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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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10 people want to read

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Eloise Everhart

12 books16 followers

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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Stacy.
156 reviews16 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.
159 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.
1,624 reviews17 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.
107 reviews16 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 Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,112 reviews43 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.
44 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.
942 reviews94 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 Rebekah Price.
42 reviews2 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.
43 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 Kay Cobbold.
279 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.
1,135 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.
Profile Image for Cat B..
810 reviews7 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.
304 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.
2 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.
Profile Image for April Flach.
153 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.
2,644 reviews45 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.
465 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.
2,739 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2026
Loved it!

This spinoff series is off to a bewitching start. Megan Miller is the liaison between the Wardens and the residents. When a local beekeeper is murdered, Megan is tasked with finding the killer to determine if the case could be taken over by the Wardens or Sheriff Chris. The autopsy yields startling results and sends her investigation in unusual directions.

I love the idea of a cow familiar. The story is well-written and kept me guessing. I'm looking forward to the next book. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
2,151 reviews6 followers
March 5, 2026
Murder Among the Hives Book 1 of A Miller's Magical Mystery by Eloise Everhart is the first book in a new series but also a spin off of the Williams Witch Mystery series. Welcome back to Whidbey Island with a continuation of the same coven we were introduced to in the origin series Williams Witch Mystery. I really loved revisiting characters I had come to love from the origin series and see them grow. Looking forward to reading more and visit my book friends.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
298 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Having read the 'cursed coven' series, I was familiar with the characters which made it even more special for me.
This was an intriguing paranormal whodunnit and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
702 reviews5 followers
February 13, 2026
Megan is an outsider in the town she has lived all her life due to a curse. When the curse is lifted she must learn how to live amongst the people she has shied away from. Along with her familiar, a cow named Gertie she will work to solve the crime committed by a Supernatural. This was such a great read. Fun, laugh out loud with relatable characters. I so enjoyed this book. A must read!
136 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2026
First book in a wonderful new paranormal cozy series by Eloise Everheart! Megan Miller, a quiet and shy woman who works as a liaison between the town and the wardens, gets caught up in a murder that the two groups can't work together to solve. Full of magic and mayhem and supernaturals and humans, makes this a fun mystery loaded with twists and turns. I can't wait to read more of this series!
37 reviews
March 6, 2026
I enjoyed this! Delightful. A cozy, easy read. Loved the teamwork, and the hints of a developing romance. An unusual witchy detective where her quirks leave you rooting for her. A cow as a familiar!? Wow.


Ideal for those times when you need something light and thoroughly enjoyable.

Thank you to BookSirens for the ARC copy.
Profile Image for Tanvi.
633 reviews7 followers
January 27, 2026
After the last series, I was so excited for the Miller series and this was a great start.

The book has a good mystery and we are now diving into new supernatural beings and it's really fun. Looking forward to Book 2 of the series.
Profile Image for Phthon.
2,354 reviews8 followers
February 4, 2026
Oooh! I loved this First in the Series! I love the idea of Megan Miller being an investigator for supernatural cases. I love that she is the liaison between the Wardens and the normal town leaders. I think she is going to do well. I enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one!
Profile Image for Linnette Parris.
1,662 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. Creative with a different view of the paranormal. The mystery was complex and I had no clue, but the ending was very satisfying. I can’t wait to read more of this series!
I received my copy as a gift.
Profile Image for Lizz Taylor.
1,487 reviews16 followers
February 14, 2026
When a beekeeper is found dead, Megan offers to investigate. Being a witch has its advantages since it is unclear if the death was caused by the supernatural. This was an entertaining cozy with a number of twists and turns. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
1,757 reviews12 followers
February 15, 2026
Megan leads an interesting life, she's a witch, an investigator and has a familiar named Gertie. Excellent read.
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