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Bloom and Gloom: A Midlife Cozy Gothic Mystery
Murder is Bad for Business—Especially When Your Guests Have FangsJust when Lenora Blackwell thought she was settling into life in the quirky town of Eldergloom, federal agents arrive asking uncomfortable questions about recent events. Before she can figure out what they want, the beloved Founder's Week Festival turns deadly—and once again, she's caught in the crosshairs.
Cordelia Maxwell, the festival's enthusiastic organizer, is found murdered with a mysterious pendant clutched in her hand. When evidence points toward Benedict Bloom, her enigmatic academic guest who's stirring up dangerous old secrets, Lenora realizes this isn't just about clearing her name—it's about surviving in a supernatural community where she's still an outsider trying to find her place.
Armed with her developing psychic abilities, a mystical cat with serious attitude, Lenora must navigate treacherous vampire politics and uncover the truth before her hard-won fresh start becomes a deadly trap.
Perfect for readers ready for the next chapter of Lenora's journey—where found family meets deadly secrets, and trust becomes the most dangerous magic of all.
Cordelia Maxwell, the festival's enthusiastic organizer, is found murdered with a mysterious pendant clutched in her hand. When evidence points toward Benedict Bloom, her enigmatic academic guest who's stirring up dangerous old secrets, Lenora realizes this isn't just about clearing her name—it's about surviving in a supernatural community where she's still an outsider trying to find her place.
Armed with her developing psychic abilities, a mystical cat with serious attitude, Lenora must navigate treacherous vampire politics and uncover the truth before her hard-won fresh start becomes a deadly trap.
Perfect for readers ready for the next chapter of Lenora's journey—where found family meets deadly secrets, and trust becomes the most dangerous magic of all.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 28, 2026
About the author
Daisy Graves
5 books9 followersDaisy Graves writes paranormal cozy mysteries filled with psychic sleuths, magical cats, spooky B&Bs, and fog-drenched small towns. Her stories blend midlife heroines, community secrets, and atmospheric gothic charm—perfect for fans of Beth Dolgner, Annabel Chase, Lily Harper Hart, Kirsten Weiss, and Tricia O'Malley.
Based in Ireland, Daisy creates cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist, where amateur detectives discover magical abilities and solve murder most mystical. Her debut novel, Grave Beginnings, introduces psychic investigator Lenora Blackwell and her familiar, Shadow the guardian cat, in the witchy coastal town of Eldergloom.
Readers who enjoy witchy sleuths, found family, slow-burn paranormal romance, and animal companions will feel right at home.
🔮Start your journey with Claws, Collars and Curses—a free prequel novella from the cat’s POV - https://www.daisygravesauthor.com/#ne...
✨ Get exclusive lore and behind-the-scenes extras at https://daisygraves.substack.com/
Based in Ireland, Daisy creates cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist, where amateur detectives discover magical abilities and solve murder most mystical. Her debut novel, Grave Beginnings, introduces psychic investigator Lenora Blackwell and her familiar, Shadow the guardian cat, in the witchy coastal town of Eldergloom.
Readers who enjoy witchy sleuths, found family, slow-burn paranormal romance, and animal companions will feel right at home.
🔮Start your journey with Claws, Collars and Curses—a free prequel novella from the cat’s POV - https://www.daisygravesauthor.com/#ne...
✨ Get exclusive lore and behind-the-scenes extras at https://daisygraves.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 14, 2026
Trust your readers
There is a pretty good story in this book. However, every detail of physical objects, perceptions, motivations, and observations is exhaustively described. There are so many similes and overly elaborate explanations of what Lenora senses, the story can hardly move under their weight. The retired editor in me was longing to circle phrases in observations that are repeated, some more than once, and to plead with the author to let some of it go. Readers don’t need to have aspects of a housekeeper’s caregiving personality hammered into their heads every time she makes a cup of tea, for instance. Yes, the house is sentient. Accept it and move on, don’t discover it in every chapter. The town is a cozy setting indeed, and worth returning to if we can be told a story that isn’t overwhelmingly elaborated.
There is a pretty good story in this book. However, every detail of physical objects, perceptions, motivations, and observations is exhaustively described. There are so many similes and overly elaborate explanations of what Lenora senses, the story can hardly move under their weight. The retired editor in me was longing to circle phrases in observations that are repeated, some more than once, and to plead with the author to let some of it go. Readers don’t need to have aspects of a housekeeper’s caregiving personality hammered into their heads every time she makes a cup of tea, for instance. Yes, the house is sentient. Accept it and move on, don’t discover it in every chapter. The town is a cozy setting indeed, and worth returning to if we can be told a story that isn’t overwhelmingly elaborated.
June 1, 2026
Good
When her first guest turns into the prime suspect in a local murder, Lenora is sure that things aren’t quite adding up to paint the picture people say they do.
Unfortunately, she’s also sure that the magical bits that they normally hide are part of the reason for crime…
Picking up around three weeks after the end of the last book, this book takes us through the end of December. Lenora is getting used to the existence of magic, and magical beings, but trying to keep it secret is putting a strain on her budding relationship with detective Gabe.
It’s an enjoyable story, though like many newer authors with limited editorial oversight, there are a few issues in the book- this is mainly timeline related, where things aren’t mentioned before they happen, or there is a little confusion in other ways. While I’m relatively certain Eldergloom is in the UK, it’s more of a nebulous location, which does bring a little confusion when trying to figure out what government groups are present there, and how things are structured.
That being said, I did enjoy the book, and the premise it brings. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next, and I really hope the romance aspect is mended too (the potential love triangle, which as I’ve mentioned before is my least favourite trope, is something I hope is cleared up too).
This is a whimsical and enjoyable cosy gothic, with an interesting ongoing story and some fascinating characters I hope we will learn more about in the future.
When her first guest turns into the prime suspect in a local murder, Lenora is sure that things aren’t quite adding up to paint the picture people say they do.
Unfortunately, she’s also sure that the magical bits that they normally hide are part of the reason for crime…
Picking up around three weeks after the end of the last book, this book takes us through the end of December. Lenora is getting used to the existence of magic, and magical beings, but trying to keep it secret is putting a strain on her budding relationship with detective Gabe.
It’s an enjoyable story, though like many newer authors with limited editorial oversight, there are a few issues in the book- this is mainly timeline related, where things aren’t mentioned before they happen, or there is a little confusion in other ways. While I’m relatively certain Eldergloom is in the UK, it’s more of a nebulous location, which does bring a little confusion when trying to figure out what government groups are present there, and how things are structured.
That being said, I did enjoy the book, and the premise it brings. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next, and I really hope the romance aspect is mended too (the potential love triangle, which as I’ve mentioned before is my least favourite trope, is something I hope is cleared up too).
This is a whimsical and enjoyable cosy gothic, with an interesting ongoing story and some fascinating characters I hope we will learn more about in the future.
May 29, 2026
I'm in two minds about this book...
Is it a good story? Yes, but...
Is the world building good? Yes, but...
Are the characters well rounded? Yes, but...
The characters are fantastic and after 3 outings, including the prequel, we´re getting to know their quirks, but I really miss Tiberius AKA Shadow judgemental snarkines. Talking cats are a dime a dozen in paranormal books, this one is a stiry that would REALLY need it and doesn't have it. Pity!
As for style, I adore certain almost poetic images Describing a dog taking a nap as "contemplating the futility of consciousness" is pure genius. But.... I often complain that the story deserves a little more fluffing up. Here I'd like the opposite. Less talk, more action. The last chapters, especially, after the denouement are total chaos and often repetitious,
And last, but not least, there are plenty of inconsistencies. For example, is Basil 200 or 400 years old? Both are repeated throughout the story.
One more pet peeve... Where the freaking heck IS Eldergloom? I understand the necessity of imaginary towns (Sunnydale, anyone?) but a generic geographical position helps. Or maybe it's only me. Blame it on my map-fixated grandpa!
In conclusion:
Plot: 4.5 stars - Characters: 4 stars. The story alltogether? No idea (BTW, we need a more precise rating system, with -at least- increases by quarters)
Is it a good story? Yes, but...
Is the world building good? Yes, but...
Are the characters well rounded? Yes, but...
The characters are fantastic and after 3 outings, including the prequel, we´re getting to know their quirks, but I really miss Tiberius AKA Shadow judgemental snarkines. Talking cats are a dime a dozen in paranormal books, this one is a stiry that would REALLY need it and doesn't have it. Pity!
As for style, I adore certain almost poetic images Describing a dog taking a nap as "contemplating the futility of consciousness" is pure genius. But.... I often complain that the story deserves a little more fluffing up. Here I'd like the opposite. Less talk, more action. The last chapters, especially, after the denouement are total chaos and often repetitious,
And last, but not least, there are plenty of inconsistencies. For example, is Basil 200 or 400 years old? Both are repeated throughout the story.
One more pet peeve... Where the freaking heck IS Eldergloom? I understand the necessity of imaginary towns (Sunnydale, anyone?) but a generic geographical position helps. Or maybe it's only me. Blame it on my map-fixated grandpa!
In conclusion:
Plot: 4.5 stars - Characters: 4 stars. The story alltogether? No idea (BTW, we need a more precise rating system, with -at least- increases by quarters)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bloom and Gloom is a Superb story and series about Lenora Blackwell a B & B Owner who is Psychic with Echo Sense and her very clever Psychic Ancient Cat Shadow and her Boyfriend Detective Gabe. Lenora is still learning her skills and is helped by Hetty Lovejoy. The town are holding a Founders Week Festival. Unfortunately the organiser is discovered dead. Detective Gabe with Federal Agents arrive as they are tracking Vampire Deaths and this death maybe linked. There are many possible pieces to this puzzle. Unofficially Lenora with her Magical Friends are looking into the mystery. But can they discover all the correct pieces? Can the truth be uncovered?
I enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this story and I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so happy to find a new series, and I was excited to start this second book in the series. I just love Lenora and her getting used to the magic around the town. She is once again embroiled in another murder, and this time one of her customers has disappeared along with the murder. I just love this series with its magic, a little bit of a mystery, and lots of fun side characters. I can’t wait to see what Lenora is going to do one the new year hits, and she gets…well, read this and find out what is going to happen next. 4 ½ rounded up to 5. Highly recommend. I was provided with a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
Review of advance copy
Just as Lenora’s life finally seems to be falling into place — with even her heart finding a new path — Eldergloom is faced with a new crime. This time, the loss involves one of her new friends, and the only clue leads back to the mansion: her very first guest.
Torn between protecting those who welcomed her as family and preventing the dream she fought so hard to build from literally closing its doors, Lenora must question what she believes — and feels — about the people around her. In a town where everyone has secrets, uncovering certain truths may change everything she hopes to preserve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Torn between protecting those who welcomed her as family and preventing the dream she fought so hard to build from literally closing its doors, Lenora must question what she believes — and feels — about the people around her. In a town where everyone has secrets, uncovering certain truths may change everything she hopes to preserve.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 28, 2026
This touched my heart and hurt my heart, too. Why was such a beautiful soul the one murdered?! And the person who committed the crimes (yup, more than one offense), was such a contradiction. The ending with the memorial for the deceased had me tearing up. It was so beautiful.
This was a really good book. I was kept on my toes trying to guess what was going to happen next. I’m looking forward to the next one.
This was a really good book. I was kept on my toes trying to guess what was going to happen next. I’m looking forward to the next one.
May 31, 2026
WOW, what a fantastic storyline.
This story picks up where the first book left off, and continues the story on down through. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I rejoiced, I cried, I worried all the way through it. I want that cat. it has a somewhat satisfying pending. I hope the last snag works itself out. Perhaps in the next book? I can’t wait. I would give it seven stars if that were possible
This story picks up where the first book left off, and continues the story on down through. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. I rejoiced, I cried, I worried all the way through it. I want that cat. it has a somewhat satisfying pending. I hope the last snag works itself out. Perhaps in the next book? I can’t wait. I would give it seven stars if that were possible
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews