Magic & Murder in the Holler

by Sara J. Lilienfeld

Home doesn’t always mean safe.

Adeline Coburn thought she’d left her home in Kentucky and her coven behind–permanently. After years of working as a Guardian in Seattle, tasked with keeping the supernatural world hidden from humans, tragedy strikes, and she finds herself adrift.

With nowhere else to go, she returns home to eastern Kentucky and discovers a darkness has taken root. A sinister magical force has been unleashed in the mountains, and its hunger is difficult to satisfy.

As strange and violent deaths begin to plague the small town of Evarts, everyone is a suspect, and anyone could be the next victim.

The witchcraft in Adeline's blood may be the key to stopping the spread of death and darkness, but she’ll have to confront long-held regrets from her past if she hopes to uncover who’s responsible for the blight before the darkness destroys her home and the only stability she has left.

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Magic & Murder in the Holler is an urban fantasy intended for adult readers. Please see the author's website for content information

Genres: Fantasy

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Sara J. Lilienfeld is a lifelong fantasy reader, often spending days getting lost in books. She began writing in her early teens and quickly because drawn to stories about community and discovering magic in unexpected places. She lives in the DC metropolitan area with her two cats. In her “day job” she works in finance.

Reviews

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book !! It’s like Supernatural meets CSI:

Adeline is a witch from the Hollars of Kentucky. A tragic incident happens and her twin brother forced her to leave and never come back so she won’t be blamed .

19 years later she find herself forced to resign from her job and starting a new one ….. back home .
Now that she has been back only one day , and murders start popping up. Is she the reason?

[Kalleigh Royn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The prologue had me hooked right away. It set the perfect tone for Adeline’s story and pulled me straight into the mystery and atmosphere of the Holler.

I loved the worldbuilding, especially how seamlessly the supernatural blended into the real world. It gave me definite Sookie Stackhouse vibes in the best way, small-town feels with an undercurrent of magic and danger. The role of nature was beautifully woven into the narrative, and I especially enjoyed seeing the development of Adeline’s (and Elijah’s) gift.

My only “grow” was that at times the dialogue felt a bit abrupt, and there were a few moments that leaned toward over-explaining. That said, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment, and the story itself kept me invested from start to finish.

If you enjoy witchy tales set against a richly atmospheric backdrop, with mystery, magic, and a touch of Southern gothic, Magic & Murder in the Holler is well worth picking up.

[Henley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, which does not affect my review. Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the chance to read this book.

This was an exciting book! There is fantasy with the witch and coven aspect to it, and the magic characters like Adeline are part of and know about. Adeline is a witch, now working as a Guardian, which means she protects the supernatural world from common knowledge. But after murders begin, targeting humans but evoking a sense of dark magic, Adeline knows she has to do something to help protect her small town. When I think of books about witches and books with mysteries, it is hard not to get the small town feel! Evarts is full of mystery, and like Adeline, I was so curious who, or what, was involved in the string of deaths. She meets up with other witches who have different types of magic, like Astrid who has sight which was one of my favorites, but something is blocking it. The land and the people are hurting, and Adeline finds herself drawn into the dark mystery. For anyone who has seen American Horror Story Coven it reminded me a little of that. Not in plot, but in the types of magic you see in this book and the kind of fantasy it is. I also really liked the tie to the land and how nature and earth was infused into this novel and the magic of it. It felt uniquely witchy and helped with the lore of the plot, ancestral witches, the mine collapse, and how the land connects to the string of murders that Adeline is investigating. The cast of characters in this book is eclectic, but Adeline was by far my favorite. Maybe Whiskey is a close second. I always know I’m in for enjoying the book when the main character is my favorite, because if they weren’t it becomes so much harder for me to follow along. Adeline is perceptive and can also be sassy, she has some one-liners that just made me crack up! She is also very determined and brave. Elijah also had some lines that made me laugh.

When Adeline and Elijah discover they might be being targeted by the killer, things get even more intense! I love a good mystery story with revenge because it makes the stakes so personal, and this was exactly what I got here. By the time the true villain was found out I was all in, wondering how the heck Elijah and Adeline were going to fare! I will admit I was a little surprised how cool-headed Adeline and Elijah were in the face of potential death or injury. But I guess Adeline had a plan, and by then I knew she was competent enough as a witch and just in general to be able to get out of this. I was cheering for her when she threw some of her witty lines at the antagonist (I don’t want to say the name for fear of spoilers). There were some moments in the final confrontation between Adeline and he-who-I-won’t-name (villain) where I was a little ready for the explanations to be over and for actual action to happen, but the two of them kept going back and forth. I just wanted to see Adeline’s Gift in full force! Luckily, I did get to see her power come full circle and I felt it was worthwhile. I am also excited to see if it will continue to change in any way in future series. Especially because I feel Adeline still has more to uncover, and not just with her magic!

For a first novel this is quite good. However there were a few times where chapters ended in strange places, like in scenes that did not need to be cut off and could have benefited from not ending the chapter there, but this being a debut means there is still improvement to happen and I had so much fun reading regardless. There were also some times in the book where things are over-explained…. Not in over-explaining the mystery, as I would expect in a novel meant for teens (I don’t think this book is targeted for teens), but more so over-explaining small moments or what someone was wearing. This is largely a personal preference, and could be an author choice. I don’t always mind knowing what a character is wearing but I do notice if it goes on a little too long. Also, I don’t really know what the target age range for this book would be. I said I don’t feel it is targeted for teens because Adeline is no teen, and I tend to base the target age range off of how old the main character is. Yet there were some instances, namely with the way confrontations wrapped up or how things were described, that I couldn’t quite place in adult age range. This is my interpretation of the target age range, however, and sometimes I don’t even think books need a clear age range, as I can see older teens to adults enjoying this depending on their preferences to the genre. Lastly, the epilogue and ending did feel a little convenient in how everything tied up, and especially with the epilogue there was much more explaining that happened. I couldn’t help but wonder would have been better placed in the second book. Especially because I know there is going to be a book 2. However, these negatives were small in comparison to what I enjoyed about the novel. If Goodreads let for more fluid star ratings, I would probably go with a 3.75, but easily rounded to a 4. For a debut, that is very good indeed! I am of course excited for Book 2 of the Arcane Codex and interested to see where Adeline will go from here, especially in getting answers about Lucy’s death.

If you enjoy books with witches, magic, and murder mysteries, I’d recommend this one. I am eager to see how the author grows in her craft over the series, and the characters here are truly a strength to be admired. From Adeline to Elijah to Jakob and more, there are many to fall in love with. The atmosphere of the novel is also a big strength.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a coal miner’s daughter with Appalachian roots and a love for witchy stories, the promise of a story about ancestral witches tied to the land felt like it was written just for me. I requested an advance copy of this book, and Magic and Murder in the Holler exceeded my expectations! Here’s my honest review of this captivating novel.

Lilienfeld portrays Appalachia authentically, avoiding stereotypes and weaving in the region’s values of community and resilience. The story follows Adeline, haunted by tragedy and forced to flee her hometown after her twin’s near-death experience. We meet her far from home, tackling supernatural investigations with few allies, a hostile work partner, and an unsettlingly powerful employer testing her resolve.

When fate pulls Adeline back home, a murder investigation unfolds with unexpected twists, blending mythical and paranormal beings into the modern world. Lilienfeld’s research shines in the rich character development and cultural details, balancing diverse family dynamics with a cohesive plot. The magical systems, especially the dark magic, are intricate and seamlessly integrated, making the supernatural feel real.

Magic and Murder in the Holler is a love letter to Appalachia, a thrilling mystery, and a testament to Adeline’s strength. If you love stories of magic, murder, and cultural heritage, this is a must-read. I can’t wait for Lilienfeld’s next book!

[Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic & Murder in the Holler by Sara J. Lilienfeld is a supernatural who-done-it in a small hometown, or county, in Kentucky. Our FMC, Adeline, has tried to find her place in the supernatural world, but her unique magical abilities pull her back to the one place she tried her best to run from. Now, she is forced to face her fate and come into the true strength of her Gift.

The main characters are well-developed and have an enjoyable story arc. I did lower my rating a little because, while this FMC does seem pretty intelligent for the most part, there are parts where she continuously makes a rather dumb choice when safer and easier options were available and no one seems to point this out until making this same decision multiple times. It did start to get irritating, though it didn't ruin the story as a whole. For those curious about the specifics of the situation, I will leave a brief explanation marked by "**SPOILER**" at the end of my review.

Overall, the pacing and plot were done well. There were a few instances where it felt the pacing could've picked up a little, but it wasn't unbearable or enough to make me dislike the book. There are open ended answers to help lead into the sequel, but there are no glaring plot holes or unanswered questions.

The author does a great job of describing the holler and making you feel a sense of connection to it through the experiences of the main character. Their sentences are image provoking, but not wordy or especially purple.

My only criticism would be limiting or changing the few instances where the character makes bad decisions simply because she is not using semi-critical thinking in non-stressful situations. If there were a legitimate reason I feel she would be making these types of decisions, I wouldn't be so judgmental of it, but she is intelligent even in extremely high stress situations, so it is weird when she suddenly acts pretty dumb.

While normally a character acting like this gets irritating, it didn't happen enough in this book for me to dislike it. I would recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a supernatural murder-mystery with a good dose of witchcraft, vampires, werewolves, and some honorable mentioned fantasy species.

**SPOILER** (minor) An example of one of these dumb decisions that she does repeatedly is just pure neglect of road safety. She discovers that every time she crosses a certain threshold, that she usually does by driving, she experiences a sudden chest pain. They start off as a shocking discomfort, but grow towards near heart-attack levels. The first time this happens, she's driving because she's alone and doesn't know it will happen. The next time it happens, she is alone again and has to pull over until the pain stops. The third and fourth time it happens, she still has to pull over and avoid causing an accident but both times she is driving with a passenger who can also drive. It is not until then, and approximately 60% the book, that it is decided she shouldn't be driving when they cross the threshold, but it is only at another character's request. The thought never crosses her mind. In fact, at one point she intentionally drives alone without a single thought about the potential for a car accident until the pain starts.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC version of this book. This review is voluntary and no money was exchanged. I actually really loved this. I generally inhale books, and I enjoyed this so much I slowed down to really enjoy it a little longer. I expected to enjoy it from the blurb, but it far surpassed my expectations. The setting did wonderful things for this book and really made it the gem that it is. Being set primarily in Harlan County, KY, it really made you understand a lot of why characters were the way they were and why they interact the way they do, as well as making it easy to picture the location of every scene (traveling, Broden mountain, the woods, and Evarts itself). The story focuses on Adeline, an ancestral witch who returns to Harlan, not entirely willingly, after 16 years, much of that in the PNW working for the Alliance. After an unfortunate stint with a terrible partner, she move back to Virginia, just across the Kentucky line, to work as a Guardian, helping keep the paranormal world a secret from humans. Almost immediately after arriving a series of murders that cannot be natural have Adeline and her coworkers investigating. Adeline is partnered with Jakob, who has some secrets of his own. There seems to be some interest there as they get to know one another, but I would classify this as the slowest of burns. One of the best things about this book are the side characters, and there are quite a few. Everyone is essential to the story, and many you can't wait to know more about. Adeline herself was an interesting FMC. There were times I was proud of her and times she left me so frustrated. She is smart but stubborn. Born a twin, she and Elijah both have some childhood trauma. After losing their mother young, Adeline is left without a lot of knowledge about her magic but does appear to be quite strong. It was great watching her mend some bonds with family and potential friends, and there seemed to be a few hard learned lessons about needing to heal and not self sabotage throughout the book. As to the murders, the author did a great job of keeping you guessing. Much of the book I kept changing my mind on who I thought the killer might be, and ultimately ended up with a short list until close to the end, which was a nice change. Many books I figure out who it is way too early. The book sucked me in from literal page one, and you will feel a range of emotions throughout the book. It never drags. The magic system for her witchcraft was easy to understand and I really enjoyed how "natural" it seemed to be, while including a wide range of other paranormal beings. I really can't wait until the next book. I consider this easily a top read for 2025 for me. Highly recommend.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Homesickness hadn’t driven her east in the sixteen years since she left Kentucky; destiny wouldn’t either.

In a small coal-mining town in Kentucky, a mining accident could have killed Adeline's brother. When he survives, the siblings realize that the accusations of witchcraft that have plagued the women in their family will only worsen. Elijah encourages her to flee, and she leaves with the intent to never return. Sixteen years later, another tragedy drives Adeline back to Kentucky, heading right into the eye of a storm that has been brewing for all those years.

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Magic & Murder in the Holler is fast-paced and atmospheric, with a southern gothic influence. Ancestral witchcraft and animism abound, creating a novel that straddles the line between urban and rural, Appalachian fantasy.

The world created in this novel has a good foundation. Laws, systems, factions, and more have been set up carefully, providing scaffolding not only for this story, but for more installments and conflict. Especially interesting is the delineation between cosmic and ancestral witchcraft, and the delineation between magic and witchcraft. This was a great first entry in a series, with plenty of room to expand.

Actual magic and spellcraft is not shown frequently but there are a few standout moments, especially the attack on the Coburn house. I do wish we had seen more, perhaps a little earlier. I wish we had seen more in order to really grasp the difference between ancestral and cosmic magic, as we are told there is a difference but not shown how, in practice. For me, it didn't quite read as wholly distinct but that was likely due to a lack of exposure, even if we do see some glimpses. Considering this was actually a point of conflict at one time in her life, I feel examples would have been helpful. And perhaps as a function of the different kinds of magic used, the final conflict felt a little flat to me, with the stakes possibly not as high as they could have been.

There are a few key things yet to be resolved, such as the missing teachings her family wants to impart to her, or why Elijah is hearing what he is. Obviously, this is great material for sequels! I do wish we had seen just a bit more, though. These mysteries were the real draw for me, as there was so much build up, and the villain was a bit obvious to me. There are clearly other powers at work in Adeline's life, and I'd really like to find out what those might be.

Side note: I'm really enjoying witchy fiction with thirty-something year old protagonists these days and this book is the latest in that trend. I also appreciated how romance was more of a suggestion than a plot point, and that the focus instead is on Adeline's relationship with her extended family and coven.

This was a fun, quick read for me, and a good introduction to what I hope will be an ongoing series!

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

[Beatriz Gil · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ ARC kindly provided through BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.

There’s something immediately haunting about Magic & Murder in the Holler. From the moment Adeline Coburn is called back to her Kentucky roots, the story wraps you in an atmosphere of dense forests, quiet hollows, and the lingering weight of unfinished history. The Appalachian setting isn’t just a backdrop - it’s a character of its own, pulsing with mystery and menace, shaping every shadow Adeline must walk through.

Adeline herself is an engaging protagonist. She carries a believable mix of strength and reluctance, of authority and old wounds that never quite healed. Her return home feels both inevitable and painful, and that tension drives the novel forward with a steady hum. The interplay of magic and murder feels natural here, as if violence and enchantment are two sides of the same coin.

That said, the book doesn’t always unleash its full potential. The pacing falters at times - scenes that should hit hard linger too long, while some emotional beats skim just below the surface instead of cutting deep. The plot structure works, but I found myself wishing it would sometimes push further, break harder, dare more.

One important note: this is not a spicy book. If you’re looking for steam or romance-driven tension, you won’t find it here. What you will find is atmosphere, suspense, and a kind of quiet eeriness that builds page by page.

For me, Magic & Murder in the Holler lands at 3.75 stars. It’s evocative, immersive, and offers a fresh take on witches, small-town secrets, and the pull of home. If you enjoyed the moody folklore of Practical Magic, the slow-burning dread of Small Favors by Erin A. Craig, or the Appalachian darkness of Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power, this book will feel like stepping onto familiar soil. And for readers who prefer non-spicy, atmosphere-first fantasy with a folkloric edge, this isn’t just a good pick - it’s exactly the kind of story to lose yourself in.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara J. Lilienfeld’s Magic & Murder in the Holler is a gripping blend of Southern gothic atmosphere, witchy lore, and supernatural suspense—a story that’s as much about confronting the ghosts of one’s past as it is about battling the darkness that creeps through the mountains. With its eerie small-town setting, rich sense of place, and emotionally complex heroine, this is a murder mystery wrapped in magic, heartache, and haunting beauty.

At the center of the story is Adeline Coburn, a witch who swore she’d left Kentucky—and her coven—behind for good. After years working as a Guardian in Seattle, tasked with policing the supernatural world, tragedy sends her spiraling back to her Appalachian roots. Lilienfeld captures Adeline’s weariness and regret perfectly: she’s a woman torn between who she was, who she’s become, and who she needs to be to save the people she still loves. Her voice is steady and strong but tinged with grief, and it’s easy to root for her as she steps back into a town that feels more haunted than home.

The setting is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. Eastern Kentucky comes alive with visceral detail—mist curling through the hollers, the weight of old magic lingering in the soil, and a community bound by both superstition and blood. The sense of place is palpable, steeped in Appalachian folklore and old-world witchcraft that gives the book a distinct flavor. The small-town paranoia, paired with the mysterious and violent deaths spreading through Evarts, creates a tension that builds steadily throughout the narrative.

The mystery itself is tightly woven, with a satisfying balance of clues, red herrings, and eerie magical undertones. The darkness plaguing the town isn’t just a literal blight—it’s a reflection of Adeline’s own buried guilt and unresolved grief. As she digs deeper into both the supernatural disturbance and her past, Lilienfeld skillfully intertwines personal reckoning with external danger.

[Ivy Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via Booksirens and I'm voluntarily posting my honest review.

I couldn't be more glad to have read this book as a fantasy and mystery fan. Honestly, it was the title that dragged me straight into it, and until the very last page of the book, I did not regret letting myself.

We are following Adeline, who is an ancestral witch that draws her powers from the land she was born in and her ancestors buried there. After leaving her home in Kentucky sixteen years ago and working as a Guardian, protecting the secrecy of the supernatural world from normal people in Seattle, she loses her job as a result of a case gone wrong and returns home. Only to face gruesome murders committed by powerful dark magic. With the help of her new Guardian colleagues, she takes it upon herself to use her Gift to stop the murders and protect her land and her twin brother, Elijah. However dangerous it may be…

This story was a page-turner from the start to the end for me. I could relate to Adeline's personality and her willpower, and I totally admired her resilience and wittiness. The story was built beautifully, and it was an atmospheric read through and through. The book had an ideal pace for me, not too fast and not too slow, and the mystery kept me constantly on edge - which resulted in me drinking way too much coffee to stay awake, because I just couldn't put it down.

Lovers of mystery and fantasy novels will love this first book of The Arcane Codex series, and I, personally, cannot wait for the second book already!

[November · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping debut that left me dying for more. Adeline, a witch, left her home in Kentucky 16 years ago and has never looked back. Circumstances bring her back to familiar ground only to discover there’s a murderer on the loose. She must be on her top game.
Opening in Seattle, we first get a sense of the supernatural world, its bureaucracy and how Adeline doesn’t fit in before she relocates to Virginia and the much smaller office demonstrates their differences.
The plot is suspenseful and kept me on my toes the whole way through. The chapters aren’t overly long which made it so easy to say “oh just one more chapter!”
The characters are mostly all quite likeable and despite the way rural areas are very interconnected, it never felt overwhelming. You’re left with questions at the end about Adeline’s new colleagues (Jakob especially – he was so fun! And guessing about his origins was a welcome light-hearted mystery for when the murder got a little intense.)
Rebecca seemed like a lovely woman and the perfect candidate for a confidante that Adeline never had in Seattle.
Establishing Adeline as an ancestral witch and therefore separate from other witches was interesting and leaves much room for elaboration in sequels.
I read the whole book in two days as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next! The foreshadowing sprinkled throughout was beautifully subtle. It was a delight in the end to realise that all the crumbs were there once it clicked into place.
The sequel is coming out this September so now is the perfect time to order this one!

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

5/5 Stars 🌟

Witches mixed with a rural murder mystery, this book is the perfect Halloween and late Fall read.

This is also Book 1 in a series, so I'm definitely looking forward to more!

Adeline was a compelling protagonist and carries a lot of guilt. Of course, the reasons for this guilt aren't her fault, but she's relatable in the sense that she will almost always take responsibility for when something goes wrong. But this is something I hope she grows past as the series goes on. There are many incidents that are beyond our control.

I also really loved the twins. Adeline and Elijah were incredible, and their sibling banter was a highlight of the book for me. If the story has twins in it, I'm already sold!

And slight spoilers below:

I really loved how certain characters "haunted the narrative." There is a character who dies near the beginning (in Seattle), and this death follows Adeline throughout the book, even to the very end. Despite hardly knowing anything about the character, it's the fact that their death mattered. And I really loved that about this book. The deaths always had a big impact, even if some of the characters themselves weren't significant.

I'm so used to horror or mystery books just throwing characters to their graves without any repercussions. Like the death just happens, and then they're never mentioned again. But these deaths stuck, and they controlled the narrative.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book! A wonderful debut novel!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has a deep rooted love for all things south (especially Appalachian history and lore), I immediately wanted a copy of this book. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy and my goodness it did not disappoint.

Lilienfeld researched this well, wrote it in a way that everyone can understand and really did a fantastic job of bringing mystery and real life together in a blend of cultural elements and magic. I felt the attention to detail and explanation in her writing was done really well. I was also a huge fan of the magic system and its ties to nature, much like Appalachia itself.

Adeline and her twin brother’s story was intriguing right from the start. Adeline, forced from her hometown due to….well, mysterious circumstances, is in a job that isn’t great. When she loses that job and has to return home, mayhem ensues (and the fun begins). Without giving too much away, you will find yourself loving a certain “partner” if you will and I think you’ll all really like the different creatures the Holler brings with it as well!

If you enjoy a good murder mystery, witches and magical systems, or anything related to Appalachia or the south close to, this book is definitely for you. I highly recommend it and definitely can’t wait for more!

[Mara Heath · Rating 5 out of 5]

The murder part of Magic & Murder in the Holler is so well-done—an airtight mystery that had me guessing up until the end. But what I loved most about the book is the magic. This is a true Urban Fantasy, where the supernatural is woven in seamlessly with the mundane. And what better setting than Appalachia? Sara does an incredible job portraying the culture of the region without stereotypes or generalities. Adeline, the FMC, is an ancestral witch, tied to this very land where she was born and raised, and although she’s been away for a time, her roots are calling to her and her magic can only thrive where she was planted. She’s a strong character, direct, bold, and relatable. And Jakob, her Guardian partner, is so intriguing. I can’t wait to get more on him as the series continues.

Magic & Murder in the Holler has a host of other fascinating characters/creatures, a lovely cat, and all the mystical Appalachian vibes. It’s a book that just gets more and more colorful and engaging with each chapter. If you like witchy stories and a strong mystery, you’ll love it.

[Sara Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and murder in the Holler is delightfully atmospheric blend of cozy and a little spooky mystery with deep roots in Appalachian folklore. The area where the story takes place us vivid and immersive, seriously you can almost feel the wind blow and smell the mountain air. The FMC character is charming, and she's got enough grit and heart to keep me invested in the story. The magic system is woven naturally into the story and never felt overdone but it added a layer of intrigue and kept me guessing until the last page. The story has plenty of twists and turns and had me wanting more development on some of the side characters.

Overall, this was an engaging and unique read that I absolutely would recommend to anyone that enjoys a touch of magic with their murder mystery. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.

Thank you to book sirens for allowing me to be part of the arc team for free in return for a review.

[MaRissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for letting me read this as an ARC.

Since the prologue, I had been immediately hooked. This book gave me a different feel when reading supernatural books.

I love the word building, the plot was brilliant, the characters and their descriptions were great, overall loved it.

The FMC Adeline, is an ancestral witch who works as a Guardian. Meaning she protects the supernatural world from being exposed to humans. The more that myths get revealed, the more they have to take precautions to protect themselves and others. Were met with werewolves, witches, vampires, etc.

I love that the setting is in the Appalachia. Which is where Adeline was born and raised. She is a strong, sharp minded, considerate, bold character. I loved the others as well.

Everything about this book is intriguing to me. This author knew how to draw a reader in from the get go, and I can’t wait to read more.

[Pamela Sewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Sirens eARC. Adeline left her home town and her coven years ago following a tragedy thinking it was a forever decision. However after years working as a guardian in Seattle keeping the supernatural world hidden things go sideways and she finds herself back at her beginning. She has a new guardian job with new coworkers and is reconnecting with family and friends. However a series of heinous crimes threatens to unleash the darkness of black magic. This paranormal thriller ticked all the boxes for this reader. I enjoyed the concept, the character development with even the non-human individuals being plausible, a smoothly constructed plot line and pacing. The eerie rural setting provided atmospheric suspense. I would definitely like to revisit Adeline and her new co workers as their back story lines develop. A solid entertaining read.

[Dana Frank · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise and storyline of this book was really good but I found myself losing interest throughout the middle. It picked up again at the end when things starting falling into place, there was nothing really exciting in the middle of book. The characters are great and I understand there needs to be mystery around them and unknown things but the way the knowledge was kept hidden caused me to be slightly frustrated. They would talk about things and then just drop it to be discussed later. There are even things that were not answered in the book which I can only assume is to be revealed in book two. The magic system and world was great, and I believe it will open things up for future books. Overall it was a good story with great characters 😁

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

[Leanne (Queen_and_the_wolf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I’ll start by saying I cannot wait for book 2. I’m so pleased there will be more adventures from this “squad”

Easy 5 rating no question.

Initially took me a while to get into the book. I didn’t really connect with the main characters at the beginning. The more I read the more I was engrossed.
Plot twists and I didn’t see that coming moments were plentiful in the latter half of the book.
The world building and character creation were just the right amount. I hoping for more depth in to the main characters in the next book
Had a huge range of emotions while reading this from shock to amazement. Are two of the main characters a slow burn romance who knows but I hope so.

[Desi Stowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and Murder in the Holler is an intricate blend of mystery, magic, and finding your way. The main characters were well-developed, and the storyline flowed well. Kudos to Lilienfeld because I was sure I knew who the culprit was and ... well, I was wrong!

The beginning of the book moved a little slow and I wondered if the Seattle portion could be pared down. But the 2nd half made up for it, so no worries there. I would have liked a list of characters in the front for reference.

If you like fantasy and/or mystery then this book is for you! I'll be reading the second book when it comes out.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating! I’m so happy I was given the opportunity by the BookSiren team to preview this read. What a debut! Thrilled that it’s only book one and we are in for a treat with an entire series! Adeline is a dynamic main character. You are taken with her story from the prologue but as you get to know her throughout the pages, she becomes a friend. You will not regret picking up this read! A perfect balence of non-fiction and fantasy. Read it on release! Tis the season! Can’t wait to continue dwelling in Evarts as the series continues. Well done!

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

[Marypat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very engaging and engrossing book. The author did a wonderful job in world and character building. I love reading about the supernatural world and this was an excellent in depth take on it. The author did a fantastic job in presenting the concept that supernatural beings exist among us. I truly loved the murder investigation part and the book too. Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys magic, supernatural beings and murder. Not being able to solve the mystery of the murder(s) suspect till the twisting end was refreshing. I can see where this will be a successful series.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the surface, it looks like a fun read, but it's serious and soon we see a dark evil force at work in Addy's hometown. What is going on?? I was clueless to the horrific undercurrents of the real evil. The reveal was horrifying!! Addy's powers were astounding ! Despite all that , Jakob was my favorite, because he persisted in protecting Addy regardless of her denial of the need for it. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

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[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adeline and her twin Elijah live in a small town in Kentucky. When the town goes against her she leaves for college and then a position as Guardian for The Alliance in California for many years. Her co-worker lies to her boss and she decides it is time to go home and try to help there. She gets a job as Guardian in Big Stone Gap in VA. Magic starts to go crazy as they try to find the solution - my oh my what a mess. Will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Carry Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable urban fantasy (even though most of it was set in a small town In Kentucky)! It gave Supernatural and cop procedural vibes. Some of the dialogue seemed a bit off, but I loved the magic and other supernatural elements. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for the next book cause there were questions that were not answered. Thank you Sara for the eARC in exchange for an honest review, I look forward to Addy’s next adventure!

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone from Kentucky, it was so enchanting to read about the area. This book combined lots of things I enjoy reading about from mystery to the mystical. There were times were it almost felt like a procedural tv show so it had some lulls, but over all I enjoyed it and will definitely be reading this series in the future.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic and Murder in the Holler really sucks you into the small town secrets vibe. It is a good one to really take your time with to really absorb everything going on. Adeline was engaging as were the rest of the side characters. To be honest this one took me a little bit to get into but then the twists and turns in the plot kept me turning pages. I really enjoyed this book!

[Samuel Bina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun mystery, setting and genre make this book feel like an early episode of Supernatural but moderately less homoerotic. Adeline is a witch without a coven, hunting down a magical killer. She needs to use her powers, connections, and sharp wits to hunt down this killer and bring them to justice. Great read for the fall.

[Stephen Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully crafted supernatural murder mystery! The writing is crisp, well-paced, and polished. The investigation is clever, striking that perfect balance between obscurity and clues. I LOVED the setting—a rural Kentucky town that feels like the ideal place to blend the real with the supernatural.

Imagine True Detective with a Supernatural Twist!

[Mrs S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booksirens for my advance copy, I will forever be grateful for introducing me to this book. It’s set in modern times, full of magic and myths alongside plain old humans. I loved the writing, the flow, the character development; everything about this book makes me want book 2 very soon!