Axes and Alchemy

Willowmere #2

by Carmen Radtke

A cozy paranormal midlife witch mystery

Pirate loot and deadly feud …

So much for a peaceful next Novice witch Bex Merriweather has her hands full running a leading library and secretly studying magic under the critical eye of her opinionated familiar and mentor, cat Cosmo.

The last thing newly divorced perimenopausal Bex needs is more tasks needing her attention. But when a podcast connects a pirate treasure and voodoo magic with tranquil Willowmere and treasure hunters as well as occultists flock to the town, feuds erupt.

When a dead body is found, Bex and Cosmo can’t discount the idea that greed and black magic had something to do with the murder. But can she protect her secret and the town without exposing the truth about her inheritance? And is somebody already on her trail – somebody wishing her ill? With only her cat and her trusted circle of friends, Bex sets out to catch a killer before the treasure of a long dead pirate claims another victim.

Axes and Alchemy is the second case in this fun-filled series. 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: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2025

Reviews

[Lily-May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to ARC read this book
that is realesed today 🫶

Well... I did not expect the ending to this book!

I really enjoyed this book, even though I didn't realise there's a book before
So will reread

I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out, I am fully in my autumn era and this was the perfect book.

Cosy witch vibes

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lovI love this series, probably because inheriting a lending library, magical powers, and a talking cat is my complete dream….Add in solving murders, where do I sign up?

I loved the first book and was happy to jump right back in!

When one of Bex's friends starts a podcast interviewing older members of the community, noone expects it to turn into an actual treasure hunt! As treasure hunters flood into the small town, Bex finds herself trying to keep the town safe, as well as the storyteller.

When one of the treasure hunters ends up dead--leaving behind a smorgasboard of suspects and motives… Bex and Cosmo have their work cut out for them. Can they keep their secrets safe, protect the community, and find the killer?

This book was hilarious and well-paced. I loved the new addition to the crazy coven of Bex's former teacher, and I hope that she graces us again with her incredible presence!

I have enjoyed how Bex is coming into her own and beginning to believe in herself. But, aas a cat-servant myself, I love how Cosmo, her beloved familiar keeps Bex on her toes and reminding her who has the real power.

It rings so true.

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.

[Marie A · Rating 4 out of 5]

So if you read the synopsis, you have a basic idea of what to expect. What started out as a way for one of the residents to catalog and understand stories of Willowmere’s past and the people who helped shaped it, soon turned into a crazy search for pirate gold.

Enter Bex, her crazy coven and her very strict, very funny familiar and mentor, Cosmo.

While I enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries with many types of characters, Bex’s journey appeals to me because she didn’t know her aunt was a witch. She is now a woman trying to distinguish witch fire from hot flashes and is quite humbled as a novice baby witch and how much she still has to learn.

This book had me guessing until the end (there are a lot of outside characters as well as residents who really didn’t care for the victim) and the ending surprised me.

Now Bex’s daughter is home for the holidays with a friend and Bex needs to try and figure out exactly what the witch fire is warning her about this time.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery, a great cozy paranormal mystery or stories with friendships that span decades and a FMC, in midlife, starting her next chapter (with a bossy cat with expensive taste). I would like to thank the author and BookSirens for a copy of this book. 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]

“Axes and Alchemy” solidifies Carmen Radtke’s Willowmere Mysteries as a must-read cozy series. After falling in love with the first book, I devoured this second installment and enjoyed it immensely.
The character development is superb. The relationship between Bex and her wonderfully cynical familiar, Cosmo, has evolved into something deeper, built on a foundation of mutual respect and unspoken love (which Cosmo would, no doubt, dispute).
Bex's magical growth feels organic and is put to the test when a threat emerges in the form of ruthless treasure hunters seeking a legendary pirate's haul. The tension escalates perfectly with a murder, plunging Bex and her friends into a high-stakes investigation.
Radtke’s plotting is masterful. She deftly pulls the reader along, making us feel like active participants in solving the mystery. I was completely stumped and loved being surprised by the culprit!
Bex is a fabulous and refreshing protagonist. Her journey of embracing witchcraft while navigating menopause and reforging old friendships is both empowering and relatable. And Cosmo? He remains the scene-stealing, pompous heart of the story. The dynamic between them is pure magic.
I finished this book already longing for the next adventure in Willowmere.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-meaning, but poorly executed, podcast causes a flood of aggressive treasure seekers to overwhelm the town of Willowmere. Therefore, when a local businessman is killed, it seems that the suspect pool is endless. Newly appointed witch Bex must fend off intrusions, both magical and ordinary, as she attempts to assist the police in solving the crime.

Many characters populated this second instalment of the Willowmere Mysteries. While the relationship between Bex and her familiar, Cosmos, deepened, the storytelling noise created by the outsiders cost much of the charm and warmth generated in the series' premiere. Unfortunately, by the time the murderer was revealed, I was hard-pressed to place them in the list of suspects. Despite these problems, the story was rich and fulfilling. Bex and Cosmos are wonderful main characters, and I'm delighted to follow their journeys.


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

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather is running her lending library and studying magic with her mentor/familiar, Cosmo. When a local podcast where one of their senior citizens talks about a hidden pirate treasure in the woods is broadcast, strangers start appearing in town to hunt for it. Some of the locals also become involved in the hunt. When one of the hunters is found dead, Bex and Cosmo must investigate because the many strangers in town are causing issues at the the nursing home where the senior lived. Cosmo also senses black magic in town and as Bex is supposed to be the towns protector, so they need to find it's source and stop it's use.
Another fun book in the series.

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axes and Alchemy is a great story of Bex Merriweather who inherited a personal lending library and Witch Powers with her Familiar cat Cosmo from her Aunt Violet. Bex is now a Novice Witch and is in training with Cosmo and also inherited the title of Guardians of Willowmere. A podcast about the past started many events. A puzzle began and Bex with Cosmo and her friends Ange , Harper and Reina looked for the puzzle pieces. They looked for the truth and worked with Detective Trey Stone.
Excellent story and series which I highly recommend.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve really been into cozy paranormal mysteries, so I was happy to see the second book in this series. Bex is a midlife mom who discovers she’s a witch, and she’s slowly trying to learn everything she needs. However, life keeps throwing obstacles in her path, like murders. I love this main character, and I love her friends. This is a fun, light-hearted, and engaging cozy paranormal. Fans of the previous will love this latest. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[April Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex and Cosmo are making merry as the Holidays arrive! And, solving a new murder!  A remarkable continuation of characters and storyline in this book 2 of the series.  Cosmo the talking cat, mentor and familiar is still my favorite character.  One of the many things that I enjoy with this series is the multi generational aspect of involvement.  Older and younger work together with respect for each other to unfold the mysteries!  In both of these books, I did not figure out the bad guy!  Highly Recommended. 

[Sue Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

like it says this is book 2 of the series, this is a continuation of the funeral and familiar...where more witch, mysterious and murder, yup again, and a so call treasure a pirate left. plus an interesting celebration of the parade of lantern. which i might give the local library this idea, it is done on 1st day of winter. you love mystery and mysterious magikal world then this is it. i had this book done less than 10 days that is how much the story gets you, can't put it down or stop LOL, 3rd one will be out in a couple of months to continue on

[Lora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axes and Alchemy, the second book in Carmen Radtke’s Willowmere Mysteries, drew me in even more than the first. Becky has grown more confident in her abilities though she still wishes her witch flashes were less intense than a hot flash. Cosmo shines as both teacher and mentor, while still mourning Ben’s late aunt, who he clearly misses. I loved the use of a podcast as the catalyst for the mystery, and an unresolved subplot makes you desperate to grab the next installment right away.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex and Cosmo are deep in another mystery! Loved the intriguing mystery with all sorts of viable villains! I loved how Bex is progressively learning how to fulfill her destiny, hot flashes and all. Would love to try one of her magical cookies and some special tea! The ending was wonderful and I can’t wait to read what happens next! These are my thoughts after enjoying an advance copy of this absorbing book!

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Bex and Cosmo. Especially Cosmo. He is hilarious. This is a crazy mystery involving treasure hunters, Pirate stories, and murder, of course. I loved how Bex involved all her friends as well as several others to set a trap to catch the murderer. It was fun to read! I look forward to the next book!

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing story! I truly enjoyed this cozy mystery. There are many suspects and lots of action. I loved Cosmos, the cat. Between that beautiful black cat and a newly realized witch, this makes for a great read.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather inherited a lending library, a feline cat and much more. She is taken on a lot and there is humour as she goes about trying to find the truth. A captivating read. I received this ARC copy via Booksirans and recommend this book to other readers

[Rebecka Mimm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axes and Alchemy is a delightful mix of cozy mystery, humor, and just the right pinch of magic. With quirky characters, clever twists, and plenty of charm, this story makes for a fun and enchanting read.

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

[Tonya Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure hunt!

Well, Bex is at it again she gets mixed up with an old tale concerning a treasure hunt, but someone is taking it too far when someone is killed and others are at risk.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun mystery with Bex and Cosmo! I do have to admit that, for some reason, this one dragged a little. I think I wanted more about the witchy stuff and less about the mystery, but by the "to be continued" at the end, the next book should be much more witchy. I look forward to the next book!

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

I found this installment better written than the first one. The pacing was better and so was the plot, though I felt the reveal at the end was still confusing and needed some improvement.

[Denise Bonham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Loved this book .
Especially Cosmo what a fabulous cat.
Murder a library and witches all rolled into one excellent.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bex and her cat, Cosmo. This cozy mystery was so much fun to read. It was a great continuation of the series. 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.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axes and Alchemy book 2 of Willowmere Mysteries by Carmen Radtke is a great continuation of this fun cozy mystery series with an older novice witch Bex and Cosmo, a talking cat who is her mentor of her new supernatural abilities. It's quite a story and I love the different characters and how the older characters are prominent to the story. I can't wait for the next book!

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

[Paula Withrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great supernatural cozy

As a cat lover, it’s wonderful to have Cosmo the mentor. But all of the characters are fun, have a uniqueness that holds my interest, and the story is satisfying. There was such a long drawn out preamble before the somewhat quickened finale, but it was a very worthwhile trip. I look forward to book number three.

[Linley Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second in series book. I enjoyed humour in the talking cat teaching magic and then the friendships all the strong women characters have and their help and support solving the mystery, shows how resourceful women are and the strong bonds they have. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a a cozy mystery with a touch of magic thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh boy did I want to love this book! And in some ways, I do. The cat Cosmo, the plot, the witchcraft. But there's a dealbreaker in this one, for me at least. There are SO many characters, I found myself forgetting who is who. And yes, there is a Cast of Characters page, which I very much needed. But if I have to keep going back and forth in an ebook just to follow the plot, I'm basically done. Every time I switch pages like that, I lose my train of thought. It's like constantly looking up footnotes, at some point I give up. I'm sorry, someone with a better brain might be just fine with this book. It's fun and I do love Cosmo. But as much as I was looking forward to this one, I'm afraid it just isn't for me.

This ARC was provided by BookSirens and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

[Kira Sivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Carmen Radtke and BookSirens for this free ARC.

'It is a truth universally acknowledged that every woman who lives with a cat shall be ruled by the cat'

Axes and Alchemy is the second installment in the Willowmere Mysteries series by Carmen Radtke. I've given this book 3 stars because, while it had everything I loved about the first book, I felt like there was a spark missing from this one.


✍🏽📖 The Reading Experience

The mystery took a while to develop, beginning with a tale of treasure and ending with a dead body. The pacing dragged a bit for me before the murder, but it picked up soon after. The thrill and tension of the treasure hunt and the murder felt in sync—neither plotline overshadowed the other in terms of engagement.


📚 The Story: Bodies and Booty

Book 2 follows Bex Merriweather and her wise cat mentor as they and her friends are getting ready for the annual book lantern walk, when Pilar the bartender at the Blue Moon Inn and student causes a stir when her podcast interview reveals a story about a treasure being left behind by pirates, that lures in fortune hunters for a hunt. One of the treasure hunters ends up dead, leaving no shortage of suspects and motives. Bex and Cosmo must find the killer and keep their magic safe, while keeping the town safe.


🪄 The Magic System

I love that Bex is still 'on the first rung of a very long ladder,' as Cosmo puts it. She's very much a beginner, and I find it refreshing that she doesn't mind when she's reminded of that. She's learning at her own pace, which suits the cozy setting.


💡Themes: Greed and Good Intentions

Good Intentions are always welcome, but sometimes they lead to unintended consequences. As is the case here when a podcast interview about the town's history reveals a story about pirates hiding treasure somewhere in the town. This leads to the second major theme—greed. Fortune hunters descend on Willlowmere, sending the town into a spin.


👥 Characters

Bex & Cosmo: The thing I like most about her is that she isn't letting what happened with her ex-husband get her down. She's coming into her own with her magic and her work at the library. She and Cosmo are a sweet duo, though it's clear who 'wears the fur' in that relationship! 😏

Reina & Harper: This doesn't have to be pointed out, and indeed it shouldn't be a big deal, but I felt it worth mentioning that I love that Reina and Harper's relationship is treated as normal—because it is. No emphasis on being 'different', No unnecessary remarks, and no making a big deal out of it. They are just a married couple.

Kyle & Noah: The two are cute. It's always nice to see beyond the typical jock stereotype; Kyle showing his bookworm side and going to watch old movies with his late gran's friends from the care home just about melted my heart. If I were a classmate of his, I wouldn't believe it! (and quite possibly have developed a crush while I was at it) . Noah is a sweet little boy who likes stories that take away some of the pain from his illness, as well as some of the worry from his mum. The two meeting at the library and interacting was adorable.


✔️ Final Thoughts

While it was a good follow up to Funerals and Familiars, it could have benefited from adding some sort of new element like Bex learning a new spell or Cosmo teaching her (and us) more in-depth magical lore and history. Regardless, I'm looking forward to going back to Willowmere in book 3. ☺️

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

AXES & ALCHEMY by Carmen Radtke
The Second Willowmere Mystery

Capturing the memories of Willowmere's oldest residents is a wonderful idea. Turning the recordings into a podcast seems like a novel way to share their wisdom. That is until the talk turns to hidden treasure in Willowmere. Whether pirate doubloons or the secret of alchemy itself, Bex Merriweather is right to be concerned. Even though the podcast is quickly removed0 treasure seekers appear and the nursing home is under siege! Bex's witchy warning system goes off giving her extreme hot flashes that have nothing to do with perimenopause and everything to do with someone else wielding magick. When a disliked townsperson is murdered there are too many suspects with a multitude of possible motives. With the help of her mentor, Cosmo, Bex will have to up her witch skills in order to protect the town and solve yet another murder!

Bex and Cosmo make a great team. While Cosmo teaches and trains, Bex infuses her own charm and spunk. I also enjoy how she investigates the mystery with her friends and especially how they get Ms. Vine to join in! The mystery is complex with lots of new characters and so many motives...almost too many. I like that there's a new venue in town, with new owners, but partway through the book they just seemed to fade away.

Woven into the murder mystery is a magickal one. Magickal items are left around the library. Yet, in the end the significance was never addressed. Who left the labradorite? Why? We don't know. Does it have something to do with what happened in the last chapter? Will it be explained in the next book?

Showing once again that women in midlife are powerful and purposeful AXES & ALCHEMY is a fun mystery that combines magick, murder, and community. I look forward to seeing what happens next, especially with the introduction of Fleur!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Bex and Cosmo as characters. Their interactions with each other are both endearing and funny, much like I imagine siblings interacting with one another. I also really appreciate how Bex is an older protagonist with a strong sense of who she is while grappling with the fact that she is now a witch in her 40s.

While I have every intention of continuing the series because I love a cozy mystery and Radtke can weave one that keeps me guessing until he end, this particular one was not my favorite. I did feel that the narrative was a bit repetitive. I understand that Bex is new to witchcraft, but she seems to have a great level of doubt, which, given her abilities in the first one, are a bit misplaced in my opinion. Also, there is a lot of repetition surrounding Cosmo and his background. I wish that at some point, Radtke had added a bit more information rather than repeating the same thing.

Additionally, while the mystery plot line kept me interested throughout the book, I did become a little confused by how many people were involved. Something that Radtke likely did on purpose, because even Bex and Detective Stone admit that there are too many people involved. When the big reveal did happen, I had to stop and try and figure out who was who in the cast of characters.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I loved being back in the town of Willowmere. This one just wasn't my favorite cozy mystery.

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

CONTENT WARNINGS
Graphic: Murder, Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Grief, Classism

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex is still adjusting to her role as novice witch and town guardian when another murder rocks Willowmere. A podcast collecting the stories of the elderly residents in the care center brings treasure seekers to town, creating tension among the locals. Businessman Harry Brown had made plenty of enemies among the town and his taunts about having the true treasure map opens up even more suspects when he’s killed in his competitor’s building. With the visitors claiming occult powers, Bex and Cosmo are determined to protect their secrets while trying to find the killer.

The second book in Carmen Radtke’s Willowmere series is a twisty mystery full of humor and charm. I’m really enjoying Bex’s journey as she manages menopause and learning her witchy heritage. I love the dynamic between Bex and her circle of friends, the crazy coven of Harper, Reina, and Ange, as well as her lessons from Cosmo. The slow unfolding of Bex’s powers allows us to see her growth and keeps her a grounded character as she has to rely on her other skills to solve the case. I also like that she keeps the police looped in and has backup rather than stumbling around impulsively. Ms. Vines was another standout character with her improv skills in reshaping the treasure story narrative. I’m already looking forward to the next book and Alex and Fleur’s involvement.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nancy Gerards · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read the blurb, you have a basic idea of what to expect.

What started out as a way for one of the residents to catalog and understand stories of Willowmere’s past and the people who helped shaped it, soon turned into a crazy search for pirate gold

When one of Bex's friends starts a podcast interviewing older members of the community, no one expects it to turn into an actual treasure hunt! As treasure hunters flood into the small town, Bex finds herself trying to keep the town safe, as well as the storyteller

When one of the treasure hunters ends up dead--leaving behind a mile long list of suspects and motives… Bex and Cosmo roll up their sleeves and get the job done

I love how Cosmo, her beloved familiar keeps Bex on her toes and reminding her who has the real power.

his book had me guessing until the end (there are a lot of outside characters as well as residents who really didn’t care for the victim) and the ending surprised me.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery, a great cozy paranormal mystery or stories with friendships that span decades and a FMC, in midlife, starting her next chapter (with a bossy cat with expensive taste)

As always, I wish you happy reading!

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