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Ella Bloom Mysteries #4
Verses and Curses: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery
They say music soothes the savage beast, but in Gloamington, it's more likely to summon one.
When Gloamington hosts its first talent show, the stage is set for more than just performances. It becomes the perfect venue for murder when a famous pop star dies.
Malcolm Fawkes and Ella Bloom must navigate a maze of suspects thick with jealousy and ambition. From bitter contestants to obsessed admirers, everyone wanted something from the manipulative diva.
The pop star climbed to fame over the bodies of her competition and the broken hearts of her obsessed fans. But this time, she became the casualty.
As they search for the killer, Ella also tries to hone her mysterious powers and Malcolm desperately seeks the one memory that could restore everything. But as magical talents spiral out of control and old grudges take the spotlight, solving this case might cost them everything.
Can they unmask a murderer before someone else hits their final note? Or will the killer's encore claim another victim?
Verses and Curses is the fourth book in the enchanting Ella Bloom Mysteries.
When Gloamington hosts its first talent show, the stage is set for more than just performances. It becomes the perfect venue for murder when a famous pop star dies.
Malcolm Fawkes and Ella Bloom must navigate a maze of suspects thick with jealousy and ambition. From bitter contestants to obsessed admirers, everyone wanted something from the manipulative diva.
The pop star climbed to fame over the bodies of her competition and the broken hearts of her obsessed fans. But this time, she became the casualty.
As they search for the killer, Ella also tries to hone her mysterious powers and Malcolm desperately seeks the one memory that could restore everything. But as magical talents spiral out of control and old grudges take the spotlight, solving this case might cost them everything.
Can they unmask a murderer before someone else hits their final note? Or will the killer's encore claim another victim?
Verses and Curses is the fourth book in the enchanting Ella Bloom Mysteries.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
43 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Noffke
277 books1,491 followersSarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.
Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.
To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com
For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 2, 2026
Five stars, once again, I no… No surprise there
So continuing with the numeric theme l I used for my last review, five stars for book 4, and I am supposing that means I’ll have to have six stars for book 5, but we’ll have to wait and see. Fortunately, for me, that book, too, is already out, but book 6 has yet to be released. Once I finish that book, I may turn into one of those authored – feared readers, the tape with pitchfork and flaming torch demanding the next book.
This continues to be intense, fun, and continues to highlight Sara’s incredible storytelling gifts. Our heroine and her love interest finally get together, and shocker of shockers, she ends the book with a tiny white lie. That’s not a spoiler, just cuteness personified.
Now, with all that being said, and even considering that this book introduced a new potential nemesis, this installment felt something like a placeholder. It’s that critical steppingstone that keeps you from falling in the mud on an uncertain path. It’s the set up, getting all the pieces arranged, just so on the board, for the next big thing. So I hope you understand that I am rushing off to read the next book, and that may give even more weight to my threats of being that pitchfork, wielding, flaming torch, carrying crazed fan.
ENJOY!
So continuing with the numeric theme l I used for my last review, five stars for book 4, and I am supposing that means I’ll have to have six stars for book 5, but we’ll have to wait and see. Fortunately, for me, that book, too, is already out, but book 6 has yet to be released. Once I finish that book, I may turn into one of those authored – feared readers, the tape with pitchfork and flaming torch demanding the next book.
This continues to be intense, fun, and continues to highlight Sara’s incredible storytelling gifts. Our heroine and her love interest finally get together, and shocker of shockers, she ends the book with a tiny white lie. That’s not a spoiler, just cuteness personified.
Now, with all that being said, and even considering that this book introduced a new potential nemesis, this installment felt something like a placeholder. It’s that critical steppingstone that keeps you from falling in the mud on an uncertain path. It’s the set up, getting all the pieces arranged, just so on the board, for the next big thing. So I hope you understand that I am rushing off to read the next book, and that may give even more weight to my threats of being that pitchfork, wielding, flaming torch, carrying crazed fan.
ENJOY!
December 22, 2025
It’s time for the local talent show and another murder mystery for our detecting duo! When a famous singer is found dead in her dressing room, it’s down to Ella and Malcolm to investigate and discover how, when and why! They have a few obstacles thrown in their path but at doesn’t stop them or slow them down as they follow the clues. We see some old friends and make some new ones, there’s an enemy in the midst that needs dealing with and with shock and awe, our sheriff steps up!! and amongst all the drama and the danger, Ella must try to work on her abilities and try to see what she can do. Mysterious, suspenseful, I love this little town and is habitants (well some of them!) and enjoy this authors work as they continue to draw us in and show us new and exciting things each time, all the while keeping us hooked and unable to put this down and guessing to the very end!
February 1, 2026
She really is a ninja
This review is after reading book 5. Wait. This is book 4. The problem is that the little Ninja works very quickly and quietly. When an 80 year old sees two books in his TBR queue, he tries the Abbott and Costello routine of which is first. Like Costello, or the sheriff, got the order wrong. Please forgive me, Mrs. Scotsman, but hemp is plant based material which would have reacted better in this story than the timberland of old growth forest. However, it did end up in curtains for the killer with ninja moves for Ella and Malcolm. Wait, did I say I love cats, crime, a certain canine and magical chaos? Off to write book 5 review before book 6, unless the bird killer strikes before then.
This review is after reading book 5. Wait. This is book 4. The problem is that the little Ninja works very quickly and quietly. When an 80 year old sees two books in his TBR queue, he tries the Abbott and Costello routine of which is first. Like Costello, or the sheriff, got the order wrong. Please forgive me, Mrs. Scotsman, but hemp is plant based material which would have reacted better in this story than the timberland of old growth forest. However, it did end up in curtains for the killer with ninja moves for Ella and Malcolm. Wait, did I say I love cats, crime, a certain canine and magical chaos? Off to write book 5 review before book 6, unless the bird killer strikes before then.
December 28, 2025
I enjoyed it and will continue with the series. This one just didn't hit me as well as the others. There was a good mystery to solve, and the method was quite creative. Ella's magic is expanding but she seems to immediately grasp all the nuisances without any training or work. At last, there is some move on the romance front, so that's a big positive. Her personal stopgap with that whole thing was starting to drag a bit.
April 20, 2026
Ella is learning to use her magic, she is lusting after Tyler but thinks that is an unobtainable dream and helping Malcolm, so when the DoD turn up determine to shut the Gloaming down, they have to team up with the sheriff, in order to stop the agent from doing that, find the murderer and master magic.
It's all really good stuff and Ella is growing and learning as a person. I really enjoy these stories.
It's all really good stuff and Ella is growing and learning as a person. I really enjoy these stories.
December 21, 2025
What a town!
These books are like two stories in one book. With the main characters, Ella and Malcolm, and the magical town of that is Gloamington. With each book, we're learning more about this magical town and wonderful characters. It's is really amazing. Plus, we're getting a murder solving who did it story. All out together into a wonderful read.
These books are like two stories in one book. With the main characters, Ella and Malcolm, and the magical town of that is Gloamington. With each book, we're learning more about this magical town and wonderful characters. It's is really amazing. Plus, we're getting a murder solving who did it story. All out together into a wonderful read.
April 25, 2026
Each book is a masterpiece!
I am loving this series! Thanks Sarah for continuing to write great magical tales! I read every Beaufont book and was happy to discover you had other series sans Michael A. I look forward to discovering the further adventures of Ella Bloom!
Magic, mystery, murder and a talking cat, even a little humor and romance.
Highly recommended!
I am loving this series! Thanks Sarah for continuing to write great magical tales! I read every Beaufont book and was happy to discover you had other series sans Michael A. I look forward to discovering the further adventures of Ella Bloom!
Magic, mystery, murder and a talking cat, even a little humor and romance.
Highly recommended!
December 20, 2025
the singer
Ella is coming a long way quickly and I’m loving this tale of Gloamington everyone is quirky and magical the characters are all brilliant and the storyline is fantastic a very well deserved 5 stars
Ella is coming a long way quickly and I’m loving this tale of Gloamington everyone is quirky and magical the characters are all brilliant and the storyline is fantastic a very well deserved 5 stars
December 25, 2025
Magic and murder
Another case for Ella and Malcom. Definitely suspenseful and one that leaves you guessing to the end. Love Ella learning more about her magic and the continued support by Bags and Shadow. And is that romance in the air?
Another case for Ella and Malcom. Definitely suspenseful and one that leaves you guessing to the end. Love Ella learning more about her magic and the continued support by Bags and Shadow. And is that romance in the air?
January 31, 2026
Another Fun Adventure
This is an enjoyable and fun murder mystery. With all the quirky characters and because of the magic all sorts of unusual things happen. This is a series that really should be read in order to get the most out of it.
This is an enjoyable and fun murder mystery. With all the quirky characters and because of the magic all sorts of unusual things happen. This is a series that really should be read in order to get the most out of it.
February 10, 2026
My favorite writer
She has never let me down. She has me on my toes all the time. I can imagine her cat character from when it was one of her most loyal fans besides her daughter. Her mysteries are a lot of fun.
She has never let me down. She has me on my toes all the time. I can imagine her cat character from when it was one of her most loyal fans besides her daughter. Her mysteries are a lot of fun.
December 18, 2025
Loved it!
This book was great. The mystery was tricky enough to keep interest. Ella's journey keeps getting more interesting and her personal life is coming along nicely.
This book was great. The mystery was tricky enough to keep interest. Ella's journey keeps getting more interesting and her personal life is coming along nicely.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews