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The Witches of Enchanted Bay #2
Ax to Grind: Witches of Enchanted Bay, Book 2
Just when it seems like Meg Walton can get back to business as usual running the family's donut shop, another murder occurs in the once-sleepy town of Enchanted Bay.
This time, a double-crossing carpet salesman turned theater owner is the victim. As a witch, Meg has unique abilities to investigate the case, but she'd prefer to leave the sleuthing to the cops.
All that changes when the police suspect one of Meg's friends as the possible killer. Meg knows she can't stand idly by. In order to prove her friend's innocence, she decides to find the real killer herself.
Can she crack this case and save her friend without the town finding out her secret that she's a witch?
The Meg Walton
Book 1 - The Witches of Enchanted Bay Book 2 - Ax to Grind Book 3 - Killer Twist Book 4 - A Bewitching Murder Book 5 - A Riddle of a Murder Book 6 - The Nuts and Bolts of Murder Book 7 - Strangling Ambition Book 8 - Therapy Can Be Murder
This time, a double-crossing carpet salesman turned theater owner is the victim. As a witch, Meg has unique abilities to investigate the case, but she'd prefer to leave the sleuthing to the cops.
All that changes when the police suspect one of Meg's friends as the possible killer. Meg knows she can't stand idly by. In order to prove her friend's innocence, she decides to find the real killer herself.
Can she crack this case and save her friend without the town finding out her secret that she's a witch?
The Meg Walton
Book 1 - The Witches of Enchanted Bay Book 2 - Ax to Grind Book 3 - Killer Twist Book 4 - A Bewitching Murder Book 5 - A Riddle of a Murder Book 6 - The Nuts and Bolts of Murder Book 7 - Strangling Ambition Book 8 - Therapy Can Be Murder
Audible Audio
First published December 15, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
March 9, 2016
This second of my 4 book boxed set is rated lower than the first one because it was simply a carbon copy of the first with the names changed. Even some of the dialogue was the same. I realize it is probably hard to keep thinking up new plots - but isn't that what makes a regular person an AUTHOR?
I almost didn't start the third book, but it seems to be slightly different, so I might get through it.
I hate to criticize a book, but after all, I read for entertainment and if it isn't entertaining, why read it? There is no development of characters, the story gets boring when it only repeats itself and doesn't evolve. What I thought was going to be a cute series turned out to be a total waste of time. On second thought, I'm not going to spend any more of my time on this series, boxed set or not.
I almost didn't start the third book, but it seems to be slightly different, so I might get through it.
I hate to criticize a book, but after all, I read for entertainment and if it isn't entertaining, why read it? There is no development of characters, the story gets boring when it only repeats itself and doesn't evolve. What I thought was going to be a cute series turned out to be a total waste of time. On second thought, I'm not going to spend any more of my time on this series, boxed set or not.
October 19, 2018
I had to quit when I read the following sentence:
"The green earring blended in quite well with the grass, so it was no surprise the police hadn't spotted."
This would be fine except, it was stated that the earring was a ruby. I am pretty sure rubies are red, not green.
"The green earring blended in quite well with the grass, so it was no surprise the police hadn't spotted."
This would be fine except, it was stated that the earring was a ruby. I am pretty sure rubies are red, not green.
April 1, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
May 20, 2019
Once again I'm confused about Meg's donut business and witch status. And she's not even the best detective. Most of her success is due to constantly badgering the suspects, purposefully aggravating them until they are almost to the point of throwing fists, and some sort of epiphany she gets from her cat-grandmother. My biggest issue is how similar this is to the first book. Some of the dialogue is the same even.
Lainie Pahos does a great job narrating.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Lainie Pahos does a great job narrating.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
April 24, 2016
This series just isn't grabbing me. I tried - I gave it two books before giving up. The female lead is a crime solving, donut making witch. Sadly, the author doesn't convince me she does any of these things well.
The crime solving seems to be just talking to people and making a good guess, with very little to go on but luckily, the criminal will cave if you just ask enough questions. The donut (their spelling, not mine) making doesn't exist except in theory because she leaves the shop as soon as possible, never to return. I don't recall her making one donut in this book. The witch part is just as thin - she does simplistic, minimal spells with no background and no explanation.
Reality isn't real evident either, such as having us believe a theater in a small town has remained viable for decades with only one production ever presented - a play about the town's heritage. This play has gone on for decades so one would assume everyone in this small town has already seen it several times. How would this go on for decades? How is it supposed to have given a job to the writer of the play for decades??? Once you write the darn thing, you don't draw a salary to keep writing it. You would not earn a living wage off royalties.
We must also believe that a detective would allow a civilian to traipse all over the crime scene and ask questions of the suspects side by side with him. This is supposed to have been allowed in the police station. I'm not buying that. There was zero proof that the suspect committed a crime - no evidence, no more motive than a lot of other people, no witnesses. If they had merely replied, "it wasn't me" to all the questions, there was no proof to cause an arrest. All these things make an unsatisfying book and I don't believe I'll read any more of this series.
The crime solving seems to be just talking to people and making a good guess, with very little to go on but luckily, the criminal will cave if you just ask enough questions. The donut (their spelling, not mine) making doesn't exist except in theory because she leaves the shop as soon as possible, never to return. I don't recall her making one donut in this book. The witch part is just as thin - she does simplistic, minimal spells with no background and no explanation.
Reality isn't real evident either, such as having us believe a theater in a small town has remained viable for decades with only one production ever presented - a play about the town's heritage. This play has gone on for decades so one would assume everyone in this small town has already seen it several times. How would this go on for decades? How is it supposed to have given a job to the writer of the play for decades??? Once you write the darn thing, you don't draw a salary to keep writing it. You would not earn a living wage off royalties.
We must also believe that a detective would allow a civilian to traipse all over the crime scene and ask questions of the suspects side by side with him. This is supposed to have been allowed in the police station. I'm not buying that. There was zero proof that the suspect committed a crime - no evidence, no more motive than a lot of other people, no witnesses. If they had merely replied, "it wasn't me" to all the questions, there was no proof to cause an arrest. All these things make an unsatisfying book and I don't believe I'll read any more of this series.
October 5, 2023
I like cozy mysteries, I really do, and I like paranormal and magical realism and generally, I love this combination, in the first book this author did it pretty well, but in this book no. She made the detective as dumb as a post.
No police officer who has been on the job for 10 years should not know the basics, should not need to be led by the hand, and should not be some simpering puppy dog that can't put two thoughts together.
I hated this book. The main character is a Mary-sue already, and yes I complain about these characters a lot and mostly that's because I like to try the smaller authors, but give your characters some flaws already.
I don't know if I'll bother with the rest, only if I need something small to read to reach a goal.
No police officer who has been on the job for 10 years should not know the basics, should not need to be led by the hand, and should not be some simpering puppy dog that can't put two thoughts together.
I hated this book. The main character is a Mary-sue already, and yes I complain about these characters a lot and mostly that's because I like to try the smaller authors, but give your characters some flaws already.
I don't know if I'll bother with the rest, only if I need something small to read to reach a goal.
July 11, 2016
I read and really liked the first book in this series,and when I began reading the second book, I had to read back the beginning of the first one because I thought I started the wrong one. Book 2 is exactly like book I,even the part where after she decides to help clear her friend from the murder and she walks out of the friends house and her boyfriend is standing there waiting for her...I have never written a bad review before but I am very disappointed with these first 2 books..story was good just not twice...but I will read the 3rd book and will see what happens there. I received this series in exchange for an honest review,so I didn't lose any money
December 28, 2015
Same story
I felt like I was reading the first book all over. It was better written but technically the same story. I felt like I was duped into buying the next book.
I felt like I was reading the first book all over. It was better written but technically the same story. I felt like I was duped into buying the next book.
April 7, 2016
It just seemed like a copy and paste the first book. I am not even going to read the rest, just boring.
October 11, 2025
I'm glad this was short, but, if it was written better I probably would have enjoyed it being longer.
It's chock full of detective show clichés 'don't leave town' 'take her away boys'. A bunch of suspects that all have the same alibi, and a detective that apparently doesn't mind taking his emotionally charged girlfriend with him to work?
Aside from being classed as a baker and a witch the FMC does very little of either of these things. What she does do is handle evidence incorrectly and without proper process, question a bunch of people poorly, and apparently solve the case?
The book is full of 'Suddenly' 'Just then' but the sad news is these don't actually cause tension and suspense. The amount of them removes you from the little action there is.
I also cannot get over Penelope. I have many questions and moral iffiness over Penelope.
Yeah, not for me and I won't read the rest. It's also, like the coffee book, not going on my insta.
It's chock full of detective show clichés 'don't leave town' 'take her away boys'. A bunch of suspects that all have the same alibi, and a detective that apparently doesn't mind taking his emotionally charged girlfriend with him to work?
Aside from being classed as a baker and a witch the FMC does very little of either of these things. What she does do is handle evidence incorrectly and without proper process, question a bunch of people poorly, and apparently solve the case?
The book is full of 'Suddenly' 'Just then' but the sad news is these don't actually cause tension and suspense. The amount of them removes you from the little action there is.
I also cannot get over Penelope. I have many questions and moral iffiness over Penelope.
Yeah, not for me and I won't read the rest. It's also, like the coffee book, not going on my insta.
March 16, 2018
Second in the Enchanted Bay cozy mystery series, Ax to Grind is another quick fun read, blending mystery, paranormal and romance. Meg still obeys her mother’s instructions not to let anyone know she’s a witch, but it seems clear she’ll have to admit her secret to handsome boyfriend Connor soon. Meanwhile she uses the odd touch of paranormal skill to find missing clues, open doors and generally, helpfully play detective.
Short chapters make ideal coffee break reading with recaps to allow for distracted forgetfulness. An enjoyable list of suspects makes the tale read like a fun board game. And any occasional editing glitches really aren’t an issue as the clues fly fast and furious.
I shall probably plan to read more of the series. Cats and non-fattening doughnuts; what’s not to like?
Disclosure: I won an ecopy in a contest and enjoyed the read.
Short chapters make ideal coffee break reading with recaps to allow for distracted forgetfulness. An enjoyable list of suspects makes the tale read like a fun board game. And any occasional editing glitches really aren’t an issue as the clues fly fast and furious.
I shall probably plan to read more of the series. Cats and non-fattening doughnuts; what’s not to like?
Disclosure: I won an ecopy in a contest and enjoyed the read.
May 25, 2020
Meg Walton runs the family donut shop
in Enchanted Bay. She has Penelope, a
talking cat who possess her Grandmother’s
soul and gives Meg the clue to solve
the murder.
The family has a secret that Meg has
been told by her Mother to keep secret...
She is a witch!!
The new owner of the theater, the double
crossing carpet king is found with an ax
in the back. After securing ownership, he
stop the current production leaving the
entire cast jobless. Thus breaking the
pact he had made with the seller to allow
the current production to continue.
Meg’s best friend becomes a suspect. So
Meg insists on investigating.
A lot of vivid, colorful, quirky, interesting
and entertaining characters make for a
quick, enjoyable read.
in Enchanted Bay. She has Penelope, a
talking cat who possess her Grandmother’s
soul and gives Meg the clue to solve
the murder.
The family has a secret that Meg has
been told by her Mother to keep secret...
She is a witch!!
The new owner of the theater, the double
crossing carpet king is found with an ax
in the back. After securing ownership, he
stop the current production leaving the
entire cast jobless. Thus breaking the
pact he had made with the seller to allow
the current production to continue.
Meg’s best friend becomes a suspect. So
Meg insists on investigating.
A lot of vivid, colorful, quirky, interesting
and entertaining characters make for a
quick, enjoyable read.
March 12, 2017
Kindle Unlimited 7 book set, other sets etc, redundant and more and more unbelievable
Book 1 -- The Witches Of Enchanted Bay Book 2 -- Ax To Grind Book 3 -- Killer Twist Book 4 -- A Bewitching Murder Book 5 -- A Riddle Of A Murder Book 6 -- The Nuts And Bolts Of Murder then 7 book collection has so can't tell what they added or subtracted from the books listed before or the number designation because claims 7 --Strangling Ambition 8 -- Therapy Can Be Murder so either can't count or some book left out
Book 1 -- The Witches Of Enchanted Bay Book 2 -- Ax To Grind Book 3 -- Killer Twist Book 4 -- A Bewitching Murder Book 5 -- A Riddle Of A Murder Book 6 -- The Nuts And Bolts Of Murder then 7 book collection has so can't tell what they added or subtracted from the books listed before or the number designation because claims 7 --Strangling Ambition 8 -- Therapy Can Be Murder so either can't count or some book left out
March 4, 2021
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Lainie Pahos
This narrator has a pleasant voice and delivery making this story an enjoyable listen, it’s a shame that half the story is a paste of book 1 in this series.
Connor and Meg are a likeable couple, unfortunately this book is almost exactly the same as the first book, word for word in places.
Again as in book 1 there is a repeated line that should have been picked up in editing.
Narrator: Lainie Pahos
This narrator has a pleasant voice and delivery making this story an enjoyable listen, it’s a shame that half the story is a paste of book 1 in this series.
Connor and Meg are a likeable couple, unfortunately this book is almost exactly the same as the first book, word for word in places.
Again as in book 1 there is a repeated line that should have been picked up in editing.
July 29, 2021
Quick paranormal read
The biggest flaw in this book is the erroneous description of a ruby earring that blended into the grass. Rubies are red. Emeralds are green. It would have been fine if it was a one off, but the earring is mentioned several times throughout the book so it should have been changed from ruby to emerald. Seems like an easy enough fix. Aside from that, it was a fast moving and simple investigation between a witch and her human boyfriend who happens to be a detective.
The biggest flaw in this book is the erroneous description of a ruby earring that blended into the grass. Rubies are red. Emeralds are green. It would have been fine if it was a one off, but the earring is mentioned several times throughout the book so it should have been changed from ruby to emerald. Seems like an easy enough fix. Aside from that, it was a fast moving and simple investigation between a witch and her human boyfriend who happens to be a detective.
September 30, 2023
This show cannot go on!
Meg’s friend has finally got her big acting break. When the show is unexpectedly canceled and the theatre owner is found dead, Meg’s friend is a prime suspect. It’s going to take sleuthing and witchy talents to solve the case and prove her friend’s innocence.
What a fun cozy mystery. I love the talking cat. Grandma is a sassy kitty. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Meg’s friend has finally got her big acting break. When the show is unexpectedly canceled and the theatre owner is found dead, Meg’s friend is a prime suspect. It’s going to take sleuthing and witchy talents to solve the case and prove her friend’s innocence.
What a fun cozy mystery. I love the talking cat. Grandma is a sassy kitty. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 7, 2017
The second book in a series about a sleuthing witch who gets drawn into solving murders in her small hometown, to the concern of her Mother, her talking cat who is her Grandmother and get boyfriend who is the local police detective. When her friend is accused of the latest murder, Meg has to act to find the real culprit!
May 10, 2018
When a small town theatre is sold, throwing the lives of many of the town's denizens into turmoil, there are plenty of suspects when the new owner turns up dead. Unfortunately, one of them is our cruller making witch's friend. Questioning and magic ensues.
This story is very much the second in a series, light hearted fun with an amusing cast of characters.
This story is very much the second in a series, light hearted fun with an amusing cast of characters.
August 13, 2018
Ax to Grind (The Witches of Enchanted Bay #2) by Amelia Morgan was another great read in the series. Just as Meg starts getting comfortable in her routine again, another murder happens. I have absolutely loved reading Meg and Connor's search for the killer. I cant wait to read more of Enchanted Bay's happenings.
October 23, 2019
Meg is content and happy with life , she's still running a donut shop and is back together with her long lost love Connor . Everything seems to be going well until a local business man is found murdered and her best friend is a suspect ,Meg is determined to find out who the real killer is. Though this did seem similar to the first book it was still a good read .
March 16, 2017
Witchy Goodness
I absolutely love Meg's zippy one liners, almost as much as I love her cat's. I would love it if one of mine could talk. The way Meg solves her mysteries is great too.
I absolutely love Meg's zippy one liners, almost as much as I love her cat's. I would love it if one of mine could talk. The way Meg solves her mysteries is great too.
January 28, 2019
Meg’s actress friend is accused of killing the new owner of the town’s old theater. Much more crime focused than relationship. Not a lot of chemistry, no cute love scenes, just straight out run from interview to interview in the crazy-fast fictional police universe.
March 21, 2021
As many suspects as an Agatha Christie but with a contemporary personalities. Enjoy the quirky family of Meg’s plus Connor, the new sheriff, returned to Enchanted Bay. I received an arc in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2023
Such a fun murder mystery to listen to. The perfect length when you don’t have a ton of time and yet so much information you don’t feel as though you e missed something. I’m really enjoying this series so far.
September 5, 2023
Another cute read. I'm enjoying the relationship between Meg and Connor. The romance is definitely a slow burn. Meg is a fun quirky character that I think people would easily fall in love with. Looking forward to seeing their relationship unfold while catching murderers.
August 29, 2025
Second book the mystery was better. I like Meg. She is one that gets stuff done. Since she has to keep her witchcraft a secret I don’t think she gets as much accomplished. I am hoping as we go through these she will tell Conner and then she will be able to do more.
October 19, 2025
While there’s not a lot to expect from these books since they are very flat and lack intriguing plots, this book was just a copy and paste of the first one. They changed the characters but it went the same way.
Still entertaining though. Brainless reading.
Still entertaining though. Brainless reading.
August 28, 2017
The witch and the talking cat is good. This 2nd book in series reads almost very same as first book, so I don't care to read anymore of series.
December 17, 2017
there was hardly any magic at all!
it got boring with no magic. only one here and one there
there was hardly any magic at all, sad
it got boring with no magic. only one here and one there
there was hardly any magic at all, sad
November 2, 2018
i dont think I could read any more of these books. Its worse than a bad detective show. I gave it 2 stars because I like the way she sticks up for her friend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews