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Witch in the Woods #35
Deadly Calling
A Forty-year-old Witch with a New Career
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenage Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
It's Valentine's Day on Enchanted Island, but instead of love in the air... fear has taken hold. When one of Tommy Trollman’s restaurant servers goes missing, Shayla jumps in to help find the missing vampire. But as secrets begin to surface, it becomes clear this isn’t just about the disappearance...it’s about Tommy himself.
Who’s targeting the lovable troll, and why?
The case takes a dark turn when a body is found floating in the lake, bearing an uncanny resemblance to someone close to Shayla’s circle. As the pieces start to fall into place, Shayla, Alex, Needles, and Grant ramp up their investigation to stop a ruthless killer before they strike again.
Love might not be the only thing on the line this Valentine’s Day.
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenage Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
It's Valentine's Day on Enchanted Island, but instead of love in the air... fear has taken hold. When one of Tommy Trollman’s restaurant servers goes missing, Shayla jumps in to help find the missing vampire. But as secrets begin to surface, it becomes clear this isn’t just about the disappearance...it’s about Tommy himself.
Who’s targeting the lovable troll, and why?
The case takes a dark turn when a body is found floating in the lake, bearing an uncanny resemblance to someone close to Shayla’s circle. As the pieces start to fall into place, Shayla, Alex, Needles, and Grant ramp up their investigation to stop a ruthless killer before they strike again.
Love might not be the only thing on the line this Valentine’s Day.
- GenresCozy Mystery
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Jenna St. James
156 books295 followersJenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 5, 2026
fun series
Shayla, a witchy detective for PADA on a magical island full of paranormals, married to a gargoyle sheriff Alex and living a chaotic life filled with wild crazy adventures - such FUN!
Shayla, her cousin Serena, her stepdaughter Zoie (now graduated and a PADA detective also with her hilarious bestie Harlow come together with other island magical friends to help find their friend Tori, who has been kidnapped.
As they delve into the mystery of why Tori has been taken, they learn Peppers dastardly past comes calling (an uggggly piece of work) and traces Pepper and her precious two kids, in her attempt to hide from him and his abusive ways, and he uses some of the locals in an effort to force Pepper to come back to him, because she is living with Tommy the troll - he thinks he can control Tommy as the provider and Pepper will do anything to save Tommy as her provider).
Shayla and Alex, and their entire community throw down and go allllll in to take down the villain, who iis in for one unexpected ride that will end up with a one way ticket downtown. Have to love it when the villain actually gets exactly what he deserves and doesn’t see it coming and it makes for a wonderful novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Shayla, a witchy detective for PADA on a magical island full of paranormals, married to a gargoyle sheriff Alex and living a chaotic life filled with wild crazy adventures - such FUN!
Shayla, her cousin Serena, her stepdaughter Zoie (now graduated and a PADA detective also with her hilarious bestie Harlow come together with other island magical friends to help find their friend Tori, who has been kidnapped.
As they delve into the mystery of why Tori has been taken, they learn Peppers dastardly past comes calling (an uggggly piece of work) and traces Pepper and her precious two kids, in her attempt to hide from him and his abusive ways, and he uses some of the locals in an effort to force Pepper to come back to him, because she is living with Tommy the troll - he thinks he can control Tommy as the provider and Pepper will do anything to save Tommy as her provider).
Shayla and Alex, and their entire community throw down and go allllll in to take down the villain, who iis in for one unexpected ride that will end up with a one way ticket downtown. Have to love it when the villain actually gets exactly what he deserves and doesn’t see it coming and it makes for a wonderful novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Review of advance copy received from Author
Having escaped a wealthy, connected and abusive husband Pepper and her son and daughter have been hiding and surviving on the Enchanted Island. All settled in and creating friendships and being entwined into Shayla's circle is suddenly crashed! Tori, a server in a local bar vanishes. Where and why and more importantly why can't they find her with a locator spell. Seems someone has managed a black magic cloaking spell. Interviewing people in her life leads no where, until a clue is uncovered. Finding her car and a note demanding Pepper and only her daughter should be given to him. Black Forest king, Shayla's family and Black Forest Kings friends are all called in. I really loved this book and I will say Needles really rocked! He finally was able to use his quills to help, well, I cannot sy how. You are just going to have to read this book for yourself!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Deadly Calling is Book 35in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James.
Firstly, I have to say this is one of the most amazing series with the greatest paranormal characters.
This book was so good. Set during Valentines Day, the story focuses on Tommy the Troll and Pepper after one of Tommy's employees goes missing.
I really loved this story. It felt so real .The characters are incredible and I was holding my breath to see what was going to happen!!!!
A great ending I absolutely LOVED!
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Firstly, I have to say this is one of the most amazing series with the greatest paranormal characters.
This book was so good. Set during Valentines Day, the story focuses on Tommy the Troll and Pepper after one of Tommy's employees goes missing.
I really loved this story. It felt so real .The characters are incredible and I was holding my breath to see what was going to happen!!!!
A great ending I absolutely LOVED!
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another strong story from Enchanted Island where no holiday can ever go without a mystery to solve. The whole gang joins together to find a missing server from Tommy's bar. This leads to more sinister troubles. I love how everyone always works together and there are so many wonderful characters in this series. I couldn't put this down and can't wait for the next one.
March 21, 2026
well that was exciting
And finally Pepper get closure on her past so she and the kids can have a a true open future with Tommy.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this story and wow it was worth it.
A missing waitress, and Valentine’s Day begins a round about magical mystery that was definitely not what it seemed
And finally Pepper get closure on her past so she and the kids can have a a true open future with Tommy.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting this story and wow it was worth it.
A missing waitress, and Valentine’s Day begins a round about magical mystery that was definitely not what it seemed
February 26, 2026
Danger Returns
Trouble comes for Pepper and is determined to hurt Tommy. The crew is not about to let that happen. Dangerous magic, injuries and an exciting showdown. The loving friends and families have each other’s backs and the ending is great.
Trouble comes for Pepper and is determined to hurt Tommy. The crew is not about to let that happen. Dangerous magic, injuries and an exciting showdown. The loving friends and families have each other’s backs and the ending is great.
March 10, 2026
It was great having Shayla and Alex back together more to investigate. I had a feeling we'd eventually see Pepper's husband (ex-) on the island. Fun group with plenty of action. Always a good series.
June 1, 2026
Ms. St. James has penned another awesome addition to the Witch in the Woods series. Enchanted Island is celebrating Valentines Day until a server at Boos and Brews goes missing. A tangled web of clues, twists, red herrings and a truly evil villain made this a book that I could not put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Meeting Edward was a scary experience, he's exceptional!!! Very strong plot, well written, and a strong cast of characters. Well worth reading I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next one.
February 24, 2026
review
This was so good that I couldn’t put it down!! I’m impatiently waiting for the next book out. This series is awesome to read.
This was so good that I couldn’t put it down!! I’m impatiently waiting for the next book out. This series is awesome to read.
February 27, 2026
book 35
Good fast read. The bad guy wasn’t just bad he was evil 😈. Now to wait for book 36. Ya
Good fast read. The bad guy wasn’t just bad he was evil 😈. Now to wait for book 36. Ya
February 28, 2026
Another great yarn from Jenna
I always enjoy her books. Detective stories with magic and the hero's aren't young sexy things. There was a definite twist in the tale with this one.
I always enjoy her books. Detective stories with magic and the hero's aren't young sexy things. There was a definite twist in the tale with this one.
February 28, 2026
Great Series
Love the cast of supernatural community and how they join forces to help each other and their town. Great plots also.!
Love the cast of supernatural community and how they join forces to help each other and their town. Great plots also.!
March 4, 2026
Always a great read!
Alex, shayla, Zoey and crew make a great team. Stories are fun and full of adventures. Needles is a wonderful little guy.
Alex, shayla, Zoey and crew make a great team. Stories are fun and full of adventures. Needles is a wonderful little guy.
October 5, 2026
Great
One of the best books in the series even though the still needs to correct grammar. It was wonderful how she started using numerous people more so then before.
One of the best books in the series even though the still needs to correct grammar. It was wonderful how she started using numerous people more so then before.
February 25, 2026
A captivating narrative that brings vibrant characters to life, this series continues to enchant readers with its compelling storytelling and immersive world-building. Each installment deepens the emotional connection, making it an irresistible literary journey that keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews