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A Miller's Magical Mystery #1

Murder Among the Hives

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Megan Miller’s first day as a magical liaison comes with one small complication—murder.

After a lifetime of homesteading on Whidbey Island with her familiar, a stubborn dairy cow named Gertie, Megan’s ready for a new challenge. When she volunteers to triage a suspicious death, she figures she might brush up against something supernatural—but she doesn’t expect the case to hit quite so close to home.

The victim was a local beekeeper—and ever since her death, the hives have turned unusually aggressive. As Megan digs deeper, she uncovers tangled secrets where magical motives and mundane grudges blur. If she can’t solve the case, her new job will be over before it’s even begun.

Perfect for fans of witchy small towns, magical mysteries, and charming animal sidekicks, this paranormal cozy will have you spellbound.

157 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 23, 2026

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Eloise Everhart

13 books18 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for lorenzodulac.
235 reviews
May 3, 2026
Short and sweet, cozy, magical, what more could you want out of a witchy murder mystery? I regret not reading the Williams Witch series before I read this one, I’ll admit. I didn’t simply because I didn’t know it existed, but this spin-off series can definitely be read on its own, I had no issues understanding anything. I just think I may have enjoyed it even more if I was already a fan of that other series, which I’m not. But that’s okay, this book was still a 4 star read and I can’t wait to jump into the next one.
I loved so many things about this world. First of all, I usually like me a good fantasy/mystery hybrid, and here it worked great too. The main character, Megan, is such a good protagonist, she’s so sweet. I even liked her with Victor, I found myself rooting for them as a couple (as much as I could, with the little time together they have in this book) and I don’t normally really care for romance in my mysteries.
It’s a magical world, we have witches, but also werewolves and familiars. The familiars were such a surprise to find in this book, and one of its highlights. Megan’s familiar is a cow. In this world it’s generally acknowledged that they’re cats, but she has a cow, Gertie. Come on! I really liked that part. I loved the powers the MC has, especially her connection with animals.
Megan’s also part of a coven, as witches tend to be. That’s where I started to regret not having read the other series from this same universe. Because with all the other characters all we know are very much just surface level things. I can’t recommend reading the other series first because I haven’t read I myself, I can only say it’s probably the way to go because of the experience I had with not reading it.
The mystery part was alright, nothing groundbreaking. It’s more character-focused, with the mystery still being the main driving force of the book. It’s a chill murder mystery for sure, a cozy one.
Overall, I would recommend, even if you don’t want to read the Williams Witch Mysteries before you read this book. You will be slightly confused though. Or better yet, dissatisfied with the way the characters are portrayed. Which is completely fine, because they were probably portrayed properly in that other series. That’s why I suggest you read that first. But yeah this book was short, cozy, it read very quickly, and I really liked it. I’ll be continuing on with the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Stacy.
279 reviews95 followers
January 25, 2026

ARC REVIEW

This cozy mystery is a delight. A great palate cleanser. I found this fast-paced, well-written book to be enjoyable. This is the first book in a new series. Megan is a likable character. I look forward to her next mystery.
180 reviews4 followers
February 7, 2026
Great new series!

If you read and enjoyed the Williams Witch Mysteries by Eloise Everhart, you'll definitely want to read this. It's a spinoff from that series, with the main character being Megan Miller, granddaughter of one of the cursed witches in the Williams Witch Mysteries. What's extra nice is that many of the previous characters are in this series as well, so I felt right at home, already comfortable with a number of the characters.

Megan, with the curse now gone, thanks to Dani and the rest of the coven in the last series, is the new liaison between the city council and the Wardens of the West in her home of Point Pleasant in Whidbey Island, Washington.

Her first task is to investigate a murder and figure out the culprit, to determine if it should then be handled by the police or the Wardens. She sets out to do this, with the help of her coven and her familiar, Gertie the cow, and the town coroner.

The book feels lighter in tone than the last series, which I liked, and things got wrapped up nicely by the end of the book. The book is well written, and gives us a great feel for this young woman who isn't used to people (due to that family curse). There's a potential romance, an intriguing mystery, and wonderful characters.

Looking forward to what's next for Megan in book 2!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,770 reviews20 followers
February 20, 2026
First book in a new series but it’s a spin off/ continuation of the Williams Witch series. You don’t need to have read those books to enjoy this but most of the relationships were established there so you’ll be missing a bit of background on that and some great stories but I digress.
This is Megan Miller’s first day as liaison between the town and the wardens. As she’s spent most of her life cursed to be untrusted on sight being around people and interacting is still tentative. To add even more fun to her nerves and insecurities there’s a murder and the two sides (town and warden) are arguing over jurisdiction. She volunteers to step in to smooth things over and quickly finds herself in over her head. Thankfully she’s not alone she has her friends and coven to help. Along the way she learns there’s a lot more to the town than norms and witches and she gets a bit more confidence in herself.
A very entertaining and enjoyable story! I love that Megan is the main character as her curse was so severe that really she’s been a recluse so now we get to see her grow and live freely. I also like that she’s a bit more shy, tentative less confident than Dani so while many things are the same the stories have a completely new feel to them. I like Megan and I am eager to learn more about her as the series progresses. The mystery is tricksy and I would never have guessed the culprit. Not even on the radar! Great beginning and can’t wait for more!! I received an arc via BookSirens this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Claressa Hallman.
162 reviews20 followers
March 8, 2026
4.5 rounded up!

Murder Among The Hives | Eloise Everhart

Fresh off a curse resulting in her being a social pariah, Megan Miller begins her new job as a city employee in Point Pleasant.  Acting as a liaison between the human police department and the magical community, she must rely upon her magic to find a murderer.  Will Megan find the culprit?

I loved the female friendships in this book.  The women in Megan's coven were wholesome and faithful.  Megan herself was a fun, relatable character.  

The mystery was a true whodunit.  It kept me guessing throughout.  I enjoyed the  journey along with Megan as the case unfolded.

Did I mention Gertie, Megan's dairy cow familiar?  I'm a sucker for an animal sidekick and this book delivered.

This was a fun, short read that I enjoyed emensely.  I look forward to reading Megan's next investigation!

Thank you BookSirens and Eloise Everhart for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,234 reviews135 followers
May 1, 2026
" It's just a job. If they didn't want me here, they wouldn't have hired me, right?"

Megan Miller, a farmer and a witch, has been hired by the town to be a liaison between the magical and human community. But can she do it? She doesn't see herself as capable of anything but farming and now to be seen as an integral part of the community?

Her first job is to investigate the murder of a dryad, if she can get by the apiary's mourning bees. With the help of her coven she not only overcomes that but is able to come up with some pretty good ideas in how to slice the case.

It is so nice to have a paranormal. "almost normal " mystery. It isn't solved solely by magic but by wits. I can hardly wait for the next one. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens which in no way affects my reading or review]
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,230 reviews47 followers
January 24, 2026
Such an entertaining story!

This is the first book in a new series that follows the Williams Witch Mysteries series, and I found this just as addictive. Spells, familiars, Wardens, Dryads, Werewolves and more kept the pages turning!

While you don't NEED to have consumed the Williams series before this one, you should, so that all the connections and layers of the past storyline line up.

Megan is doing her very best to solve the mystery of why a local Beekeeper is deceased, and who's responsible.
The town council, Chris and his department (and even Meredith) expect her to find the answer, but it's not as easy as it seems!

The Coven guides and supports as usual, and I really enjoyed being back in this world.

I can't wait for the next portion of this story 😍
Profile Image for Kira Sivan.
55 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2026
Thank you to Eloise Everhart and BookSirens for this free ARC.

Murder Among the Hives takes us back to the town of Point Pleasant in this spin-off of A Williams Witch Mystery series. This time, instead of Dani Williams, supporting character Megan Miller takes the lead as she starts her new job for the city council with a bang—or rather, a buzz!


✍🏽📖 The Reading Experience

Just like the original series, the pacing here is engaging and easy to read. You don't need to have read the previous books to understand this one, though for returning fans, like me, the callbacks to locations as well and previous cases are nostalgic. We get more internal monologues with our Megan than we did with Dani, which reflects her character and backstory. The mystery itself was as well executed as always and griped me till the end.


📚 The Story

The story picks up just three days after the epilogue in Charmed and the Cursed Coven. Megan is beginning her new role as liaison between the Point Pleasant City Council and the Wardens (supernatural 'police’).

Right off the bat she get her first assignment—a murder. Megan must figure out whether the killer is magical in nature—which would put it under the new local Warden, Miranda Blackwood's purview—or if it's a 'mundane' crime that should be handled by Sheriff Chris Harris.


🪄 The Magic System & Worldbuilding

The worldbuilding expands with this new series. Megan herself is a witch that specializes in illusions and 'change' spells, rather than divination like Dani and her 'sight' spells.

It was interesting to see how her upbringing on a farm influenced her magic. She has a talent for fixing things and has a way with animals. We also get to see the wider supernatural community other than witches and ghosts.


👥 Characters

Megan & Gertie: Those of us who've read the original series are familiar with Megan, yet reading this, she felt entirely fresh and new. I already knew she had a hard life, but it really hits home now that we're following her and getting her perspective.

I mentioned we hear more internal dialogue with Megan than we did with Dani, and I think it's because of her past. The curse she had previously been under had made it so that she was distrusted for years, and only recently was it broken. So, for the better part of her life, she had to keep to herself, with only her mother and her familiar, Gertie, for company, so talking to herself is unexpected.

We also see how it's shaped who she is now. Always being mindful of her surroundings, as well as suffering crippling self-doubt: about her magic, other interactions towards her, and even inadequacy in regard to essentially taking over from Dani in the sleuthing department. It showed that just because a curse lifts, it doesn't mean that the experiences under its effects go away overnight if ever, which I'm glad about as it gives it a weighted reality instead of the trauma being glossed over.

Dani & the Coven: Speaking of Dani, it was wonderful seeing her again! She didn't get a lot of page time—which is a good thing; this is Megan's time to shine after all—but it was great to see that the rest of the coven are still there to support Megan as they did before.

Victor: I loved his eccentricity before, but I love him even more now! I noticed the tiniest hint of something between them at Dani's wedding, and I was smiling as I read their interactions here. They are so cute together. I can't wait to follow their blossoming relationship, whether they stay friends or become something more.

Gertie: I can't mention characters without mentioning a very special someone. Her being a cow is a fresh take on a witch's familiar, and while strange, I like it! It's always interesting to see more unusual creatures as animal companions.


✔️ Final Thoughts

Overall, this is a fantastic start to the spin-off. Meeting new characters and returns of old favourites. I loved getting to know Megan better and seeing another side of Point Pleasant. I'l looking forward to being back in town for the next book! 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Leanne.
1,355 reviews104 followers
February 4, 2026
Murder Among the Hives is an utterly charming paranormal cozy that delivers exactly what it promises: witchy warmth, small‑town quirks, and a mystery buzzing with both magic and mischief. From the very first chapter, Megan Miller feels like the kind of heroine you want to follow—capable, kind, and just a little overwhelmed as she steps into her new role as a magical liaison. And honestly, who wouldn’t be, when your first day on the job comes with a murder and a herd of furious bees.

The Whidbey Island setting is wonderfully inviting, full of that slightly eccentric, close‑knit energy that makes cozy mysteries so comforting. Megan’s bond with her familiar, Gertie the stubborn dairy cow, is a highlight. Their dynamic adds humour and heart to the story, and Gertie steals every scene she’s in without ever feeling gimmicky.

The mystery itself is nicely layered, blending supernatural elements with very human motives. The beekeeper’s death sets off a chain of secrets, grudges, and magical oddities that kept me happily turning pages. I especially enjoyed how the book balances the whimsical with the grounded—aggressive hives, magical politics, and small‑town gossip all swirl together in a way that feels fun rather than chaotic.

Megan’s determination to prove herself, even when the case hits close to home, gives the story emotional weight. Watching her navigate new responsibilities, new allies, and new dangers makes her easy to root for. The supporting cast adds colour and personality, and the magical worldbuilding is sprinkled in with a light touch that keeps the story breezy.

If you love paranormal cozies with heart, humour, and a dash of witchy charm, this is a delightful start to a series that promises plenty more magical mysteries to come.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
Author 3 books31 followers
May 18, 2026
I came across Murder Among the Hives by Eloise Everhart on BookSirens, and it caught my eye specifically because of the cover. The blurb sounded intriguing between supernatural elements and a murder mystery, so I decided to snag a review copy.

I'll admit, I went into this story with some doubts. It's roughly 150 pages long, which is too short for a cozy murder mystery, in my opinion. Most cozy mysteries I've read that are that short tend to fall short for me. They feel incomplete. Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened with Murder Among the Hives.

The story follows Megan Miller, a witch settling into a new life with a new job and is roped into solving a murder among the small town. She's extremely insecure and, given her background, rightfully so. However, her background is merely touched upon without a full explanation. Even though this is book one, I felt like I had missed something.

Being a witch, Megan has the power to create and perform spells with her coven. Her magic takes shape in the form of rose petals, but why? It's a cool concept, but there's no explanation for how the magic system works in this world other than "this is how it is."

Most chapters involved Megan questioning a new character about the case, which felt monotonous after a while. In the end, Megan gains a little bit of confidence, but still manages to miss the mark while still thinking her friends don't want her around.

I really would have loved to see some worldbuilding and actual character growth throughout the book. I couldn't connect with the characters or the setting at all.

That said, the actual plot was pretty good. I can't say much to avoid spoilers, but the beekeeping angle was unique. I just wish I could have seen more of it.

I received a review copy for free via BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are honest and my own.
Profile Image for Angel.
360 reviews34 followers
May 26, 2026
Everyone knows I love a witchy read, a mystery, a murder, an animal character, and a cozy read on a rainy day. On Book Sirens I found the Miller’s Magical Mystery series by Eloise Everhart and she delivered all that and more - TWICE! (I read them so close together that I am reviewing them together. I believe you could read them out of order without any trouble, but it’s more fun to start with Murder Among the Hives, in my opinion.)

I absolutely loved Murder Among the Hives and then went right into Murder Between the Stacks and now I am 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 to find that there’s already a third book in the works! It’s called Murder Under the Moon and Goodreads says it comes out July 24, 2026.

The main character Megan has spent her life on the farm, really staying out of the small town limelight. When she finds herself suddenly acting as a liaison between the magical communities representatives and the very human town government, things change really quickly. She is helping to solve one murder then another within two months.

Megan is a witch, with a fabulous familiar named Gertie who may, or may not, play a little soccer. This story is delightful!

The secondary characters span all the magical possibilities from dryads to vampires, the tension is there between factions but the story stays cozy. There are murders but Megan is sleuthing in the vein of traditional whodunnits only with extra whimsical, magical flare! From beekeeping to magical books, this series made me feel so happy!

The inclusion of details about how her magic is replenished, how she observes the paranormal in others, and even particular details of how her magic manifests were awesome. I really liked it that these things were explained in a way that really helped me picture it all like I was there.

I am fully immersed in this story, plan to buy paper copies, and can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Rebekah Price.
51 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2026
Murder Among the Hives is a paranormal cozy mystery novella featuring witch Megan Miller and serves as a spin-off of the Williams Witch Mystery Series. As a reader who has not previously read the parent series, I found this novella easy to follow, accessible, and immediately engaging. It stands well on its own while also sparking a strong interest in exploring the original series.

Everhart’s writing style is smooth and inviting, guiding readers through the mystery alongside Megan in a way that feels fair and satisfying. The clues are thoughtfully placed, allowing readers to actively participate in solving the mystery without the story being bogged down by unnecessary details or excessive red herrings. The pacing is especially well-suited to the novella format; it is tight, focused, and engaging from start to finish.

The small-town setting is charming and atmospheric, with a cast of townspeople that adds warmth and personality to the story. I also appreciated the “good witch” angle and absolutely loved Megan’s familiar, Gertie, a dairy cow who brings humor and heart to the story. Gertie quickly became a standout character, and I look forward to seeing her relationship with Megan develop further in the next installment.

I am particularly excited to continue the series with Murder Between the Stakes, both to see how Megan’s magical journey evolves and to find out whether her friendship with Victor might grow into something more.

I rate Murder Among the Hives 4.5 stars and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy cozy, witchy murder mystery novellas with strong characters, clever clues, and a welcoming small-town vibe. This book left me spellbound and eager for more.
68 reviews2 followers
Read
March 5, 2026
This was an absolutely delightful cozy murder mystery that takes us on an adventure all across the adorably quaint Whidbey Island where our heroine Megan Miller lives with her familiar--a gentle giant of a cow named Gertie.

This is book 1 of a new series with Megan as the liaison between the human and preternatural sides of town, where she can use her witchy powers to investigate the death of Avery, a dryad and beekeeper who was recently murdered. Although book 1 of a series, the book did at times feel like it was referring to events that had happened in earlier books; I am assuming that this is another series set in the world of Whidbey Island. There were not very many of these instances, and it did not detract from the story at all, and in fact just made me want to read more about the mysteries investigated by the other residents of the island!

I really enjoyed the interactions between Megan and her coven, and love that they have allowed a non-witchy human to participate in the coven! One thing that really set this apart from other cozy murder mysteries I have read is how much the FMC relied on the people in town to help her solve the mystery. That is something that often drives me crazy about cozy mysteries, and the fact that the first thing she did after landing the case was text her coven of besties made my heart glad!

Overall, this is a lovely offering to launch a new series and I am absolutely here for it! I can't wait to read more about the adventures of Megan and of course Gertie!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lupe  Farkas.
64 reviews
June 26, 2026
The mystery was interesting, especially because the beekeeping element gave the story a unique atmosphere. But what stayed with me the most was not only the investigation. It was Megan.

Megan is rebuilding her life inside a society that had already judged her, condemned her, and decided who she was before truly knowing her. That was the emotional part of the book for me. I liked watching her step back into the world, take space, and slowly prove that she is more than the reputation people placed on her.

And Gertie? A cow familiar. A COW!!! 🐮

I have to respect the originality. In a genre full of cats, ravens, and magical dogs, this was definitely memorable and brought a uniquely cozy chaos to the story.

I also enjoyed the loyalty and friendships in the book. I love when characters are layered, when first impressions aren't everything, and when actions slowly reveal who people really are. May all friends be like that, honestly.

My only reason for not giving this 5 stars is that I personally wanted a little more emotional attachment earlier in the story. The investigation has a classic cozy structure, with several suspect interviews, and at times, I wished the pacing had been tighter and the emotional connection to the characters had come sooner. A stronger emotional pull in the middle would have made me feel even more invested.

Overall, this was a cozy, gentle, enjoyable start to a paranormal mystery series, with a lovely magical atmosphere, a unique familiar, and a main character I want to see grow even more. I would definitely read more from this world. 🌸

I received an ARC through BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kay Cobbold.
294 reviews11 followers
February 17, 2026
"Murder Among the Hives" is a delightful spin-off from the “Williams Witch Mysteries”, and for me, it was a resounding success. Shifting the spotlight to coven member Megan Miller, the book offers a fresh and engaging perspective while reuniting readers with the beloved characters of Point Pleasant.
Following the breaking of her family’s curse, Megan is ready for a new challenge and accepts the role of magical liaison officer with the local council—a position meant to bridge the gap between human authorities and the supernatural Wardens. But she’s immediately thrust into action when a local beekeeper and honey producer is found dead under mysterious circumstances.
What unfolds is far more than a simple murder investigation. With the support of her coven and her utterly charming familiar, Gertie the dairy cow, Megan rises to the occasion. Was Avery killed by a human or a supernatural force? Megan must keep an open mind, but her quest for answers soon puts her in danger.
As always, Eloise Everhart effortlessly draws readers into her richly imagined world. I eagerly followed Megan on every twist and turn. The plot is brisk and absorbing, and the cast of characters is as wonderfully varied as ever. I’m so happy to be back in Point Pleasant and can’t wait to see what’s next for Megan.
1,289 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2026
Great start to a new series!

Once again, we’re back on Whidbey Island with the same coven we were introduced to in the Williams Witch Mystery Series, which really makes me happy. I do love it when I can continue with characters I have come to know and love as I have the witches on Whidbey Island. Now that the Wardens have a permanent presence on the island, Megan has been assigned as the liaison between Miranda and the City Council. When Megan is called to the City Council chambers her first day on the job, it’s to find whoever killed the beekeeper, who, it turns out, was a Dryad. Of course, Megan has the assistance of her whole coven, and even the Retirees lend a hand. At least the curse is off Megan now so not everyone dislikes her anymore. I really enjoy anything by Eloise Everhart. She combines humor, a wonderful plot that always keeps me guessing, and even though the main characters are witches, they still question themselves, just like anyone else would. Besides, where else would you find a huge cow as a woman’s familiar?

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
31 reviews
May 5, 2026
Excellent start!

Both to this promising new series and to Megan's new life as a welcome member of her community. Well, mostly welcome anyway. Her new job will always have people misjudging her. But she's used to that.

I received a review copy of this book for free and this is my voluntary and honest review.

I love paranormal mysteries in general, and this one is no exception. It felt different from the usual paracozies, but in a good way. And it was hard to put down; I kept wanting to know what happens next!

The characters are warm and realistic. I like main characters with flaws and insecurities who nonetheless manage to push through to get the job done. And Megan is all that and more. I do hope she continues to grow and gain confidence as the series continues, but so far I like her. And her coven is a wonderful group of supportive friends.

I can't end this review without mentioning how much I also love Gertie, Megan's cow familiar who has attitude and isn't afraid to use it.

I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
Profile Image for Cat B..
846 reviews8 followers
March 5, 2026
First in a new series and Eloise Everhart takes us back to Point Pleasant. This series brings Megan Miller out of her shell as she learns to live without the family curse that kept her away from town for most of her life. When a murder occurs Megan is appointed liason between the supernatural and the city council. It's a tricky position and Megan finds that there are a lot more supernaturals around than she thought or knew about. I look forward to this new venture from this author. The story was just as delightful and intriguing as her previous series set in Point Plesant. If you have read the Williams Witch Mysteries, you will recognize some of the characters in Murder Among the Hives. You needn't have read the precious series but it was a wonderful series. I look forward to the next in this series.
I received a copy of this book via the author and BookSirens and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
332 reviews6 followers
February 23, 2026
I loved reading Murder Among the Hives! The characters were great, and I especially enjoyed getting to know Megan as she navigates her new job and adjusting to people being less hostile to her. This is a spin off from the author's completed Williams Witch Mystery series, so if you've read those, you'll be familiar with some of the characters and town overall. If you haven't read the previous series, that's fine. This book is fully developed on its own with it's own distinct tone. The story is engaging, and offers us a new perspective on Point Pleasant. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy magical cozy mysteries, characters who are still learning where they belong, and awesome animal familiars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Tina.
4 reviews
February 28, 2026
This was an enjoyable mystery with a light touch of fantasy. There’s enough intrigue to stay engaged without it feeling too heavy. It reads very much like a young adult novella—straightforward prose, accessible characters, and a strong focus on action and discovery.

As my first book by this author, it left a generally positive impression. The world-building has some fun, imaginative elements, though at times the whimsical tone borders on a little too silly. One or two scenes crossed into eye-rolling territory—most notably the cow-riding. I couldn't get into the connection.

Overall, it’s a solid, entertaining read if you’re in the mood for something light, slightly magical, and easy to get through. Not perfect, but definitely enjoyable enough.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,444 reviews8 followers
April 30, 2026
Set in the same town as the Williams Witch Mystery series, one that I started but for some reason didn’t finish, this book covers the new liaison between supernatural and humans, Megan Miller, looking for the killer of a beekeeper.
Megan is fairly new in town, after moving back after a family curse was lifted. She’s not sure of herself, what she’s doing, whether she’s doing in right and more.
This has a nice little mystery, interesting characters, and humour, Megan’s familiar is Gertie the cow, who she rides to hard-to-get to spots.
A lot of this book has Megan getting more confident in all her abilities with the help of her coven.
This is an easy, quick, fun read although I would recommend reading the Williams Witch series fist to avoid some confusion is spots.
Definitely going to read more as well as finish the previous series.
330 reviews5 followers
May 13, 2026
Murder Among the Hives is the first installment in Eloise Everhart's Miller's Magical Mystery series. This series is a follow-up to Everhart's A Williams Witch Mysteries. On Megan Miller’s first day as the magical liaison on Whidbey Island, a local beekeeper is murdered. Since the magical and mundane law officers are arguing over jurisdiction, Megan volunteers to investigate the murder until she can determine under whose jurisdiction the case falls.

Megan has a lot of self-doubt, which is understandable considering her backstory. I like the fact that while she is an amateur detective, she has the blessing of law enforcement to investigate. This is a spinoff of a series which I haven't read. There is enough backstory that reading the previous series isn't necessary, but it is something I intend to do since I enjoyed this book.
78 reviews
May 27, 2026
This book is a solid, average cozy mystery for me. It started slow, but about 1/3 of the way through it started cooking with gas.


The good:
Vibes were definitely cutesy town, akin to Stars Hollow or Middleton.
I enjoyed the world and magic building!
Short, easy read!


The meh:
I understand we're reading a book about magic, but a farmer - with zero detective skills - investigating crimes is one shark too far for me to jump.
The main character had minimal self-confidence, and the motif of being a failure and being perceived as weird got repetitive.


All that said, I liked it enough to read the next one in the series.


I received a copy of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts, opinions, and stupidity is my own.
Profile Image for Nordiana Baruzzi.
148 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2026
I don't normally like spinoffs. They're usually just a way to cash in on and rehash the same stale fodder. But once in a while, you find a spinoff that uses old characters in a fresh way. This series is just such an innovation.

Megan Miller is not just a copycat of Dany Williams. While the setting and characters are known and familiar, she is her own person, with her own, unique story. And the supernatural world is now expanding to include not only witches but also shifters (no wererats, please!), dryads and maybe others.

As for the mystery, the plot unfolds so masterfully. We are led to suspect first one then the other possible culprit, alongside Megan, only to be blindsided at the end.

My hat off to Ms Everhart for creating such a wonderful story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
851 reviews29 followers
May 19, 2026
An interesting start to the first of this new series. Megan Miller is on day one of her new job as a Council Liaison person, going between ‘normal’ people and magical ones. I liked Megan’s character, someone who finds it hard to believe in herself, especially as she has been a pariah all of her life because of a family curse. I really like the idea of a cow as a familiar, especially a very big one, like Gertie and the fact that she’s being ridden is a bit of outside the box thinking. There’s a good story running through this too, with a very satisfying ending, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this series develops.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for April Flach.
167 reviews2 followers
January 27, 2026
A fun and enjoyable story. The first of a new series, which is a spin-off series of the Williams Witch Mysteries. While you don't really need to read that series first, I highly recommend it so you can get caught up on the back story. While this book wasn't as entertaining, it was still worth the read. I enjoyed learning about a new supernatural being, the Dryad, and am looking forward to learning more about the supernaturals in Point Pleasant. I also want to see where the relationship between Megan and Victor will lead.

I received a free ARC through Booksirens, and this is my honest opinion.
2,741 reviews53 followers
January 31, 2026
In this story Megan volunteers to investigate a resident's recent death. I liked the idea that any animal can be a familiar fo a witch, not only cats. Megan and Gertie. a cow, make a great pairing. That broadened my imagination to dizzying widths and heights. The bees being familiars were so intriguing to me. Even with threats and danger, this feisty witch continues on her mission to investigate the death. So many supernaturals- I was in my glory because they're my weakness. What a spectacular ending! I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jackie Welcel.
491 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2026
I enjoyed this book and will continue the series. I find it interesting that the town of Point Pleasant is half supernaturals and half regular humans and a lot of people know it. I think Megan's new job as the liaison between groups working for the city is so interesting. Her friends in her coven are all interesting characters, and it's fascinating that one is not a witch. The story and Megan working hard to figure out what happened and who should deal with the crime kept me reading and I got a kick out of her familiar. It was a quick, enjoyable read, and I look forward to more in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,837 reviews11 followers
April 16, 2026
This was really good and an eye opener for me as well. I always say Megan as so strong and confident, even though the curse had mad people dislike her. Now that the curse has been removed, I see that she really unsure of herself. She has bad insecurities, but is trying to work so hard to get past them. Her big worry now is is people like her for herself, or the type of magic she can use. She only wants acceptance, and to me, it looks like she’ll get it. Now she just has to believe. She made a great detective and is learning to get help from her coven when needed. I can’t wait to see how she grows!
Profile Image for Penny.
3,290 reviews90 followers
May 2, 2026
I knew this was a spinoff series when I started it, and I had never read the series, but I requested it anyway. I was immediately drawn into the story of poor Megan, who is still getting used to people immediately distrusting and disliking her. That made me feel so bad for her because she’s so retiring. The mystery was fun and engaging, and I really didn’t know who the murderer was until the end. While I did feel I was missing a tiny bit but not having read the previous series, I still quite enjoyed this series opener with a minor character from the previous series. On to the next one! Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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