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Witchcraft Mystery #4
In a Witch's Wardrobe: Witchcraft Mysteries, Book 4
Taking a night off from running her successful San Francisco clothing store, Lily attends a local art deco ball where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event falls under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses that a curse was placed on the woman's corsage.
Before Lily can solve the woman's magical ailment, she's asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She's gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women's charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well-intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany....
Before Lily can solve the woman's magical ailment, she's asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She's gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women's charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well-intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany....
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First published July 1, 2012
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About the author
Juliet Blackwell
41 books2,911 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
July 15, 2019
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Excerpt from book:
"Creative energy is very powerful. For people, making arts and crafts brings up a kind of relaxed concentration, similar to meditation, allowing the positive energy to flow through your hands and into the item you're working on."
This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"Taking a night off from running her successful San Francisco clothing store, Lily attends a local art deco ball where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event falls under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses that a curse was placed on the woman’s corsage.
Before Lily can solve the woman’s magical ailment, she’s asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She’s gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women’s charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany…"
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
Lily Ivory is living her dream of owning a vintage clothing store—and practicing magic on the side. But when she encounters a sinister sleeping spell, Lily comes face-to-face with a nightmarish evil...
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
Excerpt from book:
"Creative energy is very powerful. For people, making arts and crafts brings up a kind of relaxed concentration, similar to meditation, allowing the positive energy to flow through your hands and into the item you're working on."
This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"Taking a night off from running her successful San Francisco clothing store, Lily attends a local art deco ball where vintage fashions steal the show. But when a young woman at the event falls under a mysterious sleeping sickness, Lily senses that a curse was placed on the woman’s corsage.
Before Lily can solve the woman’s magical ailment, she’s asked to assist in investigating a string of poisonings in the Bay Area witchcraft community. She’s gained the trust of the local covens by supporting women’s charities through her clothing store. But soon, Lily suspects that one of her new acquaintances might not be so well intentioned and could be dabbling in dark magic and deadly botany…"
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
Lily Ivory is living her dream of owning a vintage clothing store—and practicing magic on the side. But when she encounters a sinister sleeping spell, Lily comes face-to-face with a nightmarish evil...
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
April 7, 2023
A delightful fourth tale told by Lily Ivory, the witch who was booted from her West Texas home town, traveled the world learning to keep quiet about the formidable powers she inherited from her father, and has now made San Francisco her home, where she runs a vintage clothing store called Aunt Cora's Closet and, for the first time in her life, may have developed some real friendships.
Once again, excellent writing of a literary quality, with detailed descriptions of individuals, places, and of course women's clothes from Victorian times to the hippie sixties, with emphasis on the 1930s and 1950s. Scenes come to life, and I felt I was right there in the conversations.
This time around, it's a matter of crimes against witches; one young witch is actually murdered, and another falls under the curse that's mentioned in the publisher's blurb (reprinted in full at the top of this Goodreads page), which sets up the adventure fairly accurately. Lily discovers several different kinds of witches and different kinds of covens, and their interactions, while complex, were pretty easy for this reader to follow. At least half a dozen of the new characters came across as distinct individuals, so each scene with them was a pleasure to read.
Lily is no longer a loner but part of a kind of septet, who even make up a team of sorts, at least some of the time--Bronwyn and Maya at the clothing store, who help out in other ways; Aidan, inscrutable as ever, whose past comes to light this time; Carlos of the SFPD, investigating the murder; Sailor, intense and difficult as ever (a romance in the future for Lily?); and of course Oscar, Lily's mouthy familiar, the two-foot-tall goblin-gargoyle hybrid (maybe) who turns into a Vietnamese miniature pot-bellied pig whenever anyone non-magical can see him--a state that thankfully shuts him up but lets him peer up customers' skirts.
And the setting shifts around. There are not only vivid descriptions of local environments in San Francisco, but Lily drives several times across the Bay Bridge to Oakland with Oscar in tow, and she crosses the Golden Gate to outer Marin County as well. It turns out that Aidan isn't the only male witch around--there's a whole drumming circle over in Oakland, and some of those guys befriend the young female witches who may be the next victims. And Lily faces a unique challenge to communicate with a soul that's trapped in a mirror--in the ladies' lounge of a big old theater in Oakland's historic district.
Although the solution to the mystery wasn't too surprising, the suspense was satisfying all the way through the story. And we meet one new character I really liked a lot, an old flame of Aidan's no less, not a witch herself though accused once of witchcraft. But then there's one of those endings thrown in, I think, just to get you to buy the sequel--Lily's estranged father who went to the dark side, from whom she inherited the powers she's developing under Aidan's tutelage, has come to town. What next, hmm?
Strongly recommended, in spite of those final two pages.
Once again, excellent writing of a literary quality, with detailed descriptions of individuals, places, and of course women's clothes from Victorian times to the hippie sixties, with emphasis on the 1930s and 1950s. Scenes come to life, and I felt I was right there in the conversations.
This time around, it's a matter of crimes against witches; one young witch is actually murdered, and another falls under the curse that's mentioned in the publisher's blurb (reprinted in full at the top of this Goodreads page), which sets up the adventure fairly accurately. Lily discovers several different kinds of witches and different kinds of covens, and their interactions, while complex, were pretty easy for this reader to follow. At least half a dozen of the new characters came across as distinct individuals, so each scene with them was a pleasure to read.
Lily is no longer a loner but part of a kind of septet, who even make up a team of sorts, at least some of the time--Bronwyn and Maya at the clothing store, who help out in other ways; Aidan, inscrutable as ever, whose past comes to light this time; Carlos of the SFPD, investigating the murder; Sailor, intense and difficult as ever (a romance in the future for Lily?); and of course Oscar, Lily's mouthy familiar, the two-foot-tall goblin-gargoyle hybrid (maybe) who turns into a Vietnamese miniature pot-bellied pig whenever anyone non-magical can see him--a state that thankfully shuts him up but lets him peer up customers' skirts.
And the setting shifts around. There are not only vivid descriptions of local environments in San Francisco, but Lily drives several times across the Bay Bridge to Oakland with Oscar in tow, and she crosses the Golden Gate to outer Marin County as well. It turns out that Aidan isn't the only male witch around--there's a whole drumming circle over in Oakland, and some of those guys befriend the young female witches who may be the next victims. And Lily faces a unique challenge to communicate with a soul that's trapped in a mirror--in the ladies' lounge of a big old theater in Oakland's historic district.
Although the solution to the mystery wasn't too surprising, the suspense was satisfying all the way through the story. And we meet one new character I really liked a lot, an old flame of Aidan's no less, not a witch herself though accused once of witchcraft. But then there's one of those endings thrown in, I think, just to get you to buy the sequel--Lily's estranged father who went to the dark side, from whom she inherited the powers she's developing under Aidan's tutelage, has come to town. What next, hmm?
Strongly recommended, in spite of those final two pages.
November 9, 2023
Entertaining witch listening 🎶🔰
This is a kindle e-book novel from my local library
She goes to a party where a woman 🚺 is trapped in a mirror. Another woman 🚺 is murdered. With the help of friends they find the truth about the murder.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
I am trying to complete series from the local library.
This is a kindle e-book novel from my local library
She goes to a party where a woman 🚺 is trapped in a mirror. Another woman 🚺 is murdered. With the help of friends they find the truth about the murder.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
I am trying to complete series from the local library.
August 6, 2012
I was actually pretty disappointed with the ending of this book. It felt rushed and forced, wherein previously established characters acted out of character with little support for why they were acting the way they did. The mystery was good, but parts of it weren't written as well as I would have liked either - I felt like Lily should have thought over some things instead of jumping to conclusions at certain parts of the book. The pacing was uneven, with the first half of the book involving lots of scenes with certain characters and then they're all but written out of the story in the second half, until the very end. Certain characters were always suspicious and yet Lily didn't seem to feel that way. Aiden seemed inconsistent as well, and some of the plot lines about why he could not be involved weren't resolved in this book. There were several inconsistencies/unresolved plotlines, and I finished this book feeling pretty angry. I usually read these cozy mysteries because they are usually lighter reading and they do not leave me feeling unhappy, but this one just completely missed the mark.
June 8, 2013
Up until now my favourite book of this witchcraft mystery series was by far the first one - Secondhand Spirits. However, 'In a Witches Wardrobe' has just banished the aforementioned book from top spot. Don't be fooled by the lighthearted covers. There is depth to these books and the subject matter can be quite dark.
I enjoy Ms Blackwell's writing - her sense of humour, her character's views on life - I get so totally absorbed in their stories that time vanishes whenever I pay a visit to Aunt Cora's Closet. I was a little disappointed with the last book so I admit I started this one with a little apprehension. Totally unfounded as it turns out. The characters have become my friends and the author brings them to life so totally that they jump off the page and into my life seemlessly. I visualise them so easily that is a sign of a truly gifted writer.
This tale reinforced Lily Ivory's acceptance of her new 'non solitary' life. Her bonds of friendship established in earlier books strengthen throughout this story and of course Oscar manages to steal many a page. I found myself twisting from Max to Aidan and ultimately to Sailor. Oh Sailor, where are you in real life? Ms Blackwell gives us strong, likeable characters that aren't far fetched and could easily be that guy or girl you see on the street.
I particularly like the witchcraft aspect and find myself propelled into each spell Lily endeavours. I do find her lack of self faith frustrating and hope that she will overcome this in books to follow. Once again the author presents us with a respectful representation of a modern day witch.
The mystery side of the book runs along smoothly with a somewhat expected conclusion but the journey is so enjoyable that you can overlook the predictable ending.
I like how the end of each book gives us a tease of what's to come in the next one and I am eagerly awaiting the release of 'Tarnished & Torn'.
I enjoy Ms Blackwell's writing - her sense of humour, her character's views on life - I get so totally absorbed in their stories that time vanishes whenever I pay a visit to Aunt Cora's Closet. I was a little disappointed with the last book so I admit I started this one with a little apprehension. Totally unfounded as it turns out. The characters have become my friends and the author brings them to life so totally that they jump off the page and into my life seemlessly. I visualise them so easily that is a sign of a truly gifted writer.
This tale reinforced Lily Ivory's acceptance of her new 'non solitary' life. Her bonds of friendship established in earlier books strengthen throughout this story and of course Oscar manages to steal many a page. I found myself twisting from Max to Aidan and ultimately to Sailor. Oh Sailor, where are you in real life? Ms Blackwell gives us strong, likeable characters that aren't far fetched and could easily be that guy or girl you see on the street.
I particularly like the witchcraft aspect and find myself propelled into each spell Lily endeavours. I do find her lack of self faith frustrating and hope that she will overcome this in books to follow. Once again the author presents us with a respectful representation of a modern day witch.
The mystery side of the book runs along smoothly with a somewhat expected conclusion but the journey is so enjoyable that you can overlook the predictable ending.
I like how the end of each book gives us a tease of what's to come in the next one and I am eagerly awaiting the release of 'Tarnished & Torn'.
April 11, 2019
I'm still on the fence about this series. I don't understand the timeline at all. Each book seems to take place just days after the previous one, which means at this point Lily has been in San Francisco for about 9 weeks, which is not long enough for the business or friends she has. She also refers to people, like Herve as a close friend, but as far as we've seen they've only talked twice. Or Lily has been there for months and they've had a lot of off screen communication. Which is fine, and reasonable, given how everything else is set up, but doesn't match the timeline throughout the books of the planning and attendance of the Art Deco ball. It doesn't affect the mysteries but makes me feel like I don't quite know what's going on. And Lily presumably left home before she graduated and spent 12+ years in her "travels" but has no concept of modern life, or pop culture, and hasn't appeared to interact with other people in that time. Like was she literally living in a cave? And what was she doing there if it wasn't catching up on reading, etc? The story reads like she didn't exist at all between leaving home and arriving in SF. More than decade lost. It's just disconcerting in that same way as not being able to tell how time is really passing between stories.
As for this book specifically, I liked seeing the expanding of Lily's circle, love the setting, seeing it get out of the city. Having a mystery not about ghosts or demons was great, as was the way magic was used in it. But the clues here were soooooo obvious that it was frustrating to read through and have Lily not get it at all. And I'm not really on board with the romances here. Mostly because I'm not feeling the basis of any of them. And I remain frustrated by why Lily keeps trusting Aidan while insisting he can't be trusted, and while not at all questioning the many unanswered questions she has about how he's connected to her. Which I guess is compelling me to keep reading, but eventually I'll frustrated by the more questions than answers and give up. And the ending here was weirdly rushed, dropped in where ti didn't fit, and such an irritating cliffhanger clearly meant for nothing more than to keep reader going. I might not have cared at the end of a stronger book but this one was so weak compared to the others that it felt very forced.
As for this book specifically, I liked seeing the expanding of Lily's circle, love the setting, seeing it get out of the city. Having a mystery not about ghosts or demons was great, as was the way magic was used in it. But the clues here were soooooo obvious that it was frustrating to read through and have Lily not get it at all. And I'm not really on board with the romances here. Mostly because I'm not feeling the basis of any of them. And I remain frustrated by why Lily keeps trusting Aidan while insisting he can't be trusted, and while not at all questioning the many unanswered questions she has about how he's connected to her. Which I guess is compelling me to keep reading, but eventually I'll frustrated by the more questions than answers and give up. And the ending here was weirdly rushed, dropped in where ti didn't fit, and such an irritating cliffhanger clearly meant for nothing more than to keep reader going. I might not have cared at the end of a stronger book but this one was so weak compared to the others that it felt very forced.
January 6, 2013
Loved the story. Lily gets herself mixed up and involved in another mystery/crime and saves the day. I love Lily and all of her fun mix of friends. Oscar is my fave, of course. Then it would be Sailor. I have salivated over that bad boy since she first met him I was over the moon, so excited, grinning like a silly school girl with a crush! Then Ugh.
Also, what ever came of the egg and the baby? I know Oscar said the baby 'ate' the egg and pulled down the clothes, but was he just being jealous and he did it himself, or was there something else? This next spoiler is a SUPER spoiler so back away from it if you haven't read the book
But other than that, this book was fun and a wonderful little paranormal mystery with a lovely touch of romance thrown in. I so enjoy this series as a nice break between my blood, guts and gore Urban Fantasy's that I'm so fond of. Give this series a chance if you haven't already. Parts can be a bit winded (pattern making in detail is NOT for us all), but it is worth it. Enjoy! :)
Also, what ever came of the egg and the baby? I know Oscar said the baby 'ate' the egg and pulled down the clothes, but was he just being jealous and he did it himself, or was there something else? This next spoiler is a SUPER spoiler so back away from it if you haven't read the book
But other than that, this book was fun and a wonderful little paranormal mystery with a lovely touch of romance thrown in. I so enjoy this series as a nice break between my blood, guts and gore Urban Fantasy's that I'm so fond of. Give this series a chance if you haven't already. Parts can be a bit winded (pattern making in detail is NOT for us all), but it is worth it. Enjoy! :)
April 8, 2015
Hated the out of character ending! She went from a strong feisty female to a doormat too scared to leave the comfort of her life to go after what she whines about missing! How can you make a believable character out of someone who will risk the safety of herself, her business and everyone around herself to snoop in criminal investigations for strangers when the same character won't stand up to someone close to her she knows is hiding things and more than likely helped betray her? You can't be courageous for three novels to suddenly tun into a person who sits down to happily watch a movie with someone who helped rip her heart out and won't even tell her why, in the fourth!
If the objective is to turn readers against the heroin and have us feel she doesn't deserve happiness if she expects men to be there for her, but writes them off and decides to adjust to life without them rater than try to find or help them when the shoe's on the other foot... Mission accomplished!
Huge disappointment with the wimpy, fair-weather nature of her character by the end of the novel.
Now she's heading into book 5 like some pathetic victorian gothic victim begging for a man to look after her. Like the comedian said about the family in Amity Ville Horror, "When the house cries blood and moans LEAVE..." smart people get the heck out of there. I'd rather see the character leave her store and friends behind, than turn into a sell out.
If the objective is to turn readers against the heroin and have us feel she doesn't deserve happiness if she expects men to be there for her, but writes them off and decides to adjust to life without them rater than try to find or help them when the shoe's on the other foot... Mission accomplished!
Huge disappointment with the wimpy, fair-weather nature of her character by the end of the novel.
Now she's heading into book 5 like some pathetic victorian gothic victim begging for a man to look after her. Like the comedian said about the family in Amity Ville Horror, "When the house cries blood and moans LEAVE..." smart people get the heck out of there. I'd rather see the character leave her store and friends behind, than turn into a sell out.
August 24, 2012
Cozy mystery that left the reader hanging. The mystery was sort of secondary to her personal relationships with the many men in her life. She finally picked one and it's left seriously hanging (Don't want to give too much away here, but it annoyed me). The mystery was solved very quickly, too quickly IMHO. I have liked the other book in the series much better.
December 28, 2017
I never knew that San Francisco was such a centre of witchery and weirdness these days. If you believe this cosy crime tale, every other person is into crystals, auras or herbs. Well, I sort of had an idea, but they're all powerful magical people? I can only conclude that - like many of us - this witch keeps the company of people like herself. Normal life happens around the boundaries of her social circle.
So a witch runs a used and antique clothing store, called vintage clothing, for women. Rather than the latest fashions of LA, the SF crowd are delighted to buy yesteryear's dresses and wear them to shiny parties. At one 'twenties' ball a girl in a flapper dress who turns out to be a young mother, gets delivered a corsage (a buttonhole for me) and doesn't notice the henbane flower in it. She faints and can't be revived, and her spirit is seen trapped in a mirror. Knowing witchcraft has to be involved, our heroine sets out to interview her social circle, meeting her partner and baby. I should mention that the pink pig on the book cover is a familiar spirit which can look like a pot-bellied pig or a goblin.
I am sure I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read earlier instalments in the series, as many characters are introduced or referred to who were from earlier books. That's really the reason I'm not giving five stars - too many names and too much personal chaos for us to focus on the mystery. So many women that I often could not keep track of who was whom. Those who read the series from the start would have that advantage. If you enjoy fine fabrics or finding out about herbs for culinary, healing or spelling purposes, you'll like the book. I've got another in the series under way and I'm willing to try more.
I bought this book in Dublin. This is an unbiased review.
So a witch runs a used and antique clothing store, called vintage clothing, for women. Rather than the latest fashions of LA, the SF crowd are delighted to buy yesteryear's dresses and wear them to shiny parties. At one 'twenties' ball a girl in a flapper dress who turns out to be a young mother, gets delivered a corsage (a buttonhole for me) and doesn't notice the henbane flower in it. She faints and can't be revived, and her spirit is seen trapped in a mirror. Knowing witchcraft has to be involved, our heroine sets out to interview her social circle, meeting her partner and baby. I should mention that the pink pig on the book cover is a familiar spirit which can look like a pot-bellied pig or a goblin.
I am sure I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read earlier instalments in the series, as many characters are introduced or referred to who were from earlier books. That's really the reason I'm not giving five stars - too many names and too much personal chaos for us to focus on the mystery. So many women that I often could not keep track of who was whom. Those who read the series from the start would have that advantage. If you enjoy fine fabrics or finding out about herbs for culinary, healing or spelling purposes, you'll like the book. I've got another in the series under way and I'm willing to try more.
I bought this book in Dublin. This is an unbiased review.
May 20, 2013
After a false start, the second novel blew me away and I'm a fan! Except the irritating gargoyle ‘Oscar’ whom I regard as the ‘Jar-jar Binks’ of this San Francisco series; I love the cast and premise of these novels. I'm excited for each to be published, lap them up, and am in full admiration of Juliet Blackwell's originality. Perhaps with mysteries in particular, familiar themes go into many stories. Similar ideas can’t help but crop up in the circle of time. However I genuinely find that Juliet comes up with scenarios I've never heard of before. That she succeeds at this in every volume is an unusual accomplishment.
Simultaneously, her pages read realistically. We circumvent a lone wolf cliché because 'Lily Ivory' does date off and on. True to life, she doesn’t wrap up a perfect romance with the first man to enter the series. Situations, people aren’t what we expect but readers aren’t dragged along without interesting encounters (refer to my ‘Madelyn Alt’ reviews). We consistently feel rewarded with these books. The pace chugs as we also enjoy the growth and interactions, between the stages of discovering each mystery. Dialogue is very natural and people of numerous types are recognizable. Her work is captivating, extremely well written, and I yearn for the unpublished “Tattered & Torn” already.
In this 2012 instalment, we find Lily attending the art deco ball, foreshadowed frequently before. The hall is filled with ghosts that ‘Sailor’ can perceive, Lily is wary of a coven she meets, and is convinced that a woman’s still-live energy is trapped in a mirror! What a creative storyline to unfold! Lily needs to restore a hospital patient’s spirit, knowing the same spell has killed others... and that the woman is a young mother with an infant who needs her.
Simultaneously, her pages read realistically. We circumvent a lone wolf cliché because 'Lily Ivory' does date off and on. True to life, she doesn’t wrap up a perfect romance with the first man to enter the series. Situations, people aren’t what we expect but readers aren’t dragged along without interesting encounters (refer to my ‘Madelyn Alt’ reviews). We consistently feel rewarded with these books. The pace chugs as we also enjoy the growth and interactions, between the stages of discovering each mystery. Dialogue is very natural and people of numerous types are recognizable. Her work is captivating, extremely well written, and I yearn for the unpublished “Tattered & Torn” already.
In this 2012 instalment, we find Lily attending the art deco ball, foreshadowed frequently before. The hall is filled with ghosts that ‘Sailor’ can perceive, Lily is wary of a coven she meets, and is convinced that a woman’s still-live energy is trapped in a mirror! What a creative storyline to unfold! Lily needs to restore a hospital patient’s spirit, knowing the same spell has killed others... and that the woman is a young mother with an infant who needs her.
June 18, 2014
Look, I can't pretend to be a fashionista. The few items in my wardrobe that aren't t-shirts and shorts are either my Publix uniform or are emblazoned with an "Atlanta Braves" logo. But I like to imagine that I would play dress-up... as long as I don't have to actually, like, put on high heels. (People *do* that?)
Nevertheless I have gotten just slightly hooked on this cozy mystery series, which combines paranormal witchcraft, vintage fashion, and a sprinkling of dead bodies. Oh, in San Francisco, just for a cool setting. It's all pretty lighthearted, with a heroine whom I genuinely like, and secondary characters I believe in (especially the pig/gargoyle familiar). Some of the recurring characters have their own private history we haven't discovered yet, too, which keeps me guessing.
In this book, the third in the series, Lily Ivory -- owner of the vintage clothing store in Haight-Ashbury -- finally goes to the local art deco ball that was discussed in previous books. Whereupon she bumps into a young woman who piques Lily's interest... right before Something Bad Happens, including a cursed item. Naturally, Lily gets involved in finding out who would want to cast such a curse... and things barrel along from there. Accompanied by plenty of fashion-stuff, more than in a few of the other books. And a bunch of spell casting. And history of natural poisons.
Even though I read this first, I am going back to read the first books in the series...and if you liked the previous books, I can assure you that you'll like this one just as well. Probably better, since the author throws in a few unexpected twists.
This isn't deep thoughtful reading. Just darned-fine storytelling. That's enough, right?
Nevertheless I have gotten just slightly hooked on this cozy mystery series, which combines paranormal witchcraft, vintage fashion, and a sprinkling of dead bodies. Oh, in San Francisco, just for a cool setting. It's all pretty lighthearted, with a heroine whom I genuinely like, and secondary characters I believe in (especially the pig/gargoyle familiar). Some of the recurring characters have their own private history we haven't discovered yet, too, which keeps me guessing.
In this book, the third in the series, Lily Ivory -- owner of the vintage clothing store in Haight-Ashbury -- finally goes to the local art deco ball that was discussed in previous books. Whereupon she bumps into a young woman who piques Lily's interest... right before Something Bad Happens, including a cursed item. Naturally, Lily gets involved in finding out who would want to cast such a curse... and things barrel along from there. Accompanied by plenty of fashion-stuff, more than in a few of the other books. And a bunch of spell casting. And history of natural poisons.
Even though I read this first, I am going back to read the first books in the series...and if you liked the previous books, I can assure you that you'll like this one just as well. Probably better, since the author throws in a few unexpected twists.
This isn't deep thoughtful reading. Just darned-fine storytelling. That's enough, right?
August 16, 2023
I started this series when it came out and then life got in the way of finishing it. I picked this one up yesterday and pretty much sat and read all day yesterday and through this afternoon. It's a quick read but at the same time has some wonderful detail. The characters are fun and most of them are people you want to know yourself.....there is always the one or two that you want to smack and in a cozy, the good guys get them. I have to admit that because this series takes place primarily in San Francisco and this book in part in Oakland, is a plus point. I do enjoy a book that features my home area.
July 17, 2012
This mystery is the best in the series yet. I used to consider the Art Lover's Mystery Series (that Juliet Blackwell wrote with her sister under the pen name Hailey Lind) my favorite series by Blackwell. But with In a Witch's Wardrobe, this is my new favorite Blackwell series. Lily Ivory and friends--not to mention Oscar, Lily's half-gargoyle familiar--come alive in this book, and there's also a great mystery involving a Sleeping Beauty curse. Great characters, lots of laugh-out-loud fun, a touch of romance, and a solution to the mystery I didn't guess. What could be better?
June 24, 2022
Binge-read the first few books during time of duress--macbook off at the spa getting physical therapy and hip replacement surgery, so to speak. Great fun. I'm giving them all 4.5 rounded up!
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
July 9, 2012
I absolutely loved it! Great story, great mystery and I love the progress with the character of Sailor. Now I can't wait to get to the next book.
By far my favorite new series that I have recently started.
By far my favorite new series that I have recently started.
May 7, 2023
The main character, Lily, get involved trying to help a woman whose soul is trapped in a mirror at an old movie house. The story is set in the greater San Francisco area.Lily is a witch that is still learning and trying to understand her powers. The book was an easy read.
July 12, 2012
I love this series. This was one of my favorite of the series and the most disappointing ending. I loved Sailor in this one but the ending bummed me out.
August 6, 2019
3/5 ⭐️
Another good story and continuation of the series!
Another good story and continuation of the series!
May 12, 2020
Nice and light but entertaining cozy featuring fun supernatural beings as well as a very human mystery. Lily Ivory owns a vintage clothing shop in San Francisco, and since she is a witch, she attracts some truly interesting characters, not the least of which is her familiar, Oscar, a goblin-gargoyle who takes on the form of a potbellied pig! (I did say it was light and entertaining.) A great way to relax!
September 17, 2018
Another great one!
May 4, 2019
Love the series. Love the book.
November 17, 2018
I'm so enjoying this romp through the odder byways of things magical! I'll be re-reading this series at LEAST annually, which says much for it!
March 2, 2020
a favorite series and already looking forward to the next installment. Interesting times ahead. I like how Lily evolves as a character in each book and it was fun to visit Oakland in this book.
April 2, 2017
Way to go!
I need the next book now.
I need the next book now.
February 20, 2017
This is the fourth novel of the Witchcraft Mystery series, following “Hexes and Hemlines.” It is not a standalone work; the three previous novels are essential for world building, character interaction and character development. And this work is, by far, the darkest entry in this serial drama to date.
The story begins about one week after the close of the previous novel. It opens with Lily and Aidan in attendance at the annual Art Deco Preservation Ball, an event that has been under discussion throughout the previous two novels in the series.
Lily has already been asked by the SFPD to consult on the death of a young woman with ties to a witch’s coven. Before Lily and Aiden can even have their second dance of the evening, another member of that same coven collapses in the ladies’ lounge. Lily is beside her when it happens and Lily realizes that the woman’s spirit is trapped in the mirror above her comatose body. Aiden takes one look at the woman, drags Lily from the lounge and orders her to leave the situation alone. When Lily turns back from retrieving her purse, Aidan has disappeared, abandoning her at the ball. And the betrayals begin.
One of the sub-plots throughout the last several novels in the series has been about choices, in particular, choosing to do what one thinks is right even when others do not wish it done. The author explores this ethical dilemma by having Lily refuse to accede to others’ wishes when she feels that the end result of fighting to defeat an injustice or evil is more important than succumbing to another person’s immediate fears or losses. The author flips the coin on that argument by painting Aidan’s refusals in the colors of personal need and personal gain only. Altruistic, he is not.
Because Blackwell has each of these major characters remain true to themselves, one working to save another’s soul and the other working to save his own soul, we have an incredibly tense reading experience. Before all is said and done, Lily will succeed. She will solve the murder; she will save the young woman’s soul from the mirror; and she will be betrayed three times, eventually betrayed to the core of her spiritual and emotional existence.
If you have been a Team Aidan reader in the previous novels, there is a strong possibility that you will be kicking that sympathy to the curb. The author’s depiction of him has always made me suspicious of his motives. But, by the end of the book, I felt him to be the most despicable, smug, jealous, self-absorbed coward that I have had the occasion to read about lately. At the end of the last page, I just wanted to slam the book closed and throw it across the room. At that point, I actually wished that Aidan was real and that I had the power to kick him from one end of his supernatural universe to the other.
I just love it when an author can write a set of characters that can bring about such intense feelings. Juliet Blackwell writes a good modern witch story, even if this particular one does not have the happiest of endings. However, the set-up for the next tale is in place and I can’t wait to see how Lily works it all out.
The story begins about one week after the close of the previous novel. It opens with Lily and Aidan in attendance at the annual Art Deco Preservation Ball, an event that has been under discussion throughout the previous two novels in the series.
Lily has already been asked by the SFPD to consult on the death of a young woman with ties to a witch’s coven. Before Lily and Aiden can even have their second dance of the evening, another member of that same coven collapses in the ladies’ lounge. Lily is beside her when it happens and Lily realizes that the woman’s spirit is trapped in the mirror above her comatose body. Aiden takes one look at the woman, drags Lily from the lounge and orders her to leave the situation alone. When Lily turns back from retrieving her purse, Aidan has disappeared, abandoning her at the ball. And the betrayals begin.
One of the sub-plots throughout the last several novels in the series has been about choices, in particular, choosing to do what one thinks is right even when others do not wish it done. The author explores this ethical dilemma by having Lily refuse to accede to others’ wishes when she feels that the end result of fighting to defeat an injustice or evil is more important than succumbing to another person’s immediate fears or losses. The author flips the coin on that argument by painting Aidan’s refusals in the colors of personal need and personal gain only. Altruistic, he is not.
Because Blackwell has each of these major characters remain true to themselves, one working to save another’s soul and the other working to save his own soul, we have an incredibly tense reading experience. Before all is said and done, Lily will succeed. She will solve the murder; she will save the young woman’s soul from the mirror; and she will be betrayed three times, eventually betrayed to the core of her spiritual and emotional existence.
If you have been a Team Aidan reader in the previous novels, there is a strong possibility that you will be kicking that sympathy to the curb. The author’s depiction of him has always made me suspicious of his motives. But, by the end of the book, I felt him to be the most despicable, smug, jealous, self-absorbed coward that I have had the occasion to read about lately. At the end of the last page, I just wanted to slam the book closed and throw it across the room. At that point, I actually wished that Aidan was real and that I had the power to kick him from one end of his supernatural universe to the other.
I just love it when an author can write a set of characters that can bring about such intense feelings. Juliet Blackwell writes a good modern witch story, even if this particular one does not have the happiest of endings. However, the set-up for the next tale is in place and I can’t wait to see how Lily works it all out.
February 11, 2013
Originally posted in My Book Musings.
Well this is interesting.
I thought I had In a Witch's Wardrobe pegged, at least in terms of love life but boy, was I wrong. I should have picked up on that but I was just so grateful that that's not coming true. Then this happened. What happened? I suggest you read the book. It was...interesting.
Now that I think about it, the title doesn't really relate much to the whodunit mystery in the story, as there was not much delving-into-victim's-wardrobe in the story. But it was a nice plot. It actually had a lot going on: Lily's messy love life, again; the whodunit murder and pseudo-murder; and the anti-witches movement.
So Lily went with Aidan to the art deco ball. But he mysteriously disappears. No explanation throughout the whole book about what happened, so I'm guessing (and hoping) that it will be explained in the next book. But it did reduce my positive bias towards an Aidan-Lily relationship. Plus Lily found a man who accepts her for who she is and seems mad about her. While it didn't end well in this book, I'm hoping something good will happen in the next book to explain...the whole mess at the end.
The series is not something that you can read in a non-chronological manner. While there are some backtracks for the previous book, it is better to start from the first book to get a grasp on the whole relationship dynamics of Lily with the other residents of the Haight and the other characters (read my reviews of the other books: Secondhand Spirits, A Cast-Off Coven, and Hexes and Hemlines).
The mystery part of the story was actually good. As with the previous books, the culprit was not easily detectable at the start of the story. I think the concept of who the culprit is was introduced late in the story because it's easy to see that she did it. You'll understand what I mean if you pick up the book.
One of the sad parts of the story was the idea that she's really not accepted by the bigger community. Sure, as a vintage clothes owner, she's accepted and come to be regarded as having great clothes. But as a witch, and a friend in general, she's still not accepted. Surprisingly, the outburst comes from Wendy herself, whom I always thought accepted her.
Generally, I like the series so far but Lily's relationships are being dragged too long. Per book, she has a different man. Can't we give the witch a break? I'm hoping the next book, Tarnished and Torn (out this July), can pick up my flailing interest.
I think this cover is the best in the series so far. It's really gorgeous, and I think is befitting for Lily. I love all the pinks too.
Well this is interesting.
I thought I had In a Witch's Wardrobe pegged, at least in terms of love life but boy, was I wrong. I should have picked up on that but I was just so grateful that that's not coming true. Then this happened. What happened? I suggest you read the book. It was...interesting.
Now that I think about it, the title doesn't really relate much to the whodunit mystery in the story, as there was not much delving-into-victim's-wardrobe in the story. But it was a nice plot. It actually had a lot going on: Lily's messy love life, again; the whodunit murder and pseudo-murder; and the anti-witches movement.
So Lily went with Aidan to the art deco ball. But he mysteriously disappears. No explanation throughout the whole book about what happened, so I'm guessing (and hoping) that it will be explained in the next book. But it did reduce my positive bias towards an Aidan-Lily relationship. Plus Lily found a man who accepts her for who she is and seems mad about her. While it didn't end well in this book, I'm hoping something good will happen in the next book to explain...the whole mess at the end.
The series is not something that you can read in a non-chronological manner. While there are some backtracks for the previous book, it is better to start from the first book to get a grasp on the whole relationship dynamics of Lily with the other residents of the Haight and the other characters (read my reviews of the other books: Secondhand Spirits, A Cast-Off Coven, and Hexes and Hemlines).
The mystery part of the story was actually good. As with the previous books, the culprit was not easily detectable at the start of the story. I think the concept of who the culprit is was introduced late in the story because it's easy to see that she did it. You'll understand what I mean if you pick up the book.
One of the sad parts of the story was the idea that she's really not accepted by the bigger community. Sure, as a vintage clothes owner, she's accepted and come to be regarded as having great clothes. But as a witch, and a friend in general, she's still not accepted. Surprisingly, the outburst comes from Wendy herself, whom I always thought accepted her.
Generally, I like the series so far but Lily's relationships are being dragged too long. Per book, she has a different man. Can't we give the witch a break? I'm hoping the next book, Tarnished and Torn (out this July), can pick up my flailing interest.
I think this cover is the best in the series so far. It's really gorgeous, and I think is befitting for Lily. I love all the pinks too.
October 9, 2012
I really enjoy the Witchcraft Mystery series by Juliet Blackwell. Lily Ivory is a sometimes less-than-confident witch with understandable trust issues. She gets involved in situations that often times lead to nothing but trouble. "In A Witch's Wardrobe" is no exception.
Lily finally gets to have a night on the town with the oh-so tempting Aiden and the ball is filled with vintage dress. While enjoying her night, Lily bumps into a guest, named Miriam, with vibes that have her concerned. That concern escalates when, after passing her in the ladies room, Lily finds Miriam unresponsive, but alive; the beautiful corsage on Miriam's wrist emitting an evil that causes her date, Aiden to get nervous. Nervous to the point that he abandons Lily at the Art Deco Ball, leaving her to deal with the unconscious woman in the theater.
While trying to investigate who the woman is and where her corsage came from, Lily receives a call from Inspector Carlos Romaro. A woman from a local coven has been found dead and it appears to be murder. Inspector Romaro requests her help in infiltrating the coven Tarra was part of and only that....No snooping, spying, or otherwise getting involved. Of course, Lily has other ideas.
Other ideas that involve Sailor, a psychic, and guy Lily is secretly crushing.
Lily Ivory is slowly developing and coming out of her shell as the series progresses. She went from being a loner to having a nice, small group of friends. She still manages to upset those around her but that's to be expected when #1) You're a witch; #2) You're a witch without formal training; #3) You're a witch without formal training and have issues with propriety when dealing with covens. And you're a witch with serious self-esteem issues.
The plot was excellent and the storyline executed very well. The mystery involving the cursed corsage takes Lily into part of Aiden's past, which we know doesn't happen too often with him. We get to see a budding romance involving Lily, and decidedly NOT Aiden, and watch it crumble into a huge cliffhanger that made me want to cry. Lily has had a hard time in the "get a guy, keep a guy" department through no fault of her own--well, not 100% anyway. I was happy to finally see the tensions that had creeped in to previous books finally manifest into something a little more tangible. When the end exploded into whatever it exploded into I was actually pretty disappointed. It didn't detract from the overall fantasticness (is that a word? Well, it is now!) of the novel, however. I'm not into witchcraft so don't criticize me please, but I think her incorporation of all things magical in the series is done quite well.
This is an enjoyable 4th book in Ms. Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries series.
Lily finally gets to have a night on the town with the oh-so tempting Aiden and the ball is filled with vintage dress. While enjoying her night, Lily bumps into a guest, named Miriam, with vibes that have her concerned. That concern escalates when, after passing her in the ladies room, Lily finds Miriam unresponsive, but alive; the beautiful corsage on Miriam's wrist emitting an evil that causes her date, Aiden to get nervous. Nervous to the point that he abandons Lily at the Art Deco Ball, leaving her to deal with the unconscious woman in the theater.
While trying to investigate who the woman is and where her corsage came from, Lily receives a call from Inspector Carlos Romaro. A woman from a local coven has been found dead and it appears to be murder. Inspector Romaro requests her help in infiltrating the coven Tarra was part of and only that....No snooping, spying, or otherwise getting involved. Of course, Lily has other ideas.
Other ideas that involve Sailor, a psychic, and guy Lily is secretly crushing.
Lily Ivory is slowly developing and coming out of her shell as the series progresses. She went from being a loner to having a nice, small group of friends. She still manages to upset those around her but that's to be expected when #1) You're a witch; #2) You're a witch without formal training; #3) You're a witch without formal training and have issues with propriety when dealing with covens. And you're a witch with serious self-esteem issues.
The plot was excellent and the storyline executed very well. The mystery involving the cursed corsage takes Lily into part of Aiden's past, which we know doesn't happen too often with him. We get to see a budding romance involving Lily, and decidedly NOT Aiden, and watch it crumble into a huge cliffhanger that made me want to cry. Lily has had a hard time in the "get a guy, keep a guy" department through no fault of her own--well, not 100% anyway. I was happy to finally see the tensions that had creeped in to previous books finally manifest into something a little more tangible. When the end exploded into whatever it exploded into I was actually pretty disappointed. It didn't detract from the overall fantasticness (is that a word? Well, it is now!) of the novel, however. I'm not into witchcraft so don't criticize me please, but I think her incorporation of all things magical in the series is done quite well.
This is an enjoyable 4th book in Ms. Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries series.
July 12, 2012
Juliet Blackwell is an Author who never disappoints me. Ms. Blackwell knows that a series needs to move forward with it's main characters development and plot lines, thus keeping my interest going.
Lily Ivory, is a Witch. She is a charming witch and has had a rough life up to now. Lily's upbringing didn't allow her to experience events other girls did, such as proms, or dressing up for dates. Lily has spent most of her time trying to fly below radar and not be hunted as a 'witch.' So, when this book opens with Oakland's Paramount Theatre's 'Art Deco Ball' you sense Lily's excitement, yet nervousness in being at her first 'ball.' To add to the glamor, Aiden is her date for the evening.
Alas, being a true 'witch' does not allow Lily to turn off her instincts just because she wants to. A soul reaches out to her and the next thing Lily knows is it is up to her to solve these mysterious sleeping potions and poisonings that are being attributed to witchcraft by an activist group.
This book has humor, romance, reality, non-reality, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages, until, to your sadness, you realize you have reached the last page. I won't give anymore away of what Lily encounters, but, I would love to visit her shop and become her friend.
Lily Ivory, is a Witch. She is a charming witch and has had a rough life up to now. Lily's upbringing didn't allow her to experience events other girls did, such as proms, or dressing up for dates. Lily has spent most of her time trying to fly below radar and not be hunted as a 'witch.' So, when this book opens with Oakland's Paramount Theatre's 'Art Deco Ball' you sense Lily's excitement, yet nervousness in being at her first 'ball.' To add to the glamor, Aiden is her date for the evening.
Alas, being a true 'witch' does not allow Lily to turn off her instincts just because she wants to. A soul reaches out to her and the next thing Lily knows is it is up to her to solve these mysterious sleeping potions and poisonings that are being attributed to witchcraft by an activist group.
This book has humor, romance, reality, non-reality, and a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning the pages, until, to your sadness, you realize you have reached the last page. I won't give anymore away of what Lily encounters, but, I would love to visit her shop and become her friend.
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