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Ella Bloom Mysteries #1
Dying For Magic: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Ella Bloom can see magic no one else can, and it's leading her straight to a killer...
When Ella accepts a mysterious job in the picturesque town of Gloamington, all she wants is six months away from the noise of the city and a quiet place to call home. Instead, she finds herself assistant to Malcolm Fawkes, a renowned paranormal detective with no memory of hiring her—or much of anything else.
When magic that only Ella can see leads her to a murder, she discovers Gloamington isn't the quaint small town it appears to be. Five years ago, it was a magical haven until something went terribly wrong. Now the town's dormant wellspring—the Gloaming—is stirring again, awakening with Ella's arrival.
With a reluctant Malcolm by her side, Ella must navigate a web of secrets, suspicious townspeople and her own mysterious connection to Gloamington's magical past. Someone in town is willing to kill to keep magic buried forever. Ella's unusual abilities make her their next likely target.
The Gloaming is opening once more. Could Ella Bloom be the key to everything?Dying for Magic is the first in an enchanting mystery series from the creator of the blockbuster Beaufont universe.
When Ella accepts a mysterious job in the picturesque town of Gloamington, all she wants is six months away from the noise of the city and a quiet place to call home. Instead, she finds herself assistant to Malcolm Fawkes, a renowned paranormal detective with no memory of hiring her—or much of anything else.
When magic that only Ella can see leads her to a murder, she discovers Gloamington isn't the quaint small town it appears to be. Five years ago, it was a magical haven until something went terribly wrong. Now the town's dormant wellspring—the Gloaming—is stirring again, awakening with Ella's arrival.
With a reluctant Malcolm by her side, Ella must navigate a web of secrets, suspicious townspeople and her own mysterious connection to Gloamington's magical past. Someone in town is willing to kill to keep magic buried forever. Ella's unusual abilities make her their next likely target.
The Gloaming is opening once more. Could Ella Bloom be the key to everything?Dying for Magic is the first in an enchanting mystery series from the creator of the blockbuster Beaufont universe.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
185 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Noffke
234 books1,484 followersSarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 30, 2025
Fantastic story
I love this quirky little town and the people living there. They've all got their foibles and Ella and Malcolm are no exception. Cat with attitude? Check. Dog always up for an adventure? Check. Mysterious goldfish? Got that too. Magic? Maybe. More to come.
I love this quirky little town and the people living there. They've all got their foibles and Ella and Malcolm are no exception. Cat with attitude? Check. Dog always up for an adventure? Check. Mysterious goldfish? Got that too. Magic? Maybe. More to come.
January 31, 2026
Sarah wrote a COZY!!!! Who knew???
It should have been obvious. As a long time Fan of Sarah’s work, her obsession with Sherlock Holmes and mystery in general should have been glaringly apparent. I wrote it off, however, (all puns intended) as just fun she was having while telling a larger story. Geez! Have I ever been that wrong?
What you get with this book is an undeniably cute, exceptionally well written, clever and intriguing mystery. Now this book was published some time ago, in fact at least two more in the series have already been released, but it languished in my “To Be Read” pile as I shifted to catching up with other authors whose work had piled up on me. When I began the book, I knew this was a mystery, but I honestly didn’t even read the title until I started this review (I mean Sarah wrote it, so I knew I would like it, so who needs a title), so I think I was about half way through the book before it suddenly struck me that this was a cozy mystery. You can see where reading the title might have helped with that.
In any event, Sarah’s writing shines bright and clear throughout the entire book. As with most of her work, it’s a lot less about the story, or in this case the mystery, than it is about the people involved. The surrounding cast do get a bit of what I would call “summary treatment,” in that she introduces them to us quickly, rapidly filling in the role they will play in this and the books to come. But the characters around whom the story swirls? Those she builds slowly and delicately, allowing us to learn about them gradually as circumstances slowly reveal more. It’s a careful balancing act that offers just enough to captivate without giving away “the whole enchilada.” And it’s wonderful.
The mystery solved, it was another reveal that came at the end which caught me by surprise. To say the least I was impressed that Sarah gave so many sideways clues throughout the book, and yet she managed to perfectly obscure where it was all leading. Beautiful and beautifully done. Then, just for fun (and because she could) there’s one last surprise at the end that really shouldn’t have been a surprise either. But it was. So there you go. Once again, Sarah at her best.
If you haven’t read any of her other works, I couldn’t think of a better introduction to her writing than this book. Here you will find her playfulness, wisdom and of course her love of cats. There is a “relaxed” flow to the writing in this book that I can only describe as a sense of her Joy in committing the words to paper, a return to that place where she’s not “working,” but merely having fun in the process. It’s addictive and makes for a great read.
Even if you are not a fan of the “Cozy” genre, give it a try and I’m pretty darn certain you will ENJOY.
It should have been obvious. As a long time Fan of Sarah’s work, her obsession with Sherlock Holmes and mystery in general should have been glaringly apparent. I wrote it off, however, (all puns intended) as just fun she was having while telling a larger story. Geez! Have I ever been that wrong?
What you get with this book is an undeniably cute, exceptionally well written, clever and intriguing mystery. Now this book was published some time ago, in fact at least two more in the series have already been released, but it languished in my “To Be Read” pile as I shifted to catching up with other authors whose work had piled up on me. When I began the book, I knew this was a mystery, but I honestly didn’t even read the title until I started this review (I mean Sarah wrote it, so I knew I would like it, so who needs a title), so I think I was about half way through the book before it suddenly struck me that this was a cozy mystery. You can see where reading the title might have helped with that.
In any event, Sarah’s writing shines bright and clear throughout the entire book. As with most of her work, it’s a lot less about the story, or in this case the mystery, than it is about the people involved. The surrounding cast do get a bit of what I would call “summary treatment,” in that she introduces them to us quickly, rapidly filling in the role they will play in this and the books to come. But the characters around whom the story swirls? Those she builds slowly and delicately, allowing us to learn about them gradually as circumstances slowly reveal more. It’s a careful balancing act that offers just enough to captivate without giving away “the whole enchilada.” And it’s wonderful.
The mystery solved, it was another reveal that came at the end which caught me by surprise. To say the least I was impressed that Sarah gave so many sideways clues throughout the book, and yet she managed to perfectly obscure where it was all leading. Beautiful and beautifully done. Then, just for fun (and because she could) there’s one last surprise at the end that really shouldn’t have been a surprise either. But it was. So there you go. Once again, Sarah at her best.
If you haven’t read any of her other works, I couldn’t think of a better introduction to her writing than this book. Here you will find her playfulness, wisdom and of course her love of cats. There is a “relaxed” flow to the writing in this book that I can only describe as a sense of her Joy in committing the words to paper, a return to that place where she’s not “working,” but merely having fun in the process. It’s addictive and makes for a great read.
Even if you are not a fan of the “Cozy” genre, give it a try and I’m pretty darn certain you will ENJOY.
October 27, 2025
While cozy in the genre, this one has enough twists to keep it interesting. Also, it doesn't hit all the routine cozy checkboxes either - much appreciated. While there are animals involved, they do more than just be snarky side kicks (so far). The fmc (Ella) is staring from scratch on the magic frontier and finds out bits and pieces as the story progresses. The mmc (Malcolm) is a paranormal detective who is trying to salvage his past memories and hold on to his day-to-day thoughts. Ella enters his life thinking she is taking a temp job to collate his cold case files. The story progresses with a murder, solving the murder, and bringing magic from the Gloaming back to the town of Gloamington. Both Ella and Malcolm have a lot of history to uncover and plenty to look forward to as they work with the paranormal aspects of the reacquired magic in the town. A potential love interest is introduced but no romance is presented. I look forward to book 2.
August 8, 2025
OMG, I absolutely loved this. We join our fmc Ella Bloom as she enters the little picturesque town of Gloamington. A quaint town full of wonderful characters and a place that used to have magic! Ella is a great character who’s been orphaned from an early age and bounced around the foster system and is looking for a place to call home and ends up finding a dead body on the first day. It’s a suspenseful read, intriguing, and had me glued to the pages as we follow Ella and Detective Fawkes on their investigation and self discovery. Wonderful and descriptive world building, fascinating characters that I hope to get to know better, there’s twists and turns and one hell of a shock at the end and it has me hooked and eager to read more from this world.
October 13, 2025
Mystery and fun
Sarah has done it again. Another fun series with a mystery and a town full of magic. It has it all, interesting, strong, and magical main characters, intriguing side characters, pet companions, and a town I would love to live in. I am so looking forward to the next book to learn more of Malcolm's past and find out the mysteries of Ella and the magic she has reawakened.
Sarah has done it again. Another fun series with a mystery and a town full of magic. It has it all, interesting, strong, and magical main characters, intriguing side characters, pet companions, and a town I would love to live in. I am so looking forward to the next book to learn more of Malcolm's past and find out the mysteries of Ella and the magic she has reawakened.
October 13, 2025
wonderful story feels magical all the way
Never quite got what a ‘cozy’ mystery was before, but now I do and I love it! Most of the sci-fi and mysteries I read are full of action and tension for most of the book. This mystery is gentle and feels like the kind of book you want to curl up in your favorite chair with a cup of hot chocolate or hot apple cider and read all night. Very satisfying. Can’t wait for the next one to arrive.
Never quite got what a ‘cozy’ mystery was before, but now I do and I love it! Most of the sci-fi and mysteries I read are full of action and tension for most of the book. This mystery is gentle and feels like the kind of book you want to curl up in your favorite chair with a cup of hot chocolate or hot apple cider and read all night. Very satisfying. Can’t wait for the next one to arrive.
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October 1, 2025The Remarkable Sarah Noffke
I wasn't sure I'd be into this new genre of Sarah Noffke. But I should have known better, I absolutely enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters. Everything fit so well together. I don't know how she comes up with so many amazing stories. I definitely hooked and am waiting for book 2
I wasn't sure I'd be into this new genre of Sarah Noffke. But I should have known better, I absolutely enjoyed this book. Loved all the characters. Everything fit so well together. I don't know how she comes up with so many amazing stories. I definitely hooked and am waiting for book 2
October 2, 2025
Roaming in the gloaming
Brilliant ! wonderful ! What a cracking start to a new series can't wait for the next book , Ella and Malcom are a great pairing and I can see their partnership being amazing , I'm a Scot and I know about the gloaming love it , recommend this book great characters and a fantastic storyline can't for it all to unravel a great big well deserved 5 stars
Brilliant ! wonderful ! What a cracking start to a new series can't wait for the next book , Ella and Malcom are a great pairing and I can see their partnership being amazing , I'm a Scot and I know about the gloaming love it , recommend this book great characters and a fantastic storyline can't for it all to unravel a great big well deserved 5 stars
November 24, 2025
Just fantastic
This is my first from Ms. Noffke, and I have to say what a wonderful introduction. I loved every minute of it, twists, turns, excitement and anticipation on every page. Such a great job, and also, loved the author's notes, so funny. Now, can't wait to what's next in this wild adventure.
This is my first from Ms. Noffke, and I have to say what a wonderful introduction. I loved every minute of it, twists, turns, excitement and anticipation on every page. Such a great job, and also, loved the author's notes, so funny. Now, can't wait to what's next in this wild adventure.
October 7, 2025
Amazing!
I've enjoyed many books by this author, this series is on its way to being possibly a favorite. Ella and Malcolm make a good team, but I really want more with Shadow, Bagpipes, and Holmes!!!
I've enjoyed many books by this author, this series is on its way to being possibly a favorite. Ella and Malcolm make a good team, but I really want more with Shadow, Bagpipes, and Holmes!!!
December 6, 2025
I love this new start to a cozy mystery series. When Ella accepts a job as an assistant to a paranormal investigator, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. As the story unfold, it seems that there is more going on in this sleepy town then meets the eye, and it is all shrouded in magic.
December 21, 2025
I enjoyed meeting Ella and her new boss, Det. Malcolm who had the coolest golden retriever. Malcolm was a good mentor for Ella and they became fast friends, he was sorta like the father Ella never knew. The story was funny, magical and intriguing, so I know I’ll wanna read the next book.
October 3, 2025
Love Ella! And Bagpipes...
Sarah has done it again! Created a whimsical world that is fun and gentle.
A lovely escape.
There are even goats!!!
Can't wait for the next books
Sarah has done it again! Created a whimsical world that is fun and gentle.
A lovely escape.
There are even goats!!!
Can't wait for the next books
October 4, 2025
Good read
It was good. I enjoyed the story although I got lost in the thick of it. Her base writ8ng is good.
It was good. I enjoyed the story although I got lost in the thick of it. Her base writ8ng is good.
October 11, 2025
It was a cute, easy to read book.
October 14, 2025
Promising start to this new series.
November 13, 2025
A surprising book for me. Sweet and charming, but with a nice story and interesting characters. Will recommend and read book 2.
January 1, 2026
This was a fun start to the series. It was Medium paced, filled with magic, humor, mystery, quirky characters and a unique world.
January 23, 2026
Oooooh it's good
I love the way it's written.
One sitting and need the next book now.
I like the build up of characters too.
I love the way it's written.
One sitting and need the next book now.
I like the build up of characters too.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews