Pixies, Lies, and Alibis

Hexed and Vexed #1

by Sloane Finley

Magic, murder, and mischievous pixies - just another day in Elderberry Grove

As a third-generation magical pest control witch, Juniper Green thought she'd seen it all. Pixie infestations? No problem. Garden gnome uprisings? Just another Tuesday. But when a routine call from Elderberry Grove's most difficult client ends with Juniper finding a dead body in the herb garden, she realizes some problems can't be solved with a simple banishing spell.

With her trusty familiar Iris by her side, Juniper reluctantly teams up with the town's non-magical sheriff to investigate the murder. But as they dig deeper, they uncover something far more sinister than a simple killing. Strange herbs with metallic sheens, missing familiars, and mysteriously altered memories all point to a darkness that threatens the very heart of their magical community.

Now Juniper must use all her wit, magic, and pest control expertise to unravel the truth before another witch falls victim to whatever is lurking in the shadows of Elderberry Grove.

73 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2025

Reviews

[☆ Allanah • Cosmic's Library ☆]

"Whatever spooked her must be serious. This is the cat that once napped through an entire poltergeist infestation at the library."

This is a fantastic, quick, and cosy mystery. A perfect palate cleanser. LOVED Juniper, Iris, and Jack!🫶🏻✨️

[Lizzie]

I loved this book. Just the right amount of cuteness, humour and mystery, all combined into one magical story.

It's giving Midsomer Murders with a young version of Miss Marple, but with magic everywhere.

Juniper, with her familiar Iris, is a third generation magical pest control witch. Attending a normal job, has her coming across her client's dead body. She does all the right things at the scene (finally, a character who doesn't go messing with a crime scene!!), and teams up with the town's non-magical sheriff, Jack, to try and solve the case.

This is definitely a book I can see myself going back and re-reading. I can't wait to read the next one.

[rachelreads22]

It wasn’t a bad book it just wasn’t exactly what I thought I wanted. I was wanting to switch up my genres and was craving a mystery but I became uninterested really fast. I figured I would go back and see if my thoughts change but unfortunately they did not. Glad I finished the book but probably won’t pick up another for a while.

[Skylar Bowrey]

It was an amazing mystery that got me in the spooky mood. I looked up cozy mystery books and this popped up!! It’s a great ready that flows wonderfully and provides a build of the town. Absolutely would recommend if you are looking for a cozy mystery!!