Signed, Sealed and Deadly: Book 2

by Bella Colby

A ruckus of vengeful folk dancers and a dead competition judge. Can our fifty-something rookie witch step-hop through the chaos to uncover the killer?

After inheriting a house and unexpected magical power from the grandmother she never met, Josie Appleton has poured her heart into transforming it into a charming B&B. Helped by her distractingly handsome caretaker, she’s finally ready to welcome her first competing troupes in Briarvale’s annual dance festival. And everything is going to plan - until the judge drops dead.

Josie never meant to meddle in murder, but she’s hexed into the mystery when her sharp-witted feline familiar noses out a clue. Armed with nothing more than enchanted pastries and a stubborn streak, Josie sets off to track down the villain.

Can Josie sidestep a detective who despises amateur sleuths and withstand the fiery wrath of midlife flushes to solve the case before the fiend claims another victim?

Signed, Sealed and Deadly is the laugh-out loud second book in the Witchy at Fifty paranormal cozy mystery series.

If you love middle-aged witches with an eye for trouble, a village where ancient dancing is a contact sport, and sassy magical cats who sniff out secrets before the local constable, Signed, Sealed and Deadly is your perfect potion.

Pick up a copy of this must-read mystery today.

Genres: Mystery

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2025

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks so much to BookSirens and Bella Colby for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.

I have read so many books by Bella Colby and loved them all, and this one was no exception! I actually discovered her books on BookSirens and was so excited to receive another ARC copy of her next novel. It's a good thing I have a million books to my TBR to distract me in between books because I hate waiting, so I love getting advanced copies!

Really loved this novel and am excited to read more in the series. One of the best things, I think, is the fact it is going to be an extremely slow burn. Still hasn't signed the divorce papers, so other than she kind of likes this guy, nothing has happened. Love a slow burn.

Love all the characters, especially the cat, Einstein, who has 9 lives and has been with her family since at least the Salem witch trials. He is amazing.

Definitely would recommend this book, as well as all of her books to any paranormal cozy mystery lover.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Josie and Einstein are on the case!

I really do love these mysteries. They’re just the right amount of snark, emotions and solving murders. Josie is becoming more and more a part of the community, especially now that she has her first paying guests at her B&B. This time, it’s a festival with folk dancers that we get introduced to, along with the murder of one of the judges. I also love as Josie learns more and more about her family and about being a witch. I really do love anything written by Bella Colby!

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

[Fi Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful second instalment to this witchy cosy mystery series. Josie is nicely settling into her new life in Briarvale. Putting her inherited home to good use (and a much needed source of income) as a B&B, she continues to learn about her magical powers with the help of Einstein the cat.

One of the best things about this and the previous novel is the detailed picture that Bella Colby paints of village life in Briarvale and its colourful inhabitants. There’s a hint of romance-to-come, developing friendships, and plenty of mysteries to solve.

I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dance competition showing local culture has many teams participating. Josie is happy to have a full house, all rooms rented. Tom lets her know, the two teams she will have as guests are the two top most competitive teams,frenamies since they all know each other. Tom talks her into going to watch and grabbing some lemonade, they find a great spot under a tree.Eva Henshaw is in charge of organizing the event and setting up the table for the three judges. One judge seems to have ruffled a lot of feathers for many town folk, but none give an open argument like the one Ronald and Eva have pre-competition. Everything is set to start, but it doesn't. A judge suddenly dies on the spot. Eva needs to uncover the murderer and has decided to bake her moms truth cookies. They loosen tongues and encourages free talking. All well and good, but how many cookies will she have to bake with a town of suspects plus those in town for the competition! I enjoyed this chapter of Eva's journey to run the B&B and I will add, she has the most cuddly cat who is always feigning to be hungry and full of snark.

[Karen Brooks - TheTxLitChic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed and Deadly

~Bella Colby

 

Charismatic, twisty and utterly comfy – Signed, Sealed and Deadly by Bella Colby is one of those cozy mystery books you can curl up with and read in one sitting. The second book in the Witchy at Fifty series returns us to the enchanting town of Briarvale, where magic stirs beneath the surface and trouble has a knack for finding Josie Appleton.

 

A few months have passed since Josie inherited both her grandmother’s house in Briarvale - and her unexpected magical abilities. She’s poured her heart, and everything her grandmother left her, into turning the place into a Bed & Breakfast. Handyman Tom fixes the final door just in time to welcome her very first guests: two rival dance troupes - the Green Stags and the Crimson Belles - arriving for the town’s fiercely competitive Morris dance festival. Let’s just say “competitive” might be putting it mildly.

 

 As the festival kicks off with the teams dancing, Tom and Josie are sitting on the lawn while Tom is educating Josie on the Morris dance style and festival history (and some of the town's residents). When all the teams are finished and the judges have submitted their votes, one judge suddenly collapses as the winner is being announced. Of course Josie and her ever nosy familiar, black cat Einstein, think there is foul play. After the first run in with DI Holloway, Josie knows she needs to steer clear of this one, but can she really? Despite her promise to stay out of it, Josie's curiosity might just lead her straight into another mystery.

 

Colby’s strong point lies in creating warm, relatable characters you’d want as neighbors. Josie is delightfully down-to-earth, and her dynamic with Tom, the ever-handy handyman, feels authentic and sweet. The real stars, though, might be Einstein and Charlie - their banter (yes, Josie can understand them!) adds humor and heart to every page.

 

Signed, Sealed and Deadly flows effortlessly with vivid settings, energetic dialogue and just the right amount of small-town charm and supernatural intrigue. Well balanced suspense with humor, delivering a mystery that's equal part cozy and captivating is a skill Colby has excelled in.

 

 

While Signed, Sealed and Deadly can be read as a standalone, don't deny yourself the full Briarvale experience – start with Milestones, Magic and Murder to get the full introduction to Josie's journey. Just don't dawdle too long, Einstein doesn't like to be kept waiting.

 

Thank you to Bella Colby for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC Signed, Sealed and Deadly. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.

 

***

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who Murdered the Dance Judge ? . . .

Josie Appleton is in Briarvale, receiving official documents regarding her inheritance at her grandmother’s death, along with correspondence regarding her soon-to-be ex-husband Gary’s financial mess he left behind as he ran off to Paraguay to avoid his responsibilities. She had no time for him since she was officially opening her B&B today, Briarwood Gables, and had guests to welcome. Her cat familiar, Einstein, had personally supervised all the cleaning… not helped, but supervised. Her handyman, Tom, was fixing any small issues as quickly as he could for the grand opening, such as the stuck door that would have necessitated guests climbing through the window to get inside. He already expressed his worry that Josie had booked two rival dance troupes competing in the Morris Dancing Festival held in Briarville each year, and he expected a big commotion when they find out. Einstein and Tom’s dog Murphy started arguing over which would be the first to notify Josie that the guests were here. Geoff Mercer exited the bus and thanked her for letting them arrive early to get settled in. They started out to the front lawn to practice their dancing when 3 vehicles rolled up the drive -- their competitors! Einstein commented that Josie should have baked a ton of her witchy Serenity Scones to keep the peace. Daryl and the newcomer Liam then tossed snarky comments bask and forth at each other.

As things begin at the competition, everyone is hopeful there will be no additional conflict. Unfortunately, the unpleasant judge no one likes, Ronald Burrows, drops dead, having had a previous disagreement with Eva Henshaw. Would she become a suspect? Dr. Vincent Hale checked the body and requested an ambulance saying this was a possible cardiac arrest. And as Detective Inspector Holloway walks away, he looks at Josie and says, “I trust you will leave the investigation to the trained professionals this time.” But Einstein’s quick wit and talent uncovers a helpful clue -- the victim did not die of a bad heart as was being assumed but had been poisoned with cyanide! He had scented the bitter-almond smell. And the aroma was on the envelopes in the results box. There was a second familiar odor as well, but Einstein hadn’t yet identified it. So Josie decides to participate in solving the murder. Will DI Holloway tolerate her “interference” in his case, especially after he warned her off? And can she track down the guilty party before something else happens?

[Lora]

A folk dance competition in Briarville turns deadly in Signed, Sealed, and Deadly, the second installment in Bella Colby’s A Witch at 50 series. Josie Appleton’s new bed-and-breakfast is hosting two of the top folk dance teams, and she expects nothing worse than a few heated arguments between rival dancers. But when one of the judges drops dead shortly after the winner is announced, Josie finds herself at the center of yet another murder investigation. The judge was known for rubbing people the wrong way so there’s no shortage of suspects. Josie’s familiar, Einstein insists he smells poison, and things get personal when the event organizer and frenemy, Eva, is brought in for questioning. Determined to clear Eva’s name, Josie launches her own investigation.

While dealing with the start of menopause, Josie’s magical abilities are getting stronger. Her enchanted baked goods and sweet treats which are infused with magic leads to surprising clues. Despite the seriousness of the crime, the story maintains a light, humorous tone. One of the highlights is Josie’s awkward conversation with her daughter, where she has to explain why she’s investigated yet another murder.

Full of quirky charm, humor, and just the right touch of magic, this book is a fun, cozy read for fans of paranormal mysteries with heart.

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of Morris dancing, so I Googled it, and read up on it a little, and watched a couple of videos, before I started reading this book. This gave me a frame of reference that truly helped me visualize the story in my mind's eye. That said, I enjoyed this book. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)

Signed, Sealed and Deadly was a fun, easy, light read that I read from start to finish in a few hours. Yes, it's a murder mystery, but there's a lot of humor in the interactions between characters, as well as a little magical mayhem. Josie is still new to the whole magical abilities thing, after all, but her fluffy feline familiar is always there to help and guide.

Briarvale is hosting a Morris dance competition, and everyone turns out to enjoy the festivities. Until a snarky competition judge keels over dead. The highly unpopular gentleman was seen having a heated exchange with the festival organizer and heard exchanging barbs with some of the dancers, so potential suspects are plentiful.
Someone is taken in for questioning, but Josie thinks the local police have it wrong, so she does a little sleuthing of her own to get to the truth.
There are a few twists and an unexpected ending, but Josie and crew solve the mystery and help the police find the killer.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved returning to Briarvale and it's inhabitants and seeing how Josie is doing in her new life. And of course reading about Einstein again!
It's great to see that Josie is learning how to bake the magic treats that help during the investigation and the consequences when something doesn't quite go as planned LOL.

The 'struggle' between Einstein and Charlie is classic and very funnily written. I love both of them!

In this series, information that is shared in a previous book isn't just there, but is explained as 'for those new to this story', which I liked, even though I HAD read the previous books.

I did see an opening in the mystery pretty soon, but not who had actually done it and why. So reading about how it was solved was no less exciting and well written.
At the end of the book there were tears in my eyes, which tells me this book was very well written indeed!

Here's hoping for many more installments in this series!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briarvale is once again hosting the annual dance festival with two competing Morris Dance teams. Josie Appleton is thrilled since she just opened her B&B with the help of her caretaker, Tom and his dog Murphy and she will be having many guests because of the competition. But things do go so well when the judge drops dead. And it seems there is no shortage of suspects since he wasn't a very likeable victim. Of course, she was told to stay out of it, but that won't happen. Josie, a witch in training, her snarky familiar, Einstein, Tom and Murphy together with Josie's magical baking, dive into investigating. With lots of humor and twists and turns you are hooked until the very end! This is the second book in the series and not only do I recommend this book, but also the first book as well. I can't wait to see what Josie and company get into next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Alisa]

Fun followup!

Josie has turned her late grandmother's home into a B&B with help from Tom, the property's caretaker. Her first set of guests are competitors in the Briarville dance festival. When one of the judges dies, Josie steps in to figure out the murderer....with a lot of assistance from her familiar, the snarky cat Einstein. She also uses her witchy baking skills to help figure things out.

I'm really enjoying this series. The characters are wonderful, and there's humor (largely thanks to Einstein), some possible romance to come, and an interesting mystery and story-line.

There is a touch too much of the use of catchphrases including "as if", "as though" and "like" way too much. Often that takes the rating down, but I'm keeping it at 5 stars because other than that, it's an excellent book.

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

[Mary]

I adored the first book in this series, and this second installment was just as good. Josie’s new B&B is finally ready for guests, and the local dance competition brings in her very first customers — but when the judge suddenly drops dead, things take a sharp turn into murder mystery territory.

Everyone’s a suspect, Josie’s magic is coming along… mostly, and Einstein — her sarcastic, scene-stealing cat — once again delivers the best comic relief. While the mystery was a bit predictable and I saw most of the twists coming, it still made for an enjoyable, light-hearted read with just enough humour and charm to keep me turning the pages.

A great “in-between” book when you want something fun and not too heavy, with a dash of magic, a sprinkle of mystery, and a cat who is absolutely worth the price of admission. Recommended.

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

[Melanie Stewart]

This book was another fun installment in this series. In fact this one notched up the whimsy with the magical overdose from the magical treats. Einstein is the master of snark and his battle with Charlie was funny. I must admit as a Shorkie mom, Charlie seemed a little out of character but it was really cute that he was included. I loved the descriptions of him.

The mystery was another good one and the twist on the victim was pretty good. Josie's integration technique was pretty amusing and sounded pretty yummy. I like the admissions by Josie and Tom about letting go off the past and moving on. The twist with the other couple and the yummies was super cute.

This book was exactly the kind of feel good story I needed to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie Appleton moved to Briarwood after her husband left her and her grandmother willed her a B&B. On opening weekend, she is hosting rival dance troupes that are competing in the Morris Dance Festival. All is well until one of the judges collapses on the stage. Josie uses her newly developed magic and her grandmother’s recipes to investigate the death. Will she and her cat/familiar, Einstein be able to unravel the mystery?

Colby writes a fun, fast-paced mystery with well developed characters and an easy to follow plot. There is mystery, humor and even a bit of romance woven into this magical tale. This story grabbed me and didn’t let go until the finale. I loved the plot twists and did not see the ending coming. I recommend this to readers who enjoy cozy mystery with a spark of magic.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another cute installment in this series. I loved how Josie's magical baking helped with the investigation. The Morris dancing competition was a unique idea to shape the story around, and I loved learning more about that style of dancing. There were a lot of new names and faces in this book, and I found myself having a hard time remembering just who was who a few times, but overall the mystery was very well-plotted and had a satisfying conclusion. Definitely a series to keep following, and since the books are on the shorter-than-200-pages side, it's very easy to read in one sitting. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed and Deadly is about Josie a Bed & Breakfast Owner and a Witch in training and her Familiar Einstein who is magical and advises Josie.

Tom is the handyman at the Bed & Breakfast and his dog Murphy. They all go to a watch a Morris Dancing Contest and unfortunately a mystery starts. So Josie with help of her Magical Baking that helps when she questions people with the assistance of Einstein and Tom with Murphy. But will they find out the whole truth?
Excellent story and series which I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josie has put her heart into turning the house she inherited from the grandmother she never knew into a charming B & B. Her first guests are two dance troupes competing in Briarvale's annual folk dance festival. When one of the judges drops dead Josie with finds herself, once again, investigating a murder with her trusty feline sidekick Einstein by her side. This is an absolutely wonderful cozy mystery that gave me a few chuckles, and a plot that kept me guessing. Fun, compelling, and engaging characters made it hard to put this book down and I recommend it to other readers who enjoy this genre as much as I do.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.

[JOAN SALLEY · Rating 5 out of 5]

A snarky talking cat, the grand opening of a B&B, which is hosting two competitive dance groups for the annual Morris Dancing competition, Josie ( secret witch), then along comes the murder of one of the judges for the dance competition. Of course Josie enjoys sleuthing and has a way of getting people to talk, even though she has been warned by the detective to not interfere with the investigation. An interesting read, although I did not read the first book in the series, I had no problems jumping into this book.

Looking forward to reading more books in this series. I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve come to really appreciate this author’s writing, so I was excited to see this second book in the series. Josie is not a spring chicken and she’s a new witch, but neither of those things stop her from investigating the newest murder in the town. While this series isn’t complex or long, what they are is fun, light-hearted, and well-written. Reading this is so enjoyable, I read it in one setting. I can’t wait to see what’s next with Josie, Tom, Einstein, and all the rest of the characters. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie has her first guest in the B&B. Two teams of Morris dancers taking part in the annual competition in the village. The top two teams of the previous year. Just after the announcement of the place getters has been made, one of the judges dies. The police deem it a suspicious death. Turns out he was poisoned. So, Josie makes some muffins, shortbread & toffee,ball with different sorts of magic in them. She works out who did the deed & gets the DI there to make an arrest. A devious method & a very interesting book.

[Kendra M Layden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy these books. I love that a mid-life life crisis turns into something magical. And the world building is so unique and fun. The characters are great, and you get all the cozy mystery vibes. It's an easy read and quite enjoyable. I can't say enough positive things about this series, and I hope it continues so I can read more of them!

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

Thank you, BookSirens, for an ARC of this book. I really love reading these!

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second entry in the Witchy at Fifty series and it was as good as book one. Bella writes swift, interesting cozies and we get to know some of the characters a bit more. In book two, she moves the story along at a nice pace, with an interesting murder and a very plausible conclusion. It's a quick read which I enjoyed. I am looking forward to getting to watch these characters develop in upcoming entries in the series.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Signed, Sealed and Deadly is book #2 in the Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery series by Bella Colby.

Josie Appleton is settling in in Briarvale in the house she inherited from her grandmother. She’s converted it into a B&B, Briarwood Gables. With a full house thanks to a dance festival, what can go wrong? This was an entertaining story with wonderful characters. I love Einstein and the humor in Josie’s interactions with him, especially his comments regarding the death.

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

[Katherine Azad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Bella Colby and I really enjoy this series. The characters and fun and it’s enjoyable to watch the relationships developing. Total honesty; I liked the first book and the prequel a little better than this one, but the whole series (including this book) is totally worth it! I would read again and I’m looking forward to more in the series! It’s a fun story and easy to read. Highly recommend!!

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I laughed so hard at the baking scene! Wait until you reach that part! I don’t know which was funnier, what was happening outside or in the kitchen. It was awesome!

Now that I got that out of me, on with the review. I loved it. This is such a great series. Josie, Tom and Einstein make a wonderful team in both her B&B and crime solving. Einstein has the greatest lines in the whole book. It’s a good thing only Josie can actually hear him.

I cannot wait to read the next book.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series. I really enjoyed the storyline with the characters really coming alive for me. The more I read, the more it pulled me in. I read this in one sitting, couldn't stop! I laughed out loud in some spots, even. This kept my interest from the very beginning. I can't say enough good things about this author. I have read other series by her and every one has been good enough to go back and read a second time.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dancing competition gone awry! Josie has put a lot of time and effort into preparing her B&B for guests, only for a crime to happen during the dance competition and she may be housing a murderer! This was a fun page-turner. I wish it came with a video of the competition. This would be a cute graphic novel. Can be read as a standalone.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

A high quality cozy mystery that’ll have you laughing out loud. The plot is well-constructed and satisfying, the characters are fantastic (Einstein!), and the mystery is clever and engaging. I loved it!

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Sandie Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it & how Josie is getting the hang of magic. The characters are great in this book & we are getting to know, each & every one of them in more detail. Glad a murder was solved but not how it happened but the skills to solve it, I would never have guessed who did it & why. Can’t wait for the next book. Well done Bella

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved book 2! Josie and Einstein are such enjoyable characters. Seeing the growth from book 1 to this book of Josie was great. I love how the investigation of the murder went. Waiting for the next book in the series!!

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