Magic, Mayhem & Murder: Bad Omen Investigations Series, Book 1

Bad Omen Investigations #1

by Tessa Bryant

In the blink of an eye, Mallory Thorne's world fell apart. She was fired from her job, found her boyfriend in bed with their neighbor, and a phone call from her estranged sister came next, telling her that their grandmother had been murdered.

Mallory heads home to Tempest, Texas, the small hometown she never planned to revisit. Only, the moment she steps foot in town strange things start happening and she realizes Tempest isn't the place she remembered. Vampires run the bar, werewolves are on the police force, and there's a talking cat in the bookstore!

Turns out, Tempest is a refuge for the supernatural and Mallory is descended from witches. Her grandmother bound her magic and hid her memories but with Nana gone, it's all coming back, and nobody is more surprised than Mallory when she realizes those memories might be the key to solving her grandmother's murder.

It'll take all of Mallory's magic, some powerful old friends, and one high school crush turned handsome Sheriff, to discover the secrets hidden in her mind and navigate the dangers lurking. Can Mallory confront the mysteries of her past and claim her true power, or will the killer claim another victim?

Contains mature themes.

Genres: Audiobook, Paranormal, Witches, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy

Audible Audio

Published October 8, 2024

Reviews

[Mystery, She Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Mood/Seasonal Reading: 🍂 just right for cozy autumn vibes but can be read anytime you want a touch of magic. Doesn’t take place in any specific time or season if I recall.

Finally! This fall season I was positively scrambling for a cozy mystery to bundle up with and feel all the vibes of this wonderful time of year. I kept searching but I had read most of the ones I want to, or they were one in a series where I hadn’t read the previous books, or my library didn’t have the book (I read mainly from my library). So I was pretty stumped. But this gem was on hold thanks to summertime me prepping for the fall mood reading season (thank you to her, major pat on the back). It was exactly what I was looking for.

Was it the next great novel that should win awards? Nope. Did it keep me entertained and happy? Absolutely. It was just well written enough to not cause me to dnf or roll my eyes every few minutes. Sure some lines felt a bit childish but as a whole I was invested. It has the magical elements I was craving from a cozy this time of year and the mystery to back it up. The characters were likeable with the ability to grow throughout the series and the town was very cute. I would love to work at their family store and cafe.

Overall, I’m very happy with this one and will definitely continue the series (I wish the next one was out sooner).

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, Mayhem & Murder by Tessa Bryant is the first book in a new Paranormal Women's Fiction series.

I really enjoyed this book. Mallory (Mal) is the main character and is having a bad day.

Fired, and single after catching her boyfriend cheating, her days get worse when she gets a call that her Nana has passed away.

She heads back to her hometown of Tempest, and strange things start happening.

I won't give anything away. Except she starts investigating her Nana's murder.

I really enjoyed the characters. Well written, complex, and well fleshed out.

The story was well plotted and perfectly paced.

This new author is one to watch out for!

A fantastic paranormal womens fiction novel I really enjoyed.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one, nothing outstanding just a good cozy mystery where the heroine wasn’t dumb or TSTL, nor was there a love triangle making me wanting to tear my hair out. This is my first book by the author and it was a good experience for me to read book 2

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, Mayhem & Murder is the first book in the Bad Omen Investigations Series by Tessa Bryant.
 
Mallory Thorne is having the worst day. She is fired from her job, finds her boyfriend in bed with their neighbor and gets a call from her sister that her grandmother has been murdered. Mallory goes back home to Tempest, Texas to solve her grandmother’s murder. What happens when she realizes the town where she grew up is not so normal after all?
 
What is better than a cozy mystery set in a small town? A cozy mystery set in a small, paranormal town!! I love the characters. Mallory and I would definitely be friends. I love how the story progresses with the little details unfolding. I cannot forget that twist. I did not see that coming at all.
 
This book has the perfect balance of paranormal, cozy mystery and romance all bundled together. I am ready for more!!
 
If you are fan of the paranormal or witches, then this is the book for you!
 
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy!

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hocus Pocus this was magically murderous! Magic, Mayhem & Murder absolutely lived up to its epic name and I am so excited for this brand new cozy mystery series by Tessa Bryant!

We follow Mallory Thorn as she returns home to her sleepy hometown reeling from being fired from her job, a nasty breakup and the murder of her grandmother. When she returns to Tempest, Texas - things aren’t quite…normal. Instead of the quiet small town she remembers she is met with vampires, witches, werewolves and various other magical beings! Thoroughly confused & concerned for her sanity, she seeks out answers only to find that her late grandmother put a magical curse on her so she would forget all about their supernatural haven. Now that she has passed, Mallory’s memories & magic are coming back and with that - the knowledge that she has a special skill that can help bring her grandmother’s killer to justice.

Full of magic, mystery, twists, turns, all things paranormal, sleuthing, sisterhood, friendship, budding romance, love, loss and all the Halloweentown vibes - the Bad Omen Investigation series is a must read!! I cannot wait to see what the next installment will bring! 🔮

Thank you so much to Tessa Bryant for the advanced copy!

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory Thorne’s world falls apart when she is fired from her job, finds her boyfriend in bed with a neighbor, then hears from her estranged sister that their beloved grandmother has been murdered. Mallory soon finds herself arriving home to Tempest, TX where she discovers that Tempest is a refuge for the supernatural and is told that she is a witch who is descended from a coven of powerful witches. How did she not know this? As she slowly feels her magic returning her priority now is finding who killed her grandmother. Along with her sister and best friend, that is what she intends to do. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more stories set in Tempest, with Mallory, her sister, and friend Ruby. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last. Mallory is a strong character who is kept in the dark about parts of her past until she has to go back due to her grandmother’s murder. What follows is a fun mystery with Mallory rediscovering who she was and who she still is, trying to find out who killed her grandmother, and reconnecting with old friends and flames. Was this perfect? No, it wasn’t. However, it has so much potential, is well-written, and it made me feel that I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for Ruby’s story. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Nici Terrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! New Author Alert ⚠️ 📢 😍
Magic, Mayhem & Murder is the perfect title, to sum up the first full-length book by this excellent new author.

You get sucked into Mel's epically terrible day, and you don't want to leave her side as the mysteries of her Nanas murder and well the past 15 years unravel.

The romance is sweet and deep, the mystery is intriguing. The magic is well magical. ✨️
This is not a horror, murder mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is almost like a throwback to Sabrina but all grown up with a twist.

[Yasmeena · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good for what it was meant to be: mystery and magic in a relatively light read

[Ananya · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a book. I really enjoyed the book however it fell into some tropes which I didn't enjoy. Overall a fun read

[elijahsreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

i really did like this story but my problems really came down to grammar problems and also there was a scene where the lead was talking about her ex in the second half where the author mixed her exs name where her grandma’s boyfriend and i get they both started with a g but how do you miss that. also the romance was way too faced paced for me.

[Leigh W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mallory Thorne knows the rules, bad luck comes in threes. So when she got the phone call from her estranged sister after she got fired and found her boyfriend cheating on her she knew the news wouldn't be good. And good it wasn't, their grandmother was found murdered and Hope wanted her to come home. When she got off the bus in her rural home in Tempest, Texas she thought the headache and what she could only assume were hallucinations were from lack of sleep and food. Her childhood friends and sister find her overwhelmed as she discovers the magical town that her home really is. Mallory definitely didn't expect to hear that she is a witch, that she knew the town was magical, and that her grandmother somehow took that knowledge away from her. When Hope asks her to stay and help, Mallory accepts not only to help figure out who could hurt their grandmother but also to unlock her memories and try to figure out why her grandmother did what she did.

A little cliche in the beginning with the job loss and the cheating significant other making going home and not going back to the big city to start the plot. As the story unfolds you can see why those things did end up not working out and a story needs to start somewhere. I enjoyed finding a 30 something FMC who is sarcastic and smart but is also clearly swayed by her very much valid emotions processing everything. Hope is definitely a ray of sunshine that everyone assumes will be taken advantage of but can clearly hold her own. I love the blend of magic, mystery, and small town vibes this story gives. I was expecting a bit of spice because most of the PNR cozy mystery books have those scenes but was pleasantly surprised to not see it here. The title and cover definitely caught my eye but the characters and the town kept me hooked.

[Jessie B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this book and honestly thought that I was going to absolutely love it. It felt like the perfect fall read. Mallory is having the absolute worst day of her life. She's fired, cheated on, and her grandmother is murdered all in the same day! In the midst of all this chaos, she goes back home to her small town for the first time in over a decade and finds out that it is a town of supernatural creatures and she herself is a witch! The concept is amazing. The execution... not so much. It was so cheesy and repetitive (literally the same phrase would be repeated again. And again. And AGAIN. Once twice in the same paragraph.) and it clearly wanted to be more than it was. One thing I couldn't get behind was the main character talking about her hard-won self confidence and loving her body... Only to immediately begin comparing herself to her thin sister. The love interest was cringy, the twist I saw coming a mile away, and the ending came together far too neatly. I really really wanted to love it and I hate leaving a negative review because I really do think the author had an amazing idea and with editing, it could have been much better. But as is, I don't see myself continuing the series.

[Juliet Hartell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this. I was so invested in the story, I am obsessed with the characters and their dynamics. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. Bryant’s descriptions were beautiful and incredibly accurate. When they described the small town feel, it unlocked my own memories and feelings about my hometown, even though I'm not from a small town, it just gave me that homey feel. I could see everything she described and now I just want a show. I need more.

My only real critique is that Tempest, Texas was said way too much in the beginning. It could've been mixed up a bit and supplemented with just Tempest or home(town) sometimes. From page one, I fell in love with the main character, Mallory. I saw so much of myself in her, throughout the book, my love for her just grew. She is a badass and I want to be her friend.

I love that each member of the Thorne family has different abilities, I think that is so unique and cool. But for real, what I’d give to have magic or at least be able to clean without actually having to do the work. I am absolutely preordering the 2nd book which comes out next year.

[stephanie cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic, Mayhem & Murder is the first installment in the Bad Omen Investigations series and it is pretty amazing.

Our FMC, Mallory just seems to be struggling as of late. She was fired from her job, her sister calls to tell her about her grandmother's murder and she finds out her boyfriend has been sleeping with someone else. Devastated by the news of her grandmother, Mallory heads home to try and solve the murder.

This is the perfect book to cuddle up and read this spooky season. The author's writing style is brilliant. The characters are relatable, and you start to feel for them. The twists and turns of the murder investigation will keep you on your toes. It has the perfect mix of magic, mystery, romance, and humor.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning Home . . .

This story line is awesome! Mallory Thorne is having a terribly rough time of things that may be just what she needs as she is forced to return to the hometown she didn’t intend to ever see again. But fired from her job, finding her cheating boyfriend enjoying the neighbor, and finding that her grandmother has been murdered, she has no choice in the matter. But the town of Tempest is not at all what she remembered. Supernatural creatures lived there, as the town is actually a refuge for them. Mallory’s own memories had been bound by her grandmother when Mallory chose to leave, so now those memories are coming back. Will she be able to work with the Sheriff and friends to figure out who killed her grandmother? Can they find the murderer before someone else is killed?

[Elin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another try at a cozy mystery. I picked this one because I really liked the title, and the cover was very pretty and witchy.

I hadn’t heard about this author before but I’m really happy I discovered her. This book is wonderfully paranormal, spooky, and cozy at once, and just generally a fun read.

The plot is fairly straightforward, and easy to follow while still being engaging and intriguing. The characters are well written and every characters, including the side characters and minor characters feel fleshed out and interesting.

The only problem I have really is that I wished the book was longer. I would have loved a bit more time and space for everything.

Overall, it was a great read. It is perfectly spooky for October, and an excellent book to read on a chilly day with a hot drink.

[Lola]

I received a free copy from Tantor audio and voluntarily reviewed it.

DNF'd at chapter 8

This one just wasn't working for me. I didn't like the way the whole memory loss spell thing played out as it felt like a way to make sure the readers learned slowly alongside the main character. Besides that it felt very trope-y. I didn't like the main character, she jumped to conclusions and basically accused someone of murder without any evidence. Then there are some weird inconsistencies like her sister asking her for help solving the murder and then in a later scene warning her against investigating. The narrator was okay, sometimes long sentences had a bit off a weird cadence, but besides that it was easy to listen to.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to Tempest, a small town that is refuge for the supernatural. Vampire, werewolves, witches and let’s not forget the awesome talking cat! Mallory Thorne’s life has gone from bad to worse and to top it all off she has to head back home as grandma has been murdered but things are not as she remembers them being. It’s an exciting journey as we get to see Mallory realise that she is in fact a witch and with the help of magic, some old friends and a super hot sheriff, set out to solve the mystery of her grandmas murder. Twists and turns, mystery, suspense, magic and a little mayhem and you have a book you cannot put down.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story as a whole. It definitely shows that you can go home again but it might not be the same place! It's been 15 years for Mallory and a whole lot has changed. Fortunately there are some familiar faces to help her adjust. And they make a good group.

The town is interesting and I like the set-up with the veil and keeping things hidden but not. I am not sure the writing is for me unfortunately. It felt a bit labored but I did really like the story so I might look at more in the series.

[Gen L · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate leaving poor reviews but my God. I wanted to like this. I LOVE supernatural on plain sight/alongside the normal world and the world building of any sort of urban fantasy. I was thinking Halloweentown for adults. It may as well have been a DCOM for all the maturity any of the characters showed. This woman is supposed to be IN HER 30s and she's acting like she's 12 years old. Too many tropes, a convenient memory-loss that allowed the author to just tell you things instead of doing any character development, and a pretty unsympathetic victim meant this feel flat for me.

[Stephanie Frankson · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author
Cozy mystery, witches

First book in a new cozy mystery series.
We have the main character Mallory comes home after hearing that her grandmother was murdered.
Her sister and friend want her to Investigate the murder.

Cute cozy mystery with witches my favorite.
Will of course be reading the next book in the series. I can't wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series by a new to me author, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Bryant is a fantastic writer and she pulled me into the story within the first few pages. Mallory is a relateable character and the situations that make her return to her small home town are also believable. Even her reaction to the situation she finds herself in after returning home is believable. I'm so glad I discovered this author and I can't wait to read more.

[Rosemary Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tempest, Texas It’s a small quiet town that has werewolves and vampires walking around. Oh, and I can’t forget witches!
This Paranormal Mystery has
Murder
Magic
Mystery
Romance
Hot werewolf sheriff
Brave witches
Magic Mayhem And Murder was so perfect @authortessabryant
I can’t believe I have to wait until March for the second book! I’m just going to have to reread this one many times until the second book is out!

[booksy.tx.ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an amazing first book to open up a whole new world and series. There are such great characters that work well off each other. The magic is so much fun and has so much more to explore as Mallory learns more about herself. The sketchiness of the suspects came off the page really well. While I honestly liked this book, I’m more excited to keep going to see what becomes of everyone and what shenanigans happen.

[Imjussayin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic, Mayhem & Murder: Bad Omen Investigations.

Our protagonist is Mallory Thorne, whose life unravels when she's fired from her job, discovers her boyfriend's infidelity, and learns of her grandmother's murder. When she arrives home, she finds beings that go bump in the night and that she is a witch.

It is an interesting, cosy paranormal story in which the grandmother's past actions are questionable, and jealousy takes centre stage.

It was a good little read, so I'm off to do book 2.

3.5  

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

The likes: witchy vibes, found family, easy to read

The dislikes: wished the mystery had more depth - clues, red herrings, even suspects. There’s sort of an insta love situation too which is not my thing.

Overall a promising start to a new paranormal cozy series. Also a cute cover lol

[Andrea Balfour · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title says it all. It was a bit of a juvenile and not well developed story. Entertaining, sure but not much depth. Nana was murdered and her granddaughter calls her sister to come back home after being gone for 15 years in New York. Memories come flooding back as Mallory tries to piece together her memories and figure out who killed Nana.

[Hollyhocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. All the characters were great. Perfect flow for a shorter story.
I do think once you gain all your memories, realize the love of your life & etc that you’d do more than makeout & cuddle but at the same time, glad there was several graphic porn-type sex.
Their grandma didn’t deserve her death but I wouldn’t be so forgiving. 15 years of a memory block. 15 years of intimidating the cousin to stalk her. Yeah.. I wouldn’t be toasting my grandmother.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mallory Thorne heads home to Tempest, TX, when her beloved Nana is murdered! Little does she know her whole world will be changed when she discovers she has hidden magic! I enjoyed Mallory’s journey as lost memories and powers resurface.