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Abra-ca-Deadly: Book 7
Fake magic, real murder. The last thing our witch-in-hiding needs is a magician whose finale ends in death.
A surprise trip to a magic show wasn’t Skylar Blackwood’s first choice for her birthday. All that hocus pocus is too close to home for a rookie witch. But her day really spirals into a lethal illusion when the alakazam in the second act turns into Abra-ca-Deadly.
Eager for a second chance at love, Skylar’s detective ex-husband suggests they team up to catch the killer. But the culprit hasn't taken their final bow. Cracking this case will take real magic and sneaky sleuthing - before the murderer can deliver their last Shazam!
Abra-ca-Deadly is the 7ᵗʰ book in the Wedding Witch paranormal cozy mystery series.
If you like a slew of suspects, a grumpy wolf familiar, and a teeming shoal of red herrings in a cozy English fishing town, you’ll love Abra-ca-Deadly.
Conjure your copy now and challenge your inner sleuth with this quirky, magical mystery.
A surprise trip to a magic show wasn’t Skylar Blackwood’s first choice for her birthday. All that hocus pocus is too close to home for a rookie witch. But her day really spirals into a lethal illusion when the alakazam in the second act turns into Abra-ca-Deadly.
Eager for a second chance at love, Skylar’s detective ex-husband suggests they team up to catch the killer. But the culprit hasn't taken their final bow. Cracking this case will take real magic and sneaky sleuthing - before the murderer can deliver their last Shazam!
Abra-ca-Deadly is the 7ᵗʰ book in the Wedding Witch paranormal cozy mystery series.
If you like a slew of suspects, a grumpy wolf familiar, and a teeming shoal of red herrings in a cozy English fishing town, you’ll love Abra-ca-Deadly.
Conjure your copy now and challenge your inner sleuth with this quirky, magical mystery.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
8 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 30, 2025
Thanks so much to BookSirens and Bella Colby for the free Kindle book!! I absolutely love this series and subscribe to the author's newsletter to make sure to never miss one.
Do you know the song 'He had it coming'? That's what was going through my mind at the beginning of the book while they were interviewing people who knew the victim. Not for the same reasons listed in the song, but still. I was imagining the murderer (who I still didn't know who it was or the motive) making an AITA post on Reddit about the murder and the vote being split down the middle. People arguing that the person was totally justified or possibly should have stopped at arson. Okay, so that wouldn't happen, but if they had stopped at arson, maybe.
Have been recommending this series to tons of people and will continue to do so. Perfect for anyone looking for a paranormal cozy (especially those looking for a clean mystery novel).
Do you know the song 'He had it coming'? That's what was going through my mind at the beginning of the book while they were interviewing people who knew the victim. Not for the same reasons listed in the song, but still. I was imagining the murderer (who I still didn't know who it was or the motive) making an AITA post on Reddit about the murder and the vote being split down the middle. People arguing that the person was totally justified or possibly should have stopped at arson. Okay, so that wouldn't happen, but if they had stopped at arson, maybe.
Have been recommending this series to tons of people and will continue to do so. Perfect for anyone looking for a paranormal cozy (especially those looking for a clean mystery novel).
October 5, 2025
Abra-Ca-Deadly – Book 7 Wedding Witch Cozy Mystery Series
~Bella Colby
Skylar Blackwood never imagined spending her 40th birthday away from her coven, stuck with her ex-husband, and knee-deep in yet another murder investigation. But here she is - owning it, Wolfie and all.
Determined to keep her milestone birthday a secret, Skye plans a quiet night in Tidewater with Wolfie, her loyal (and slightly spoiled) familiar, and a cozy rewatch of Sweet Home Alabama. But her plans go up in magical smoke when DI Leo McAlistair - her ex and the only man who doesn’t know she’s a witch - spills the beans to her friends and whisks her away for a “night of magic.”
Front-row seats to The Mysterious Malachai, a champagne toast, and a little birthday mischief sound harmless enough - until the magician’s assistant drops dead during the grand finale.
With the Ceremony Sleuths back on the case, Skye juggles a growing suspect list, a dangerous new prophecy that centers on her, and a missing seal stone stolen from Tidewater Castle. Without the stone’s protection, witch hunters are breaching magical wards and threatening witches everywhere - including Skye’s coven and family.
Can the Ceremony Sleuths unmask the killer before time - and the prophecy - run out? Or will Skye’s birthday turn into her final act?
Bella Colby returns with another spellbinding tale filled with humor, heart, and magical mayhem. Abra-Ca-Deadly is a bewitching blend of cozy mystery, quirky characters, and twisty intrigue that will leave readers enchanted until the very last page.
I would like to thank Bella Colby for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Abra-ca-deadly. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
~Bella Colby
Skylar Blackwood never imagined spending her 40th birthday away from her coven, stuck with her ex-husband, and knee-deep in yet another murder investigation. But here she is - owning it, Wolfie and all.
Determined to keep her milestone birthday a secret, Skye plans a quiet night in Tidewater with Wolfie, her loyal (and slightly spoiled) familiar, and a cozy rewatch of Sweet Home Alabama. But her plans go up in magical smoke when DI Leo McAlistair - her ex and the only man who doesn’t know she’s a witch - spills the beans to her friends and whisks her away for a “night of magic.”
Front-row seats to The Mysterious Malachai, a champagne toast, and a little birthday mischief sound harmless enough - until the magician’s assistant drops dead during the grand finale.
With the Ceremony Sleuths back on the case, Skye juggles a growing suspect list, a dangerous new prophecy that centers on her, and a missing seal stone stolen from Tidewater Castle. Without the stone’s protection, witch hunters are breaching magical wards and threatening witches everywhere - including Skye’s coven and family.
Can the Ceremony Sleuths unmask the killer before time - and the prophecy - run out? Or will Skye’s birthday turn into her final act?
Bella Colby returns with another spellbinding tale filled with humor, heart, and magical mayhem. Abra-Ca-Deadly is a bewitching blend of cozy mystery, quirky characters, and twisty intrigue that will leave readers enchanted until the very last page.
I would like to thank Bella Colby for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Abra-ca-deadly. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
October 5, 2025
It's Skye 40th birthday and she's received a message from her dead mom, her first contact in over twenty years, since she was thrown out of the coven. And it wasn't, as Skye always thought, because she used a spell for her own benefit. No, it was because of a profecy about Skye: she's fated to vanquish the bad guys or be destroyed by them. And she had to find her path on her own!
Skye is planning to spend the night alone, but Jen invites her to a magic show at the Castle. When she arrives, all her friends are there, for a surprise birthday party. while watching the Mysterious Malacai's act.
The show is a success, until the last act, when the vanishing assistant dies, revealing the trick: there were two girls, twins, performing.
Marnie, the dead twin, was a real bitch, hated by all, and the Ceremony Sleuths have plenty of suspects to choose from. But when one of them is arrested, Skye isn't convinced. Yes, the poisoned sweets were Jack's favorite, but he's in love with Grace, the intended recipient of the gift. and when a second attempt is made on Grace's life, she and her friends have their job cut out for them.
What a great story! Skye and Leo are finally getting back together, the fatal showdown with the evil witch is looming in the background... I'm really dying to know what's in store fore my favorite witch.
Wholeheartedly recommend the series to all couch sleuths who like a touch of romance and magic with their mysteries.
Skye is planning to spend the night alone, but Jen invites her to a magic show at the Castle. When she arrives, all her friends are there, for a surprise birthday party. while watching the Mysterious Malacai's act.
The show is a success, until the last act, when the vanishing assistant dies, revealing the trick: there were two girls, twins, performing.
Marnie, the dead twin, was a real bitch, hated by all, and the Ceremony Sleuths have plenty of suspects to choose from. But when one of them is arrested, Skye isn't convinced. Yes, the poisoned sweets were Jack's favorite, but he's in love with Grace, the intended recipient of the gift. and when a second attempt is made on Grace's life, she and her friends have their job cut out for them.
What a great story! Skye and Leo are finally getting back together, the fatal showdown with the evil witch is looming in the background... I'm really dying to know what's in store fore my favorite witch.
Wholeheartedly recommend the series to all couch sleuths who like a touch of romance and magic with their mysteries.
October 1, 2025
On her 40th birthday, witch in hiding Skylar Blackwood is planning a quiet evening at home with her familiar, Wolfie, a chickflick, a cozy fire and cake. But, her plans change abruptly when she is invited to a magic show at the castle and it turns out to be a surprise party put on by all of her friends.
The Marvelous Malachi is skilled at illusion and the show is going well, until his assistant falls from the magician's cabinet- dead.
The magician and his wife are not popular with their crew and the dead assistant is one of a set of twins, who recently left another magician’s show. Suspects are plentiful and there's a bet going about who will solve the case first- Skylar or her ex-husband DI Leo MacAlistair.
Combined with the reappearance of witch hunters and Leo’s desire to rekindle their relationship, Sky’s plate is full. She and her friends Jen, Herb, Mac, Craig and Wolfie, of course, dive into the investigation to keep another murder from happening.
This is book #6 in the Wedding Witch paranormal cozy series and I loved it!
Every book in this series has kept me glued to my Kindle til the end! You need to read this series!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
The Marvelous Malachi is skilled at illusion and the show is going well, until his assistant falls from the magician's cabinet- dead.
The magician and his wife are not popular with their crew and the dead assistant is one of a set of twins, who recently left another magician’s show. Suspects are plentiful and there's a bet going about who will solve the case first- Skylar or her ex-husband DI Leo MacAlistair.
Combined with the reappearance of witch hunters and Leo’s desire to rekindle their relationship, Sky’s plate is full. She and her friends Jen, Herb, Mac, Craig and Wolfie, of course, dive into the investigation to keep another murder from happening.
This is book #6 in the Wedding Witch paranormal cozy series and I loved it!
Every book in this series has kept me glued to my Kindle til the end! You need to read this series!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
January 28, 2026
This is the 7th book in the Wedding Witch Cozy mystery series and it is a great addition. It's Skylar Blackwood is a witch and it is her birthday but she purposely didn't tell her friends since she just wanted to spend a quiet time at home with Wolfie her snarky familiar and protector watching a movie. But her ex DI Leo MacAlistair spills the beans and her friends decided to get tickets to a magic show at the castle to celebrate Skye's 40th birthday. All was going fine until the magician's assistant drops dead. There are so many potential suspects and there is a bet between MacAlistair and Skye. Wolfie and the Ceremony Sleuths. Who will win? and Can MacAlistair rekindle his relationship with Skye? Add to that and Skye has to figure out the prophesy before it's too late. This book is unputdownable! With some humor and Wolfie Protecting Skye from the witch hunters you won't be able to put it down until the end! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
October 4, 2025
Skye is encouraged to go to the castle for a magic show. Her usual birthday thing is cake for her, fish heads for wolfie and a movie. Turns out it is a surprise for the friends to celebrate her birthday. The show is being enjoyed by the group despite a heckler who is obviously angry with the Great Malachai. A final illusion has his assistant disappearing from on stage to the back of the room. Her 'return' was not quite as planned. She does not step out of the box, but is lifted out. Why? She is dead, actually poisoned. Skye and crew are pulled into investigating starting with mingling with the people from the audience to see what they can pick up on. This was yet another exciting mystery made dangerous because of the hunters who come after Skye when true magic is around. Wolfie and his friends work hard keeping her safe. What makes using her magic at all doubly risky is she is the only one with powers and only a select few in her circle know this.
October 5, 2025
Skylar Blackwood is a witch trying to live a normal life in Tidewater. Her friends convince her to attend a magic show on her birthday. She expected to see illusions but that all changed when the magician’s assistant drops dead at the end of the show. Can Skye and her friends unravel all the clues to find the killer.
This was a great story that kept me engaged until the very last page. There were plenty of suspects, several twists and turns and a bit of romance. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and would like to go back and read the other books. My only (very minor) issue was being a little confused at the beginning of the book. Since I have not read any of the previous books, it took me a bit to figure out some of the background. That being said, it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I encourage paranormal cozy mystery lovers to check this out.
*I was gifted this book and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This was a great story that kept me engaged until the very last page. There were plenty of suspects, several twists and turns and a bit of romance. This was the first book I’ve read in this series and would like to go back and read the other books. My only (very minor) issue was being a little confused at the beginning of the book. Since I have not read any of the previous books, it took me a bit to figure out some of the background. That being said, it really didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. I encourage paranormal cozy mystery lovers to check this out.
*I was gifted this book and all opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 27, 2025
Boy, have I missed Skye and the Ceremony Sleuths!
Reading this story was like being with old friends once again. Skye and Wolfie, Jen and Craig, Herb and Mac, Wolfie’s pack and of course, we can’t forget Leo, or should I say Haggis Breath? This story starts with it being Skye’s birthday and instead of staying home and watching Reese Witherspoon, Skye gets conned into going to the castle to watch a magic show. No surprise, but Leo is also there and it was all his idea. No surprise, there’s a death during the show and once again, the bets are on to see who cracks the case first—Skye and the Ceremony Sleuths or the Detective Inspector. These stories have a bit of everything, humor and fun but there’s also murder and solving the case with evolving relationships. The action is always fast-paced and keeps me interested and I can’t wait for the next one!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2025
5 Stars All Day for Abra-ca-Deadly!
This is the 7th book in the "Wedding Witch..." series. You could read this as a stand alone, but I think you'll love the entire series.
We are back with Skye Blackwood, but this time it's her birthday and she ends up at a magic show. But this is no normal magic show...there's a murder. Her and her friends are on the case, as per usual. Will they be able to solve this mystery before anything else happens?!? I won't spoil much more, other than to say, you've got to read this!
If you haven't given Bella Colby a shot, now's your chance. I love every book I've read from her, and this is no exception--fantastic writing style, lovely characters, and a plot that sucks you in. Highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book!!
This is the 7th book in the "Wedding Witch..." series. You could read this as a stand alone, but I think you'll love the entire series.
We are back with Skye Blackwood, but this time it's her birthday and she ends up at a magic show. But this is no normal magic show...there's a murder. Her and her friends are on the case, as per usual. Will they be able to solve this mystery before anything else happens?!? I won't spoil much more, other than to say, you've got to read this!
If you haven't given Bella Colby a shot, now's your chance. I love every book I've read from her, and this is no exception--fantastic writing style, lovely characters, and a plot that sucks you in. Highly recommend and I cannot wait for the next book!!
January 9, 2026
I always do a little happy dance in my mind when a new Bella Colby book drops. Abra-ca-Deadly is book 7 in the Wedding Witch series and each one is such fun. Skylar is a great character and I think her familiar/protector is my favorite of his kind. Not only is he there to be a companion for her, he also dispatches any zombie-like witch hunters that come looking to take her out if she uses even the tiniest bit of magic. The supporting cast are also an interesting quirky bunch that include the local detective who just happens to be her ex-husband. Such a delight to read, always, book 7 stood up to the 6 in the series before it.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.
October 5, 2025
It is Skye’s 40th birthday, but she’s keeping that quiet. When she gets to work she’s told that a ticket has been bought for her to join the group of her friends at The Castle, for a magician’s show. She accepts the invitation. When she & Wolfie arrive she is greeted by her friends, they knew it was her birthday!! The show ends in tragedy, when an illusion trick is exploded, by someone dying & her identical twin rushes in. Naturally Skye gets herself involved & also notices one of the seals that she & the wolf pack a trying to find. This one seems “off”. Once I got into this book, quite early on actually, I just had to find out how it finished. A few surprises along the way.
January 24, 2026
Abra-ca-Deadly is an Excellent story about Skylar Blackwood a Registrar Witch in hiding and her very clever heroic Wolf Familiar called Wolfie. Her friends and Ex-Husband Leo a Detective arrange a surprise visit to a magic show for her birthday. But while there the Assistant of the Magician died. Leo started to investigate with the assistance of Skylar and her friends. But can Skylar find all the pieces of the puzzle and the truth?
Superb book which I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Superb book which I enjoyed reading very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 7, 2025
It’s my favorite!! Ok, so I love this series. Im a fan. I joined the newsletter. I check in every month hoping that maybe she will have just randomly have written an unscheduled book and published it without any notice or publicity….it could happen.
But this one is extra special. It’s my favorite. It gives me all the feels!! I don’t want to give anything away. But get it. Read it. Now. Go do it already.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
But this one is extra special. It’s my favorite. It gives me all the feels!! I don’t want to give anything away. But get it. Read it. Now. Go do it already.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 10, 2025
Skylar hopes for a quiet birthday, but fate has other plans in store. A surprise gift from her friends leads her to a magic show, where things take a dark turn with a mysterious death. Now, she must solve the murder before someone else ends up in a cardboard box. Wolfie brings his usual snark, adding a delightful twist to the story. While this cozy mystery can be read as a standalone, the entire series intricately builds on a central mystery that unfolds gradually with each book.
October 21, 2025
Book 7 of the Wedding Witch novels is another brilliant instalment of this magical cosy mystery series. It’s Skye’s birthday and she’s planned a quiet evening in until her friends drag her out to a magic show.
With actual and attempted murder, plenty of sleuthing (both magical and mundane), and some romance too (I’m not going to say how much – spoilers!), book 7 doesn’t disappoint.
If you like witchiness, wolves, and whodunnit in your reads, definitely pick up the Wedding Witch series.
With actual and attempted murder, plenty of sleuthing (both magical and mundane), and some romance too (I’m not going to say how much – spoilers!), book 7 doesn’t disappoint.
If you like witchiness, wolves, and whodunnit in your reads, definitely pick up the Wedding Witch series.
November 7, 2025
Wow another murder in town & it gets solved by Skylar Blackwood & her friends. I love where Skye’s friendship/ex husband/relationship is heading & hope she tells him about being a witch. I started reading this series as a lighthearted read but have grown to love the stories & characters in these books so much & can never wait for the next one. Get this book as it can be read as a stand alone but it’s even better as part of the series & you won’t be disappointed.
October 2, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read in the series and I loved it! Am anxious to get the earlier books to get caught up! I loved getting to know Skye and Wolfie along with the rest of the gang! Lovely banter was entertaining and I really felt drawn into the story! Can’t wait to read more! I enjoyed an advance copy of the book and these are my thoughts.
October 23, 2025
I absolutely love this series. It's entertaining, funny, easy to read, magical, ... I didn't want to put it down. It's the kind of story you want to read in one sitting. I can only recommend this book and the other books in this series too.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
I received a review copy and I'm leaving a voluntary review.
October 3, 2025
This book is a gem, from the dedication to the very end. The worldbuilding is detailed and imaginative, the story is utterly fascinating, and I adore the characters. A must read!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 25, 2026
I'm voluntarily leaving a review after receiving a free copy. I enjoyed this mystery especially with Skylar and Leo working together to solve the murder. It was an interesting birthday for Skye. I'm glad that Skylar and Leo are getting back together. You definitely want to read this story.
January 27, 2026
A wonderful paranormal mystery. Great magical and non-magical characters that will make you smile throughout. A storyline that will keep you surprised until the end. A wonderful book to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 13, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the entire series, which captivated me from start to finish with its compelling storyline and engaging characters.
October 11, 2025
Am I more interested in Skye's journey or Skye and Leo's relationship? I have no answer *sigh*
The series is so engrossing that I can't wait to read the next book and to know how Skye will handle everything.
The series is so engrossing that I can't wait to read the next book and to know how Skye will handle everything.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews