Roll up, roll up for the Briarvale funfair! We have thrills, and tricks, and a sideshow coffin concealing an actual corpse. Wait! What?
A travelling fair has rolled into town, and rookie witch, Josie Appleton, is looking forward to candy floss and carnival fun. A dead body in the haunted house wasn’t part of the show. But Josie’s curiosity spins faster than a Waltzer when the crime looks more hexed than human.
The local DI may roll his eyes, but Josie’s enchanted baking is about to uncover fairground secrets the fortune teller’s crystal ball never saw coming.
Can she spell out the killer before the rides move on, or will she end up as the fair’s final fright?
Haunted, Hexed and Dead is the rollercoaster fourth book in the Witchy at Fifty midlife paranormal cozy mystery series.
If you love amateur sleuths juggling second‑chance love, magical mishaps, and feline familiars trickier than a Hook‑a‑Duck stall, Haunted, Hexed and Dead will be your perfect ticket to ride.
Step right up for Josie’s next case and take home your copy today.
There’s something magical about returning to Briarvale – it’s like stepping into a warm kitchen where the kettle’s always on, the cat’s always judging you (truly, he is), and trouble’s always just around the corner. Haunted, Hexed, and Dead by Bella Colby captures that perfectly. It’s whimsical yet mysterious, cozy but sharp – a cauldron of charm and chaos stirred with just the right amount of suspense.
This time around, Josie and her trusty companions – Einstein the judgmental familiar, Tom the gardener, and Murphy the dog – are juggling a full BnB thanks to the annual May Day fair. Guests bustle in for the carnival fun: the coconut hut, the house of fear, the Ferris wheel twinkling over the village green. Everything is sunshine and funnel cake until that fateful moment when Josie notices the grandfather clock has stopped at 11:07. Anyone who’s spent time in Briarvale knows what that means – something’s about to happen. Sure enough, by morning, there’s a body in the House of Fear, a wooden stake where a heartbeat should be, and a town suddenly thrown into whisper and panic. The victim, Reggie Bell, wasn’t exactly popular, and that wide suspect list starts shortening fast when cozy mystery author (and nosy guest) Eloise Trent decides it’s time to add “real-life detective” to her résumé. Cue the investigation – and a fair bit of magical meddling thanks to Josie’s baked goods.
Josie remains the series’ beating heart – a woman of warmth, wit, and subtle power. Her blend of intuition, quiet humor, and kindness make her endlessly endearing. Einstein steals scenes as usual, his feline commentary both hilarious and necessary, while Tom and Murphy add grounding presence and loyalty. Eloise, the visiting author with a penchant for drama, is the wild card, injecting the perfect touch of playful chaos. Together, they make the story hum – an ensemble that feels lived-in, layered, and full of the kind of energy that small-town mysteries thrive on.
The pacing moves effortlessly, just like Colby’s spellwork on the page – smooth, natural, and easy to lose yourself in. There’s never a lull, just gentle waves of humor, suspense, and heartwarming connection. Colby’s strength lies in her immersive worldbuilding – Briarvale feels tangible, like a place you could pop into for tea and gossip (and they do love their gossip). You don’t read a Witchy At Fifty book so much as you pack your bag and move in temporarily. The transitions glide between whimsy and tension, the atmosphere always rich with scent and sound: baked goods, wood smoke, and the occasional magical zap.
Haunted, Hexed, and Dead is the kind of cozy mystery that delights from first page to last – a story you don’t just finish; you savor. Whether you’ve been following Josie’s adventures since the beginning or are just discovering Briarvale, Colby’s storytelling makes sure you’re never lost, only enchanted.
Mark your calendar because Haunted, Hexed, and Dead releases on March 24, 2026, and trust me – you’ll want your pre-order in early.
Thank you to Bella Colby for allowing me to Alpha/Beta/ARC for Haunted, Hexed, and Dead. As always, all opinions and reviews are of my own volition. I have not been promised any compensation, current or future, by the author or publisher for a fair and honest review.
I love books where women discover their true potentials after some life-altering experience.
In this wonderful series, Josie Appleton finds out she's a witch after her husband of thirty years declares bankrupcy and leaves her with nothing but a mountain of debts. Thank goodness a grandmother she never met left her a sprawling manor and a sassy cat. After a somewhat bumpy start, her new life in Cornwall is going well. She's accepted her new powers, her B&B is finally at full capacity and she's even engaged in a new relationship with Tom, the gentlemanly caretaker.
On this forth outing, Josie has to hide her witchness from a trio of paranormal hunters who showed up at her B&B after an odious carnie is found with a wooden stake through the heart. Of course Josie has to find who the killer is. This time around a mystery writer with writers' block, also staying at the B&B, has appointed herself Josie's sidekick. But who IS the killer. There are so many suspects. Every single one of the carnival fair people hated the victim (who wasn't a vampire, BTW). Will the interference of her talking cat, Einstein, and a few magically enhanced cakes, be enough to solve the crime?
Another great mystery with a touch of magic from Bella Colby, who is rapidly becoming my favorite author. I wholeheartedly recommend this series.
Many thanks to Ms Colby for sending me an advanced copy of this wonderful book
Briarvale’s Annual May Day fair is in full swing and Josie Appleton, new witch with enchanted baking skills and owner of the Briarwood Gables Inn, is hanging on for dear life at the top of the ferris wheel. Catching a glimpse of her inn from that height is dizzying in more ways than one, since she's riding with her crush, Tom, the inn’s handyman. The fair is full of fun and food, a haunted house that looks really scary and a mysterious fortune teller. What's scarier for Josie is her inn full of…unusual guests, visiting for the fair. A kookie cozy author, a paranormal investigation group and a couple with two dramatic teen girls are among the guests who add to the fun. But, when a real body is found in the vampire’s coffin at the haunted house, Josie’s sleuthing instincts kick in…as well as her witchy ones. In spite of stern warnings from DI Holloway, Josie, with her snarky, grey Persian familiar Einstein, dive into their investigation and soon find that the fairground holds many secrets. This is the fourth book in the Witch at Fifty series and I loved it! It's a great addition to the series and I recommend them all. The author introduces characters that could live in your neighborhood and I think everyone should have an Einstein in their life. I am honored to have been included in the Advanced Reader team for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review.
Once again, we’re back with Josie and Einstein and everyone else in Briarvale. When both Josie and Einstein notice the grandfather clock has stopped at 11:04, they know something is going to happen and happen it does. There was a murder at the local faire. With Josie’s B&B open now, she has guests to take care of, including an author who writes cozy mysteries, a few other people and last but definitely not least, a group of wannabe “ghostbusters” that add even more humor into the mix with their “investigating” paranormal activity. I really do adore this Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery Series. I laughed out loud when poor Einstein was pulled into a waltz with a carnie after he ate some of Josie’s cookies. There were several LOL moments in this story, which would not have happened if it had not been written so well. Not to mention, the romance between Josie and Tom is starting to progress too.
I received an advanced reader’s copy and am voluntarily leaving this review.
Book 4 in the Witchy at Fifty Cozy Mystery series is a really good addition to the series and has you turning pages, unable to put it down. Briarvale is hosting a traveling fair and novice witch, Josie Appleton is excited to have fun at the fair. Best of all, her B&B is full. But then when she notices the clock has stopped foretelling something may be in the wind. Sure enough, the body of Reggie Bell, is found dead, staked through the heart! Of course, she is intrigued and with her feline familiar, Einstein and some help from her friend and crush, the Gardner, Tom and Murphy the dog as well as her special magical treats that gets people talking despite DI Holloway's skepticism. Add to all this and some of her guests are Ghost hunters. With lots of investigating and lots of laughs along the way, we are taken on a roller coaster ride to the end. I highly recommend not only this book, but the entire series! I can't wait for more Josie and Einstein. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Josie Appleton, newly minted witch and amateur detective has been looking forward to the traveling fair, the carnival rides and the cotton candy. But when a real dead body shows up in the fun house Josie's curiosity gets the better of her. Baking up sweet, and magical, treats will get her the answers she is looking for despite the local DI's skepticism. Unfortunately, time is running out, and she only has hours to identify the killer before the fair leaves town. Oh, my goodness, I just love these characters. They are so much fun and have realistically complex personalities that kept me engrossed in this book from the first page. This is a must-read witchy cozy mystery that made me laugh out loud and has enough twists in the plot to make it impossible to put this book down. I loved it and I highly recommend this book and series to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
A Traveling fair with rides, food and mysterious people is something everyone enjoys. The fun has under currants off frustration and angst among those running the fair. After enjoying the fun, Josie is back at her B&B that is filled with guests. This makes her bank account happy. Then the message from the clock becomes clear. 11:07 and there is a murder. One of her guests is a famous mystery writer who has insisted she help solve the crime. A group of ghost hunters come to stay at her B&B and it seems they have some skill. Einstein is his usual enjoyable snarky feline, lucky for Josie, she is the only one who can hear him. A delightful mix of mystery, laughter, action and intrigue that makes up most of Bella Colby books!
Book four in the Witchy at Fifty series and Josie Appleton is slowly discovering that her well of magical abilities has barely touched surface of what may come. Good thing, when the grandfather clock indicates that wickedness is about to occur Josie will find that she may be in need of a bit of a boost in her abilities. This was a fun read taking place in a traveling fair, complete with food, games, rides and everything else one would expect ... except for the murder. That was not expected. I found the read to move along nicely with very interesting characters, including a ghost busting trio that may get to close to the odd goings on at the B&B and especially the mystery of Einstein. I received a copy of this book via the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
Having never read a Bella Colby book before I received an ARC book and wow I loved it. Witch Josie, Tom and Einstein her familiar cat. The new b&b and a Carnival with a murder. A Mystery writer Eloise staying at Briarwood with writers block looking for inspiration! What more could you could you want for a cozy read. Dodgy Van with Spectre Squad paranormal investigators on the side Cal Wisp and Jazz have arrived at Briarwood Gables to investigate the Vampire murder of Reggie. Will Josie and Einstein be able to catch the murderer and will DI Holloway believe Josie! Loved reading will have to catch up on the other books now
I love this series, having read every book and hoping to read many more. Jose Appleton is a very relatable character and Einstein is a stereotypical cat with so much more.
It took me most of the book to guess who the culprit was, although I sensed it before Josie did :-)
The book had me laughing and chuckling several times and the pacing is great, taking you along each clue and twist.
The ending had me in shock and disbelieve, but I will not disclose about what to not give away any clues.
Josie goes to the fairground with Tom and Einstein, naturally, goes with them. As they are leaving the Ferris Wheel they notice a child being rescued by the strong man. The next day they hear a man has been murdered in the Haunted House! This brings some new guests to her BnB! Ghost hunters with a following! One of her guests is a novelist who writes cosy mysteries and she joins Josie in trying to find the culprit. Josie finds herself using magic a few times in this book. Another enjoyable read.
I throughly enjoyed Haunted, Hexed & Dead! It was witty and fun and had tons of red herrings and suspects! I was completely surprised at who the murderer turned out to be. I highly recommend reading it! I did receive this as an ARC book, but the opinions are my own.
This is the 3rd or 4th book in the series and while it could be a standalone, you might be a little lost without reading at least the first book about how she came to be at the B&B but I highly recommend reading ALL of them. They are all intriguing, fun stories and they have a talking cat and magic! You can't beat it!
A very good book in this series. Josie is still discovering what her new witch skills are. Einstein is her familiar, he has an enjoyable attitude to add to the story. Tom does all the yard work at Briarwood Gables that she inherited. He is fast becoming her boyfriend and is very supportive of her. Josie has already solved three murders in previous stories. How will the plot go in this one... it certainly kept me guessing!
Josie runs a b&b in a small town. A fair is visiting and the town and her guests are excited. Josie is a new witch and her talent is baking goodies that help people share their experiences. During the night a body is found staked in the haunted house. Josie loses one set of her guests but gains a van of paranormal investigators. This is the first that I’ve read I this series and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
Haunted, Hexed and Dead is a Superb story and series about Josie a B & B Owner and Novice Witch and her Familiar Einstein who is helping to train her and Tom her Boyfriend. Someone is found dead at the House of Fear at the Fair and DI Holloway came to investigate. Josie works unofficially with DI Holloway. But can they find all the clues and discover the truth? I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read.
I really love this series! Josie really landed quite the mystery this time! Not only does she attract the craziest ghost hunters (they were hilarious), but a crazy author as well. I thought it was awesome that DI Holloway actually likes Josie…somewhat grudgingly, but is starting to let it show. I loved that he shared info with her and definitely respects her when she invariably solves the case. This is such a fun series to read, and I look forward to each book released!
If you are looking for your next binge-worthy read, this is it. The story is completely unputdownable with great worldbuilding, shocking twists, and delightful humour. I love, love, love Josie and Einstein and Einstein’s sass. A not-to-be-missed read!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Wow loved this book & didn’t guess the murderer until Josie had worked it out but never mind I love all the characters & wish I could live there. No spoilers but I knew that old stone would coming rolling back around some day. Glad Josie caught another murderer. These books are an easy lighthearted read but they make me smile.
Another fun book in this series. I really enjoy the characters, especially Einstein, how they are working together and figuring out what happened with slightly unconventional methods. A little bit of paranormal charm and a storyline that will keep you engaged throughout. A fun book to read. I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I love the way Josie is embracing her witchy heritage! Love Einstein’s commentary and catty remarks! Well defined characters, magical touches and a puzzling mystery make this story a pleasure to read. These are my opinions after enjoying an early copy of the book.
Haunted, Hexed and Dead: Book 4 . All the fun of the fair. Briarvale Fair that is .It’s going swimmingly it is ,it’s bliss…Until it’s not , not one jot. A sideshow coffin that’s coughing up more than a dummy and it’s so darn scary someone wants their mummy..Josie Appleton is just a rookie witch ,just a sandwich short some might say . In the nicest way of course ..
She’s had a rum do and no mistake . Her husband staked their home on a bet that didn’t come home to roost . So lose her home and her husband too in one fell swoop. Then no sooner has she fled the coop albeit under duress and all. She has an inheritance befall… Finding that she’s a witch makes her twitch still and the cat who’s familiar if you know what I mean. Einstein is a bit of a grump and judgemental is not in it! He’s the best at being temperamental too. What’s a witch to do. She’s got Tom who’s a keen gardener who does slog and Murphy the dog to Yelp ,I mean help out.
But as I was going there I’ll continue on… She maybe a rookie but she has a nose for trouble. But Josie’s mind is twisting faster than the Waltzer or the candy floss maker combined and you’ll never guess what she finds…Well ok you will since it’s in the title ( of which dear Bella Colby is entitled to do) but you know what I mean and here’s what we’ve gleaned thus far..something mighty sinister for certain and who is this who met their demise behind the charade curtain… Investigation on the double is in order