Raiders of the Lost Hex

Crescent Moon Mysteries #7

by Tara Lush

Amelia Matthews' Italian getaway turns into her most dangerous adventure yet in this enchanting installment of the beloved Crescent Moon Inn Mysteries!

When innkeeper and reluctant psychic Amelia accompanies her boyfriend Oliver to a paranormal research conference on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, she's expecting romantic dinners and leisurely sightseeing. Instead, she discovers a sarcastic talking cat who's actually a cursed 1960s sea witch, ancient ceramic fragments that hold the key to preventing an underwater apocalypse, and a professor determined to exploit Oliver's newfound connection to mysterious merfolk.

With only days before a celestial alignment threatens to merge two worlds catastrophically, Amelia must master Italian baking, execute a midnight villa heist, and forge an unlikely alliance with an elderly baker-witch and a lovestruck fisherman. Can she save Oliver from becoming a permanent merman translator and restore the magical boundary between land and sea?

Perfect for fans of Juliet Blackwell and Bailey Cates, this cozy paranormal mystery serves up Italian romance, magical mayhem, and plenty of delicious food alongside a heartwarming tale of love transcending impossible odds.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 3, 2025

About the author

Tara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.

Reviews

[ReadThisAndSteep · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank the author for taking me to the coast of Italy this summer! Ok, so it was armchair travel, but that's how atmospheric this book was. The descriptions, from places to food, were so lovely that I could envision everything and felt like I was there. Pretty sure I could even smell the lemons. This paranormal cozy mystery series is usually set in Florida, and while I enjoy that setting, having FMC Amelia and her boyfriend Oliver travel to Italy felt extra special.

Fast-paced and fun, this has lots of witchy, magical vibes, paranormal activity, sea legends, and merfolk. This time, the mystery is focused on a quest for an artifact and a high-stakes race against the clock rather than a murder. Fragments of a powerful charm must be found as a celestial alignment threatens to merge land and sea with devastating consequences, especially for Amelia and Oliver.

Amelia may be without her coven this time, but she makes some important friends in Italy, including a sassy, talking black cat who turns out to be a cursed sea witch. Amelia also takes on some breaking-and-entering and cooking lessons while bringing her relatable midlife humor and amateur sleuthing skills. There's also a dash of romance. A great blend of escapism and laughter, this is an ideal choice for a witchy and whimsical lighthearted Summerween read!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Raiders of the Lost Hex (Crescent Moon Mysteries Book 6)" by Tara Lush has Amelia and Oliver traveling to Italy for a conference and vacation. While there Amelia gets involved in a magical situation between the ocean realm and the land realm. The mystery aspect mostly revolves around finding the missing fragments of a special charm to help fix the seal between the realms.

There was no death in this one, just some high stakes to find and fix things. It was a fun change in the series. I would also say that the side bits of story we got from Amelia's daughter via email would be a fun novela. It would be a funny story to hear more details I bet.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia is in Italy! I took my time reading because I enjoyed the details. It felt as though I was right there with her taking it all in. I loved everything the book had to offer- the places, food, the magic, the sea legends. There was so much packed into this book. I would love to see some of the Italy characters make a trip to Cypress Grove in the future.

Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for a review.

[Amanda Sassy-pants · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the latest installment of the Crescent Moon Mysteries, Amelia and Oliver head to Italy - Oliver has a conference to attend and Amelia is along for a much-needed vacation. However, worries intrude as Amelia grows concerned about leaving her daughter back in Florida and she convinces herself that Oliver will propose and introduce a dynamic that Amelia isn’t ready for.

When they arrive in Italy, things are so much worse than Amelia feared. A cursed sea-witch is trying to stop a catastrophe from coming to pass, and Amelia’s psychic gifts are in demand. She teams up with an old fisherman, a talking cat, and a witch to save two worlds which are careening toward disaster.

We have a heist, romantic dinners, a stunning view of the Amalfi coast, old prophecies, and an enduring love in this novel. We have friendship and baking and a bonus red sauce recipe, because every woman of a certain age needs a signature red sauce.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun listen! I received this audiobook as a gift. It is not my usual genre, but I thought I’d give it a shot. I’m so glad that I did. I enjoyed the plot line and eagerly listened as the story came to its peak. It had humor, suspense and romance, along with fun characters. I also was entertained by the narrator who used different voices to distinguish between characters. All in all, it was an engaging story and I think that other readers would enjoy this book.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅My thoughts:
A mystery surrounding fragments of a magical tile….
What fun it was traveling with Amelia and Oliver to Italy. Oliver has a conference there and Amelia decides to go along with him. It took her awhile to decide it would be ok to go. Her “gift” wouldn’t follow her all the way to Italy right?????
But….
You know where Amelia goes, her magical gift goes!
Will Amelia be able to restore the magical boundary between land and sea????
Raiders of the Lost Hex is a heartwarming paranormal story.
I enjoyed the romance aspect between Amelia and Oliver…it is just so sweet and real.
I enjoyed the magical elements especially Bella the cat.
I enjoyed the tasty sounding food!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
#shortbookthyme
@shortbookthyme

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiders of the Lost Hex

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ When innkeeper and reluctant psychic Amelia accompanies her boyfriend Oliver to a paranormal research conference on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, she's expecting romantic dinners and leisurely sightseeing. Instead, she discovers a sarcastic talking cat who's actually a cursed 1960s sea witch, ancient ceramic fragments that hold the key to preventing an underwater apocalypse, and a professor determined to exploit Oliver's newfound connection to mysterious merfolk”

O my goodness!!! So Italy has always been on my bucket list and Tara took me all the way there with the descriptions of the setting to the food to the people wow! The mystery was probably the best one yet in this series, and that’s saying something since this series is awesome, every book. My favorite character in this particular book was Vittorio, I just love a good loyal man. I would highly recommend this book and the whole series! Can’t wait to see what happens to Amelia next.

[MzAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh

I didn't care for the story in this one. The entire series calls for some suspension of disbelief, but this book took it to the extreme. Talking costs? Merfolk? Yeah...no.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There was no murder to solve in this book, instead the author treated you to a magical mystery that was so much more than the unusual cozy mystery. Amelia (and the listener) are swept up into an adventure on the coast of Italy, a place where anything can happen. Possibly even transporting you to Italy so you can taste the delights and smell the sea air, good thing for my waistline it was only through words. From talking cats, magical baking to mere people, a lot is going on in this book and I loved every minute. The story unfolds nicely and although the usual gang aren't involved, the new characters Amelia and Oliver meet are just as entertaining and special. This is a fun series that just seems to get better with each book and I can't wait for the next magical adventure. So glad I discovered this author.

Amelia is reluctant to join Oliver in Italy, she is happy with the way things are and doesn't want him to take the opportunity to propose in such a romantic place. She can't however miss out on all the sweet treats and a break from running her inn. When she arrives Oliver is caught up in lectures, giving her time to explore the village. She quickly picks up on the fact that not everything is as it seems but it is only after her powers show her a vision that she learns how different they really are. A talking cat needs her help, the sea witch was cursed and has been a cat ever since and now time is running out. A magical barrier between the two world's is crumbling and the only thing that can save it is if Amelia can find five shards and restore the tablet that the sea witch created before she was turned. An even greater problem is Oliver can't resists the call of the mere people and if she can't restore the tablet she could loose him forever.

I liked the narrator. She might have some of her own magic that she weaves into the telling because I was hooked right from the start. So lock your doors, sit back and enjoy.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tara Lush does it again!!! If you're looking for a fun summer mystery, filled with adventure and lost artifacts then you have to read Raiders of the Lost Hex. Set abroad in Italy, it is everything that I have come to love with Tara's mysteries: there's magic, mayhem and a little romance, and it's the perfect summer read.

Amelia is heading abroad to Italy, with her boyfriend, Oliver. While he spends his days at a conference, she roams the streets of Italy. Doesn't this sound absolutely tranquil? Just what Amelia needs after all her adventures since taking over the Crescent Moon Inn. However, a decades old mystery in the form of a talking cat, will have her turning this into a working holiday and trying to solve a very old mystery.

This is my favourite paranormal mystery series and this new adventure is her best yet! I love how much Amelia has changed and found her true self. As someone going through perimenopause too, I just love reading about her journey between the pages. The mysteries go beyond murder and found family and friendships, and finding your true self. For me, this is the grown-up Gen X version of the Baby-Sitters Club. Lots of friendships and adventures!

I love all the scenes in Italy. It makes me want to run away to Italy, eat lemon gelato and lay in the sun!!! The mystery ties in so well with the location and I love the mystery takes place abroad, because what is a vacation without a little mystery.

Absolutely 5 ⭐️ read. I can't wait for the next one.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

When Oliver gets the opportunity to go on a work related trip to Italy, he invites Amelia to go with him.
She’s expecting a lovely trip to a beautiful country, instead she finds herself in a race against time, as Oliver is magically entwined with the local merfolk population- a situation which may become permanent if Amelia doesn’t find the solution quickly.
With a talking cat and a local sea witch to help her, Amelia finds herself delving deeply into the magical practices of the Mediterranean coast where she is staying.

Another entertaining read in this series, this time with the glorious setting of Italy rather than the sweltering swamps of Florida.
Of course, Italy means espresso for Amelia, gorgeous views, and ancient magic- with nary a murder in sight. Instead the mystery is in how to stop ancient boundaries from falling. Luckily Amelia is up to the task!
It’s an enjoyable trip for fans of the Gen-X witch and her beau, as well as paranormal cosy mystery lovers.

[MB Bertram · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Raiders of the Lost Hex, the sixth installment in the Crescent Moon Mysteries by Tara Lush, Amelia Matthews accompanies her boyfriend Oliver to a paranormal research confernece on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Of course, the trip doesn’t turn out exactly as Amelia expects when she meets a talking cat, a lovestruck fisherman, an elderly baker-witch, and of course mysterious merfolk. Amelia’s involved, what could possibly go wrong?

This book, like the rest of the books in this series, centers on friendship while still telling a fast-paced, fun story with amazing descriptions. I could see, hear, and smell the sea. I could feel Amelia’s trepidation during her midnight villa heist, and I could taste the amazing food!

Luckily, we received updates from Cypress Grove, so we did’t miss too much of what was going on back home in Florida.

Overall, another five star read in this series I’ve grown to love. Please keep them coming!

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

Raiders of the Lost Hex is the 6th book in the Crescent Moon Series by Tara Lush.

This was such a fun and different installment in this incredible series.

Amelia and Oliver go to Italy for a conference for Oliver and vacation for Amelia.
The author does an incredible job detailing the gorgeous scenery.

There was no murder in this story, but an exciting, intriguing magical mystery involving magical fragments.

It takes a talented author to write a cozy mystery without a murder and this was expertly done.

I really enjoyed the bits from home too where Amelia was checking in on her people via text message.

This was so well written, and I enjoyed every moment!

Can't wait for the next book in this series!

[J.T. Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raiders of The Lost Hex by Tara Lush was a great sixth installment in the Crescent Moon Mystery Series. This book takes place away from Cypress Grove as Amelia and Oliver travel to Italy. The details about the small Italian town made me want to travel to Italy. I enjoyed getting to know new friends, like Belladonna, and all the tasty food references. The merpeople and sea witch elements were a fun twist for this series. I appreciated the continual strength and power in female friendships that is prominent in all the books. Overall, while in a different local and with many new characters, Raiders of The Lost Hex still delivered the cozy, paranormal shenanigans that I love in the Crescent Moon Mystery series.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amelia accompanies her boyfriend, Oliver, to Italy she thought she would have a relaxing vacation. Instead she meets a talking cat who is a cursed sea witch. She learns about a protection ceramic tile that was broken and thrown in the sea and that is the key to preventing an underwater apocalypse. And she learns she has a part to play in stopping it and that there is a deadline. Amelia ends up on a life threatening adventure with the goal of saving Oliver from a crazy professors plans.

Loved this book. It kept me on the edge of my seat as Amelia tries to save the day while overcoming the language barriers.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been loving this series and book number six met and exceeded expectations. While the story does take us away from Cypress Grove this time, we do get "see" just how amazing Italy can be AND we do get meet a new cast of colourful, unique, and wonderful characters. Heck, even the "bad guy" is semi-likable! I especially liked that we saw more of Oliver with Amelia this time round. With that said, I'm looking forward to getting back to Cypress Grove when the next book in the series comes out! I recommend this book, as well as this entire series. It's so much fun to read!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I've been enjoying this series, but this book tops all the prior ones with a gripping mystery and a suspenseful climax. I highly recommend this series!

Amazon synopsis:
Amelia Matthews' Italian getaway turns into her most dangerous adventure yet in this enchanting installment of the beloved Crescent Moon Inn Mysteries!

When innkeeper and reluctant psychic Amelia accompanies her boyfriend Oliver to a paranormal research conference on Italy's stunning Amalfi Coast, she's expecting romantic dinners and leisurely sightseeing. Instead, she discovers a sarcastic talking cat who's actually a cursed 1960s sea witch, ancient ceramic fragments that hold the key to preventing an underwater apocalypse, and a professor determined to exploit Oliver's newfound connection to mysterious merfolk.

With only days before a celestial alignment threatens to merge two worlds catastrophically, Amelia must master Italian baking, execute a midnight villa heist, and forge an unlikely alliance with an elderly baker-witch and a lovestruck fisherman. Can she save Oliver from becoming a permanent merman translator and restore the magical boundary between land and sea?

[D.L. Kaiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a Wild Ride!

I have read all 6 books in this series and enjoyed every single one. Each book is well written, and elegantly transitions to the other. The characters are authentic and have enough development to be interesting. I looked forward to reading these stories in my spare time! The author is very talented and writes fun and unpredictable situations! I highly recommend this author and series.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Winner!

Amelia is by far my favorite cozy mystery sleuth. And Tara Lush warms my heart with her lovely, kind characters. This series is a great escape and allows me to pretend I’m in the life I dream of living. And let’s not forget the mystery, sea witches and merpeople! This book has a unique plot, fresh paranormal elements, and clever plot twists!

[Lori Cirilli Jaslowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia and Oliver’s trip to Italy - I felt like I was transported to the Alfani Coast in San Celestino . The scents , the colors of the sea , the lemons and the sfogliatella . Not to mention the paranormal aspects of mermen and sea witches, and mystical ceramic pieces . Truly loved this latest book in the series , one of my favorites .

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Woah. Who could have ever guessed that a vacation/paranormal educational conference on the coast of Italy would become such a wild and life altering adventure and mystery. I love everything about it! A talking black cat? Yes please. Merpeople? Definitely. Amelia right in the middle of everything? Obviously! So good!

[Marseydoats · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE this series! Amelia and Oliver are off to Italy where he is to attend a paranormal conference and she's taking a vacation. All the characters are awesome, especially the talking cat.
Only 4 months 'til the next one comes out, and I adore Freddie Purrcery on that cover!

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raiders of the Lost Hex (Crescent Moon mysteries book 6)

Wow what a story what a mystical mystery. A trip to Italy as Oliver had a conference to attend and she really gets into her psychometric abilities in a grand way. Some fearful moments, and romance.

[Nancy Vap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Italy, what could go wrong?

Twists and turns with each new chapter. Such a fun read. I can almost feel what Amelia is feeling. The magic is superb and the cat was spectacular! Enjoy it as soon as you can.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical Italian adventure

Amelia goes with Oliver to Italy. It's an amazing story with mermaids, sea witches, magic, a car chase and a famous black cat.
If you like paranormal stories, this is one to savor. It has the bonus of Italian food that sounds amazing.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the weakest book in the Crescent Moon mysteries for me so far. The positives: the Italian seaside setting and bits of their culture, a fun mystery with a bit of humor, brand new characters. The negatives: the mystery is really farfetched even for the magical world we've seen so far in the series, there also seem to be some plot holes, and the last couple chapters felt unnecessary to me.
Overall, I did still enjoy it and will be reading the next in the series.

[Sara Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite characters and Italy? yes please!

This is such a fun read. It was atmospheric with beloved characters in a beautiful foreign land. I especially loved Bella the cat.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved absolutely everything about this magical book..

[L.L. Kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

a bumpy ride to a sweet finish!

Raiders of the Lost Hex delivers fun, magic, and all the cozy vibes. What more could you want? Maybe a merfolk spinoff???

[Tina Vering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelia's Adventures are always fun to read.