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Murder, Tea & Crystals #3
Hummingbird Moonrise
“I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem.” –Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews
The past two years have taken their toll on Arista Kelly. Once an eternal optimist, now she has faced the darkness and must recalibrate what true happiness means for her. Meanwhile, Shane, her ex-boyfriend, is pulling all the right moves to help keep her sane from her heightening paranoia. But it doesn’t help that Iris, her Great Aunt Bethie’s friend, has disappeared.
Still, one additional trial remains. While searching for Iris, Bethie and Arista stumble upon a grand revelation in the eccentric woman’s home. With the discovery, they realize their run of chaos and loss of kin may have roots in a curse that dates back to the 1940s—the time when their family patriarch first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and crafted his insightful Ouija table.
This pursuit will not follow their accustomed recipe of adrenalized action, but the high stakes remain. Will the mysterious slow burn of unfolding events finally level Arista’s entire world or be fully extinguished, once and for all?
The past two years have taken their toll on Arista Kelly. Once an eternal optimist, now she has faced the darkness and must recalibrate what true happiness means for her. Meanwhile, Shane, her ex-boyfriend, is pulling all the right moves to help keep her sane from her heightening paranoia. But it doesn’t help that Iris, her Great Aunt Bethie’s friend, has disappeared.
Still, one additional trial remains. While searching for Iris, Bethie and Arista stumble upon a grand revelation in the eccentric woman’s home. With the discovery, they realize their run of chaos and loss of kin may have roots in a curse that dates back to the 1940s—the time when their family patriarch first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and crafted his insightful Ouija table.
This pursuit will not follow their accustomed recipe of adrenalized action, but the high stakes remain. Will the mysterious slow burn of unfolding events finally level Arista’s entire world or be fully extinguished, once and for all?
303 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2025
5 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 26, 2025
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
HUMMINGBIRD MOONRISE: A Witch Paranormal Murder Mystery (Murder, Tea & Crystals Book #3) by Sherri L. Dodd is the final mystery/YA paranormal book of the trilogy. While I found this book the most captivating of the three, they are still best read in order due to Arista’s emotional growth as well as her increased paranormal powers.
Arista Kelly has changed over the last two years. While she has grown emotionally and into more of her powers, she is also not the eternal optimist she was before she faced the darkness of her uncle and all that he sends after her. Now, her great-aunt Bethie’s friend has disappeared and when they investigate her home, they discover a curse that involves both their families that go back to the 1940s. This is when the family patriarch built the infamous and insightful family Ouija table and Arista’s cabin among the redwoods. Now they have some insight into fateful family choices and a trail to follow to understand how this all has impacted Arista’s present.
Arista is the heart of all the books in the trilogy, but she truly is empowered in this story. Her endurance, grief, pain, forgiveness, and overall love demonstrate her strength and can be as transformative as any spell the young witch may use. While there is no shortage of drama in this third book, there is also a feeling of warmth and love as Arista’s and Shane’s relationship truly develops and the mystery plot comes to an emotional conclusion.
A strong and satisfying conclusion to the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy.
HUMMINGBIRD MOONRISE: A Witch Paranormal Murder Mystery (Murder, Tea & Crystals Book #3) by Sherri L. Dodd is the final mystery/YA paranormal book of the trilogy. While I found this book the most captivating of the three, they are still best read in order due to Arista’s emotional growth as well as her increased paranormal powers.
Arista Kelly has changed over the last two years. While she has grown emotionally and into more of her powers, she is also not the eternal optimist she was before she faced the darkness of her uncle and all that he sends after her. Now, her great-aunt Bethie’s friend has disappeared and when they investigate her home, they discover a curse that involves both their families that go back to the 1940s. This is when the family patriarch built the infamous and insightful family Ouija table and Arista’s cabin among the redwoods. Now they have some insight into fateful family choices and a trail to follow to understand how this all has impacted Arista’s present.
Arista is the heart of all the books in the trilogy, but she truly is empowered in this story. Her endurance, grief, pain, forgiveness, and overall love demonstrate her strength and can be as transformative as any spell the young witch may use. While there is no shortage of drama in this third book, there is also a feeling of warmth and love as Arista’s and Shane’s relationship truly develops and the mystery plot comes to an emotional conclusion.
A strong and satisfying conclusion to the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy.
November 11, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise
By Sherri L. Dodd
While we knew the finale was inevitable, Dodd wraps up the Murder, Tea & Crystals series with an enchanting and emotionally resonant conclusion that lingers long after the last page with the third and final installment, Hummingbird Moonrise.
From its haunting, must-read 1940’s prologue, where a single act of violence sets a generational curse in motion, to its present-day scenes steeped in fog, tea, and magic, this book captures Dodd’s gift for balancing tenderness and tension. The story follows Arista Kelly and her Aunt Bethie as they unravel family secrets that reach back to their ancestor Barry Kelly’s fateful choices. What begins as a search for a missing friend soon becomes a reckoning with inherited darkness, curses, and the price of redemption.
Dodd’s prose is lush and cinematic, weaving sensory detail and spiritual depth into every page. She moves effortlessly between eerie and cozy - one moment, you’re sharing apple spice tea in a redwood cottage; the next, you’re sensing eyes watching from the shadows. The setting - Boulder Creek and its mist-laden forest - breathes with its own quiet magic, both sanctuary and haunting ground.
Arista shines as the emotional core of the novel. Her evolution from hesitant survivor to empowered witch is heartfelt and believable, underscored by a deep bond with Aunt Bethie that anchors the story in love and resilience. Their dynamic - equal parts wit, wisdom, and fierce loyalty - embodies the heart of the series: that healing from ancestral trauma is its own kind of spell work.
While the book juggles multiple perspectives and occasionally lingers on lore, these detours only enrich the worldbuilding. Every character - from reformed criminal Mike to mysterious child Soonsil - adds layers of humanity and mystique, reminding readers that even in stories of curses and ghosts, it’s the living who carry the heaviest burdens.
At its core, Hummingbird Moonrise is about endurance: how families inherit pain, but also love; how grief and magic intertwine; how forgiveness can be as transformative as any spell.
Hummingbird Moonrise doesn’t just close out a trilogy – it's a spellbinding finale that proves even the darkest family legacies can end in light! Creating a world where magic and emotion exist with breathtaking realism. An eerie, heartfelt, quietly powerful, cozy thriller with sharp edges, a story of family and fate wrapped in candlelight and shadow – but I recommend reading the first two installments first to get the full experience!
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.
By Sherri L. Dodd
While we knew the finale was inevitable, Dodd wraps up the Murder, Tea & Crystals series with an enchanting and emotionally resonant conclusion that lingers long after the last page with the third and final installment, Hummingbird Moonrise.
From its haunting, must-read 1940’s prologue, where a single act of violence sets a generational curse in motion, to its present-day scenes steeped in fog, tea, and magic, this book captures Dodd’s gift for balancing tenderness and tension. The story follows Arista Kelly and her Aunt Bethie as they unravel family secrets that reach back to their ancestor Barry Kelly’s fateful choices. What begins as a search for a missing friend soon becomes a reckoning with inherited darkness, curses, and the price of redemption.
Dodd’s prose is lush and cinematic, weaving sensory detail and spiritual depth into every page. She moves effortlessly between eerie and cozy - one moment, you’re sharing apple spice tea in a redwood cottage; the next, you’re sensing eyes watching from the shadows. The setting - Boulder Creek and its mist-laden forest - breathes with its own quiet magic, both sanctuary and haunting ground.
Arista shines as the emotional core of the novel. Her evolution from hesitant survivor to empowered witch is heartfelt and believable, underscored by a deep bond with Aunt Bethie that anchors the story in love and resilience. Their dynamic - equal parts wit, wisdom, and fierce loyalty - embodies the heart of the series: that healing from ancestral trauma is its own kind of spell work.
While the book juggles multiple perspectives and occasionally lingers on lore, these detours only enrich the worldbuilding. Every character - from reformed criminal Mike to mysterious child Soonsil - adds layers of humanity and mystique, reminding readers that even in stories of curses and ghosts, it’s the living who carry the heaviest burdens.
At its core, Hummingbird Moonrise is about endurance: how families inherit pain, but also love; how grief and magic intertwine; how forgiveness can be as transformative as any spell.
Hummingbird Moonrise doesn’t just close out a trilogy – it's a spellbinding finale that proves even the darkest family legacies can end in light! Creating a world where magic and emotion exist with breathtaking realism. An eerie, heartfelt, quietly powerful, cozy thriller with sharp edges, a story of family and fate wrapped in candlelight and shadow – but I recommend reading the first two installments first to get the full experience!
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.
November 6, 2025
Satisfying conclusion to this riveting, complex, and magical trilogy.
Arista Kelly and her Auntie Bethie have returned to Boulder Creek, California, and are settling back into a calmer lifestyle with their cats, gardens, tea, and magic, after their encounter with a serial killer and Arista’s Uncle Fergus the previous year. But just when they thought all that was behind them, the curse on the Kelly family rears its ugly head.
Hummingbird Moonrise is the third and final book in author Sherri L. Dodd’s riveting Murder, Tea, and Crystals Trilogy, and you couldn’t ask for a finer resolution. Arista and Auntie Bethie are a formidable pair, and no matter the twists thrown their way, they handle them.There is a lot of story to wrap up, the plot is deliciously complex, so the action hits the ground running. I was all in right away, especially for what was going on with Iris: so many twists in her story! The curse her grandmother invoked against the Kellys takes center stage, though, and I was hooked on this book, eager to find out how it would all unfold. The author has quite a few surprises in store, yet still manages to create an ever-expanding cast of characters and craft a well-told, yet complex tale, with plenty of tea, crystals, folklore, and witchcraft to add to the delight.
The book is the culmination of many complex storylines that emerged over the course of the previous books; therefore, for optimal enjoyment, readers should complete those first. I recommend HUMMINGBIRD MOONRISE and the entire MURDER, TEA, AND CRYSTALS TRILOGY to readers of paranormal mysteries.
November 12, 2025
While all good series must come to an end, this last novel does not disappoint. I might even go as far as to say it is my favorite of the three.
This book brings everything together that has been leading up to this moment. I gained a better understanding of Arista's background and family lineage, and how what happened four generations ago impacts her life today. We even "see" some of those ancestors in this novel, whether in their spirits or in a flashback to what started the family feud.
I have enjoyed watching Arista grow in her beliefs and strengths, and even finding love again with Shane. She and her aunt are quite a duo, and together they are formidable. The magick they perform is intriguing to watch because of how it impacts the story and those around them.
There are parts of this book that are humorous. One of those is with two strangers who appear suspicious but, in the end, are not. I don't want to spoil anything, so you'll have to read the book to uncover these characters. Other passages are descriptive, and I felt like I was in the book with these characters.
To me, Iris' character is the most intriguing of all. The facets of this character kept me guessing time and time again. I was never sure if she was being honest with Bethie or controlled by the past.
It is highly suggested that you read the first two books in this series before diving into this one. It will make more sense, especially with Iris and Fergus. It has been a year or so since I read the second book, so it took some time for my brain to jump back in and decipher the relationships among all the characters.
This has been a rollercoaster ride with this series, as I've been learning new aspects of the Occult and Paranormal world, since this isn't a forte of mine.
While I'm sad to see the series end, these books were worth reading, and we give it 4 paws up.
This book brings everything together that has been leading up to this moment. I gained a better understanding of Arista's background and family lineage, and how what happened four generations ago impacts her life today. We even "see" some of those ancestors in this novel, whether in their spirits or in a flashback to what started the family feud.
I have enjoyed watching Arista grow in her beliefs and strengths, and even finding love again with Shane. She and her aunt are quite a duo, and together they are formidable. The magick they perform is intriguing to watch because of how it impacts the story and those around them.
There are parts of this book that are humorous. One of those is with two strangers who appear suspicious but, in the end, are not. I don't want to spoil anything, so you'll have to read the book to uncover these characters. Other passages are descriptive, and I felt like I was in the book with these characters.
To me, Iris' character is the most intriguing of all. The facets of this character kept me guessing time and time again. I was never sure if she was being honest with Bethie or controlled by the past.
It is highly suggested that you read the first two books in this series before diving into this one. It will make more sense, especially with Iris and Fergus. It has been a year or so since I read the second book, so it took some time for my brain to jump back in and decipher the relationships among all the characters.
This has been a rollercoaster ride with this series, as I've been learning new aspects of the Occult and Paranormal world, since this isn't a forte of mine.
While I'm sad to see the series end, these books were worth reading, and we give it 4 paws up.
August 18, 2025
I am incredibly grateful to Sherri L. Dodd for the opportunity to read and review Hummingbird Moonrise. Being selected to explore this captivating story before its official release has been such a treat, and I can’t wait to share my thoughts on it with all of you. A huge thank you to Sherri L. Dodd for their generosity and for making this advanced reading experience possible.
I am just so happy yet so sad at the exact same time. Why, you ask?
I am happy because it's so great to be back in the world of murders, tea and crystals! It's also so amazing that I even have the opportunity to read this ahead of time.
I am sad, however, because this is it! This is the end and I'm just not ready to let it go. Now, I'm sure that Sherri L. Dodd isn't going anywhere and I hope that she'll bless us with her words once more but this is the end of Arista's story and it feels like saying good bye to a beloved friend.
Hummingbird Moonrise was the perfect end to this wonderful trilogy. It still gives the reader the cosy vibes that we've all loved but as always, there's no shortage of drama.
Arista and Bethie are such a power duo and with their friends looking out for them, they are unstoppable.
Bethie really stood her ground in this one, what a powerhouse!
Just as we think the original story line is over, we have a backstory that brings the mystery back into full view for us. I was hooked!
I cannot even put into words how much I love this book.
If you're looking for picturesque scenery, cosy vibes, murder, mystery and pure magic - look no further! This one is absolutely for you!
Sherri L. Dodd is absolutely fantastic at what she does and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Arista, Bethie, Shane and the rest of the gang... I will miss you! But this has been such a wonderful read and the perfect conclusion to their tale. Until we meet again, friends.
I am just so happy yet so sad at the exact same time. Why, you ask?
I am happy because it's so great to be back in the world of murders, tea and crystals! It's also so amazing that I even have the opportunity to read this ahead of time.
I am sad, however, because this is it! This is the end and I'm just not ready to let it go. Now, I'm sure that Sherri L. Dodd isn't going anywhere and I hope that she'll bless us with her words once more but this is the end of Arista's story and it feels like saying good bye to a beloved friend.
Hummingbird Moonrise was the perfect end to this wonderful trilogy. It still gives the reader the cosy vibes that we've all loved but as always, there's no shortage of drama.
Arista and Bethie are such a power duo and with their friends looking out for them, they are unstoppable.
Bethie really stood her ground in this one, what a powerhouse!
Just as we think the original story line is over, we have a backstory that brings the mystery back into full view for us. I was hooked!
I cannot even put into words how much I love this book.
If you're looking for picturesque scenery, cosy vibes, murder, mystery and pure magic - look no further! This one is absolutely for you!
Sherri L. Dodd is absolutely fantastic at what she does and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Arista, Bethie, Shane and the rest of the gang... I will miss you! But this has been such a wonderful read and the perfect conclusion to their tale. Until we meet again, friends.
October 8, 2025
Last in a trilogy, Hummingbird Moonrise was just a great read to round up the series. Definitely worth the read but I feel that one really should read the previous books to get the whole story.
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale
I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale
July 23, 2025
This is a hair raising read. Witches, ghosts, curses, and family members who try to kill others. People were dropping like flies. An old curse on the Kelley family seems to start a long chain of events back into action. There's never a dull moment. The story evolves slowly, because there's so much to tell past and present. Take a journey to another world where secrets rank high right up there with old curses and nasty ghosts. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
September 12, 2025
This book was a wonderful way to wrap up the three book series. Lots more excitement and scares with great characters. By this book you really feel like you know Arista and Bethie and the small town they live in. You find out more about the family curse, the mystery of the hummingbird, and what happened to Fergus. After reading the three books I enjoyed how the book nicely wrapped up the series. Good book and good series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 4, 2025
A fascinating conclusion to this series! I enjoyed finding out how Arista, Shane, and the indomitable ’Auntie’ finally defeat their enemies (including an incredibly chilling revelation about the life and household of a neighborhood frenemy), watching Arista and Shane’s relationship finally truly develop, and of course, how Royal the cat plays his part! An interesting series as a whole, set in a relatively unknown, but absolutely beautiful, part of the world. Definitely worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 1, 2025
"Hummingbird Moonrise is a beautifully written paranormal mystery that blends family secrets, curses, and witchcraft into a gripping tale. Arista’s journey is emotional, suspenseful, and layered with just the right touch of magic. A strong and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy that left me both haunted and hopeful."
August 9, 2025
This was a lovely read. It was the third book in the series and it was really gripping with some nail-biting moments near the end.
I really enjoyed all the characters and their magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed all the characters and their magic.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 14, 2025
In Hummingbird Moonrise, Sherri L. Dodd shows she is the master of storytelling that blends generational mystery, spiritual intuition, and the resilience of women bound by blood, secrets, and shared power. The story is set primarily in Boulder Creek, California, with vivid references to Scotts Valley and nearby mountain towns. This third installment in the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy expands the lore with a deeply immersive, emotionally layered story that is strong enough to stand on its own.
The narrative follows Arista Kelly, a young woman coming to grips with both inherited trauma and a growing sense of spiritual responsibility. As she and her indomitable Auntie begin to dissect cryptic signs from the past, the story unfolds across multiple timelines with carefully paced revelations. Dodd’s writing is rich with sensory details. Her descriptions of ritual, weather, herbal blends, and ancestral memory really grounds the reader in a world that feels tangible and alive.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is in the cast. There’s Arista, who is relatable with her uncertainty and growing strength, while Auntie provides a perfect balance of humor, wisdom, and emotional grit. Supporting characters, from longtime family friends to unexpected visitors, are fleshed out with care. They all contribute in meaningful ways to the story’s themes of identity, protection, and legacy. The antagonist is unsettling without being overplayed, and their quiet menace heightens the suspense without veering into cliché.
Dodd fuses folklore, witchcraft, and familial bonds into a mystery that’s full of tension and emotional stakes. The prose is fluid and poetic, but never overindulgent. The dialogue feels authentic, especially in the moments of warmth and wit between Arista and Auntie. The pacing is steady, picking up momentum as secrets are uncovered and choices must be made.
Readers who appreciate stories of spiritual inheritance, women-led mysteries, and magic that feels both ancient and personal will find Sherri L. Dodd’s Hummingbird Moonrise to be compelling and an unforgettable story. It’s perfect for fans of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. It’s the kind of story that stays with you—in the best way—because of how deeply it makes you feel and reflect.
The narrative follows Arista Kelly, a young woman coming to grips with both inherited trauma and a growing sense of spiritual responsibility. As she and her indomitable Auntie begin to dissect cryptic signs from the past, the story unfolds across multiple timelines with carefully paced revelations. Dodd’s writing is rich with sensory details. Her descriptions of ritual, weather, herbal blends, and ancestral memory really grounds the reader in a world that feels tangible and alive.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is in the cast. There’s Arista, who is relatable with her uncertainty and growing strength, while Auntie provides a perfect balance of humor, wisdom, and emotional grit. Supporting characters, from longtime family friends to unexpected visitors, are fleshed out with care. They all contribute in meaningful ways to the story’s themes of identity, protection, and legacy. The antagonist is unsettling without being overplayed, and their quiet menace heightens the suspense without veering into cliché.
Dodd fuses folklore, witchcraft, and familial bonds into a mystery that’s full of tension and emotional stakes. The prose is fluid and poetic, but never overindulgent. The dialogue feels authentic, especially in the moments of warmth and wit between Arista and Auntie. The pacing is steady, picking up momentum as secrets are uncovered and choices must be made.
Readers who appreciate stories of spiritual inheritance, women-led mysteries, and magic that feels both ancient and personal will find Sherri L. Dodd’s Hummingbird Moonrise to be compelling and an unforgettable story. It’s perfect for fans of Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe, and A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness. It’s the kind of story that stays with you—in the best way—because of how deeply it makes you feel and reflect.
November 21, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is the final book in the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy. It surpassed my expectations!
Building on the absolutely insane magical crimes of the first two books, Hummingbird Moonrise amped up the volume in every respect - especially the magic and paranormal activity. Everything from the gwishin to the hummingbird captivated me. Curse, counter curse, herbal tonics and poison - there were such highs and lows. I promise you, when you get to the end you’ll be pleased with the ending. Dodd has managed to blend the mundane world and the magical in such a perfect balance that this a nail biting thriller contains a lot of cozy, charming moments that delighted me. I loved the way things wound up in the end and feel like I’ve watched these characters settle into adult life - even though the books only span a few years and they were adults to begin with. It all feels settled, which I really appreciate.
I will never look at hummingbirds the same way.
100% recommend, but I do think you should start with Murder Under Redwood Moon and then Moonlight on Desert Sands. While these books could probably be read as standalone there’s a lot of nuance you’d miss that way. As of this review books 1 & 2 are available on KU too.
Building on the absolutely insane magical crimes of the first two books, Hummingbird Moonrise amped up the volume in every respect - especially the magic and paranormal activity. Everything from the gwishin to the hummingbird captivated me. Curse, counter curse, herbal tonics and poison - there were such highs and lows. I promise you, when you get to the end you’ll be pleased with the ending. Dodd has managed to blend the mundane world and the magical in such a perfect balance that this a nail biting thriller contains a lot of cozy, charming moments that delighted me. I loved the way things wound up in the end and feel like I’ve watched these characters settle into adult life - even though the books only span a few years and they were adults to begin with. It all feels settled, which I really appreciate.
I will never look at hummingbirds the same way.
100% recommend, but I do think you should start with Murder Under Redwood Moon and then Moonlight on Desert Sands. While these books could probably be read as standalone there’s a lot of nuance you’d miss that way. As of this review books 1 & 2 are available on KU too.
December 1, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is one of those books that sneaks up on you. You expect a cozy paranormal mystery with a witchy twist, and you do get that, but you also get something quieter and deeper: a story about inherited hurt, chosen family, and the slow work of learning to live again after life has been smashed into pieces.
Arista Kelly is not a flashy protagonist. She’s not the snarky-super-powered witch we see so often in this genre. She is bruised, tired, and still trying her best, and that’s exactly why she feels so real. Two years of grief and upheaval have already reshaped her world when the book opens, and you can feel the strain right away in how she moves through her days, how carefully she reaches for happiness, and how afraid she is of losing more. When Iris—an enigmatic, slightly odd old friend of Great-Aunt Bethie—goes missing, it isn’t just a convenient mystery hook; it’s another crack in a foundation that was already unstable.
The missing person plot works beautifully as a thread that pulls everything else to the surface. While searching Iris’s home, Arista and Bethie uncover something that ties back to their family curse, and this is where the book really shines. The curse isn’t just a spooky device. It has roots in the 1940s, in the early days of the Kelly cottage in the redwoods, in real choices and real mistakes that echo down the generations. The sense of history behind the curse gives weight to Arista’s current struggle. You feel that she isn’t just dealing with “bad luck,” but with the accumulated pain of those who came before her.
The relationship between Arista and Great-Aunt Bethie might be my favorite aspect of the book. Bethie isn’t reduced to a quirky-old-witch stereotype. She’s layered: stubborn, wise, vulnerable, and sometimes quietly heartbreaking. The way they talk to each other—sometimes tender, sometimes exasperated—adds warmth and authenticity to the story. Their shared investigation into Iris’s disappearance becomes as much an emotional journey as a magical one, forcing them to confront what they’ve lost and what they still might save.
The setting does a lot of work too. The redwood cottage feels almost like a living character: it holds memories, secrets, and the residue of spells cast long ago. The contrast between everyday domestic scenes (tea, crystals, little household rituals) and the looming presence of dark magic and old hauntings is handled with a light touch. Nothing is overblown; it’s more like an undercurrent you can sense in the creak of the floorboards and the rustle of the trees outside.
On the paranormal side, Hummingbird Moonrise strikes a nice balance. The witchcraft, curse tablet, hauntings, and psychic impressions are all present, but they’re never so flashy that they overpower the human side of the story. Magic here feels like an extension of the characters’ emotions and histories rather than a pile of special effects. Arista’s powers are growing, yes, but what matters most is how that growth intersects with her grief, her fear of repeating the past, and her fragile hope that she might be the one to finally break the pattern.
The romantic element with Shane is handled in a similar, understated way. This is not primarily a romance, and the book doesn’t pretend it is. Instead, we get the nuanced, sometimes awkward dance of two people who share history and hurt. Their connection adds a soft thread of second chances, but it never takes over the main story. It’s more like a question hanging in the air: Can Arista open herself up to love again while her life feels so unstable and cursed?
From a mystery standpoint, the pacing is thoughtful. This isn’t a frantic race; it’s a steady, methodical build. Clues around Iris’s disappearance, the curse tablet, and past tragedies are revealed in layers, and each new piece recontextualizes something you thought you understood. The stakes are both personal and supernatural, which keeps you emotionally invested as the danger sharpens. When the book reaches its more intense moments, they land precisely because we’ve had time to care about these people and their history.
Emotional tone is where Hummingbird Moonrise truly stands out. It deals with loss, trauma, and the fear that some families are “doomed,” yet it never sinks into despair. There’s always a little light: small acts of kindness, bits of humor, gentle rituals, shared food, and conversations that crack open just enough space for healing. By the time the final revelations come, you feel the weight of the past and the possibility of a different future with equal strength.
As a blog reviewer, I’d also point out how accessible the book is within its series. It’s part of the Murder, Tea & Crystals universe, and returning readers will absolutely appreciate the continuation of themes and character arcs. At the same time, the author gives you enough context to follow along if you’re new, without drowning you in exposition. You can feel that this book is part of a larger mosaic, but it also stands solidly on its own emotional feet.
In short, Hummingbird Moonrise offers:
* A wounded but resilient main character you can truly root for
* A rich sense of family history and generational consequences
* A thoughtful blend of witchcraft, mystery, and quiet hauntings
* Strong, believable relationships, especially between Arista and Great-Aunt Bethie
* An ending that feels emotionally satisfying without being too neat or sugary
Five stars from this reviewer. Witchy, heartfelt, and beautifully human, Hummingbird Moonrise is the kind of book that lingers—less like a jump scare and more like a soft hand on your shoulder, reminding you that even old curses can be challenged, and even the most haunted hearts can find a way forward.
Arista Kelly is not a flashy protagonist. She’s not the snarky-super-powered witch we see so often in this genre. She is bruised, tired, and still trying her best, and that’s exactly why she feels so real. Two years of grief and upheaval have already reshaped her world when the book opens, and you can feel the strain right away in how she moves through her days, how carefully she reaches for happiness, and how afraid she is of losing more. When Iris—an enigmatic, slightly odd old friend of Great-Aunt Bethie—goes missing, it isn’t just a convenient mystery hook; it’s another crack in a foundation that was already unstable.
The missing person plot works beautifully as a thread that pulls everything else to the surface. While searching Iris’s home, Arista and Bethie uncover something that ties back to their family curse, and this is where the book really shines. The curse isn’t just a spooky device. It has roots in the 1940s, in the early days of the Kelly cottage in the redwoods, in real choices and real mistakes that echo down the generations. The sense of history behind the curse gives weight to Arista’s current struggle. You feel that she isn’t just dealing with “bad luck,” but with the accumulated pain of those who came before her.
The relationship between Arista and Great-Aunt Bethie might be my favorite aspect of the book. Bethie isn’t reduced to a quirky-old-witch stereotype. She’s layered: stubborn, wise, vulnerable, and sometimes quietly heartbreaking. The way they talk to each other—sometimes tender, sometimes exasperated—adds warmth and authenticity to the story. Their shared investigation into Iris’s disappearance becomes as much an emotional journey as a magical one, forcing them to confront what they’ve lost and what they still might save.
The setting does a lot of work too. The redwood cottage feels almost like a living character: it holds memories, secrets, and the residue of spells cast long ago. The contrast between everyday domestic scenes (tea, crystals, little household rituals) and the looming presence of dark magic and old hauntings is handled with a light touch. Nothing is overblown; it’s more like an undercurrent you can sense in the creak of the floorboards and the rustle of the trees outside.
On the paranormal side, Hummingbird Moonrise strikes a nice balance. The witchcraft, curse tablet, hauntings, and psychic impressions are all present, but they’re never so flashy that they overpower the human side of the story. Magic here feels like an extension of the characters’ emotions and histories rather than a pile of special effects. Arista’s powers are growing, yes, but what matters most is how that growth intersects with her grief, her fear of repeating the past, and her fragile hope that she might be the one to finally break the pattern.
The romantic element with Shane is handled in a similar, understated way. This is not primarily a romance, and the book doesn’t pretend it is. Instead, we get the nuanced, sometimes awkward dance of two people who share history and hurt. Their connection adds a soft thread of second chances, but it never takes over the main story. It’s more like a question hanging in the air: Can Arista open herself up to love again while her life feels so unstable and cursed?
From a mystery standpoint, the pacing is thoughtful. This isn’t a frantic race; it’s a steady, methodical build. Clues around Iris’s disappearance, the curse tablet, and past tragedies are revealed in layers, and each new piece recontextualizes something you thought you understood. The stakes are both personal and supernatural, which keeps you emotionally invested as the danger sharpens. When the book reaches its more intense moments, they land precisely because we’ve had time to care about these people and their history.
Emotional tone is where Hummingbird Moonrise truly stands out. It deals with loss, trauma, and the fear that some families are “doomed,” yet it never sinks into despair. There’s always a little light: small acts of kindness, bits of humor, gentle rituals, shared food, and conversations that crack open just enough space for healing. By the time the final revelations come, you feel the weight of the past and the possibility of a different future with equal strength.
As a blog reviewer, I’d also point out how accessible the book is within its series. It’s part of the Murder, Tea & Crystals universe, and returning readers will absolutely appreciate the continuation of themes and character arcs. At the same time, the author gives you enough context to follow along if you’re new, without drowning you in exposition. You can feel that this book is part of a larger mosaic, but it also stands solidly on its own emotional feet.
In short, Hummingbird Moonrise offers:
* A wounded but resilient main character you can truly root for
* A rich sense of family history and generational consequences
* A thoughtful blend of witchcraft, mystery, and quiet hauntings
* Strong, believable relationships, especially between Arista and Great-Aunt Bethie
* An ending that feels emotionally satisfying without being too neat or sugary
Five stars from this reviewer. Witchy, heartfelt, and beautifully human, Hummingbird Moonrise is the kind of book that lingers—less like a jump scare and more like a soft hand on your shoulder, reminding you that even old curses can be challenged, and even the most haunted hearts can find a way forward.
January 18, 2026
Hummingbird moonrise is the final installment in the Murder, Tea and Crystal series by Sherri L. Dodd. A truly fantastic series that will have you hooked until the very end.
The past two years of Arista Kelly's life have been far from peaceful. Just when life seems to have resumed some level of normality, a persistent darkness seems to make its move in Arista's life, though this threat may dampen her nerves it never falters her strength. As long forgotten secrets come to the light, unburied qualms continue to fester and love dances in the breeze, can Arista find the strength in herself and her loved ones to endure another year full of chaos?
From page one, just like the other books in this series, you are instantly thrown into the story. No time is wasted as Dodd, takes you through the red pines of Boulder Creek to the house amongst the trees where it all begins and ends.
Arista Kelly is a very strong woman, her life though not conventional in what it throws at her, is met with such strength and compassion that you can't help but admire her. There are many lovable characters in this book (series), Auntie, Shaun, Royal, all brilliant people who will stay with me even as I close Hummingbird Moonrise.
Compared to the other books in this trilogy, this final installment takes on a slower burn. I think this is needed in the final book, with so much to be conveyed the change in pacing helped the plot to flow as it built up towards the ending of not only of the book but of the series.
Speaking of the end, I was left content. I often find that ending to a series can sometimes fall flat or have too much put into them. Here we see Sherri provide an ending that leaves you joyous yet thinking of further possibilities without there being too much unsaid. I simply loved it.
Romance has drifted along the breeze throughout all of this series. Subtle yet persistent. I always enjoy a book with romance laced into the storyline rather than it being a constant subject matter. Arista and Shaun's love life is realistic, as it flows with the many action filled events that unfold.
Sherri L. Dodd intertwines witchy magic into the day to day, with herbal teas, soothing breaths and rituals, not to mention her admirable descriptions of the natural world which I have enjoyed in every book within this series. You can tell by the choice of words that Dodd has a passion for nature and the wonders mother earth has to offer.
Hummingbird Moonrise, just like the other books in this series, has left me with a major book hang over. I already miss Boulder Creek, Arista and her family. As time goes by I will be sure to look back in my memories, at this tale and think of where these characters would have progressed to beyond the final page.
The Murder, Tea & Crystal series is a blend of witchcraft, nature, action and slight romance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a plot that keeps on giving, accompanied by a strong female main character, witchy vibes, romance, nature, family secrets and adrenaline packed scenes.
The past two years of Arista Kelly's life have been far from peaceful. Just when life seems to have resumed some level of normality, a persistent darkness seems to make its move in Arista's life, though this threat may dampen her nerves it never falters her strength. As long forgotten secrets come to the light, unburied qualms continue to fester and love dances in the breeze, can Arista find the strength in herself and her loved ones to endure another year full of chaos?
From page one, just like the other books in this series, you are instantly thrown into the story. No time is wasted as Dodd, takes you through the red pines of Boulder Creek to the house amongst the trees where it all begins and ends.
Arista Kelly is a very strong woman, her life though not conventional in what it throws at her, is met with such strength and compassion that you can't help but admire her. There are many lovable characters in this book (series), Auntie, Shaun, Royal, all brilliant people who will stay with me even as I close Hummingbird Moonrise.
Compared to the other books in this trilogy, this final installment takes on a slower burn. I think this is needed in the final book, with so much to be conveyed the change in pacing helped the plot to flow as it built up towards the ending of not only of the book but of the series.
Speaking of the end, I was left content. I often find that ending to a series can sometimes fall flat or have too much put into them. Here we see Sherri provide an ending that leaves you joyous yet thinking of further possibilities without there being too much unsaid. I simply loved it.
Romance has drifted along the breeze throughout all of this series. Subtle yet persistent. I always enjoy a book with romance laced into the storyline rather than it being a constant subject matter. Arista and Shaun's love life is realistic, as it flows with the many action filled events that unfold.
Sherri L. Dodd intertwines witchy magic into the day to day, with herbal teas, soothing breaths and rituals, not to mention her admirable descriptions of the natural world which I have enjoyed in every book within this series. You can tell by the choice of words that Dodd has a passion for nature and the wonders mother earth has to offer.
Hummingbird Moonrise, just like the other books in this series, has left me with a major book hang over. I already miss Boulder Creek, Arista and her family. As time goes by I will be sure to look back in my memories, at this tale and think of where these characters would have progressed to beyond the final page.
The Murder, Tea & Crystal series is a blend of witchcraft, nature, action and slight romance.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a plot that keeps on giving, accompanied by a strong female main character, witchy vibes, romance, nature, family secrets and adrenaline packed scenes.
October 7, 2025
Hummingbird, the third and final installment in the Murder, Tea and Crystals series, delivers, in that order. While I thought the second book seemed pretty standalone, I think this 3rd book does require reading the second.
The book starts with a flashback to 1940; here, Barry comes to a disagreement with Fil and his wife, Helen. When Barry believes Fil is drawing a gun, he shoots and kills him. Helen, in response, places a curse on Barry and his descendants.
Jumping to the present, we follow the lives of Arista and her aunt, who we now understand to be defendants of the cursed Barry. Arista and her aunt drink an apple spice black tea. Don’t worry, a crystal shop will soon follow.
I would classify this book as a cozy thriller. You might say that is a contradiction, but there are high-stakes, high-pressure scenes in the book interspersed with cozy moments of tea drinking or a budding romance. To focus on some of the thriller elements of the book, there is a perspective change and murder in the first chapter, as well as some creepy scenes with Arista being followed.
The book, like the first, is written with wonderfully vivid detail. While not all of the descriptions are critical to the plot, like the lovely description of a 9-tiered wooden carving depicting Dante’s Inferno, they help create the ambiance of the book.
The book shifts perspectives between Arista, Iris, and others. Some of these characters in the second book were not the main characters. This helps resolve some of the lingering questions from the 2nd book, like the fate of Iris, Fergus, and Soonsil.
The book also explores the relationship between Arista and Shane, which was long-distance in the last book. There were quite a few other relationship pairs in this book: Autie and Iris, Mike and Soonsil, etc., which develop together during the book. The relationship between Mike and the small child (but not really) Soonsil is quite interesting. Mike plays the role of a reformed criminal of sorts. If you don’t recall from the 2nd book, Mike finds Soonsil abandoned and takes care of her. Soonsil, of course, isn’t just a small child, but Mike is completely oblivious to that fact. The pair make for an interesting read, as Mike wavers between selfishness and selflessness.
I personally found this book a bit more relatable as well. In one scene, a character flies to San Jose airport. I was also transported there, as I once lived there. I enjoyed Hummingbird even more than Moonset on Desert Sands, while both books are superbly written. You can’t skip this book if you read the second!
The book starts with a flashback to 1940; here, Barry comes to a disagreement with Fil and his wife, Helen. When Barry believes Fil is drawing a gun, he shoots and kills him. Helen, in response, places a curse on Barry and his descendants.
Jumping to the present, we follow the lives of Arista and her aunt, who we now understand to be defendants of the cursed Barry. Arista and her aunt drink an apple spice black tea. Don’t worry, a crystal shop will soon follow.
I would classify this book as a cozy thriller. You might say that is a contradiction, but there are high-stakes, high-pressure scenes in the book interspersed with cozy moments of tea drinking or a budding romance. To focus on some of the thriller elements of the book, there is a perspective change and murder in the first chapter, as well as some creepy scenes with Arista being followed.
The book, like the first, is written with wonderfully vivid detail. While not all of the descriptions are critical to the plot, like the lovely description of a 9-tiered wooden carving depicting Dante’s Inferno, they help create the ambiance of the book.
The book shifts perspectives between Arista, Iris, and others. Some of these characters in the second book were not the main characters. This helps resolve some of the lingering questions from the 2nd book, like the fate of Iris, Fergus, and Soonsil.
The book also explores the relationship between Arista and Shane, which was long-distance in the last book. There were quite a few other relationship pairs in this book: Autie and Iris, Mike and Soonsil, etc., which develop together during the book. The relationship between Mike and the small child (but not really) Soonsil is quite interesting. Mike plays the role of a reformed criminal of sorts. If you don’t recall from the 2nd book, Mike finds Soonsil abandoned and takes care of her. Soonsil, of course, isn’t just a small child, but Mike is completely oblivious to that fact. The pair make for an interesting read, as Mike wavers between selfishness and selflessness.
I personally found this book a bit more relatable as well. In one scene, a character flies to San Jose airport. I was also transported there, as I once lived there. I enjoyed Hummingbird even more than Moonset on Desert Sands, while both books are superbly written. You can’t skip this book if you read the second!
October 10, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise (Murder, Tea & Crystals – A Trilogy Book 3)
By Sherri L. Dodd
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: October 9, 2025
ASIN: B0FB5QV948
Page Count: 304
Triggers: Family trauma, murder, curses, loss
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A family curse that stretches from 1940s California to modern-day witchcraft and crystal shops in the redwoods. Arista Kelly and her Aunt Bethie are knee-deep in paranormal inheritance issues—missing friends, ghostly possessions, and ancestral sins included. It’s equal parts tea party and séance, where cinnamon bread meets dark magick and the walls hum with old regrets.
Here’s What Slapped:
Ms. Sherri L. Dodd delivers a finale that’s both eerie and tender, wrapping the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy in a warm fog of witchy redemption. The writing is lush and cinematic, toggling between cozy and uncanny with enviable ease. The prologue alone—set in 1940 and dripping with guilt, gunfire, and generational curses—hooks you instantly. The way Dodd balances domestic comfort (feeding stray cats, sharing spells over tea) with lurking dread is chef-level storytelling. Arista finally steps into her own, showing that healing from ancestral trauma is its own kind of spellwork. The redwood forest setting feels alive, the dialogue rings true, and the emotional payoff lands harder than expected.
What Could’ve Been Better:
There are moments where the exposition lingers a little too long on lore dumps, and juggling multiple perspectives sometimes slows the pacing. But honestly? The depth of the character work more than earns the detours. You’ll want to linger just to soak in the worldbuilding.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Practical Magic with sharper teeth
Multi-generational witchy drama
Curses, crystals, and found family
Cozy mysteries that flirt with the paranormal
Emotional closure that actually feels earned
Book Series:
Murder Under Redwood Moon: A Thrilling Paranormal Murder Mystery (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy)
Book 1 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Moonset on Desert Sands (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy)
Book 2 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Hummingbird Moonrise (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Hummingbird Moonrise doesn’t just end a trilogy—it lifts it, shimmering and strange, into something that feels like memory, grief, and magick all stirred into one steaming cup.
By Sherri L. Dodd
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Publication Date: October 9, 2025
ASIN: B0FB5QV948
Page Count: 304
Triggers: Family trauma, murder, curses, loss
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What Did I Just Walk Into?
A family curse that stretches from 1940s California to modern-day witchcraft and crystal shops in the redwoods. Arista Kelly and her Aunt Bethie are knee-deep in paranormal inheritance issues—missing friends, ghostly possessions, and ancestral sins included. It’s equal parts tea party and séance, where cinnamon bread meets dark magick and the walls hum with old regrets.
Here’s What Slapped:
Ms. Sherri L. Dodd delivers a finale that’s both eerie and tender, wrapping the Murder, Tea & Crystals trilogy in a warm fog of witchy redemption. The writing is lush and cinematic, toggling between cozy and uncanny with enviable ease. The prologue alone—set in 1940 and dripping with guilt, gunfire, and generational curses—hooks you instantly. The way Dodd balances domestic comfort (feeding stray cats, sharing spells over tea) with lurking dread is chef-level storytelling. Arista finally steps into her own, showing that healing from ancestral trauma is its own kind of spellwork. The redwood forest setting feels alive, the dialogue rings true, and the emotional payoff lands harder than expected.
What Could’ve Been Better:
There are moments where the exposition lingers a little too long on lore dumps, and juggling multiple perspectives sometimes slows the pacing. But honestly? The depth of the character work more than earns the detours. You’ll want to linger just to soak in the worldbuilding.
Perfect for Readers Who Love:
Practical Magic with sharper teeth
Multi-generational witchy drama
Curses, crystals, and found family
Cozy mysteries that flirt with the paranormal
Emotional closure that actually feels earned
Book Series:
Murder Under Redwood Moon: A Thrilling Paranormal Murder Mystery (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy)
Book 1 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Moonset on Desert Sands (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy)
Book 2 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Hummingbird Moonrise (Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy Book 3)
Book 3 of 3: Murder, Tea & Crystals - A Trilogy
Reviewed by Robin for Robin’s Review
Hummingbird Moonrise doesn’t just end a trilogy—it lifts it, shimmering and strange, into something that feels like memory, grief, and magick all stirred into one steaming cup.
November 17, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise closes out the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy with a blend of supernatural tension, emotional growth, and the grounded domestic moments that have always anchored this series. What stood out most to me in this final installment was how clearly the characters have evolved in ways that feel earned after everything they’ve been through.
Arista’s arc, especially, is handled with a careful touch. She’s grieving, protective, stretched thin, and occasionally overwhelmed, yet the book doesn’t rush her or offer easy fixes. Her inner strength shows up in quiet decisions as often as in big moments, and by the end, we see a woman reclaiming control over her life.
Iris remains one of the trilogy’s most compelling and complicated figures. She’s unpredictable and flawed, but also strangely vulnerable, and her sections bring a darkly comic edge that keeps the story from becoming too heavy. When she wakes in a blood-soaked room and simply mutters, “A ghastly predicament I seem to be in,” it captures the blend of horror and dry humor that makes her character work.
Mateo’s storyline adds another layer of emotional strain. His chapters aren’t flashy, but they carry a steady dread as he tries to deal with the repercussions of taking the cursed tablet. His concern for Alicia and Matty grounds the supernatural elements in real family stakes, making the haunting feel more immediate.
The author pairs unsettling supernatural moments with very ordinary scenes—tea in the kitchen, kids doing homework, neighbors’ leaves blowing across the porch. The mix creates an atmosphere where the uncanny feels like an intrusion into everyday life rather than something separate from it.
As the story threads come together, the book weaves generational secrets, past harm, and the moral murkiness surrounding Fergus and Iris. It doesn’t treat magic as a simple solution or a gimmick, but rather as something that complicates and, occasionally, heals.
By the final chapter, the sense of closure feels quiet but meaningful. Arista settling back into the rhythms of her family life is understated, but it signals that the ordeal has shifted something in her for good.
Hummingbird Moonrise is a measured, thoughtful conclusion to the trilogy—still magical, still tense in the right places, but grounded in the emotional realities of its characters. Readers who’ve followed the story this far will likely appreciate how the book balances the supernatural with the personal and gives its characters space to grow into themselves.
Arista’s arc, especially, is handled with a careful touch. She’s grieving, protective, stretched thin, and occasionally overwhelmed, yet the book doesn’t rush her or offer easy fixes. Her inner strength shows up in quiet decisions as often as in big moments, and by the end, we see a woman reclaiming control over her life.
Iris remains one of the trilogy’s most compelling and complicated figures. She’s unpredictable and flawed, but also strangely vulnerable, and her sections bring a darkly comic edge that keeps the story from becoming too heavy. When she wakes in a blood-soaked room and simply mutters, “A ghastly predicament I seem to be in,” it captures the blend of horror and dry humor that makes her character work.
Mateo’s storyline adds another layer of emotional strain. His chapters aren’t flashy, but they carry a steady dread as he tries to deal with the repercussions of taking the cursed tablet. His concern for Alicia and Matty grounds the supernatural elements in real family stakes, making the haunting feel more immediate.
The author pairs unsettling supernatural moments with very ordinary scenes—tea in the kitchen, kids doing homework, neighbors’ leaves blowing across the porch. The mix creates an atmosphere where the uncanny feels like an intrusion into everyday life rather than something separate from it.
As the story threads come together, the book weaves generational secrets, past harm, and the moral murkiness surrounding Fergus and Iris. It doesn’t treat magic as a simple solution or a gimmick, but rather as something that complicates and, occasionally, heals.
By the final chapter, the sense of closure feels quiet but meaningful. Arista settling back into the rhythms of her family life is understated, but it signals that the ordeal has shifted something in her for good.
Hummingbird Moonrise is a measured, thoughtful conclusion to the trilogy—still magical, still tense in the right places, but grounded in the emotional realities of its characters. Readers who’ve followed the story this far will likely appreciate how the book balances the supernatural with the personal and gives its characters space to grow into themselves.
June 16, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise opens with a historical bang with a hauntingly dark and emotional prologue set in 1940s California. It traces the grim consequences of a man’s violent choices, the echoes of which reverberate through five generations. We’re introduced to a family curse born from vengeance and sustained by ritual, tragedy, and an unshakeable belief in the power of dark magick. From there, the story weaves between timelines, following Arista Kelly, a modern-day woman grappling with supernatural inheritance, witchcraft, and an old stone tablet that may seal her family's fate. Part cozy mystery, part witchy thriller, it blends murder, magic, family trauma, and healing in a way that’s both suspenseful and tender.
What struck me most about Dodd’s writing was the way she mingles the everyday with the mystical. One minute, characters are sipping tea or feeding stray cats; the next, they’re channeling spirits or breaking into homes to investigate arcane symbols. I appreciated the humor that peeked through, especially Auntie, whose wit and warmth anchor many of the darker moments. The voices feel distinct, the pacing surprisingly tight despite the multi-generational sprawl, and the dialogue sings with emotional truth. The way Dodd writes female relationships—particularly between Arista and her Aunt—is just beautiful. There’s a lived-in realness to their bond that made me care about what happened to them far more than I expected from a story with spells and curses.
The shifts in tone—moving between drama, horror, humor, and a touch of paranormal whimsy—were bold and creative. A few sections leaned more into exposition, which briefly slowed the momentum. The supernatural elements are intriguing and imaginative, and the atmosphere was rich, the stakes personal, and the themes like grief, redemption, and inherited pain rang true. Dodd clearly cares deeply about these characters, and that care spills onto the page.
I was moved. Not just by the tragic past that hangs over the Kelly family, but by the hope that emerges through Arista’s strength. This is a book for those who like their witch stories intimate, their mysteries character-driven, and their fiction laced with emotion and weirdness in equal measure. If you enjoy Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic, but wish it had a bit more grit and ghost stories, Hummingbird Moonrise might just be your cup of tea. Or maybe your crystal-infused moon water. Either way, it’s worth the read.
What struck me most about Dodd’s writing was the way she mingles the everyday with the mystical. One minute, characters are sipping tea or feeding stray cats; the next, they’re channeling spirits or breaking into homes to investigate arcane symbols. I appreciated the humor that peeked through, especially Auntie, whose wit and warmth anchor many of the darker moments. The voices feel distinct, the pacing surprisingly tight despite the multi-generational sprawl, and the dialogue sings with emotional truth. The way Dodd writes female relationships—particularly between Arista and her Aunt—is just beautiful. There’s a lived-in realness to their bond that made me care about what happened to them far more than I expected from a story with spells and curses.
The shifts in tone—moving between drama, horror, humor, and a touch of paranormal whimsy—were bold and creative. A few sections leaned more into exposition, which briefly slowed the momentum. The supernatural elements are intriguing and imaginative, and the atmosphere was rich, the stakes personal, and the themes like grief, redemption, and inherited pain rang true. Dodd clearly cares deeply about these characters, and that care spills onto the page.
I was moved. Not just by the tragic past that hangs over the Kelly family, but by the hope that emerges through Arista’s strength. This is a book for those who like their witch stories intimate, their mysteries character-driven, and their fiction laced with emotion and weirdness in equal measure. If you enjoy Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic, but wish it had a bit more grit and ghost stories, Hummingbird Moonrise might just be your cup of tea. Or maybe your crystal-infused moon water. Either way, it’s worth the read.
November 8, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise, the final chapter in the Murder, Tea, & Crystals trilogy, brings all the tension and mystery readers expect from Sherri L. Dodd. Seemingly unconnected events pull together in this carefully crafted tale filled with rich descriptions and precise details.
Flashbacks to the beginnings of the bad blood between Iris and Bethie’s families shed light on a vengeful spell reaching through time to affect the present. Arista continues to heal from past trauma as she works to secure a future with Shane, Iris struggles to reconcile competing loyalties, Sheriff Michaels is hot on the heels of a murderer, and much more.
There are a few new characters, and readers will meet back up with the full cast from the first books. For this reason, I would not consider this installment a stand-alone tale. A read of the first two books in the series is advised for a proper enjoyment of this tangled tale of revenge, magick, healing, and mystery. It had been a while since I’d read the second book, so jumping into this one did give me pause as I tried to drudge up the story details in my poor little brain.
Dodd does not disappoint with this third book in the series. Readers who enjoyed her lovely, delicate phrasing and rich descriptions earlier in the series will find them on each and every page of Hummingbird Moonrise. Vivid depictions had me engaged and envisioning throughout the tale, adding a special something you don’t always experience with mysteries. “Patches of frost seized the shady spots of her front yard, and the cold stung her nose as the brisk air blew upon her.” Gorgeous and evocative.
I also appreciated small details that weren’t necessarily vital to unravelling the mystery, but provided a little something special. In a separate scene and in her discussion with her therapist, Arista has a unique ritual revolving around a plant as part of her work to aid her in working through the grief of losing her father. The description really stuck with me. It’s a small detail, but compelling. I wouldn’t want to attempt to describe it myself and ruin the magic. Trust me, you’ll know exactly what I’m referencing when you read this one for yourself, which I highly recommend for lovers of mystery, magical storylines, or strength and grit in overcoming evil.
Flashbacks to the beginnings of the bad blood between Iris and Bethie’s families shed light on a vengeful spell reaching through time to affect the present. Arista continues to heal from past trauma as she works to secure a future with Shane, Iris struggles to reconcile competing loyalties, Sheriff Michaels is hot on the heels of a murderer, and much more.
There are a few new characters, and readers will meet back up with the full cast from the first books. For this reason, I would not consider this installment a stand-alone tale. A read of the first two books in the series is advised for a proper enjoyment of this tangled tale of revenge, magick, healing, and mystery. It had been a while since I’d read the second book, so jumping into this one did give me pause as I tried to drudge up the story details in my poor little brain.
Dodd does not disappoint with this third book in the series. Readers who enjoyed her lovely, delicate phrasing and rich descriptions earlier in the series will find them on each and every page of Hummingbird Moonrise. Vivid depictions had me engaged and envisioning throughout the tale, adding a special something you don’t always experience with mysteries. “Patches of frost seized the shady spots of her front yard, and the cold stung her nose as the brisk air blew upon her.” Gorgeous and evocative.
I also appreciated small details that weren’t necessarily vital to unravelling the mystery, but provided a little something special. In a separate scene and in her discussion with her therapist, Arista has a unique ritual revolving around a plant as part of her work to aid her in working through the grief of losing her father. The description really stuck with me. It’s a small detail, but compelling. I wouldn’t want to attempt to describe it myself and ruin the magic. Trust me, you’ll know exactly what I’m referencing when you read this one for yourself, which I highly recommend for lovers of mystery, magical storylines, or strength and grit in overcoming evil.
October 9, 2025
As the third and final book in this trilogy, Hummingbird Moonrise blends cozy domestic rituals with creeping dread in a way that feels both comforting and unsettling. One moment you’re sipping apple spice tea with Arista and her Auntie, and the next you’re peering into shadowy rooms, wondering if the curse that has haunted their family for generations is about to resurface. I loved the way the novel keeps this balance—never letting you forget the warmth of family bonds, but always threading in a sense of danger just out of sight.
What makes the book stand out is how personal it feels. The Kelly family’s history—haunted by curses, betrayals, and supernatural debts—doesn’t read like distant lore. It weighs directly on the characters’ everyday choices. Arista, still finding her place as a “prophesied witch,” doesn’t get the luxury of choosing between a normal life and a magical one; the two are woven together, whether she’s ready or not. That tension keeps the story engaging, because you’re always watching her struggle between the pull of destiny and her desire for peace.
The atmosphere of the California redwoods adds so much texture. The setting becomes a character of its own, cloaked in fog, filled with shadows, and alive with whispers of both natural and supernatural dangers. Dodd writes with a rhythm that sometimes lulls you with cozy descriptions and then jolts you with eerie details—just like her characters, you never know when the ground beneath your feet will shift.
At its heart, though, Hummingbird Moonrise is about resilience. It’s about how families carry their curses, their traumas, and their secrets—but also how they carry one another. Arista and Auntie’s bond is the emotional anchor of the book, and their mixture of banter, affection, and fierce loyalty gives the story its heart. Even amid possessions, missing persons, and malevolent artifacts, the real magic lies in love and perseverance.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/10/09/r...
What makes the book stand out is how personal it feels. The Kelly family’s history—haunted by curses, betrayals, and supernatural debts—doesn’t read like distant lore. It weighs directly on the characters’ everyday choices. Arista, still finding her place as a “prophesied witch,” doesn’t get the luxury of choosing between a normal life and a magical one; the two are woven together, whether she’s ready or not. That tension keeps the story engaging, because you’re always watching her struggle between the pull of destiny and her desire for peace.
The atmosphere of the California redwoods adds so much texture. The setting becomes a character of its own, cloaked in fog, filled with shadows, and alive with whispers of both natural and supernatural dangers. Dodd writes with a rhythm that sometimes lulls you with cozy descriptions and then jolts you with eerie details—just like her characters, you never know when the ground beneath your feet will shift.
At its heart, though, Hummingbird Moonrise is about resilience. It’s about how families carry their curses, their traumas, and their secrets—but also how they carry one another. Arista and Auntie’s bond is the emotional anchor of the book, and their mixture of banter, affection, and fierce loyalty gives the story its heart. Even amid possessions, missing persons, and malevolent artifacts, the real magic lies in love and perseverance.
Find my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2025/10/09/r...
October 9, 2025
Sherri L. Dodd writes a majestic and murderous tale with Hummingbird Moonrise
In Hummingbird Moonrise, the reader is brought into the life of Barry and his wife, Noreen, and their family. Read the prologue, and you won't miss a thing, and that is a very important detail in the prologue. Hummingbird Moonrise is part of the Murder, Tea & Crystals series, and this is volume three. I am a big fan of Sherri L. Dodd and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Barry is beyond himself, when he finds his dog, no longer living, and his intention is grief and thinking he was poisoned. Duke is a very important part of Barry's life, even when he's gone. I love this book, probably better than the first two, but they were also good. I recommend reading the series from the beginning. I hope this isn't the final book in the series. Dodd has blended mystery, magic, suspense, and emotional moments, that make you stop and take a break. Her creation of characters, not just Barry and his family, but Arista finally coming into her own, and it shows that love, family and redemption can go hand in hand. With its hint of paranormal, it has grand in-depth characters, making the story feel so real, even with that touch of magick. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. This story is a wondrous trail of words and it's definitely magnetically charged! Hummingbird Moonrise is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
In Hummingbird Moonrise, the reader is brought into the life of Barry and his wife, Noreen, and their family. Read the prologue, and you won't miss a thing, and that is a very important detail in the prologue. Hummingbird Moonrise is part of the Murder, Tea & Crystals series, and this is volume three. I am a big fan of Sherri L. Dodd and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. Barry is beyond himself, when he finds his dog, no longer living, and his intention is grief and thinking he was poisoned. Duke is a very important part of Barry's life, even when he's gone. I love this book, probably better than the first two, but they were also good. I recommend reading the series from the beginning. I hope this isn't the final book in the series. Dodd has blended mystery, magic, suspense, and emotional moments, that make you stop and take a break. Her creation of characters, not just Barry and his family, but Arista finally coming into her own, and it shows that love, family and redemption can go hand in hand. With its hint of paranormal, it has grand in-depth characters, making the story feel so real, even with that touch of magick. Unpredictable, with twists all the way to the end. This story is a wondrous trail of words and it's definitely magnetically charged! Hummingbird Moonrise is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
July 4, 2025
Overall Rating = 4.33
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing and Delivery = 4
Editorial = 5
In Hummingbird Moonrise, Arista Kelly is recovering from emotional upheaval and just trying to stay afloat. But she’s drawn into a haunting new mystery when Iris, her Great-Aunt’s friend, vanishes. What begins as a search for a missing woman soon spirals into something much deeper and stranger, tying in elements and characters from previous novels in the series.
This third installment in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals Trilogy is once again set in the atmospheric backdrop of the redwoods, and it begins with a prologue that delivers a brilliant hook when we witness a violent interaction in the 1940s that sets the course for the novel. The narrative simmers rather than races, drawing readers into a layered family history with supernatural threads and emotional depth. There are many characters and several references to events that took place in the previous novels, which caused some confusion for me, but nevertheless, it’s a rich, thoughtful unraveling of secrets that will satisfy readers who enjoy introspective suspense. I recommend it for fans of atmospheric mysteries, generational drama, and quiet chills that linger.
Sublime Line: “An enticing paranormal mystery steeped in family secrets, old curses, and a woman’s search for meaning after emotional trauma.”
Storyline & Concept = 4
Writing and Delivery = 4
Editorial = 5
In Hummingbird Moonrise, Arista Kelly is recovering from emotional upheaval and just trying to stay afloat. But she’s drawn into a haunting new mystery when Iris, her Great-Aunt’s friend, vanishes. What begins as a search for a missing woman soon spirals into something much deeper and stranger, tying in elements and characters from previous novels in the series.
This third installment in the Murder, Tea, and Crystals Trilogy is once again set in the atmospheric backdrop of the redwoods, and it begins with a prologue that delivers a brilliant hook when we witness a violent interaction in the 1940s that sets the course for the novel. The narrative simmers rather than races, drawing readers into a layered family history with supernatural threads and emotional depth. There are many characters and several references to events that took place in the previous novels, which caused some confusion for me, but nevertheless, it’s a rich, thoughtful unraveling of secrets that will satisfy readers who enjoy introspective suspense. I recommend it for fans of atmospheric mysteries, generational drama, and quiet chills that linger.
Sublime Line: “An enticing paranormal mystery steeped in family secrets, old curses, and a woman’s search for meaning after emotional trauma.”
November 25, 2025
4.5 upped to 5*
Hummingbird Moonrise is the final book in the “Murder, Tea & Crystals” trilogy and delivers a satisfying close without losing the tone I enjoyed in the earlier stories.
Compared to the first two books, the writing feels more confident, and the world-building deeper. The setting and magical details are richer here, giving the story a stronger sense of place and history.
The characters remain the heart of the series: Arista’s growth stands out, she feels more grounded and resilient than in book one, where she was still uncertain. Bethie continues to bring humor and warmth, but this time we see more of her vulnerability, which adds depth. Even the side characters feel purposeful, not just background figures.
The mystery is solid, and better paced than the second book. It has enough twists to keep me engaged without feeling rushed or overly complicated.
What I appreciated most is how the mystery ties into personal stakes for the characters, making the resolution meaningful rather than just clever.
Overall, this book feels like a natural evolution of the series: more polished, more layered, and still true to its mix of cozy mystery/horror/paranormal style.
If you liked the first two, this one will feel like the right ending.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Hummingbird Moonrise is the final book in the “Murder, Tea & Crystals” trilogy and delivers a satisfying close without losing the tone I enjoyed in the earlier stories.
Compared to the first two books, the writing feels more confident, and the world-building deeper. The setting and magical details are richer here, giving the story a stronger sense of place and history.
The characters remain the heart of the series: Arista’s growth stands out, she feels more grounded and resilient than in book one, where she was still uncertain. Bethie continues to bring humor and warmth, but this time we see more of her vulnerability, which adds depth. Even the side characters feel purposeful, not just background figures.
The mystery is solid, and better paced than the second book. It has enough twists to keep me engaged without feeling rushed or overly complicated.
What I appreciated most is how the mystery ties into personal stakes for the characters, making the resolution meaningful rather than just clever.
Overall, this book feels like a natural evolution of the series: more polished, more layered, and still true to its mix of cozy mystery/horror/paranormal style.
If you liked the first two, this one will feel like the right ending.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
December 1, 2025
Thank you so much to Henry Roi PR and the author for this ARC - the final in the trilogy!
To start, I'm really disappointed. Why did the author make this a trilogy and not an endless series?! I want MORE! These books have been such fun to read! Generally, I really respect when someone finishes a series before letting it get tired - better for an author to leave you wanting more than to lose you as the work gets less repetitive, overdone, and generally worse - but gosh darn it, it is hard to be sensible when you've reached the end of something you love!
In some ways, this book was my favourite in the trilogy: there were little reveals and moments of extreme tension that had me racing to turn the page. I think the author did a really good job of tying up some loose ends, but not giving everything a neatly polished finish, which felt both satisfying and realistic.
This book felt quicker than its predecessors, even though there was perhaps slightly less stress overall. I think that with less focus on the mundanity of everyday life, the pace was faster and I didn't feel quite as immersed as I did with the first two books. This is an observation rather than a criticism (as I said, this instalment is possibly my favourite), but worth noting the slight energy shift for me.
To start, I'm really disappointed. Why did the author make this a trilogy and not an endless series?! I want MORE! These books have been such fun to read! Generally, I really respect when someone finishes a series before letting it get tired - better for an author to leave you wanting more than to lose you as the work gets less repetitive, overdone, and generally worse - but gosh darn it, it is hard to be sensible when you've reached the end of something you love!
In some ways, this book was my favourite in the trilogy: there were little reveals and moments of extreme tension that had me racing to turn the page. I think the author did a really good job of tying up some loose ends, but not giving everything a neatly polished finish, which felt both satisfying and realistic.
This book felt quicker than its predecessors, even though there was perhaps slightly less stress overall. I think that with less focus on the mundanity of everyday life, the pace was faster and I didn't feel quite as immersed as I did with the first two books. This is an observation rather than a criticism (as I said, this instalment is possibly my favourite), but worth noting the slight energy shift for me.
October 13, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is book three in the Murder, Tea and Crystals Trilogy.
This book starts off with a prologue of significance. 1940’s California – Barry Kelly, the family patriarch that first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and hand crafted her Oujia table, commits a heinous act on a neighbor who is killing his dogs. Threatening his livelihood. That neighbors widow puts a curse on Barry when he is found not guilty of murder. And by her soul and blood she ensured that the Kelly bloodline was wiped from the earth by the fifth generation.
Current day Arista Kelly is recovering from an emotional upheaval and just trying to keep her head above water. Coming into her own powers and a stone tablet that may seal her families fate.
What transpires is a magickal mystery journey into curses, family secrets, witchcraft and wonder.
Will Arista and Shane’s relationship finally develop into more? Will they be able to face whats coming and move on with their lives?
This was an amazing ending to this trilogy! I highly recommend all three books.
A wonderful October read to go along with all things spooky!
This book starts off with a prologue of significance. 1940’s California – Barry Kelly, the family patriarch that first built Arista’s cottage in the redwoods and hand crafted her Oujia table, commits a heinous act on a neighbor who is killing his dogs. Threatening his livelihood. That neighbors widow puts a curse on Barry when he is found not guilty of murder. And by her soul and blood she ensured that the Kelly bloodline was wiped from the earth by the fifth generation.
Current day Arista Kelly is recovering from an emotional upheaval and just trying to keep her head above water. Coming into her own powers and a stone tablet that may seal her families fate.
What transpires is a magickal mystery journey into curses, family secrets, witchcraft and wonder.
Will Arista and Shane’s relationship finally develop into more? Will they be able to face whats coming and move on with their lives?
This was an amazing ending to this trilogy! I highly recommend all three books.
A wonderful October read to go along with all things spooky!
November 28, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is a beautifully layered blend of emotional healing, quiet suspense, and generational mystery that unfolds with haunting grace.
Arista Kelly’s emotional evolution is deeply affecting, once an optimist, now a woman navigating paranoia, grief, and fragile hope. What makes her journey especially powerful is how it’s interwoven with the disappearance of Iris and the eerie discovery tied to Bethie’s past. The revelation of a family curse rooted in the 1940s, complete with a handcrafted Ouija table hidden within the redwoods, adds an atmospheric depth that feels both mystical and grounded.
What stood out most is the slow-burn tension, this isn’t chaos driven by explosions, but by silence, dread, memory, and emotional unraveling. The redwood setting feels alive, symbolic, and intimate. Each revelation feels earned, and the emotional weight builds steadily rather than explosively.
This is a story about legacy, loss, inherited trauma, and resilience, wrapped in quiet supernatural unease. Readers who appreciate thoughtful suspense, emotionally rich characters, and lingering mysteries will find Hummingbird Moonrise unforgettable.
Arista Kelly’s emotional evolution is deeply affecting, once an optimist, now a woman navigating paranoia, grief, and fragile hope. What makes her journey especially powerful is how it’s interwoven with the disappearance of Iris and the eerie discovery tied to Bethie’s past. The revelation of a family curse rooted in the 1940s, complete with a handcrafted Ouija table hidden within the redwoods, adds an atmospheric depth that feels both mystical and grounded.
What stood out most is the slow-burn tension, this isn’t chaos driven by explosions, but by silence, dread, memory, and emotional unraveling. The redwood setting feels alive, symbolic, and intimate. Each revelation feels earned, and the emotional weight builds steadily rather than explosively.
This is a story about legacy, loss, inherited trauma, and resilience, wrapped in quiet supernatural unease. Readers who appreciate thoughtful suspense, emotionally rich characters, and lingering mysteries will find Hummingbird Moonrise unforgettable.
December 8, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is the third and final book in the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy by Sherri L Dodd. It is a paranormal mystery that is mainly set in the redwoods of California and it follows the journey of Arista Kelly and her great-aunt, Bethie. Arista is recovering from emotional trauma and trying to find some sort of balance after what happened in the previous books in the series. In Hummingbird Moonrise, Bethie’s friend, Iris, has disappeared. In looking for Iris, Arista and Bethie discover something in Iris’s home that connects their lives and loss to a family curse from the 1940s.
This story was steeped in all things ghostly and spooky which finds itself right at home in this mystery. I found Hummingbird Moonrise to be focused on family dynamics, resilience, grief, and emotional trauma. The supernatural elements were wonderfully balanced with problems one would find in the real world.
In order to truly understand and enjoy this book, I encourage readers to read the first two books in the series: Murder Under Redwood Moon and Moonset on Desert Sands. The storylines are ongoing and the characters are rich in description and depth. Ultimately, I recommend this to readers who enjoy a blend of cozy and creepy - and to those who enjoy mysteries!
This story was steeped in all things ghostly and spooky which finds itself right at home in this mystery. I found Hummingbird Moonrise to be focused on family dynamics, resilience, grief, and emotional trauma. The supernatural elements were wonderfully balanced with problems one would find in the real world.
In order to truly understand and enjoy this book, I encourage readers to read the first two books in the series: Murder Under Redwood Moon and Moonset on Desert Sands. The storylines are ongoing and the characters are rich in description and depth. Ultimately, I recommend this to readers who enjoy a blend of cozy and creepy - and to those who enjoy mysteries!
November 24, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is a darker, more introspective continuation of Arista Kelly’s story, blending paranormal suspense with a heartfelt family saga. Arista faces long-buried family secrets, a decades-old curse, and the enigmatic Iris, an antagonist whose presence challenges everything she thought she knew. Great Aunt Bethie and her circle of older friends shine as surprising, courageous players in the unfolding mystery, bringing humor and depth to the story.
Although this is the third book in the series (following Murder Under Redwood Moon and Moonset on Desert Sands), it can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate Arista’s journey.
BookHookup Note: Clean in language and tone, this book contains mild sexual content and witchcraft themes integral to the story’s mystery.
Rich, atmospheric, and deeply human, this installment lingers long after the last page.
Although this is the third book in the series (following Murder Under Redwood Moon and Moonset on Desert Sands), it can be read as a standalone, though I recommend reading the series in order to fully appreciate Arista’s journey.
BookHookup Note: Clean in language and tone, this book contains mild sexual content and witchcraft themes integral to the story’s mystery.
Rich, atmospheric, and deeply human, this installment lingers long after the last page.
December 16, 2025
Hummingbird Moonrise is a beautifully layered blend of cozy mystery, emotional healing, and mystical intrigue that deepens the heart of the Murder, Tea & Crystals series. Sherri L. Dodd skillfully balances introspective character growth with a haunting generational mystery, allowing Arista Kelly’s emotional recalibration to feel authentic, earned, and deeply human.
What truly elevates this installment is its slow-burn unraveling of a family curse rooted in history, place, and intention. The redwood setting, the legacy of the Ouija table, and the quiet menace of long-buried truths create an atmosphere that is both comforting and unsettling. Rather than relying on relentless action, Dodd leans into emotional stakes and creeping revelation, crafting a story that lingers, thoughtful, mysterious, and resonant long after the final page.
What truly elevates this installment is its slow-burn unraveling of a family curse rooted in history, place, and intention. The redwood setting, the legacy of the Ouija table, and the quiet menace of long-buried truths create an atmosphere that is both comforting and unsettling. Rather than relying on relentless action, Dodd leans into emotional stakes and creeping revelation, crafting a story that lingers, thoughtful, mysterious, and resonant long after the final page.
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