Spells & Shenanigans

Misty Hollow #1

by Karen MacInerney

Welcome to Misty Hollow— charmingly weird, delightfully witchy, and now… possibly murderous.

When down-on-her-luck Amanda Appleton breaks down just outside Misty Hollow, Vermont, she expects car trouble—not cursed objects, spectral drama, or (especially not) enchanted vacuum cleaners. Taken in by the eccentric Blackthorne family, owners of the local magic shop The Crooked Broomstick, Amanda quickly learns the town runs on something more mystical than maple syrup and small-town gossip.

Oh, and her ghostly Aunt Matilda? She’s being eaten by some weird vampire bat thing. Spiritually.

As Amanda tries to save her aunt’s afterlife, hold down a job at a broomstick boutique, and avoid being hexed before breakfast, she’s pulled into a decades-old murder mystery—and apparently, she’s the “finder” destined to solve it. No pressure.

But when a body turns up and the wrong witch gets arrested, Amanda has no choice but to dive broom-first into Misty Hollow’s darkest secrets.

Murder, magic, and meddling ghosts—just another week in Misty Hollow.

Perfect for fans of witchy cozies, sassy spirits, and sleuthing with a side of sparkles.

220 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2025

About the author

I'm the author of the Agatha-nominated Gray Whale Inn mystery series, Tales of an Urban Werewolf. the Margie Peterson mysteries and the Dewberry Farm mysteries (plus a new fantasy in the works). My reading is like my writing: eclectic!

I grew up in the Northeast, but I currently live in Austin with my husband, two kids, and a houserabbit named Bunny. Feel free to visit me online at www.karenmacinerney.com; I love connecting with readers.

Reviews

[Pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting new series by Karen MacInerney

Amanda Appleton decides it time to leave her bad luck behind her and with her ghost companion, Aunt Matilda, sets out for a new life in Maine. Unfortunately, her luck seems to be following her because her car breaks down on the trip, but not before its faulty navigation system leads her to the outskirts of Misty Hollow, Vermont. Local police detective Zeke Parker comes to he and Aunt Matilda’s rescue, taking them to a local bed and breakfast where they can get a room for the night. While Zeke cannot see Aunt Matilda, Amanda is stunned to discover the innkeeper can see her! This comes in handy after Aunt Matilda is attacked by a strange, fanged, bat-like creature and slowly starts to disappear!
Innkeeper Beverly takes Amanda and Matilda to see sisters Agatha and Dahlia, owners of the Crooked Broomstick, in hopes that they will have a cure for Aunt Matilda before she completely disappears. While neither sister knows what is going on, they are willing to help and offer Amanda a job and both a place to stay until they find a solution. Amanda begins to believe her luck just might be changing. Until she discovers a body in the garden behind the cottage where she’s staying. When Dahlia is arrested for the murder, Amanda is determined to help her new friends out and discover the actual killer before it’s too late!
Karen MacInerney is one of those authors whose books I’ll buy on name alone. She has a skill in creating worlds that readers would love to visit, and Misty Hollow is no exception. Her characters are well written and her stories are carefully considered and well told. I love that in this story she’s worked in a second mystery to solve, and both stories are concluded in a logical, entertaining manner. I highly recommend Spells and Shenanigan’s, the first in the Misty Hollow Magical Cozy Mystery Series.

[Kelly - Words We Love By · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells and Shenanigans is the start of a brand-new series from Karen MacInerney, and honestly? I’m so glad I was here for it from the beginning. This book has everything I love about her writing,humor, heart, quirky characters, and a cozy mystery that keeps you turning pages, wrapped in a delightfully witchy package.
Amanda Appleton is a fantastic lead: relatable, slightly overwhelmed, and doing her best to keep it together while her world spins wildly off course. Enter Misty Hollow, a town bursting with charm, secrets, magic, and more than a little chaos. And then there’s Aunt Matilda… ghostly, dramatic, and absolutely hilarious. The banter between Amanda and Matilda is pure gold and quickly became one of my favorite parts of the story.
The mystery itself is well-paced and engaging, blending magical elements with classic cozy sleuthing. I loved how the witchy details felt playful rather than heavy, and the town of Misty Hollow practically sparkles with personality. Between enchanted objects, eccentric townsfolk, and a murder that hits closer to home than expected, this story kept me fully invested from start to finish.
This first book sets up the series beautifully, introducing a cast of characters I’m already attached to and a world I can’t wait to revisit. Amanda and Aunt Matilda are a dynamic duo I know will only get better with time, and I’m beyond excited to see what mischief, magic, and mayhem comes next.
If you love cozy mysteries with witches, humor, and a strong sense of place, Spells and Shenanigans is a must-read and a magical new series you’ll want to stick with.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a relatively short book (220 pages), this book has a lot going on and pulls you in quickly! The book starts with the line, "You have reached your destination." There is only one problem, Amanda thinks she is on the road to Portland, Maine, but her car just stops on the side of the road outside of Misty Hollow, Vermont at 2 AM in the morning and pronounces them arrived. If that doesn't make you wonder, the fact that she's accompanied by her deceased Aunt Matilda's ghost might. Fortunately, she is rescued by a handsome police officer who brings her to an adorable bed and breakfast to finish the night. Not only is the Innkeeper accommodating, but she can see Amanda's aunt. From there, things get more and more interesting. Half the town sees ghosts and half doesn't, there are feuding Witch families , and Aunt Matilda is attacked by what looks like a rabid vampire bat, and her "arm" starts to disappear! Just when Amanda thinks she has found help for her aunt, there is a murder! What is happening here? Why, despite all this craziness, does Amanda feel at home in Misty Hollow? Has she really arrived at her destination? I think you are going to want to join Amanda and Aunt Matilda on this crazy journey, and it looks like their adventures may not be over. I can't wait for the next adventure. A special thanks to the author for an opportunity to meet Amanda and Aunt Matilda! #Spells&Shenanigans #GreyWhalePress #Karen MacInerney #AMistyHollowMagicalCozyMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Wanda Shuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great 1st book in a brand new series by Karen MacInerney. In this series Amanda Appleton is traveling, well, moving for a new job opportunity and fresh start to her seemingly bad luck life. She is also traveling with her Aunt Matilda, who just happens to be a spirit and is only seen by Amanda (at least that what Amanda believes) when the car, packed to the gills, conks out on the side of the road when the gps decides she has arrived at her destination. She is nowhere near where she was intending to go, the road sign reads “Misty Hollow: Your destination for a magical vacation.” They soon realize that this quaint town is different and has a magical element to it. While Amanda is waiting for her car to be fixed, she finds a dead body behind the place she is staying and things get complicated!

This cozy has so many fun and intriguing twists to feel really fresh and exciting. Amanda decides to stay in Misty Hollow, VT and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to find out what really brought her to this town and who all the townspeople are, their quirks and more about the families that are feuding.

[Lindsey Mashon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fun read! I'm a busy mom and I don't have time to get bogged down in hefty books that take me weeks to get through. I was able to finish this book in a couple of days and it was such a bright spot in my week. The pacing was excellent! Although it moved quickly, I never felt that it rushed or failed to explain things well. The characters were quirky and relatable without falling into any of the stereotypes that would make it feel stale. And despite the excessive amounts of murder mysteries I consume in book and movie form, the reveal surprised me in the end! I genuinely can't wait to return to Misty Hollow and see what else these characters get up to!

[Vicki May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda thinks she is on her way to Portland, Maine for a new start but her car dies right outside Misty Hollow, Vermont. Now she and her ghostly Aunt Matilda are waiting for car repairs when something attacks Matilda and she and Amanda must seek help from the Crooked Broomstick. Soon there is an old mystery and new body that drags Amanda into Misty Hollow even deeper.

Spells and Shenanigans is a great mystery but also a fun, fast read. I don't normally read anything paranormal but thoroughly enjoyed this book and its quirky characters. I eagerly await the next in this series.

[tricia galie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interested in delightful characters, mystical occurrences and a few mysteries waiting to be solved? Karen MacInerney’s newest book, Spells and Shenanigans, offers all of this and much more! It’s a delightful, lighthearted story that will keep you engaged until you finish the last page. You’ll want to find out how Amanda Appleton is able to solve several murders in order to keep her ghostly aunt from disappearing. The witchy occurrences and mystical characters will pull you in and keep you reading.

Can’t wait to see what Amanda will discover in the next book!

[Laurianne Borsari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a sneak peak teaser for this book several years ago and kept an eye out for it ever since. I was excited to see that it was coming out and preordered it right away. What a fun, new series. I love the “charming” little town and the interesting & quirky characters. This story flows quickly and smoothly and keeps you entertained. This is a different genre from what I am used to reading by this author but it did not disappoint! Looking forward to the next in the series.

[BethAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells & Shenanigans is the first book in a new series by Karen MacInerney. It is a fun, fast-paced cozy mystery full of magic and charm. Set in the quirky small town of Misty Hollow, it pulled me in right away. I loved Amanda and her ghostly Aunt Matilda—their dynamic was delightful. A quick, entertaining read. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book of series! Amanda is guided to Misty Hallows with her ghostly Aunt. The adventure begins with a bat, another ghost, witches, kitten, two murders to solve, and a possible love interest. Her car still is not fixed so she is staying in town with her newly found ability. Bring on the next book so we can find out what happens next in Misty Hallows.

[Tammireadstoomuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cozy paranormal from one of my favorite authors! I normally stick to just cozy mysteries so this was a bit new for me ( as well as something different from this author) but I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope there are more to come. I couldn't put ot down. Read in 3 days, despite being busy for the holidays

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a hoot! Mystery and mayhem abound in a small town with friendly residents and its share of murders. Broken appliances that rise to the occasion when dastardly deeds are afoot. Ghosts that lurk but can only be seen by a few. Then there are potions a plenty along with a little black kitten who saves beloved Aunt Matilda. A laugh out loud book.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Karen MacInerney’s books, but this first in the series book was great! I love paranormal mysteries and I love a good series. Besides the ghosts and witches, there is a bit of romance and a beautiful Vermont small town setting. Looking forward to the next one!

[ANNETTE SCHUMERS · Rating 5 out of 5]

what a fun cast of characters and a fun location. Enjoyed the way the characters came into the story. I got so caught up in the area and just imagined myself walking around and seeing all the sights of the town. Looking forward to the next book . I smiled and laughed out loud. Very charming.

[Lyssa F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spells and shenanigans - fun, ghostly book.

A magical, ghostly cozy mystery book 1 - loved the story line and all the characters. Small town filled with witches, cursed things and many ghostly apparitions. They have to find the real killer before someone goes to jail.

[Heather Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I love the characters. I love the little town. I just can’t wait for the next book.

[Bunny B. Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read

This book is different from Karen's other ones but just as good. If you enjoy witches and magic this is for you.😍😁

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book to begin the new year! I M a big fan of this author. Looking forward to more stories about Amanda and Misty Hollow.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen MacInerney has done it again—what an absolute delight of a read! This first book in her brand‑new series is bursting with charm. The main character is instantly likeable and wonderfully relatable, and the supporting cast is both endearing and genuinely laugh‑out‑loud funny.

Misty Hollow itself is so enchanting that you can’t help wishing it were a real place you could pack a bag and visit tomorrow. I was pulled into the story from the very first page and found myself grumbling every time real life forced me to set it down.

Karen’s signature style shines through: light, uplifting, and sprinkled generously with humor. I’m already eager to see what will happen next for the residents of Misty Hollow, and can’t wait for the next installment in this fabulous new series.