Funerals and Familiars

Willowmere #1

by Carmen Radtke

Midlife can be murder - or magic…

Almost fifty and freshly divorced, Bex Merriweather is going through The Change - battling hot flashes and night sweats. Little does she realize that when an elderly relative dies and leaves her a lending library in sleepy Willowmere, complete with cat, her whole life is going to change…

Turns out Aunt Violet left behind more than books and home-made herbal teas, like full-blown witch powers, and a small town where murder is very much on the menu. Even Cosmo the cat is no ordinary feline, but a sassy talking familiar. And when rumors about her aunt’s death begin to circulate, Bex has no choice but to embrace her witchy inheritance, and her inner detective.

Now the novice witch, armed only with her circle of lifelong friends and a snarky, judgemental cat mentor, must uncover the truth, before her newly acquired magical life goes up in smoke.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, magical mayhem, and heroines who believe it’s never too late for a new chapter—or a little witchcraft!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Magic, Cats, Witches

249 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 23, 2025

Reviews

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
Bewitching new series featuring Bex Meriwether, recently divorced and old enough to be naturally experiencing hot flashes. When her beloved aunt passed away, she inherits a lending library and Cosmo, the cat. Imagine her shock on learning that she's also inherited her aunt's magical talents from Cosmo who's prepared to be her mentor. Accessing the magic has a slight obstacle, until she solves the murder of her aunt's neighbor, the lingering bad vibes keep slowing the process. Loved the interactions between Bex and Cosmo. Already looking forward to the next in series. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sam Metcalfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for this ARC copy of Funerals and Familiars due to be published May 23rd.

Such a cute cosy read with small town vibes, friendship, witches, talking cats, books, and a mystery to solve.
Vibes of "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" / "Murder, She Wrote" and I'm here for it! First time reading anything by this author and it won't be my last - such easy writing to follow. Great start to a series - cant wait to return to Willowmere and watch Bex kick ass!

[April Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first of a new series is the start of a marvelous magical journey.  Bex, our main character, is a woman of a certain age who is old enough to know better, but young enough to enjoy! Her inheritance includes my favorite cat, Cosmo (yes, just like Topper).  The town of Willowmere comes alive with best friends and the Blue Moon Pub!  Both world building and character development is superb throughout this story, bringing it to a reveal that I didn't figure out.  I'm pleased as punch to recommend highly this enchanting book to all. Looking forward to the continuing saga!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather is newly divorced when she finds out her Aunt Violet has passed away. She heads to her aunts town of Willowmere for the reading of the will and to help plan her service. She arrives to find out the person who will inherit her home and library will be chosen by the her cat, Cosmo, and the said cat chooses her. When she moves into Violet's home/library she finds out Aunt Violet was more than a librarian. She finds out that she was also a witch and helped the town with her magic. When it comes to light that her neighbor, Jack, and Violet, both died of the same thing, the police decide it was murder and Bex and her friends begin to investigate what was really going on before Aunt Violet died.
I really enjoyed this book and the setting and the fun characters.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible start to the series! I was so invested in reading this as soon as I started. I read half the book before I finally had no choice but to put it down so I could get some sleep. I dropped the book on my face, so that was a big sign to stop for the night. lol!

I love Bex and Cosmo and the rest of the group. The closeness and camaraderie between them is so heartwarming.

The storyline was interesting and easy to follow. I loved the mystery and what Bex had to learn to solve it. Her magic increased with each move she made toward solving the murders.

Cosmo is the perfect balance of snarky familiar and helpful mentor. Plus he adds the fun!

I’m looking forward to many more stories in this series.

[Mrs K.Bryant]

Funerals and Familiars is a Bex who inherited from her Aunt a Lending Library , House and a magical cat who can talk. Cosmo is a beautiful clever cat who is trying to teach Bex as she has just found out she is a Witch. Bex is being taught by Cosmos to learn how to use her new powers. Bex and her friends who are the Crazy Coven look into the mystery. There are many pieces to this puzzle . But will they find all the pieces?
Excellent story and start of a series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh! This is going to be a FUN series! I loved this book immensely! Great character, magic mechanics, and world! I always love having a snarky, slightly tired, and magic main character. Ben reminds me of myself a bit…without the magic, sadly. I loved the interplay between her and Cosmo. They did a fantastic job together to find the murderer. I seriously look forward to the next book!

[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather has a lot on her plate - divorce/hot flash's/inheritance/new cat.
Aunt Violet left behind a lending library/insights to her customers and so much more. Bex embraces the changes but things are more than they seem. Please enjoy this great book.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mystical mystery with a cat that packs a whole personality. The readers are placed right in the action when the protagonist receives the news about her inheritance. A midlife crisis now changing the tides of the protagonist’s life as she navigates struggles from grief, curiosity, and maturity. This narrative is Sabrina the Teenage Witch all grown up meets The Vampire Diaries. There is much to love in this fun cozy adventure as you unravel a mystery with a sassy cat and witch navigating her new power.
This novel reminds you that your life does not end in your twenties or your thirties – it is just another chapter for your adventure. We are always embracing newfound facets of our identities and that is the comfort this narrative attempt to normalize. Dying your hair after divorce? This narrative has that relatable scene. The dialogue between the protagonist and the cat made me fall in love with this mystery.
The paranormal aspects really had me running to read this cozy mystery. The hot flash here is running to grab a copy to cozy up with some hot chocolate. If you like sassy cats and unique mysteries – then this if for you! Thank you for this opportunity to provide an honest review of the digital arc. Looking forward to publication day.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. Bec died her hair bright blue, a sudden desire to have a bright fresh start to her I’ve after her divorce. She then received the news that her beloved Aunt Violet had died & she had to go to Willowmere to look after Cosmo, her aunt’s cat. Bed had grown up there, as her aunt had looked after her after her mother had died. The lawyer said that Cosmo had to be at the reading of the will along with Ben & her two cousins. He was to make the choice of who would inherit the home, library & him! He made straight for Bex. When she got him home, it turned out he could speak to her! She had inherited her aunt’s witch powers & he was going to mentor her! Then it turns out that the man who lived next door to her had been murdered! The the “fun” begins for Bex and her friends as they try to find it who did it. I recommend this book & look forward to more arriving in my TBR pile.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, humorous, cosy murder mystery. Is that a thing? Well, this book was that and so much more. You have a little intrigue and a little danger and a little confusion.

Willowmere has not one but two murders to solve. Bex and her friends are trying their best to narrow down suspects. Bex is also trying to figure out how to use her newly acquired witch powers without alerting her friends that she’s a witch. She also isn’t used to having to follow the directions of a cat, her new familiar.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery is so well designed to tease, taunt, and make you think, and I love that!!

A few prime suspects, some red herrings, and a suspenseful storyline, make this a tasty morsel to read. Things look dire for Bex until the crabby detective caught up with the killer! I'm gobsmacked at whodunit and why, with another possible killing in the offing if not caught by Bex!!! Greed and jealousy are such terrible things to covet and kill for. Bex feels another evil coming their way soon! Hot flash !! Looking forward to more. Well done author. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love a good paranormal cozy, and this looked like it would fit the bill. I’m happy that it did. We are introduced to Bex and her not-quite familiar Cosmo after Bex’s aunt Violet dies and inherits most of her estate. What follows is a whodunit of her aunt’s murder, her aunt’s next door neighbor’s murder, and her newly inherited witchy powers. This is an engaging, fun cozy even if at just a few times information is presented to the reader as if it should already be known. The premise of the first floor of a home being a bookstore was one I’d love to have myself. I’m definitely ready to read the next one. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funerals And Familiars by Carmen Radke is the first book in The Windermere mystery series. Bex is at a crossroad in her life with her only daughter away at college in Toronto a recent divorce and to top it off she’s going through menopause so when she learns her beloved aunt Has passed away she immediately leaves to take care of her cat Cosmo. soon after arriving with her new blue hairdo she learns cosmos will be the one to pick who inherits Aunt Violet’s home and the lending library. To no one surprise cosmos picks Becks. after leaving the lawyers and getting back to the hotel with cosmos she is shocked when he starts talking to her and tells her she must prepare herself because she is going to be the new witch in charge of keeping the town safe. After all that’s what her Aunt Violet did! it seems she has a lot to learn but first she must start following cosmos instructions after all if you can hear a cat talking it’s best to pay attention. She is enjoying being back with her friends and the more she’s there the more she feels she fits in but sooner than later she learns the day before and Violet died her neighbor passed away as well but it wasn’t from natural causes it was for murder and it seems Aunt Violet is going to go from someone truly missed to someone scandalized after death by murder accusations. It doesn’t help that all signs point to Aunt Violet being guilty but who is doing This? Beck’s And her friends aim to find out but it seems the closer they get the more dangerous it becomes even after they learn her neighbor wasn’t the only murder victim. can Becks learn to be the witch she needs to be and solve the murder mystery and get out on scathede or will her first attempt at sleuthing be her last. I think bad characters in the book can really ruin it so when it turns out I loved all the characters in this book I knew I had found a new cozy magical mystery series that I can’t wait to truly get into. I can’t wait to learn more about Becks her family her friends this was just a fun sweet and clean mystery series that doesn’t pick low hanging fruit to try and get laughs that does it with stealth and intelligence and it’s something I truly love and look forward to more of I also love that I didn’t know the culprit until it was revealed in the book and again let me reiterate I cannot wait to read more by this author. #BookSirens, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #CarmenRadke, #FuneralsAndFamiliars,

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL/DR: So hopefully you have read the synopsis? Great! I had so much fun reading about Bex and her “crazy coven”, a group of friends that had been through a lot together and whom Bex met after moving in with her Aunt Violet. If you want to read a murder mystery with a new-to-her-powers midlife witch and a snarky familiar that prefers the term “mentor,” then this may just be the book for you. If you need more, see below.

So Bex decided on a whim to change her mousy brown hair to reclaim a part of her she was just discovering again after divorce. She chose a vibrant blue (can’t say I haven’t thought of doing the same thing—not the divorce, just a steak of blue in my hair—ANYWAY) and then had a major hot flash in the store. Ahh…the joys of womanhood.

So she does her hair and gets a call from one of her friends that sets her on a journey to Willowmere, some 750 miles away. She just can’t imagine her aunt’s cat, Cosmo, her constant companion, being alone and uncared for. Imagine her surprise when she was asked to bring Cosmo to the reading of the will!

Now I don’t think I can tell you much more that is not in the synopsis and that wouldn’t ruin an absolutely wonderful book for you. I would like to thank the author Carmen Radtke and BookSirens for a copy of this book. I can’t wait to see what Bex and the crazy coven get into next! All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Funerals and Familiars” is the first book in Carmen Radtke’s “Willowmere Mysteries”, a delightful blend of cozy mystery and paranormal enchantment.

When Bex inherits a house and a lending library from her late Aunt Violet, she expects a quiet new chapter in her life, not a double murder investigation, a crash course in witchcraft, and an enigmatic feline familiar named Cosmos. Radtke skillfully immerses readers in Bex’s extraordinary journey, allowing us to discover the magical world of Willowmere alongside her.

The plot is expertly crafted, seamlessly weaving together Bex’s magical education, a gripping murder mystery, and heartwarming reunions with old friends who become her steadfast allies. Radtke drops clues with a deft hand, keeping the intrigue alive until the satisfying conclusion.

The character development is superb, with Bex and the supporting cast feeling authentic and engaging. Even the supernatural elements, thanks to Bex’s relatable learning curve, feel grounded and believable. And of course, Cosmos is an instant standout, stealing scenes with feline charm. By the end, I was thoroughly hooked and eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enchanting series!

[Heather Marrone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not typically read mystery type novels, but this one caught my attention from the book cover alone. Bex is such a breath of fresh air for me as a main character. I'm so used to reading about highschool and college age people who are just getting their life together and can be immature or jump to conclusions in relationships. This is not a bad or negative thing, but I've never come across an older female character like this. It was so nice to see a positive and realistic take on getting older. I loved how Bex discussed and joked about menopause, divorce, and how one's life is not over just because they are not twenty anymore. The blue hair is awesome as well.

Cosmo was also a great addition to the story. He is adorable, social, and very mellow. He reminds me of Kiki's Delivery Service and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. (I've only actually seen the anime movie though). The most memorable part to me in this book was when Bex brought up how Cosmo seemed to be grieving and struggling in his own way. I think that people can often forget that animals go through their own process. I'm so excited to see what happens next. Thank you for giving me an ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here; About the same time Bex decided to dye her hair blue, her beloved Aunt died. Bex has been going through a painful divorce so taking the drive to Willowmere seems like a good escape. There are going to be numerous revelations that will rock her world including the fact that her aunt and her aunt’s neighbour were both murdered. Why anyone would harm these two elderly people is perplexing. But what really throws her for a loop is the discovery that her aunt was a good witch and her cat, Cosmo, picks Bex to carry on the family tradition. How does she know? Cosmo tells her. Yes, he can talk and he will be her familiar and her mentor as she goes through her life changing growth.

But before her powers can flourish, she must solve the murders. She and her friends use some of the normal channels to learn more about the suspects. But Bex’s nascent powers will help her hone in on the perp. With a lot of help from Cosmo I might add. He is without a doubt the best character and I am not biased. I was well into the story and the characters by the time the book ended so I am looking forward to the next one in the series. Four purrs and two paws up.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

After signing her divorce papers, Bex impulsively dyes her hair and head's home to take over her grandmother's lending library, a combination bookstore and heaven. Her grandmother always new what books people needed to read and Bex has HUGE shoes to fill, especially when she learns her grandmother was actually a witch.

Ok, to be honest, not only does this book combines my favorite things--older heroine, snarky familiar, inherited bookstore and funky hair dye. Who know all I needed to level up in my destiny was to dye my hair! But it does it with panache and heart. Bex's journey is, quite literally, magical. I loved how she learned and grew throughout the story. I also enjoyed her interactions with her former high school friends and how they each had their magical qualities in ways that made you wonder if there was more to the "Crazy Coven" then just proximity.

All in all, I LOVED this story of found family and I can't wait to see where the author takes us next!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Leni’s Shelfmusing · Rating 3 out of 5]

After an overdue divorce, amidst hot flushes and grief brought by her aunt’s passing, Bex returns to the to the town of Willowmere, with its small town charm, old friends, new challenges and most unexpectedly - magic and murder.

I had chance to read this advance review copy for free thanks to BookSirens, and voluntarily leaving my thoughts on the read.

The small town vibes, close knit community and good magic intertwined in the story, this book is an easy, fairly enjoyable read.
The pacing of the story felt a bit off at times, without time to live through the emotions and challenges with the main character, which is something I would want in book centered around woman verging on fifty, discovering her magical powers.
The remaining characters didn’t have much space in the books, and from the few interactions came out a little flat, heavily relying on small town stereotypes to fill in the personalities.

Despite the shortcomings, it is a solid 3star entertainment for a quiet evening with hot tea and a fluffy blanket.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in a new series and I'm already loving it!
I like the idea of a midlife main character exploring an entirely new life and finding not only a snarky talking feline familiar, but also new friends and a home.

I especially love Cosmo, his snarkiness and his depth of feeling. And as stated in the book: “he posesses the power of the purr”.

The description of the town and the people in it is very detailed, but not so much that it feels boring or too much. Same goes with the characters of the people living there. You feel you get to know them, but you're not swamped with little details.
The mystery is well developed and Bex's growth to find the culprit feels both necessary and deliciously exciting.

I loved the interaction between Bex and Cosmo, I hope there will be many more books in this series!

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

The death of Aunt Violet leaves newly divorced Rebecca "Bex" Merriweather a safe haven to retreat to: a house and a cat in her old hometown. But the surface is very different from the underneath, and Bex quickly learns of her witchy powers. With the cat (who is a familiar), Bex sets out to honour her aunt's legacy and maybe solve a mystery or two.

It was so easy to slip into Bex's life. She was a very sympathetic character. The compelling narration had me rooting for our heroine from page one and celebrating all her successes. The mystery aspect of the plot kept me guessing, and the conclusion was thrilling.

Thank you to Carmen Radtke and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

TOTALLY AWESOME!
The author was kind enough to gift me the prequel novella to this book, so I was already hooked before the first page. Bex is a wonderful character and all her friends are great as well. Cosmo is in a realm all by himself.
Loved "the power of the purr" and it's true that nothing will cure a headache faster than a purring cat.
It was neat that one of the dogs was named "Mrs. Miniver" because most folks nowadays have never heard of the movie (one of the best depictions of homefront WWII EVER)
The cover is amazing, and I will check out some of the author's other works while I wait for the next book to release.

[Nancy Gerards · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that shows a woman in her 50's without the usually crying , sobbing, begging to the soon to be ex husband, clinging to her child(eren) while getting into her witch powers

No , Bex has a down to earth head on her shoulders , and the company of a

Familiar with a side of sass and/or snark , perks of coming in to powers when you are a little more seasoned, a little older .

She also has a group of old friends to aid her

A double murder almost goes unpunished… almost

Read it yourself to find out

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anne Kavcic]

This author has a solid writing style which I enjoy. In this first-in-series about an almost-50 woman who inherits her aunt's witch powers (along with a library and a special cat), there is subtle wit along with a good mystery. Bex has quite a learning curve with her unexpected (and untried) powers - trying to tell hot flashes from intuition is quite bothersome! - A cut above some others in this genre. I will definitely be reading more! - I received an advance copy and freely leave this honest review.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery with an excellent cat! For some reason I was expecting this not to be a modern-day story, but it was. I still enjoyed it, but it caught me off guard. I think the continuation of the series will be great, especially as I would like to see some of the side characters flushed out a bit more. I didn't *dislike* anyone, but I also didn't really fall in love with anyone (aside from our bossy cat). A little more time with them and I think Radtke can develop some captivating characters!

Thank you Booksirens for and ARC of this book!

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written cozy mystery with a little magic. When Bex inherits her aunts estate she finds herself running a library in the sleepy town of Willowmere, but things are not as they seem, what she thought were it flushes are apparently a witchcraft warning and the cat is talking to her. This is a gentle cozy mystery with a great story, excellent characters, decent mystery and a sarky cat familiar. Excellent stuff. A new author to me and one I will enjoy reading more of. I received a complimentary copy from Booksirens and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a most amusing tale about a novice witch who, although she is a woman of a' certain age' is just coming into her powers but first she has to solve a murder or two with help from her talking cat familiar and her group of old friends.

This was a light hearted adventure but at the same time it was really gripping.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received an arc from Book sirens in exchange for an honest review. if you love Sabrina the Teenage Witch sitcom (and want an adult Sabrina) plus murder mystery then this book is for you. I was intrigued by this book bc I love murder mysteries and this has paranormal elements, such a small town, witches, and cats. it was a great mix of both genres and the fmc was great! it's definitely a fall and Halloween vibes book.

[linda krough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

Easy read but unable to put it down. Right know Ian camping with my sons Youngest likes to fish and older one enjoys his dogs. So Ineeddanneeded a new book. I found this to be an easy read but fun to get involved Every is involved about a double murder and becoming a witch a cat and learning Really enjoyed this book and looking forward to reading the next one