.
Either way, it's a genuinely good cosy book though, and I suspect I will show up for the sequel.
PS. Beaglehole might one of the best surnames I've ever seen!
January 13, 2025
Alyssa is ready to start over when she moves into the home she inherited from her grandmother in Kotahi Bay. Only, it quickly becomes apparent that kitschy decor and a good view of the bay aren’t the only things she’s inherited.
Charged with taking care of a cranky ghost and filling her grandmothers witchy shoes, Alyssa has to work through her own trauma so she can deal with whoever is after her family power before it’s too late.
Nova and Iris do a great job from the get go of creating relatable characters in a stunning setting. The town itself has a personality that is similar to Iris’ Myrtlewood Mysteries. It’s lovable and entertaining all at once.
My absolute favourite part has to be the introduction of aspects unique to culture in New Zealand, especially within the magic system. I was fascinated and it really made it stand out from other stories.
I also loved the twist on the ghost story, it had me turning pages to find out what would happen next!
Technically this book is set around Christmas time so it also has the fun aspect of a summer Christmas. As an Aussie, I’m used to Christmas stories that are set in the snow so it’s also refreshing to see a familiar setting. Keep in mind though, this can easily be read anytime of year because the focus isn’t on the holiday itself.
Overall, Nova and Iris make a great team and I’m really excited to read Book 2 when it’s out 🤗
Charged with taking care of a cranky ghost and filling her grandmothers witchy shoes, Alyssa has to work through her own trauma so she can deal with whoever is after her family power before it’s too late.
Nova and Iris do a great job from the get go of creating relatable characters in a stunning setting. The town itself has a personality that is similar to Iris’ Myrtlewood Mysteries. It’s lovable and entertaining all at once.
My absolute favourite part has to be the introduction of aspects unique to culture in New Zealand, especially within the magic system. I was fascinated and it really made it stand out from other stories.
I also loved the twist on the ghost story, it had me turning pages to find out what would happen next!
Technically this book is set around Christmas time so it also has the fun aspect of a summer Christmas. As an Aussie, I’m used to Christmas stories that are set in the snow so it’s also refreshing to see a familiar setting. Keep in mind though, this can easily be read anytime of year because the focus isn’t on the holiday itself.
Overall, Nova and Iris make a great team and I’m really excited to read Book 2 when it’s out 🤗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
This was the perfect read to wrap up my reading goal for 2024. At only 167 pages it’s short but definitely fast paced enough to crank out an entire story that you leave feeling satisfied. I loved the main characters vibe and the ghost story is so fun for someone who loves stuff like that like me. Will definitely be reading the others in the series eventually. I will say that the author definitely has a theme between her different series’ of books so the story does feel pretty familiar and almost predictable but is nice for when you’re not looking for a mind bending tale to follow.
December 23, 2024
A Wonderful new Mystery
Grandma passed away and she was a.witch. Her granddaughter has inherited it. But she is frightened of magic because she tried doing she young and hurt her best friend. Can she learn how to do it now or is she to afraid? Is someone out to get her?
Grandma passed away and she was a.witch. Her granddaughter has inherited it. But she is frightened of magic because she tried doing she young and hurt her best friend. Can she learn how to do it now or is she to afraid? Is someone out to get her?
December 12, 2024
I quite enjoy one of these author’s books, so I was hoping even with a co-writer, it would be entertaining. I’m happy to say it was. Alyssa is scared of her magic and hasn’t used it since an accident years ago, but she finds she might have to learn and use it again when she inherits her grandmother’s house. This is book is well-written and entertaining, and I quite enjoyed it, but there are a couple of tiny issues I had: Alyssa got powerful and it seemed that a character went from “bad” to “good” really quickly. It’s a first book in the series, though, and I always know that sometimes the first book in a series won’t be perfect. I’m looking forward to reading more about this lovely island. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 15, 2026
Yessss, great start of a new series! I love this book, the setting, Alyssa, and very curious about the next book.
February 10, 2025
Quick read but inspiring
The only reason I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that for a short book it did take a while to get going, the 'would she wouldn't she' of Alyssa accepting her magic went on for a tiny bit too long. But the second she made a decision, the book went up a gear, and I was completely hooked.
I loved the cultural references to New Zealand folklore and mythology. It's inspired me to research into it more and to find more books by NZ authors who incorporate it in their writing. I do think that it fully adds to the magic of the book and it offers a connection to the reader.
The twists were very well thought out. The friendship between Magnus and Alyssa was sweet, I hope to see more of it in book 2!
We've been left with a couple of unfinished plot points. What is the barrier, what's going on beyond it, and why couldn't Alyssas friend get to the town. The epilogue offered no answers or hints of any of this being mentioned. Fingers crossed it is all in book 2!
The only reason I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that for a short book it did take a while to get going, the 'would she wouldn't she' of Alyssa accepting her magic went on for a tiny bit too long. But the second she made a decision, the book went up a gear, and I was completely hooked.
I loved the cultural references to New Zealand folklore and mythology. It's inspired me to research into it more and to find more books by NZ authors who incorporate it in their writing. I do think that it fully adds to the magic of the book and it offers a connection to the reader.
The twists were very well thought out. The friendship between Magnus and Alyssa was sweet, I hope to see more of it in book 2!
We've been left with a couple of unfinished plot points. What is the barrier, what's going on beyond it, and why couldn't Alyssas friend get to the town. The epilogue offered no answers or hints of any of this being mentioned. Fingers crossed it is all in book 2!
December 26, 2025
This book was garbage. Like a 14-year old wrote a short story and added pages for extra credit. No build. No character development. Hard resolve only to quickly change courses on the next page. Immature. Garbage.
Alyssa is a witch but accidentally caught someone on fire with her powers so she's swarn it off. Gran dies. Gran was a witch and left Alyssa her house, and the chore of keeping the ghost of some viking contained in a box, all because an ancestor of theirs was a petty scorned lover. Oh but the neighbor wants the house and the power. The viking is actually a nice guy. She frees the ghost after centuries of containment because they had a nice conversation. What do these symbols mean? The cat was dead all along? OK.
Garbage.
#bookstack2025
Alyssa is a witch but accidentally caught someone on fire with her powers so she's swarn it off. Gran dies. Gran was a witch and left Alyssa her house, and the chore of keeping the ghost of some viking contained in a box, all because an ancestor of theirs was a petty scorned lover. Oh but the neighbor wants the house and the power. The viking is actually a nice guy. She frees the ghost after centuries of containment because they had a nice conversation. What do these symbols mean? The cat was dead all along? OK.
Garbage.
#bookstack2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
This was recommended when I was looking for books to read on my recent holiday in NZ. I was unsure at first as this is not my usual genre. I ‘m so glad I persevered as I loved the story, I became involved in Alyssa’s struggles, first with her inheritance, life in the small town & then the bigger battle that was to come. I loved the blend of magic with Māori tradition & belief, & look forward to reading more of this series.
April 23, 2025
Ghostly interesting
At first I thought this story resembled Iris's Mytlewood series but even though it started very similar it took a different turn completely. Enjoyed and looking forward to the next story.
At first I thought this story resembled Iris's Mytlewood series but even though it started very similar it took a different turn completely. Enjoyed and looking forward to the next story.
November 27, 2025
Can't wait until the next book!!!!
Thoroughly enjoyed the characters and story. It had a couple of unseen twists that were pleasantly surprising. Waiting with baited breath for the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed the characters and story. It had a couple of unseen twists that were pleasantly surprising. Waiting with baited breath for the next book.
December 29, 2024
Beautiful magic
A sense of earth power and strength . Compassion and strength of connection to working with nature . Looking forward to the rest of the books. Strong sense of self.
A sense of earth power and strength . Compassion and strength of connection to working with nature . Looking forward to the rest of the books. Strong sense of self.
January 6, 2025
Spirits
A great start to a new series a thrilling read the characters are fantastic and the plot is great a well deserved 5 stars
A great start to a new series a thrilling read the characters are fantastic and the plot is great a well deserved 5 stars
January 11, 2025
Great Read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Nice magical mystery that leaves you wanting more. Now on to book 2.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Nice magical mystery that leaves you wanting more. Now on to book 2.
February 11, 2025
Enjoyable Read
I found this story quite enjoyable a real page turner. There is no death or horror. It’s just a nice little story.
I found this story quite enjoyable a real page turner. There is no death or horror. It’s just a nice little story.
February 16, 2025
New Zealand Witches!
Well written beginning for a new series.
Love the Crones & Myrtlewood series’s.
Really anticipating the next book in this series.
Well written beginning for a new series.
Love the Crones & Myrtlewood series’s.
Really anticipating the next book in this series.
March 14, 2025
Really enjoyed this shame the next one is not due until the end of the year !
April 4, 2025
3.5 Such a cute witchy ghost story with a beautiful NZ setting
May 9, 2025
2.5 stars
I googled “cozy mystery New Zealand” and got this’s as a suggestion. Had bits that could have been really interesting but the execution was sloppy.
I googled “cozy mystery New Zealand” and got this’s as a suggestion. Had bits that could have been really interesting but the execution was sloppy.
July 31, 2025
Structure
A structure that can be easily followed if you read this genre. A
Good witchy story for a quick read.
A structure that can be easily followed if you read this genre. A
Good witchy story for a quick read.
August 4, 2025
Bit slow to start with, and very repetitive, but having persevered it was worth it. I look forward to the continuing story
October 25, 2025
Nice short story about self discovery.
January 22, 2025
This book is an impressive introduction to what promises to be an engaging and unforgettable series. Right from the start, it draws readers in with its compelling storytelling and well-crafted characters. The collaboration between these two talented authors shines through, creating a dynamic and immersive experience that leaves you eager for more.
The foundation they've laid is solid, and it's exciting to imagine the twists and turns the story will take as the series unfolds. If this first instalment is any indication, readers are in for an incredible journey. I'm looking forward to seeing how the narrative evolves and where the authors' creativity will lead next.
The foundation they've laid is solid, and it's exciting to imagine the twists and turns the story will take as the series unfolds. If this first instalment is any indication, readers are in for an incredible journey. I'm looking forward to seeing how the narrative evolves and where the authors' creativity will lead next.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews