What do you think?
Rate this book
Salty
Chaos is brewing in Gryphon, Alabama—and Murphy Blackwell has found herself in the middle of it. Again.
Strange attacks are shaking the South, and whispers of a dark coven called the Stygian are spreading faster than kudzu in July. But the Stygian aren’t just killing to make a point—they’re pushing their dark agenda into the national spotlight.
If Murphy wants to stop them, she—and every upstanding witch around the world—might have to come out of the broom closet for good. And they’re not the only ones…
With vampires, werewolves, and psychic teens on her doorstep, Murphy finds herself leading a rebellion she never signed up for. But if she can’t rally the gifted misfits in time, a ritual deep beneath Gryphon could unravel reality itself. The town is straddling something ancient and unstable—and the next tremor might unleash inescapable evil.
And this time, even all the magic in the world might not be enough.
Strange attacks are shaking the South, and whispers of a dark coven called the Stygian are spreading faster than kudzu in July. But the Stygian aren’t just killing to make a point—they’re pushing their dark agenda into the national spotlight.
If Murphy wants to stop them, she—and every upstanding witch around the world—might have to come out of the broom closet for good. And they’re not the only ones…
With vampires, werewolves, and psychic teens on her doorstep, Murphy finds herself leading a rebellion she never signed up for. But if she can’t rally the gifted misfits in time, a ritual deep beneath Gryphon could unravel reality itself. The town is straddling something ancient and unstable—and the next tremor might unleash inescapable evil.
And this time, even all the magic in the world might not be enough.
418 pages, Paperback
Published July 8, 2025
8 people want to read
About the author
Iris Kain
12 books59 followersOver the years, Iris Kain has called Michigan, Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia, and Germany home. She loves gargoyles, spiders, and black cats, as well as anything that makes you laugh while checking your closet for critters with teeth. She’s a fan of horror and hard rock, and enjoys playing the piano. She currently resides in Alabama with her son, cats, and two adorable Swedish Vallhund dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 27, 2025
This was a gripping book to read. It had so many facets to it with an amazing lead character with an interesting background and drive to her. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.
August 5, 2025
Okay, I loved this.
Salty is one of those books that makes you want to crawl inside the world and hang out with the characters. It’s set in a small Alabama town, in a cozy little coffee shop owned by Murphy Blackwell—who, by the way, is not just a barista-slash-business-owner, but a ridiculously powerful witch. Like, accidentally-make-yourself-invisible-while-trying-to-remove-a-freckle kind of powerful. 😂
The magic system is so cool—witches have different “colors” based on their powers (red = glamor/love, black = protection/curses, etc.), but Murphy? She’s a Summate, which means she can do all of it. And sometimes a little too well.
The story kicks off with a laugh, but things turn serious fast when a dark coven (The Stygian) assassinates a politician and starts making very public threats. From there, it’s spells, strategy, chaos, and some really emotional moments as Murphy and her coven try to protect their world from being exposed—and torn apart.
🖤 What I loved:
• The cast is amazing. Each witch is unique, and their friendships feel real and supportive.
• The banter and sarcasm are on point (especially Betony—chaos witch goals).
• The stakes feel real, but it never loses heart.
• Murphy’s inner voice is hilarious and relatable.
• The mix of cozy, spooky, and serious works SO well.
If you enjoy stories with witches, friendship, found family, high-stakes magic, and a touch of Southern sass—read this. It’s the kind of book that makes you wish the characters were real so you could have coffee with them and ask them to cast just one little spell on your worst freckle.
Already adding the rest of the series to my TBR. 😌✨
Salty is one of those books that makes you want to crawl inside the world and hang out with the characters. It’s set in a small Alabama town, in a cozy little coffee shop owned by Murphy Blackwell—who, by the way, is not just a barista-slash-business-owner, but a ridiculously powerful witch. Like, accidentally-make-yourself-invisible-while-trying-to-remove-a-freckle kind of powerful. 😂
The magic system is so cool—witches have different “colors” based on their powers (red = glamor/love, black = protection/curses, etc.), but Murphy? She’s a Summate, which means she can do all of it. And sometimes a little too well.
The story kicks off with a laugh, but things turn serious fast when a dark coven (The Stygian) assassinates a politician and starts making very public threats. From there, it’s spells, strategy, chaos, and some really emotional moments as Murphy and her coven try to protect their world from being exposed—and torn apart.
🖤 What I loved:
• The cast is amazing. Each witch is unique, and their friendships feel real and supportive.
• The banter and sarcasm are on point (especially Betony—chaos witch goals).
• The stakes feel real, but it never loses heart.
• Murphy’s inner voice is hilarious and relatable.
• The mix of cozy, spooky, and serious works SO well.
If you enjoy stories with witches, friendship, found family, high-stakes magic, and a touch of Southern sass—read this. It’s the kind of book that makes you wish the characters were real so you could have coffee with them and ask them to cast just one little spell on your worst freckle.
Already adding the rest of the series to my TBR. 😌✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2025
An adventure in the paranormal. Great characters. Wonderful storyline.
Great world building. I enjoyed this book. I look forward to exploring more of the authors works.
Great world building. I enjoyed this book. I look forward to exploring more of the authors works.
Read
October 6, 2025Dear Readers,
A Note from the Author: What You’ll Find Inside SALTY...
If you’ve found your way to Salty, welcome. The waters here run deep—and turbulent.
This story is for readers who enjoy:
* A powerful female lead who doesn’t have all the answers, but doesn’t back down.
* Short, immersive chapters that make it hard to put the book down.
* Small towns with long memories and buried mysteries.
* Found family, fierce loyalty, and the messy kind of love that doesn’t always come in romantic packaging.
* Magic that doesn’t sparkle, but hums in a way that is earthy and a bit unsettling.
Salty is the third installment in The Murphy Blackwell Chronicles, but it stands solidly on its own—especially if you don’t mind jumping in while the storm’s already brewing.
This book blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with character-driven suspense and a slow-burning supernatural mystery that crescendos into something wild, ritualistic, and deeply emotional.
So, if you’re drawn to stories with magic that feels like it’s been passed down through generations...
If you like your heroines clever, a little exhausted, and still unwilling to quit…
If you’re ready to explore a town where the moss might whisper back…
Then I hope Salty finds a place on your shelf—and under your skin.
See you in the Bluebelow.
— Iris Kain
A Note from the Author: What You’ll Find Inside SALTY...
If you’ve found your way to Salty, welcome. The waters here run deep—and turbulent.
This story is for readers who enjoy:
* A powerful female lead who doesn’t have all the answers, but doesn’t back down.
* Short, immersive chapters that make it hard to put the book down.
* Small towns with long memories and buried mysteries.
* Found family, fierce loyalty, and the messy kind of love that doesn’t always come in romantic packaging.
* Magic that doesn’t sparkle, but hums in a way that is earthy and a bit unsettling.
Salty is the third installment in The Murphy Blackwell Chronicles, but it stands solidly on its own—especially if you don’t mind jumping in while the storm’s already brewing.
This book blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with character-driven suspense and a slow-burning supernatural mystery that crescendos into something wild, ritualistic, and deeply emotional.
So, if you’re drawn to stories with magic that feels like it’s been passed down through generations...
If you like your heroines clever, a little exhausted, and still unwilling to quit…
If you’re ready to explore a town where the moss might whisper back…
Then I hope Salty finds a place on your shelf—and under your skin.
See you in the Bluebelow.
— Iris Kain
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews