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Crones of a Feather #1
Spells and Subterfuge
A reluctant witch, a haunted funeral home, and a dead body. Welcome home, Hazel. Hazel Underwood has returned to her magical hometown of Foxfire Haven, Washington, with her tail between her legs.
A metaphorical tail, of course. Witches don’t have tails.
While renovating the old funeral home she inherited from her uncle, Hazel stumbles on a dead body stashed underneath the hearse. Who wanted the delivery-truck driver dead, and how did he wind up in Hazel’s garage? Chief Constable Hightower thinks Hazel might have killed Steve with her magic, and she’s determined to prove the handsome old curmudgeon wrong.
Suspects range from a beautiful vampire with a passion for potions to the garden store gnome, but as Hazel closes in on solving the murder, she learns there’s another mystery to unravel. What happened to Hazel’s uncle in his final years to turn him into an obsessed treasure-hunter? And does his story tie into Steve’s murder?
Hazel will have to team up with her witchy new roommates to catch a killer, stand up to judgmental small-town locals, and get her magic back on track. Who knew midlife could be so complicated?
The Crones of a Feather paranormal cozy mystery series is about starting over at midlife, magic, and building a sisterhood with strong, inspiring women. Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls in this fun, lighthearted series.
A metaphorical tail, of course. Witches don’t have tails.
While renovating the old funeral home she inherited from her uncle, Hazel stumbles on a dead body stashed underneath the hearse. Who wanted the delivery-truck driver dead, and how did he wind up in Hazel’s garage? Chief Constable Hightower thinks Hazel might have killed Steve with her magic, and she’s determined to prove the handsome old curmudgeon wrong.
Suspects range from a beautiful vampire with a passion for potions to the garden store gnome, but as Hazel closes in on solving the murder, she learns there’s another mystery to unravel. What happened to Hazel’s uncle in his final years to turn him into an obsessed treasure-hunter? And does his story tie into Steve’s murder?
Hazel will have to team up with her witchy new roommates to catch a killer, stand up to judgmental small-town locals, and get her magic back on track. Who knew midlife could be so complicated?
The Crones of a Feather paranormal cozy mystery series is about starting over at midlife, magic, and building a sisterhood with strong, inspiring women. Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls in this fun, lighthearted series.
231 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2025
About the author
Beth Dolgner
41 books476 followersBeth Dolgner writes paranormal fiction and non-fiction. Her interest in things that go bump in the night really took off on a trip to Savannah, Georgia, so it's fitting that the Betty Boo, Ghost Hunter Series of paranormal romance novels takes place in that spooky city. Beth's young adult novels, the steampunk Manifest and the urban fantasy A Talent for Death, also have paranormal elements. Her non-fiction work includes Georgia Spirits and Specters and Everyday Voodoo.
Since Georgia is obviously on her mind, you might think Beth lives there. Well, she did, but these days she and her husband live in Berlin, Germany, with their three cats. Beth misses those mild Georgia winters and proper iced tea, but there's no reason her characters can't enjoy those things.
Beth also enjoys giving presentations on Victorian death and mourning traditions as well as Victorian Spiritualism. She has been a volunteer at an historic cemetery, a ghost tour guide and a paranormal investigator. Right now she's chronicling the best spooky spots around Europe.
Beth is online at www.BethDolgner.com.
Betty Boo, Ghost Hunter Series
Ghost of a Threat,
Ghost of a Whisper
Ghost of a Memory
Ghost of a Hope
Manifest
Georgia Spirits and Specters,
Everyday Voodoo
Since Georgia is obviously on her mind, you might think Beth lives there. Well, she did, but these days she and her husband live in Berlin, Germany, with their three cats. Beth misses those mild Georgia winters and proper iced tea, but there's no reason her characters can't enjoy those things.
Beth also enjoys giving presentations on Victorian death and mourning traditions as well as Victorian Spiritualism. She has been a volunteer at an historic cemetery, a ghost tour guide and a paranormal investigator. Right now she's chronicling the best spooky spots around Europe.
Beth is online at www.BethDolgner.com.
Betty Boo, Ghost Hunter Series
Ghost of a Threat,
Ghost of a Whisper
Ghost of a Memory
Ghost of a Hope
Manifest
Georgia Spirits and Specters,
Everyday Voodoo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
July 22, 2026
A coven of menopausal witches? I’m in.
September 4, 2025
The first installment of the Crones of a Feather follows Hazel as she moves back to her hometown in Foxfire Haven, Washington. She moves into her uncle’s funeral home that she has inherited and is on a mission to have renters and fix up the former funeral home into an actual home.
As the first book in the series, it sets up the charming town and its quirky citizens, while Hazel is rediscovering her former hometown while trying to figure out who is the murderer. I did get a bit lost of all of the characters that were introduced but eventually focused on the renters and the main murder suspects. Which helped me a lot. As the story progressed, I loved how the renters became friends with Hazel and how they were willing to be friends and help each other. I loved how their spell work was with good intentions like: spell for confidence, housecleaning spell, home security spell, etc. Useful spells that I wish I could actually do.
I also enjoyed discovering how two names came about in the story. While the main mystery was solved there were also two big questions that were left unanswered that I hope as the series progresses we get those answers. The book does end in a hook, and I can’t wait to see how the coven handles it.
Perfect for readers who enjoy small town cozies with amateur sleuthing, a touch of magic, paranormal women’s fiction, and sisterhood.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
As the first book in the series, it sets up the charming town and its quirky citizens, while Hazel is rediscovering her former hometown while trying to figure out who is the murderer. I did get a bit lost of all of the characters that were introduced but eventually focused on the renters and the main murder suspects. Which helped me a lot. As the story progressed, I loved how the renters became friends with Hazel and how they were willing to be friends and help each other. I loved how their spell work was with good intentions like: spell for confidence, housecleaning spell, home security spell, etc. Useful spells that I wish I could actually do.
I also enjoyed discovering how two names came about in the story. While the main mystery was solved there were also two big questions that were left unanswered that I hope as the series progresses we get those answers. The book does end in a hook, and I can’t wait to see how the coven handles it.
Perfect for readers who enjoy small town cozies with amateur sleuthing, a touch of magic, paranormal women’s fiction, and sisterhood.
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted copy.
August 23, 2025
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I really enjoyed this author's Nightmare, Arizona series and I was excited to hear about this new series she's writing and jumped on the chance to read and review it. I started it shortly after receiving it as I was excited to start this new series. Spell and Subterfuge follows Hazel as she returns to her magical hometown. The book starts after she's been back for a little bit and she's searching for roommates to help her pay the rent of the old funeral home she inherited.
I have to admit it took me some time to get into this book, but that makes sense given that's it's the first book in a new series. This first book does have a very introductory feel and it took some time to get a feel for the town and the characters and start to remember who was who as the book progresses. The further I got the more I enjoyed it and got more into the story. I like this introduction to this series and am excited to see were it goes next and reading the next books as that means I get to see more of this town and the characters will start becoming more familiar.
The mystery didn't grip me as much, but I think that's because there's a lot going with this being the first book and it took some attention to remember who was who and how they were connected with the mystery as well as all the side characters this book introduces you to. I did like how hazel got involved and how she figured out what business she wanted to start as she learns more about the dead guy Steve. I did enjoy seeing the mystery play out and find out who had done it and why.
Hazel is a witch and she meets other witches as well as other paranormal species in this magical town. I liked how the magical element was part of the world as well as the mystery. Hazel is slowly getting back in the habit of using her magic and I liked learning a bit about how her magic worked and what being a witch entails in this world. I look forward to learning more about that in future books.
I think my favorite part so far is seeing Hazel slowly collect her coven around her, she finds her roommates throughout the book and I liked getting to know them and see them form a coven together and be there for each other. They are a fun to read about and I look forward to getting to know more about them.
To summarize: I enjoyed this first book in a new series. This first book does have a very introductory vibe as it sets the stage for the series and introduces the town and characters. It took me some effort to remember who was who, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and town. I look forward to future books in the series and exploring everything more. I liked reading about Hazel and the 3 roommates she finds throughout the book and how they form a coven. And I liked learning about the magic and supernatural creatures in this book and a bit about how it all worked. All in all this is a promising start to a new series and I am excited to see what happens next.
I really enjoyed this author's Nightmare, Arizona series and I was excited to hear about this new series she's writing and jumped on the chance to read and review it. I started it shortly after receiving it as I was excited to start this new series. Spell and Subterfuge follows Hazel as she returns to her magical hometown. The book starts after she's been back for a little bit and she's searching for roommates to help her pay the rent of the old funeral home she inherited.
I have to admit it took me some time to get into this book, but that makes sense given that's it's the first book in a new series. This first book does have a very introductory feel and it took some time to get a feel for the town and the characters and start to remember who was who as the book progresses. The further I got the more I enjoyed it and got more into the story. I like this introduction to this series and am excited to see were it goes next and reading the next books as that means I get to see more of this town and the characters will start becoming more familiar.
The mystery didn't grip me as much, but I think that's because there's a lot going with this being the first book and it took some attention to remember who was who and how they were connected with the mystery as well as all the side characters this book introduces you to. I did like how hazel got involved and how she figured out what business she wanted to start as she learns more about the dead guy Steve. I did enjoy seeing the mystery play out and find out who had done it and why.
Hazel is a witch and she meets other witches as well as other paranormal species in this magical town. I liked how the magical element was part of the world as well as the mystery. Hazel is slowly getting back in the habit of using her magic and I liked learning a bit about how her magic worked and what being a witch entails in this world. I look forward to learning more about that in future books.
I think my favorite part so far is seeing Hazel slowly collect her coven around her, she finds her roommates throughout the book and I liked getting to know them and see them form a coven together and be there for each other. They are a fun to read about and I look forward to getting to know more about them.
To summarize: I enjoyed this first book in a new series. This first book does have a very introductory vibe as it sets the stage for the series and introduces the town and characters. It took me some effort to remember who was who, but I enjoyed getting to know the characters and town. I look forward to future books in the series and exploring everything more. I liked reading about Hazel and the 3 roommates she finds throughout the book and how they form a coven. And I liked learning about the magic and supernatural creatures in this book and a bit about how it all worked. All in all this is a promising start to a new series and I am excited to see what happens next.
August 6, 2025
As a woman of a certain age, I’m loving this trend of midlife characters, and when I found out an author I love was writing a new series with one, I was excited. I’m happy to say I think I’m going to love this series just as much as her last series I loved. We are introduced to Hazel who has inherited a defunct funeral home which she’s turned into a home for her with three apartments she’s renting. As she finds her renters, so does she uncover a murder, and she’s moved to investigate. I am so excited about this series, and I can’t wait to see what the author has for us in the next book as this one was so darn fun. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 12, 2025
Such a fun, vivid and cozy magical murder mystery involving 4 middle aged women who end up becoming roommates at the local funeral home. I really enjoyed each character & their differences, but how they work well all together. Also, the witchy/paranormal aspects of the world is high-spirited and entertaining. The feeling of home by the end is so comforting between the 4 ladies.
The world-building and overarching plot are more dominant than the murder mystery in this one, probably because it is the first book in the new series. I did want more mystery because the conclusion felt fast.
Also, CLIFFHANGER.
I really love her writing and stories. Definitely check this & her Nightmare, AZ books out!
4.5 stars rounded up!
The world-building and overarching plot are more dominant than the murder mystery in this one, probably because it is the first book in the new series. I did want more mystery because the conclusion felt fast.
Also, CLIFFHANGER.
I really love her writing and stories. Definitely check this & her Nightmare, AZ books out!
4.5 stars rounded up!
September 3, 2025
Hazel Underwood has returned to her magical hometown of Foxfire Haven, Washington. She is renovating the old funeral home she inherited from her uncle and is looking for roommates and a job to help make ends meet. Before anyone even moves in Hazel stumbles on a dead body stashed underneath the hearse in the garage. Chief Constable Hightower thinks Hazel might have killed Steve with her magic, and she’s determined to prove him wrong. Meanwhile she also really needs to get her magic under control.
Any book that has a gnome as a character gets a thumbs up from me! Gnorris isn't the only fun, unusual character around though. There is a ghost haunting the funeral home, a vampire who works in her shop at night; and Hazel and her friends' familiars are birds. There is another creature who likes drinking at the tavern. I won't spoil the fun surprise of who it is.
Spells and Subterfuge is a great start to a charming and funny series. Hazel and her roommates will be a lot of fun. I like how quickly they became supportive friends. Hazel's new job and the name for it is perfect!
The mystery is good. I didn't guess the killer. I was just glad it wasn't ____ so they can stick around. Also, it looks like there might be an ongoing mystery concerning Hazel's uncle. The ending will leave you intrigued for the next one!
Thank you to Beth Dolgner for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Any book that has a gnome as a character gets a thumbs up from me! Gnorris isn't the only fun, unusual character around though. There is a ghost haunting the funeral home, a vampire who works in her shop at night; and Hazel and her friends' familiars are birds. There is another creature who likes drinking at the tavern. I won't spoil the fun surprise of who it is.
Spells and Subterfuge is a great start to a charming and funny series. Hazel and her roommates will be a lot of fun. I like how quickly they became supportive friends. Hazel's new job and the name for it is perfect!
The mystery is good. I didn't guess the killer. I was just glad it wasn't ____ so they can stick around. Also, it looks like there might be an ongoing mystery concerning Hazel's uncle. The ending will leave you intrigued for the next one!
Thank you to Beth Dolgner for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2025
The Golden Girls meet Practical Magic in this cute new series!
Hazel is a witch that moves back to her hometown into an old funeral home that her Uncle left her and what happens next had me not wanting to put my kindle down!
Bigfoot in a bar? A unique delivery business and 4 women who are completely hilarious and fun out to solve a murder.
I am totally hooked and ready for book 2 already!!
.
.
I was given this book free from the author and the review above is my own opinion.
Hazel is a witch that moves back to her hometown into an old funeral home that her Uncle left her and what happens next had me not wanting to put my kindle down!
Bigfoot in a bar? A unique delivery business and 4 women who are completely hilarious and fun out to solve a murder.
I am totally hooked and ready for book 2 already!!
.
.
I was given this book free from the author and the review above is my own opinion.
March 26, 2026
Great start to a new series! I loved the setting of a former funeral home for Hazel and her new friends/coven and familiars to live in, and the quaint town with just enough judgmental characters to make it fun. The mystery was solid and had me guessing until the reveal. And the ending leaves you on a cliff hanger. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Thank you to @beth_dolgner for the review copy.
Thank you to @beth_dolgner for the review copy.
May 11, 2026
Quick cozy read. Super cute.
Want to Read
June 7, 2026Recommended by Lola's Reviews
October 12, 2025
Not a bad start to a series. The writing isn’t always the strongest but it was a quick, easy read. I liked the start of the found friendship between the four women.
September 3, 2025
I LOVE her books. I have a Nightmare series hangover so I probably didn’t appreciate this book as much as I will once that wears off… but so good. I’m starting to like the witches! And the Bigfoot and Gnorris the Gnome! Can’t wait for book 2.
August 9, 2026
Up dated for the audio book version.
I was sad when this author brought her Nightmare, Arizona Paranormal mystery series to an end. It was such a great series, original and well worth a read. I had no idea what series would be able to take its place or fill the entertainment space it left behind. So I was glad to see the author was already bringing out a new series and we are already four books in and it is proving to be just as entertaining and captivating.
This is book one in that new series and I loved it. The author has a habit of coming up with the unusual and letting her imagination go and she did it again, having the main character looking for roommates to live in an old funeral home with her is just one example of her genius at work. I loved the different personalities, magic skills and even jobs that they each had. The feather familiars are a bonus too. It will be fun discovering how they grow as a group.
The mystery was just as good as usual and I had no clue who the killer was but was very happy to let the coven which it out and take me along for the ride.There is two mysteries running in this book, the main one, the murder does get nicely wrapped up but the story surrounding the strangeness of her uncles behaviour in his later years, i think will continue throughout the series but as I am already in love with the series I dont mind and will be getting the next book.
After years of not using her magic in the human world, a mishap has Hazel returning home to Foxfire Haven to hide out. Her uncle leaving her his funeral home, despite it's run down condition and the ghost of a previous funeral home owner in residence it is the prefect chance to start fresh. The only problem is with all the repairs needed it has her needing some housemates. She just hopes finding a dead man in her garage won't put anybody off. Even if she does find some housemates it won't be enough to get the heating fixed before winter and when Hazel finds herself offering the same service as the dead man, it puts her in the perfect position to find out who might have wanted him dead. Can Hazel find the confidence to use magic? Housemates? And A killer?
I liked the narrator. I have heard her narrate a few books and its always entertaining listening to her bring the characters to life.
I was sad when this author brought her Nightmare, Arizona Paranormal mystery series to an end. It was such a great series, original and well worth a read. I had no idea what series would be able to take its place or fill the entertainment space it left behind. So I was glad to see the author was already bringing out a new series and we are already four books in and it is proving to be just as entertaining and captivating.
This is book one in that new series and I loved it. The author has a habit of coming up with the unusual and letting her imagination go and she did it again, having the main character looking for roommates to live in an old funeral home with her is just one example of her genius at work. I loved the different personalities, magic skills and even jobs that they each had. The feather familiars are a bonus too. It will be fun discovering how they grow as a group.
The mystery was just as good as usual and I had no clue who the killer was but was very happy to let the coven which it out and take me along for the ride.There is two mysteries running in this book, the main one, the murder does get nicely wrapped up but the story surrounding the strangeness of her uncles behaviour in his later years, i think will continue throughout the series but as I am already in love with the series I dont mind and will be getting the next book.
After years of not using her magic in the human world, a mishap has Hazel returning home to Foxfire Haven to hide out. Her uncle leaving her his funeral home, despite it's run down condition and the ghost of a previous funeral home owner in residence it is the prefect chance to start fresh. The only problem is with all the repairs needed it has her needing some housemates. She just hopes finding a dead man in her garage won't put anybody off. Even if she does find some housemates it won't be enough to get the heating fixed before winter and when Hazel finds herself offering the same service as the dead man, it puts her in the perfect position to find out who might have wanted him dead. Can Hazel find the confidence to use magic? Housemates? And A killer?
I liked the narrator. I have heard her narrate a few books and its always entertaining listening to her bring the characters to life.
May 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this book! After meeting all of the characters in this one, I can’t wait to continue reading this series and seeing what happens! I loved the Golden Girls meets Practical Magic vibes. I also loved that there’s a gnome, vampire, and a Bigfoot. I can’t wait to see what other creatures might make an appearance!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 2, 2025
Crystal and Amber recommend Spells and Subterfuge by Beth Dolgner. This is book one in the paranormal cozy mystery series Crones of a Feather.
Our Expectations
We were instantly sold on the concept of Golden Girls meets Practical Magic! We grew up watching the Golden Girls and loved the idea of getting that camaraderie between the female characters with a witchy element mixed in. We also both love paranormal and cozy mystery so we were excited for a witchy whodunnit.
What We Loved
We were both in love with the all-magical town of Foxfire Haven from the start of the book. A small town in general is always entertaining, but one where all the residents are magical in some way or another added an entertaining layer to the story. Foxfire is the quintessential small town in that all the residents know each other and news travels fast. However, there were surprises around every corner, such as Bigfoots at the bar and gnomes in the garden, which made Hazel’s amateur sleuthing extra fun!
As expected, we loved the four women/roommates. The witchyness of the town allowed their quirkyness to be on display from the get-go, making the idea of these four women coming together and cohabitating in a former funeral home completely viable. While we do not know each character’s backstory fully, they brought a sense of wisdom and understanding to the table as they helped Hazel readjust to Foxfire Haven and come to terms with using her magic.
It is not a secret that witches have familars, and the crones of the Crones of a Feather coven are no exception. The familiars in this book were characters in themselves, with some having the personalities of their witches and others being a contrast to them. The familiars added to the vibe of friendship and banding together that flowed through this book and its storyline.
Final Thoughts
Spells and Subterfuge is a great introduction to the paranormal small town of Foxfire Haven. The women who become fast roommates are delightfully quirky and a reminder that women are a force to be reckoned with when they band together. The mystery kept us guessing with a parade of entertaining and unusual townsfolk as possible suspects as their stories unfolded and unraveled. Laugh-out loud moments like Hazel’s hearse delivery gig and a cast of side characters it is easy to get invested in make this a paranormal cozy mystery series we are excited to follow!
While a romance is not required in a cozy mystery, we like the hint of one brewing with the Chief Constable - it is giving light enemies to lovers, even if their pets are more the reason for the “enemy” designation!
Favorite Quotes
“Ah-ha! You’re what I like to call a mom witch. Always prepared and always ready with the right words of wisdom or cup of tea for the situation. Highly intuitive.” - Petunia to Hazel
“Bodies are expected in hearses. How is this a matter for the constables?” - dispatcher with Foxfire Haven Constables to Hazel.
Note: We received an ARC copy from the author, bur certify that this review is our honest thoughts and opinions.
Our Expectations
We were instantly sold on the concept of Golden Girls meets Practical Magic! We grew up watching the Golden Girls and loved the idea of getting that camaraderie between the female characters with a witchy element mixed in. We also both love paranormal and cozy mystery so we were excited for a witchy whodunnit.
What We Loved
We were both in love with the all-magical town of Foxfire Haven from the start of the book. A small town in general is always entertaining, but one where all the residents are magical in some way or another added an entertaining layer to the story. Foxfire is the quintessential small town in that all the residents know each other and news travels fast. However, there were surprises around every corner, such as Bigfoots at the bar and gnomes in the garden, which made Hazel’s amateur sleuthing extra fun!
As expected, we loved the four women/roommates. The witchyness of the town allowed their quirkyness to be on display from the get-go, making the idea of these four women coming together and cohabitating in a former funeral home completely viable. While we do not know each character’s backstory fully, they brought a sense of wisdom and understanding to the table as they helped Hazel readjust to Foxfire Haven and come to terms with using her magic.
It is not a secret that witches have familars, and the crones of the Crones of a Feather coven are no exception. The familiars in this book were characters in themselves, with some having the personalities of their witches and others being a contrast to them. The familiars added to the vibe of friendship and banding together that flowed through this book and its storyline.
Final Thoughts
Spells and Subterfuge is a great introduction to the paranormal small town of Foxfire Haven. The women who become fast roommates are delightfully quirky and a reminder that women are a force to be reckoned with when they band together. The mystery kept us guessing with a parade of entertaining and unusual townsfolk as possible suspects as their stories unfolded and unraveled. Laugh-out loud moments like Hazel’s hearse delivery gig and a cast of side characters it is easy to get invested in make this a paranormal cozy mystery series we are excited to follow!
While a romance is not required in a cozy mystery, we like the hint of one brewing with the Chief Constable - it is giving light enemies to lovers, even if their pets are more the reason for the “enemy” designation!
Favorite Quotes
“Ah-ha! You’re what I like to call a mom witch. Always prepared and always ready with the right words of wisdom or cup of tea for the situation. Highly intuitive.” - Petunia to Hazel
“Bodies are expected in hearses. How is this a matter for the constables?” - dispatcher with Foxfire Haven Constables to Hazel.
Note: We received an ARC copy from the author, bur certify that this review is our honest thoughts and opinions.
September 1, 2025
Good
Hazel’s new beginning in her childhood hometown isn’t off to the best start, when she discovers a body stashed beneath the hearse in the garage of her home, a former funeral parlour.
A new start, means new roommates, a small ongoing argument with the neighbour (and chief constable- grumpy but good looking), and the search for a job- but all that can only happen if she makes sure that the police get the actual culprit, and don’t pin the murder on her instead…
An entertaining start to this new series, where our fifty-something mother and grandmother, finally finds her coven of crones (all of whom have lovely bird familiars with a grievance against the local cat!). Like Dolgner’s Nightmare, Arizona series, this features a woman in her mature years, although Hazel is a little older still, and she is starting all over again.
Hazel is learning to love herself again, after her confidence was badly damaged living outside of the magical towns, and it’s fun watching her slowly gain confidence, especially with the loving help of her new friends and roommates.
The book ends with a hook, and it’s one I’m looking forward to learning a little more about in the next book!
An enjoyable read, this is a cosy mystery sure to be loved by those who were fans of the Nightmare series (I still miss Felipe though), as well as paranormal women’s fiction lovers.
Hazel’s new beginning in her childhood hometown isn’t off to the best start, when she discovers a body stashed beneath the hearse in the garage of her home, a former funeral parlour.
A new start, means new roommates, a small ongoing argument with the neighbour (and chief constable- grumpy but good looking), and the search for a job- but all that can only happen if she makes sure that the police get the actual culprit, and don’t pin the murder on her instead…
An entertaining start to this new series, where our fifty-something mother and grandmother, finally finds her coven of crones (all of whom have lovely bird familiars with a grievance against the local cat!). Like Dolgner’s Nightmare, Arizona series, this features a woman in her mature years, although Hazel is a little older still, and she is starting all over again.
Hazel is learning to love herself again, after her confidence was badly damaged living outside of the magical towns, and it’s fun watching her slowly gain confidence, especially with the loving help of her new friends and roommates.
The book ends with a hook, and it’s one I’m looking forward to learning a little more about in the next book!
An enjoyable read, this is a cosy mystery sure to be loved by those who were fans of the Nightmare series (I still miss Felipe though), as well as paranormal women’s fiction lovers.
November 20, 2025
Four Witches and Four Foul Familiars?
This is Book 1 of A Crone of a Feather Paranormal Mystery series where witches, bigfoot, a gnome, a vampire, and other magical folks live in Foxfire Haven, Washington. The four main witches are Hazel, Jo, Marlee, and Valerian. Their Familiars are all fouls: Perkins, a tiny burrowing owl; Gordon, a pelican; Stella, a tropical toucan; and Lonnie, a female raven - each bird mentioned in respective order to their human. Each witch is in their 50s. Hazel left Foxfire Haven when she was 18 or 19, because she was afraid of her magic. She moved to San Francisco for 30+ years, but moved back to her hometown after a couple of magical mishaps. Her Uncle Grant left his funeral home and land
to Hazel when he died. When she goes into the garage to check out the condition of the old hearse, she finds a dead body under the hearse. She becomes suspect number 1 after the constable talks to Hazel's daughter, Tara, who lives in San Francisco. Will Hazel and her three new friends be able to find the real killer and clear Hazel's name? The funeral home is haunted by Holman, the undertaker who lived there before Uncle Grant. You're going to love him as he berates the way people dress. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
This is Book 1 of A Crone of a Feather Paranormal Mystery series where witches, bigfoot, a gnome, a vampire, and other magical folks live in Foxfire Haven, Washington. The four main witches are Hazel, Jo, Marlee, and Valerian. Their Familiars are all fouls: Perkins, a tiny burrowing owl; Gordon, a pelican; Stella, a tropical toucan; and Lonnie, a female raven - each bird mentioned in respective order to their human. Each witch is in their 50s. Hazel left Foxfire Haven when she was 18 or 19, because she was afraid of her magic. She moved to San Francisco for 30+ years, but moved back to her hometown after a couple of magical mishaps. Her Uncle Grant left his funeral home and land
to Hazel when he died. When she goes into the garage to check out the condition of the old hearse, she finds a dead body under the hearse. She becomes suspect number 1 after the constable talks to Hazel's daughter, Tara, who lives in San Francisco. Will Hazel and her three new friends be able to find the real killer and clear Hazel's name? The funeral home is haunted by Holman, the undertaker who lived there before Uncle Grant. You're going to love him as he berates the way people dress. I gave this book a 5 star rating.
August 13, 2025
Hazel and her familiar, an owl named Perkins have moved to the town Hazel grew up in, Foxfire Haven. She inherited her uncles home, a funeral parlor he had made his home. Hazel has to fix up the 'house' with many repairs on a shoe string budget. She meets some of the towns interesting characters as she visits businesses looking for work. She has made fliers looking for people to rent a room and in short time has 2 renters. The house ghost, well he lives there free. He had been the funeral director a long time ago. Settling in has bumps and hurdles, but none bigger than the discovery of a murdered man stashed under her uncles hearse . To keep from possibly being charged with the murder, she starts snooping around. Seems he was the only one who could offer deliveries to the whole town. Doing a good deed, she helps a lady move a few bundles of chairs using the hearse. The idea hits her to offer delivery services to all who have a need for it. Beth Dolgner has a way of spinning a page turning mystery and her sense of humor, well, Hazel has decided to name her delivery service "Dead Easy Delivery"!
September 3, 2025
This is the first book in what will be a laugh out loud murder mystery series! The characters are as well as their familiars are great! Hazel and her familiar, an owl named Perkins had to move back to Foxfire Haven, the town she grew up in. Having inherited her Uncle's home, which just happened to be a funeral parlor complete with a ghostly resident. She has to renovate the building, but she can't afford it as she went around town to try to find a job. So she puts up a flyer asking for roommates and received really great candidates. Hazel, having try to live a normal life, her roommates are witches. When she finds a dead body under her uncle's hearse, she has to find out who killed the delivery man so she does not become a suspect. So with help from her roommates all the while using the hearse as a delivery service to earn some money to fix up the funeral parlor. This is such a fun, paranormal murder mystery series that once I began, I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see what will happen next. I highly recommend this first book and can't wait to see more. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
July 6, 2026
I have no idea how the author would feel about this description, but this book gave me major Golden Girls meets witches vibes, and I absolutely loved it. We follow a woman who returns to the supernatural town where she grew up after spending years living in the regular world, hiding the fact that she was a witch. After a series of life-changing events, she inherits her uncle's mortuary and decides it's finally time to embrace the magical life she left behind. Looking to fill the extra rooms, she begins renovating the house and searching for roommates, which turns out to be one of my favorite parts of the story.
Before long, three wonderfully quirky women join her, and together they create the sweetest found family as they reconnect with magic and build their own little coven. Their friendships were warm, funny, and full of heart, making me just as invested in the characters as I was in the plot. Add in a murder mystery, old friendships that need mending, and a community full of supernatural charm, and this became such a cozy, magical read. It does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for the rest of the series, and I'm already excited to see where these characters go next.
Before long, three wonderfully quirky women join her, and together they create the sweetest found family as they reconnect with magic and build their own little coven. Their friendships were warm, funny, and full of heart, making me just as invested in the characters as I was in the plot. Add in a murder mystery, old friendships that need mending, and a community full of supernatural charm, and this became such a cozy, magical read. It does a fantastic job of laying the groundwork for the rest of the series, and I'm already excited to see where these characters go next.
March 13, 2026
coming Home again
Hazel Underwood returns home to a magical community after inheriting the family biz. A funeral home from her uncle Grant, rather unexpectedly, and it came with another gift - a dead body under the hearse, not annnnnything she ever would want but there it is.
Hazel has a wild adventure dealing with her misfiring magic, which she didn’t use in the mundane world for twenty years with her human family and is now trying to reconnect with it, find roommates, a job, find the killer of the deceased and create a new community for herself - this is a surprising fun and sweet read!
Hazel us an underdog, struggling to put herself together, slow to make friends, doesn’t pretend to be anything but who she is, and the locals accept her (other than the obligatory mean girl and there is always at least one) but the relationships that begin and build in book one are delightful, can’t wait to see where book two goes and the murderer reveal? Shocking! And an absolutely worthwhile read
Hazel Underwood returns home to a magical community after inheriting the family biz. A funeral home from her uncle Grant, rather unexpectedly, and it came with another gift - a dead body under the hearse, not annnnnything she ever would want but there it is.
Hazel has a wild adventure dealing with her misfiring magic, which she didn’t use in the mundane world for twenty years with her human family and is now trying to reconnect with it, find roommates, a job, find the killer of the deceased and create a new community for herself - this is a surprising fun and sweet read!
Hazel us an underdog, struggling to put herself together, slow to make friends, doesn’t pretend to be anything but who she is, and the locals accept her (other than the obligatory mean girl and there is always at least one) but the relationships that begin and build in book one are delightful, can’t wait to see where book two goes and the murderer reveal? Shocking! And an absolutely worthwhile read
August 9, 2025
Spells and Subterfuge is the first in the new A Crones of A Feather paranormal mystery series and after reading Nightmare Arizona series I was looking forward to reading this and boy was I not disappointed. I love Beth Dolgner's writing style, she always pulls you into her stories with her fantastic storytelling.
Spells and Subterfuge sees a cast of older ladies and I'm here for it. I love the older vibe and the characters are great, I really liked Hazel, the way she was looking for clues to solve the murder reminded me of Jessica Fletcher with magic, probably the age and the detective skills, I say this in a good way because I love Murder She Wrote!
I enjoyed how this novel developed, the murder mystery had me hooked and I really liked how it played out and the reveal of who did it was great. I'm really looking forward to learning more about the characters and how the storyline develops throughout the series.
Spells and Subterfuge sees a cast of older ladies and I'm here for it. I love the older vibe and the characters are great, I really liked Hazel, the way she was looking for clues to solve the murder reminded me of Jessica Fletcher with magic, probably the age and the detective skills, I say this in a good way because I love Murder She Wrote!
I enjoyed how this novel developed, the murder mystery had me hooked and I really liked how it played out and the reveal of who did it was great. I'm really looking forward to learning more about the characters and how the storyline develops throughout the series.
August 12, 2025
When witch, Hazel Underwood is left a former funeral home by her uncle, she knows she must make it a home, but she will need roommates to help with all the renovation costs needed. Her first roommate is Josephine (Jo) Davenport, her second is a bartender. Soon she will have the three roommates she needs. When exploring the property, Hazel finds the body of a man in her garage that has been placed under the old funeral home hearse. Solving the crime will be the job of the police. After not practicing magic for years Hazel’s new roommates, also witches help her discover and hone her powers. Still needing funds to complete the renovations, she decides to use the hearse as a delivery van, and she names her business Dead Easy Delivery, which soon becomes a success. With a dead body and a new business, Hazel has her hands full. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.
September 2, 2025
Spells and Subterfuge is book 1 in the Crones of a Feather Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by Beth Dolgner.
This is a fun new series! Hazel Underwood has inherited a funeral home that is haunted by a former director. She is a non-practicing witch who is returning home under unfortunate circumstances. To help with the necessary renovations, Hazel needs roommates and a job. We learned what caused Hazel to have to leave San Francisco where her daughter and granddaughter live, and what happens when a witch does not practice her magic for too long. I really enjoyed getting to know Hazel and the three women and their familiars who came to join her in the former funeral home. The inhabitants of Foxfire Haven are unique. The mystery had me guessing until the end and I like the way Hazel handled it. The teaser at the end has me anxiously awaiting the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a fun new series! Hazel Underwood has inherited a funeral home that is haunted by a former director. She is a non-practicing witch who is returning home under unfortunate circumstances. To help with the necessary renovations, Hazel needs roommates and a job. We learned what caused Hazel to have to leave San Francisco where her daughter and granddaughter live, and what happens when a witch does not practice her magic for too long. I really enjoyed getting to know Hazel and the three women and their familiars who came to join her in the former funeral home. The inhabitants of Foxfire Haven are unique. The mystery had me guessing until the end and I like the way Hazel handled it. The teaser at the end has me anxiously awaiting the next book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2025
When fifty-something witch, Hazel Underwood, returns to Foxfire Haven after the death of her uncle Grant,she has hidden her magic for decades. An incident involving her daughter, and Hazel’s winky magic, causes her to flee to Foxfire Haven to start over.
She has inherited her uncle's funeral home, but, after she finds a dead body under the hearse in the funeral home’s garage, Hazel must investigate to prove her innocence.
With the help of three new friends, who are also witches, Hazel begins to gain control of her magic and finds that there are more mysteries to solve than she ever imagined.
I really enjoyed this book! As a “witch of a certain age” I loved the interaction between Hazel and her new friends and I look forward to seeing if a relationship develops between Hazel and her next door neighbor, Chief Constable Wyatt Hightower.
And the ending…talk about a surprise!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
She has inherited her uncle's funeral home, but, after she finds a dead body under the hearse in the funeral home’s garage, Hazel must investigate to prove her innocence.
With the help of three new friends, who are also witches, Hazel begins to gain control of her magic and finds that there are more mysteries to solve than she ever imagined.
I really enjoyed this book! As a “witch of a certain age” I loved the interaction between Hazel and her new friends and I look forward to seeing if a relationship develops between Hazel and her next door neighbor, Chief Constable Wyatt Hightower.
And the ending…talk about a surprise!
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!
September 4, 2025
Can the Magic Return?
Hazel Underwood has fled back to her small magical hometown of Foxfire Haven. Living in the mundane world since the end of high school, she moves into the funeral home left her by Uncle Grant. Trying to keep her wayward magic under control, finding a body under the hearse in the garage is not helping. Meanwhile, she looks for 3 roommates and a part time job. She finds both. Jo, reporter, Marlee, wedding planner plus Valerian, tavern bartender, they meld pretty quickly as roommates and witches. With the hearse as a delivery vehicle, she picks up deliveries and clues to Steve's murder from his former clients. As Hazel struggles to accept and control her magic, Foxfire Haven is feeling more like home if only she could solve the murder and avoid the grumpy Chief Constable.
Hazel Underwood has fled back to her small magical hometown of Foxfire Haven. Living in the mundane world since the end of high school, she moves into the funeral home left her by Uncle Grant. Trying to keep her wayward magic under control, finding a body under the hearse in the garage is not helping. Meanwhile, she looks for 3 roommates and a part time job. She finds both. Jo, reporter, Marlee, wedding planner plus Valerian, tavern bartender, they meld pretty quickly as roommates and witches. With the hearse as a delivery vehicle, she picks up deliveries and clues to Steve's murder from his former clients. As Hazel struggles to accept and control her magic, Foxfire Haven is feeling more like home if only she could solve the murder and avoid the grumpy Chief Constable.
September 18, 2025
Hazel has returned to her magical hometown after living in the mundane world for over 20 years. Although she has an adorable burrowing owl as a familiar, she hasn’t practiced magic since she left.
She has inherited the old funeral home, complete with resident ghost. Since there is major work to be done in the house, she starts asking around for roommates.
While figuring out what to do, she goes to check out the old hearse and discovers a body.
What follows is a nice mystery, a gathering of new friends, new activities and all-around good reading.
There isn’t any action or romance but there is humour and great characters. The ghost is critical of fashion, makeup and attitudes. The local police chief, who lives three doors away has a cat familiar that keeps going after the owl.
This is a fairly, quick, easy, enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
She has inherited the old funeral home, complete with resident ghost. Since there is major work to be done in the house, she starts asking around for roommates.
While figuring out what to do, she goes to check out the old hearse and discovers a body.
What follows is a nice mystery, a gathering of new friends, new activities and all-around good reading.
There isn’t any action or romance but there is humour and great characters. The ghost is critical of fashion, makeup and attitudes. The local police chief, who lives three doors away has a cat familiar that keeps going after the owl.
This is a fairly, quick, easy, enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next installment.
December 25, 2025
An exciting new series.
Hazel Underwood has moved home to Foxfire Haven, a town of magical beings, running from things in her past. She has inherited the old funeral home from her uncle and is renovating to add rooms for borders so that she can make some extra money. When she checks out the garage she finds a body shoved under the old hearse. She worries that this will make it tougher to find renters but it seems the opposite is true. In short order she has Jo, Marlee, and Valerian move in and become not just renters but friends, and the four become their own coven, and set about to fix Hazel's magic problems and solve the murder.
A fine cast of characters and a well written mystery make this another hit for Beth Dolger, and I look forward to seeing what adventures the Coven of Crones get involved in.
Hazel Underwood has moved home to Foxfire Haven, a town of magical beings, running from things in her past. She has inherited the old funeral home from her uncle and is renovating to add rooms for borders so that she can make some extra money. When she checks out the garage she finds a body shoved under the old hearse. She worries that this will make it tougher to find renters but it seems the opposite is true. In short order she has Jo, Marlee, and Valerian move in and become not just renters but friends, and the four become their own coven, and set about to fix Hazel's magic problems and solve the murder.
A fine cast of characters and a well written mystery make this another hit for Beth Dolger, and I look forward to seeing what adventures the Coven of Crones get involved in.
August 15, 2025
The start of another great series!
I never thought of crones as something to aspire to be. But this book has changed my mind. You find four amazing witches (the crones) that come together with their feathered familiars (clearly all birds) that find friendship and strength as their bonds grow and they become a coven.
Each witch brings her individual essence to the story to help round out the group. Together they follow the clues and solve the murder.
There is no real cliffhanger at the end only open ended possibilities for the next story.
Beth Dolgner is one of my favorite authors and yes I have read all of her other paranormal books. I will be waiting for the next story in this series.
I received a free advanced copy and these comments are mine.
I never thought of crones as something to aspire to be. But this book has changed my mind. You find four amazing witches (the crones) that come together with their feathered familiars (clearly all birds) that find friendship and strength as their bonds grow and they become a coven.
Each witch brings her individual essence to the story to help round out the group. Together they follow the clues and solve the murder.
There is no real cliffhanger at the end only open ended possibilities for the next story.
Beth Dolgner is one of my favorite authors and yes I have read all of her other paranormal books. I will be waiting for the next story in this series.
I received a free advanced copy and these comments are mine.
August 27, 2025
I enjoyed this book a lot. Although this was the first book in a new series, I was pleased by the small-town setting and astounded by the idea of living in a renovated funeral home. I was delighted by the characters and appreciated the unusual paranormal creatures which made an appearance. I followed the clues pertaining to the mystery as they weaved through the story like strings of yarn. I'm looking forward eagerly to see what other new adventures wait for these characters. I was thrilled to read the story as I've liked many of this author's other series. I received an advanced readers' copy. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post a review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this book.
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