When you threaten my family, prepare to eat spells.
Trace and I have barely recovered from our faceoff with the dark coven, and trouble is already on the horizon. His old mentor wants the souls he’s carrying, and she doesn’t care who she destroys to get them.
My family is ready to fight, calling on allies old and new to stand with us. But this is bigger than a single threat. Trace is losing his battle against his guest souls, and to save him, I’ll need to tap into some serious magic. Magic with permanent consequences.
Witch Contained is the third book in The Hour of Witches series. Heavy on found/bio family, magical fights, and a swoon-worthy romance.
Known for witty, vivid characters, Krista Walsh never has more fun than getting them into trouble and taking her time getting them out. When not writing, she can be found walking, reading, gaming, or watching a film – anything to get lost in a good story. She currently lives in Ottawa, Ontario
I don’t know why I am surprised since Krista has left me feeling this way before… but I am blown away. I am so content, pleased and happy with where the story has ended - it feels like it has been tied up perfectly EVEN THOUGH we have many things, and some of them big too, yet to happen. The Mooney coven really shone in this book… which they’ve been my favorite part of The Hour of Witches so you just know I loved this aspect. I knew the progression of Trace & Alyssa’s relationship was going to be special and incredible… there was no way I could be prepared for how magical and beautiful their relationship could be. There’s no way to describe the beautiful moments in this book without spoiling it but just prepare yourself. The action In this book was top notch and will have you on the edge of your seat. There were also a couple of new developments that I cannot wait to explore and learn more about (hello Simon and Chip 👀). I could not have imagined this book being written any better and am really just blown away by it as a whole.
Thank you to the author for the ARC! “Witch Contained” is available direct from Krista Walsh now, and it releases wide on June 26, 2026!
It’s never a bad time when you’re reading a Krista Walsh book (unless you’re one of her characters).
With their failure to stop Hazel leaving them reeling, Trace and Alyssa are doing their best to recover. Trace is still stuffed to capacity with trapped souls, Alyssa’s best friend is still acting strangely, Chip has voluntarily left his house, and there’s still a crazy spirit witch trying to consume everyone’s soul for purposes unknown. Surely things can’t get any worse…right?
As always, this book was insanely difficult to put down. I kept hitting chapters and thinking, ‘after this one, I’ll go to bed.’ By 50% complete I knew it was a lost cause. I gave up the idea entirely at 75%. Which is why I was still up at about 4:30 am turning the last page in the last chapter and experiencing 0 regrets.
I really don’t know what else I can tell you at this point that I haven’t already said over the course of the last two books. The characters are a delight; I would willingly follow the Mooneys into battle any day of the week. Alyssa and Trace have such a sweet, calming sort of connection, and the depiction of how Trace soothes Alyssa’s anxiety just by existing feels like a wonderful reflection of my own dynamic with my husband. It’s portrayed wonderfully, and it makes the two of them such a cozy read that one can almost overlook the insanity that is their life.
Almost. Because you know the plot was doing *all* the plotting, which means that nothing in this world is stable for very long. This also means that the book was running full throttle almost nonstop, and it was an insanely good time. The magic is still beautiful, and I love being able to see it depicted visually as well as seeing its effects on the target. It just adds another level to how real it all feels (it also makes me wonder what color my magic would be, if I had any).
Again, if you haven’t figured out by now that I will always recommend this author and her books, I can’t help you. If you want a fast-paced urban fantasy that gives all the best cozy family and lover vibes with a healthy dose of stressful chaos, this is it. Go read it.
As usual, Krista Walsh has blown it out of the water. Trace is struggling, the spirits he is containing aren't going to stay contained for long. And that would be bad for Trace, for Alyssa, for the rest of the Moonies, for everyone.
Plus, the bad witches aren't going to stop trying to get the souls to power their evil plans.
What do they need to do? Well let's start with a quirky necromancer, and a trip to the graveyard to talk to great grandpa who started this mess.
Let's just say this book has it all. Action, magic, romance, and quirky characters galore. It's serious, it's funny in spots, and best of all it's a great read!
I’m absolutely sure that when I read this author, I am going to enjoy the heck out of, and guess what? I did for this third book (plus a novella) in the series. Poor Alyssa and Trace are trying hard to find a way to get rid of Trace’s passengers, but Hazel has other plans. Now it’s up to the entire Mooney clan to stop her before it’s too late. I just loved this latest, and I love how well this author writes her characters, her plots, and her universes including this fun addition. I can’t wait for the next one to find out how they are going to get out of the mess made at the end of this one. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
I thought I'd be "safe" reading this book, I knew what to expect having had the privilege of Beta reading it, but I was wrong, so very wrong....This is an author who, with every book, has deep emotions jumping off the pages, ploughing into me. This is an author who has the ability to stop my heart, like seriously! So many times reading a Krista book, I find my mouth getting dryer and dryer because my mouth is (very unladylike) hanging open. But this is an author I follow like a love stricken puppy, begging for more. More of her exposing me to the rawness of her characters, her spellbinding plot and her captivating storytelling. Not only that, but she's oh so skilled at twisting it up at every turn!
Alyssa and Trace...oh sigh are they wonderful characters! Alyssa, from "failed" healer to pub owner, to awesome badassary, is in a serious bind. Encountering a world far more convoluted than she previously thought, her feelings of inadequacy rears it's ugly head but she is desperate to help Trace. Whatever the means. Whatever the cost. With the burdens he's carrying, one in particular is VERY heavy on his soul, (yeah, couldn't resist that!) but a more pressing problem is the Hazel thing. Even with all he's going through, he's unfailing in his support of Alyssa, these words can melt an iceberg "As long as I'm around, I'll do my best to catch you before you fall" Yes... THAT'S Trace, the scary Hunter with a shady past, who's putty around Alyssa. Desperate times call for desperate measures and boy was my heart in my throat with THE measures! Actually, my heart was in my throat a tonne! I thought my heart was going to explode from the anxiety when Trace was "losing" himself, when they confronted Hazel, when they schemed "the plan", which went kinda boom ... when the final battle assaulted EVERY sense in me, when...yes, there were plenty of "when".
Did I mention the characters? Oh heck, what characters they are too! So easy to love.... Gramps, who kept so much close to his chest, Simon, Alyssa really awesome bbf, who's....off... something is going on with him and Krista keeps it under wraps, slacking the rope a tiny bit, enough to know that I NEED to find out what his deal is! There's Chip, Trace's very unusual but genius friend, who, if I'm honest, is one of my favourite characters. Did he surprise me with Am! The author took a brash, brusk, reclusive character, who doesn't like... well, anyone really, to another level, to see his concern, his genuine affection for Trace, is hugely impactful. Which is what this author is, impactful with her visual narrative, I felt it, I saw it, I smelled it, I experienced it all!
Confronting his nemesis, Hazel, is no easy feat, all the big guns come out, and Krista pulls no punches, she lays it thick with suspense and good grief the tension was so palpable, almost tangible throughout and the pacing is sheer bliss, progressing smoothly, well, ok, there was nothing smooth about this ride 🤣 but you know what I mean. The magic, OMG, the twist of that, just phenomenal! Each event just upped the ante, each event was as much supercharged with the dramatic as well as the joyous. When Alyssa did THE THING to Trace, geez, I was agog! ! But the punches keep rolling, the romance kept brewing, until everything exploded.... so powerfully, I came undone. It's not all angst and apprehension, I love the comical facets in this very highly charged read, I love how the author plants a kernel of hope, so no matter how knotted my tummy is, this hope resonates.
This is a book that I, twice now, HAD to read in a single sitting, I was powerless even to dare think of putting it down, this was a "just another page before I turn off the lights" read, so riveting, compelling, it was an impossibility to blink nevermind turn the light off! Which leaves only this for me to say, I loved loved LOVED this book!
Krista Walsh has always set a high bar for her writing and consistently attains it, never failing to craft a story that leaves me satisfied and entertained.
Witch Contained felt like the inexorable, exquisitely nerve wracking climb to the top of a roller coaster peak, where I just knew that a thrilling conclusion awaited. The pacing was perfect to maintain that tension until the final action sequence where so much happened so quickly that I didn't want to put my book down for any reason! The mystery arc was wrapped up in a way that left me almost breathless.
I love the relationships in this book and the whole series, actually. There is such a strong family connection within the Mooney extended family and every interaction is supportive, humourous and genuine. The romantic arc between Alyssa and Trace is outstanding. Ms Walsh has crafted an authentic and organically developing pairing that is an absolute pleasure to follow. Her characters really are solid, about as real as it is possible to get.
It is so good to see this author putting mental health rep in the forefront of these stories. Both MC's have panic attacks and anxiety issues and that is always dealt with sensitively and with absolutely no judgement.
There were hints at what could be possible spin off books included in this one!! I can't wait to get to know these characters better and see what the author has planned for them.
Something that is unique to this series is Ms Walsh's descriptions of magic. She makes it sound gorgeous! Alyssa's gift of seeing it lets me share in the beauty of it's dance and then even more so when Trace's magic twines around Alyssa's. It's almost ethereal, aurora-like.
This is a fantastic conclusion to the story arc and I can only hope that there will be more of Alyssa, Trace, Gramps and all the Mooney clan coming soon.
I had the pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of Witch Contained by Krista Walsh two days ago. Whenever I receive a new book by this author I need to read it right away. This book was no different.
Alyssa Mooney comes into her own in this book as she works with Trace, and several members of her family, to finally take down the spirit harvester Hazel and her colleagues. The relationship between Alyssa and Tracey evolves over the course of the book and they grow into partners in every sense of the word.
During the hunt for Hazel and her supporters they discover that Hazel has followers in the government, the Witch council, and SMOAC. Hazel wants the souls Trace is hosting with the intent to protect them until they can be safely released. The same souls are overwhelming his control until Alyssa decides to chance a dangerous magic. No spoilers - you will find out what magic when you read this excellent book.
Alyssa and Trace realize they will have to create a trap to lure Hazel and her followers into a place away from population centres.
Alyssa and Trace come through the climatic battle together but the Mooney family pays a price. As the book sets up book 4 I get the sense the peripheral story in Ghostmaker Book One is happening.
It will be interesting to see where Krista takes us next.
Once again Krista outdid herself! I loved this continuation of Alyssa and Trace's story. We got even more action in this one than the first two and we really got to see Alyssa's coven kick some a**! It's so often our heroines are abandoned, don't know their family, or they just suck...experiencing an FMC with that kind of support system (and all the humor they provided) was Really entertaining. I also Loved getting to see more of Alyssa and Trace! In this book they are working together, there is No "enemies" energy between them yet we still got pining and yearning...im always impressed by an author who can do yearning when the characters are Actually together! Trace also just had a way with words that made your heart melt...and then Alyssa and her sarcasm just made me think "hmm I would say that"😂 Lastly I Very much appreciate that this book ended in a way that left me wanting more but did Not leave me dangling from a cliff. this felt like a "happily for now" situation and while there are so many things I am Dying to know more about I am left satisfied and fulfilled! *this review is based off an ARC provided by the author, review given voluntarily*
I was lucky to be able to read this book as an ARC reader. Books 1 and 2 really build up the slow burn between our two main characters, Alyssa and Trace. This continues that burn amidst the nonstop action.
In this book, we start at the beginning point, where they are finally cohabitating to help each other while Trace tries dealing with the trapped souls. When an old hurt from his earlier life comes calling, you know there's gonna be some intensity to come.
The author does NOT disappoint with the level of action, drama from dealing with a person from Trace's past that just WON'T GO AWAY, and the beauty of found family coming together to fight "the big evil".
This fast-paced book is one you can really get lost in! And for those that are really ready for that slow burn to reach a fever pitch? YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! The author writes the spicey scene in such a way that you can envsion what happens AND get your heart wrapped up too!
Overall, I am absolutely thrilled to give this book two thumbs up! Action packed and heart pulling. Everything i could hope for.
I can’t believe the incredible journey this series has been. Trace and Alyssa had my heart and support since day one; and now, to see how much they’ve grown throughout the story is one of the most rewarding reading experiences I’ve ever had.
And WOW was the wait for this slow burn romance worth it! Everything that had been planted as little details throughout the first three books came together for such a fulfilling end of this leg of the journey, all while leaving room for more to explore with these beloved characters (which, yes, more please!). I especially loved seeing extra development toward side characters like Simon and Chip, too. And who could say no to more magical lore like doorways to other realms and soul-binding rituals?
All in all, this book, after all its spell-flinging and book-gripping obstacles, was like a big warm hug of “well done, you made it.” And considering those obstacles they faced, these poor characters could use the hug–and lots of sleep!
Absolutely one of my favorite series of all time, and one that will stay treasured with me for time to come.
Having read all of Krista Walsh's books I knew what to expect from this book and it did not disappoint! I loved Witch Contained. Once again Ms. Walsh did an excellent job laying out the story which was no easy task. Her gift brings life to Alyssa and Trace in a way that the reader experiences all their emotions and pain as if you are right next to them. There are many twists and turns that they have to endure in order to defeat the evil in this book. The complex battle scenes make one feel like they are on a roller coaster with all the highs, lows, curves and bumps. It is definitely a page turner and will keep the reader totally engaged. This is book 3 of The Hour of Witches series and there is much more of the story to be told and I can't wait to read what will be coming next. Needless to say I absolutely recommend Witch Contained but I do advise the reader start at the beginning of the series to experience the full effect of the story.
This is book 3 and I am so excited to have read it. I was lucky enough to get an ARC and as soon as the paperbacks are available, I will be getting one of those to complete my collection.
I love Alyssa and Trace, they're so good together and watching their relationship grow is fun. Alyssa is so relatable with that opening scene describing anxiety. And her grandpa reminds me of my own, complete with embarrassing references to Grandma. 🫣
Sarah the necromancer may have dethroned Chip as my favorite side character. 😂 Nah, Chip will always be my favorite asocial techno demon 🥰🥰
The ending?! 💔 I'm going to impatiently wait for resolution because I don't want Alyssa to deal with it, even if she does have Trace for support…
P.S. Some 🌶 but if it's not your thing, you can easily skip those chapters without negatively affecting the flow of the story
Witch Claimed is the last Book in The Hour of the Witches and the Author did not disappoint. There was Magic, Romance, Major magical battle scenes and awesome evolved friendships. I loved each character and the extra characters Maddie and Jet from the Ghostmaker Trilogy. Our FMC and MMC were perfect. they went in, did what they needed to do, and made things happen the way they wanted to. Family is the key role to any Magical fight... Specially if you are in the Mooney family. Although I was a bit saddened in the end with what happened with an important character I loved the way things went down and our FMC and MMC finally got there Happily. Ever. After. I also saw possibilities of more of this world with some characters getting their own stories. So, if you love Slow Burn, Major Magical Battles, Good Triumphs over Evil, Family Uniting then you will love this series.
My my what a mind blaster, my head is still spinning. So much action and nail biting moments. Tne evil Hazel just kept coming. The Mooney sure pull together as a coven and even more as a family. Alyssa and Trace finally had some spice and something is definitely brewing with Chip and Ameline, the time witch. Could they be soul mates? I guess we have to wait for the answer. Simon was MIA. My heart broke when Gramps got incapacitated. Alyssa's slowly returned to the normal at the end, but we all know, that never lasts long in her world. Excellently written Krista. I received an advanced review copy and leave this review voluntary Thank you
“Running from the mistakes I’d made, from the versions of my life I’d left behind. Then I met you, and I think - I think for the first time in my life, I’ve found a reason to stop running.”
Witch Contained nicely closes out this portion of the world of the Mooney Clan. Trace and Alyssa fight alongside the rest of the Mooney’s to defend against the evil Hazel and her minions. Each battle is more nail biting than the previous and it was painful to have to stop reading and do “real world stuff”.
I can’t wait to see where Krista takes us next because there’s no way we’ve heard the last of the Mooneys and their allies!!!
Alyssa and Trace continue their battle against evil in book three of this series. I love that Alyssa and her family will help Trace as if he were already a part of their family.
There are times you want to cry with Alyssa because she’s been through so much already. There are also times when you laugh with her over the craziness of the situations she gets into. You will also cheer when she gives her all to get Trace out of his “coma.”
There are plenty of battles left ahead for these two as more books will surely be added to this series. They have all been fast paced and easily draws the reader into the conflicts that arise in the book.
This book is marvelous!! So much suspense, action, support, love, passion. The amazing family of Alyssa becomes a devoted found family for Trace, which is lovely to observe. Watching everyone rally around to fight the same dangerous fight is so gratifying, as are the results of that fight, in the end. This book is tremendously powerful and resolves one of the most demanding storylines, while still leaving enough threads knotted to make me eager for the next book.
Another nail-biting book in the Hour of Witches series. Trace is still struggling with the souls trapped inside him and Alyssa is doing all she can to help him. We meet Ameline, who is Hazel's daughter. I loved the interaction between her and Chip. The confrontation with Hazel was harrowing and has left rather a lot of questions unanswered. Which means there will be another great book in this wonderful series!
Alyssa & Trace Read books 1 & 2 first, this is important for complete understanding. Alyssa and Trace grow closer to each other in this third book, which is great. They have a dangerous battle that came with a price, which brings us to the end of this book. I am excited to see where this series goes in the future! I Love It!!! No Spoilers!! No Blurb Repeats! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Krista did not disappoint she is so an amazing writer , I can’t get enough of her books. There was Magic, Romance, Major magical battle scenes and awesome friendships. Family is the key role to any Magical fight... Alyssa seriously kicked some ass. Although I was a bit saddened in the end with what happened with an important character. So, if you love Major Magical Battles, Good Triumphs over Evil, Family Uniting then you will love this series. Can’t wait for the next book. 📕
This book went beyond my expectations, Trace & Alyssa are an amazing team along with the Mooney family. Simon & Reverie are up to their own issues. Chip is expanding his attachments with Alyssa & especially with Ameline. The bad lady Hazel is going down with the Witch Council involved & on edge…you just have to read it! So much going on, but…where is Jet?
I love this world! The nonstop action, the tension, the world building 😍 as always my favorite parts of this series are the characters ❤️ these characters have deep and rich internal lives that dictate the choices they make. It is beautiful to see unfold
I'm not sure that this talented author could possible squeeze more action into this book! As a fan of action, I do love these books, and this one was no exception. The story had me riveted from the beginning, and was extremely hard to put down.
Alyssa and Trace are still recovering from their face-off with Hazel, and now she is back. She is still after the souls Trace is holding, and her plans for them may bring ruin to the whole supernatural community. Can Alyssa, Trace, and their friends and family pull themselves back together in time to stop her?
Alyssa is a great main character. She just wants to live a simple life, but handles herself well in the difficult situations that she finds herself in. Her attraction to Trace feels natural, and their relationship develops in an authentic manner. Trace’s ongoing struggles in this book, along with his strength and humility, make him very likeable. Alyssa’s family again feature heavily in this book, and I loved how everyone came together to do what was necessary.
The story was engaging and fun, with a good balance of humour, action, tension and spark. I look forward to seeing more of these characters and watching their relationships grow.
There is a very enjoyable bonus short-story available via the author’s newsletter which gives us Chip’s perspective on a certain time-witch who features in the main story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After their last battle with the dark coven, Alyssa, Trace and the Mooney's are still recuperating. But then Hazel contacts Trace and gives him a 3 day deadline. Now the family must race against time to try to figure out what Hazel wants and figure out how to stop her, without losing Trace in the process. Throw in corrupt law enforcement and its recipe for disaster. Will the Mooney's be able to stop Hazel and get the souls out of Trace before it's too late? Omg! Krista did not disappoint with this book! Another high stakes, fast paced book in this series! Alyssa is finally figuring things out in this book! She is understanding more about her magic as well as her family's magic and strengths as well. One of my favorite parts of this book was how the family comes together with no questions asked. They are a magical powerhouse! And no one, not even Gramps will back down. Without any spoilers, one of the best moments of this book was when Gramps has his heart to heart with Alyssa. After everything they have been though, it's also wonderful to see them "adopt" Trace so quickly. As usual, the magical battles are spectacular and mind blowing! You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens, unable to put the book down. As I said earlier, they are high stakes battles and even the Mooney's can't escape consequences of these battles with Hazel. There were several times I was worried that Krista was going to break my heart with this book. The main story arc was closed, but there is enough left that I am hoping there will more to this series - even if it's not Alyssa and Trace - I would love more of the Mooney's stories!
Alyssa and Trace are recovering from their battle with Hazel and her dark coven. Trace is dealing with all the souls he had to absorb when the amulet broke. But they know the fights not over and that Hazel will be back. Calling on the Mooney family for support, finding out that the officials have links to Hazel, a missing Simon and a multitude of other problems, this book has a bit of everything. There is action, lots of magic, suspense, surprises, and romance, This also rounds everything up to a satisfactory ending but there are enough other hints to establish another series in this world with most of the same characters. This is a great series and I loved every word. It basically has everything you want. One of the things I like so much about this is the location. It's nice to have a Canadian setting, even more so when it happens in a place I've visited.
The stakes keep getting higher and Alyssa, Trace, her family, Chip, and a couple new characters work to take Hazel and her dark coven down before they can wreak havoc on both sides of the unseen wall! The Mooneys take some hits during this conflict, and they will forever be changed. On the Alyssa/Trace front... I can't even hint at it without giving any spoilers away. Let's just say that it's intense in so many ways.
This whole book is intense in so many ways, and I loved it all, even when I hated it.
On top of all of that, Aly is worried about what's going on with Simon, and I can't WAIT to read all about that!