Deadly Deeds

Witch in the Woods #32

by Jenna St. James

A Forty-Something Witch with a New Career


A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Daughter

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets





With GiGi and Byron off on their honeymoon, and Zoie and Harlow at a four-day seminar at PADA headquarters, you'd think Enchanted Island would be nice and quiet. But that's not the case when Shayla gets a call from her gargoyle husband, Sheriff Alex Stone. A body is in a stream, and as the game warden, it's her case. But Shayla is one step ahead already...she knows the dead guy! She and Wendy Frans, a newcomer and fellow witch to the island, had met him just the day before. As Shayla, Needles, Alex, and Grant uncover clues, it becomes clear...our dead guy wasn't well-liked. Can Shayla and Needles figure out who murdered the badger shifter before more dead bodies start to pile up?

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

Jenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!

Reviews

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Wendy is settling into life on the Island, she meets Spencer, a young man recently returned to the Island. They were dropping Gigi's car off at the shop when an old friend of Spencer's stops by for a minute. That was where Shayla first saw Cooper and watched the two men argue. Next morning Shayla gets a call from Alex. There is a body of a young man. When Shayla arrives, she identifies him as Cooper. With only a few days until Thanksgiving, they are hard at work trying to sift thru suspects. It seems Cooper was responsible for petty theft of car parts, tools, but no one could say it was him. After a search thru his home they find all the evidence they need to not only find who killed Cooper, but perhaps close a chop shop pf stolen goods. This series always offers fun, unpredictable mystery and of course humor! Needles is as always his spunky, colorful and starving to death drama.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very strong entry in a wonderful series. At book 32, this series is still great and still full of surprises. Love the new characters along with all the returning favorites. Shayla works mostly with Needles on this case and Needles is always a hilarious and helpful addition to the team. I thought I knew who the killer was but turns and twists and red herrings pulled a surprise on me. A huge family Thanksgiving celebration ends the book with the promise of more adventures during the upcoming holidays. I always enjoy my time reading this series.

[Conny CONE · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating narrative that consistently delivers exceptional storytelling, this series showcases the author's remarkable talent for engaging readers with each installment. The writing remains compelling and maintains a high standard of quality throughout, leaving me thoroughly impressed and eagerly anticipating future works.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A twisted little tale that I had trouble figuring out. I really didn't suspect that person. Well done author. I really like the storyline and I really like Shayla. I need to find the Black Forest King and go in for a little healing.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisty Crime

Well another wonderful visit to the island. The crime had enough clues to keep me guessing. I love the town and all the people this book was a joy to read, just like coming home!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very quick read with established characters. A solid series. Not a lot of investigation in this one, mostly going from suspect to suspect and picking up the pieces. It was nice to have Alex and Shayla working together some.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was fun reading about Shayla and Alex working together again as a new murder is discovered on Enchanted Island. A limited suspect pool with shady characters included, a few deft twists and a dramatic reveal. A fun afternoon read.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Deeds is the 32nd book in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James.

I love this series. I was excited to get to know more about new character Wendy.

She has a new love interest and there is trouble brewing.

Shayla and Needles are on the case.

I loved the mystery and all the characters.

This was such a great book, I loved it so much.

[Ramona Hayes · Rating 3 out of 5]

book 32

Funny story, well maybe not so much for the dead people . Solving the murders was interesting who knew that the bad guy was a woman

[Belinda Mackey · Rating 5 out of 5]

family and friends

Really loved this Had me wondering who was the killer I can usually figure out who did it but this one was a wow factor