Falling Leaves & Vile Deeds

A Darkly Southern Mystery #2

by Tam Lumière

It’s Fall in Darkly! Time for hot apple cider, cozy warm fires, and…murder!Windsor Ebonwood is looking forward to Darkly Island’s upcoming Gumbo Festival – a weekend of music, autumn ales, and gumbo. And with hunky Alpha shifter Keir Bane on her arm, what could go wrong, right? Quite a bit, Win finds out, when a trip to the local pumpkin farm results in her stumbling onto the dead body of the farmer, suffocated by one of his own prize-winning pumpkins.

If that isn’t enough, when the magistrate summoned to rule on Win’s half-sister Elspeth’s lawsuit is killed, the residents of Darkly wonder uneasily if the murders are connected and, even worse, who might be next.

Win and her friends vow to stay out of it and let Darkly’s new lead detective do his job. But when Elspeth is arrested and begs for her sister’s help in clearing her name, Win finds she can’t resist.

Win may regret her decision, however, when a long-held Ebonwood family secret is exposed and she wonders whether she ever really knew herself—or her family—at all.

If you enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries seasoned with pumpkin-spiced, crisp mornings, don’t miss Falling Leaves & Vile Deeds, Book Two in A Darkly Southern Mystery series⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I loved it, I loved it! From the first page to the last, I was immersed in the story. I was excited, surprised, sad a little and just full of emotions throughout the book. And with a little teaser for the next book, I just can't wait to get my hands on it!" ~ Sylvie

"Congratulations on what is sure to be a very successful, popular book." ~Tammy

"An original case, a twisty and turny mystery! The right vibe, the right flow, and full of Southern charm." ~ Nadine

"Well done! Got to know new characters, new places, and had frequent updates to mull over while we tried to solve the mystery. Loved the twist at the end and how earlier scenes tied into the culprit. Loved the comedic lines throughout the book. Pyewacket cracks me up!" ~ Holly

Genres: Magic

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...Because if there was one thing I had learned since arriving in Darkly, it was that nothing—absolutely nothing—was ever as it seemed."

Windsor Ebonwood is back in the second of the Southern Darkly series. And for a woman who didn't understand about witchcraft, witches and other magical characters she's learning fast.

Can she trust what she's learning, or learn how to trust. A great Aunt arrives and other strange things happen with yet another murder in the mix. And her half sister is a piece of work too.

I would highly recommend reading the first in the series before you read this one. It would be hard to top "Tolling Bells and Dark Spells" and in a sense I think this one tries too hard but it is still a great read. Recommended 4/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and chose to read and review it ]

[Jeanne Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and fast-paced read that kept me engaged from beginning to end. Tam Lumiere has a talent for drawing the reader into the story and keeping the momentum going throughout. I am looking forward to reading the next installment. I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Windsor (Win) Ebonwood looking forward to her first Gumbo Fest on Darkly Island. She's excited to spend the weekend with Alpha shifter, Kier Bane. Win goes to a local pumpkin farm and finds the body of the farmer. Then the magistrate who presided over the lawsuit that Win's half sister is killed. Win thinks the deaths may be related, but she and her friends decide to stay out of things. Then Win's sister asks her to prove her innocence so Win finds herself investigating.

This is the second book in the series and it was an exciting read. The book was well-written and the characters were well-rounded. I loved the southern island setting while the magical side was so much fun. I especially loved Pye and his antics. I did receive an ARC of this book and this is my honest, unbiased review. I was ultimately drawn into the book enjoying the way Win is growing into her magic and building relationships with family and friends. There's intrigue, mystery, romance, and some suspense. I found myself laughing out loud in places and crying in others. The mystery will keep you guessing. I enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next one.

[Dallass · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yah, my 100th new read of the year!

That being said, I had been looking forward to this book ever since I read the first book at the beginning of the year. This picks up not long after the events of Tolling Bells & Dark Spells, and it is now time for the court case regarding the inheritance of the lovely Jessamine Wilde that is being challenged by the interloper, Elspeth Wilde. During the ensuing court drama, threats are made, and when a prominent individual is murdered, well, Elspeth comes to Windsor for help.

As far as the mystery goes, it was pretty good. Kept me guessing for ages, and the old nursery rhyme clue was well done. However, it was the weird interactions between Keir and Elspeth, and Windsor's reaction to these clandestine meetings that really held my attention. Keir and Windsor are a great match, and we learn more about their personal lives and history in this book. Windsor actually has a relative pop out of the woodwork, so to speak, and boy, was it a shock... but can she trust this person?

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book. I flew through it in one sitting, and can't wait to see where the third book in the series takes the characters.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Darkly Southern Mystery series that grabs you and keeps you turning pages. Definitely unputdownable. It is fall and it is time for the Gumbo Festival and Windsor Ebonwood (Win), is looking forward to going with her boyfriend, Alpha shifter Keir Bane. Love the budding romance. But things take a turn when she goes to a farm only to find the farmer dead by pumpkin. What? And then when the judge who was to rule on Win’s half-sister Elspeth’s lawsuit is murdered. Something is going on. But Win and her friends decided to let the police handle the cases. That is until Elspeth is arrested as suspect number one in the judge's case and begs Win to help clear her name. This is a great, fast paced read that keeps you laughing and guessing at the same time. This is a really well written and fun series and I can't wait for more! I highly recommend this book and the first one as well and any book that follows! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Win continues to adjust to her life on the magical island of Darkly, helped by the loyal group of friends she has gathered since inheriting her grandmother Minta's book shop/portal. The last thing she wants is to find another body, but a grisly site awaits on a visit to the local pumpkin patch to get her Fall decor for her store. Who could have killed the kindly man by suffocating him with one of his own pumpkins?
Trouble escalates at the gumbo festival when multiple people are poisoned, including one of Win's best friends, and another death occurs. Is there more than one murderer in Darkly, or can the seemingly unrelated murders be linked. With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Win endeavours to solve the mystery, while sorting out her relationship with alpha Keir, and learning to fly on a besom (broom). The new detective in town wants Win to stay out of things, but that is not something Win is prepared to do.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

With figures being noticed in the fog that is normally in the swamp, right in town. A pumpkin farmer has been murdered, suffocated by a pumpkin magicked onto his head. At home, an Imp comes up and close to her home. Their usual homes are with in the fog, by the water. With the scare of the imp over, her front door has a knock. A visitor. A woman who turns out to be her aunt, who disappeared 45 years ago. Yes, people in Darkley live longer, but even 45 years is a long time.Wyn, Kier and crew find themselves more than bust. I truly enjoyed this book and how Tam Lamiere presents action, mystery and a all inclusive character list from every paranormal form and ties it all together in a riveting story line.

[tune81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun with this book! Win is getting used to being witch, finding her way with her new man, loving her friends, and exploring her new world. I laughed, cried, gasped, and growled in frustration as I read this! Sooo stinking good! I was so mad when I had to sleep or go to work. I love how the author keeps you guessing. It's never obvious like other stories. It could always be two or three suspects as you learn their stories and how how they intertwine. The larger mystery is masterfully woven in and so easy to miss important pieces. It raises questions and has you guessing. I can't wait to see what happens next! What are still doing here?! Hurry up and get to Darkley! You're missing out!

[K E Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great paranormal cozy mystery. Loved this second book in Darkly, a magical community. The friendships the main character Win has formed are fun. I laughed several times at their conversations, even the talking cat. They remind me of people I know. The names the author uses for people, places and things are comical too. It's a good mystery to solve. Everything comes together nicely in the end. Win is still learning about Darkly and its residents. More mysteries to solve in book 3. Definitely recommend!

[Dena · Rating 4 out of 5]

death becomes her

Our lovely Win has gotten herself into a pumpkin unfortunately. She and her friends are enjoying the Autumn season in Darkly and she is getting the pumpkins for the Gumbo Festival when she happens upon a dead body.

I absolutely love these stories and how she gets in and out of things. Things seem to be going wrong in some instances but right in others. However we see these bouts of friendship and love. I love the introductions of new characters and hope to see them in upcoming books.

Overall this was mysterious, cute and lovable!

[Dot Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and love it. A pumpkin farmer has been murdered, suffocated by a pumpkin magicked onto his head. With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Win wants to solve the mystery, while sorting out her relationship with alpha Keir, and learning to fly on a broom). The detective wants her to stay out of the way in solving the crime.

I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun book in a fun series

Another wonderful book in a wonderful series!! How do you describe a perfect cozy mystery? You don't. You let the characters like in this one where one of them says "Its like we were in a cozy mystery". How fun is that? I am lucky to watch this series develop through the ARCs I received for my honest reviews. I can only say to this author...when can I get the next book?

[Sylvie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a dull moment in this book!

I loved it, I loved it!  From the first page to the last, I was immersed in the story.  I was excited, surprised, sad a little and just full of emotions throughout the book.  And with a little teaser for the next book, I just can't wait to get my hands on it!

I received this book as part of an ARC team and this is my honest review.

[Becky]

Death visits Darkly, again, and Win Ebonwood is trying to figure out who had it in for the pumpkin man. Things take a very serious turn during the Gumbo Festival causing more mayhem and opening endless questions as to whether the death and mayhem are connected.
Another hit with me! Ms. Lumiere writes a spellbinding tale.

[Denise Reedy jasinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little bit of Halloween without it being Halloween

I cannot express how
Uch I enjoyed this book. Such a variety of characters. So much happening but expertly detailed description. You can't go wrong.

[Andi · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Sadly, this second installment didn’t grab my attention like the first, and the plot felt bloated. I think I’m done with this series.