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The Mystic and the Missing Girl
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50 copies available
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Reluctant psychic Drew Benson can read tarot cards and get impressions from objects—she just never expected to use her gifts to investigate an infamous cold case.
Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.
But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain—finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging—could change everything.
In The Mystic and the Missing Girl, Vikki VanSickle seamlessly draws readers into an utterly charming world in this unputdownable, small town mystery.
Drew Benson has a secret. She gets visions, something she hasn’t tapped into since she was a teenager, when her late aunt, a TV psychic known as Hannah Mystic, became the scapegoat in the unsolved disappearance of a local teenager. Twenty years later, Drew is happy to ignore her gift, focusing instead on keeping the metaphysical shop she inherited from Hannah afloat, wrangling her sole, astrology-obsessed employee, and dodging local rake Foster Banks in her picturesque lakeside hometown.
But when Drew's arch-nemesis from high school, now a big city reporter, decides to investigate the cold case from all those years ago, it’s Drew’s ability that could finally make a break in the decades old mystery. With bills piling up, a disapproving mother laying on the guilt, and a local vandal who wants Drew and her witchy store gone, Drew has a lot to lose. But what she stands to gain—finding out what happened to the missing teen, clearing her aunt’s name, and a second chance at belonging—could change everything.
In The Mystic and the Missing Girl, Vikki VanSickle seamlessly draws readers into an utterly charming world in this unputdownable, small town mystery.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Vikki VanSickle
23 books292 followersReader, writer, Taurus. My work ranges from cozy mysteries featuring snarky detectives to contemporary middle grade fiction to magical, storytime-ready picture books. I am always exploring a new writing era.
Currently, I live and work in Toronto. Everything I do, I do for my cat.
Currently, I live and work in Toronto. Everything I do, I do for my cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
April 30, 2026
This was a very good book and I’m so grateful to have been offered by the publisher to read and review this book. I read it in one breath, it has captivated me from the first page. I loved the main character and her tenacity and persistence in cracking the case. I also loved the ending of the book, specifically mother-daughter connection. Definitely recommend to all my followers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC provided by Netgalley.
Everyone was a fan of Hannah until her mystical gifts seemingly failed to find a missing teen from 20 years in the past. Now Hannah has passed on leaving her shop and upstairs apartment to her niece who seems to share a similar gift. Drew Benson has returned to her small coastal town trying to decide if she is going to keep the shop or move on. When a reporter who has a shared past with Drew turns up to write an expose on both the missing teen and Hannah, Drew has to decide whether or not to use her gifts to help out.
Besides Drew, there is the non-gender employee named George and a cat (of course there is a shop cat) named Willow that bring an extra sparkle to this tale. Two men also catch the eye of Drew but are either really available to her? And then there is the defacing of the shop, broken windows, and a watcher. No one really wants the niece of Hannah here stirring the spirits.
I easily figured out the mystery but stayed for not only the side characters but the mother daughter relationship and growth of the main character, Drew. I also learned a thing or two about Mystics and Psychics.
The Mystic and the Missing Girl will definitely appeal to those into small town mysteries with a bit of mysticism.
Everyone was a fan of Hannah until her mystical gifts seemingly failed to find a missing teen from 20 years in the past. Now Hannah has passed on leaving her shop and upstairs apartment to her niece who seems to share a similar gift. Drew Benson has returned to her small coastal town trying to decide if she is going to keep the shop or move on. When a reporter who has a shared past with Drew turns up to write an expose on both the missing teen and Hannah, Drew has to decide whether or not to use her gifts to help out.
Besides Drew, there is the non-gender employee named George and a cat (of course there is a shop cat) named Willow that bring an extra sparkle to this tale. Two men also catch the eye of Drew but are either really available to her? And then there is the defacing of the shop, broken windows, and a watcher. No one really wants the niece of Hannah here stirring the spirits.
I easily figured out the mystery but stayed for not only the side characters but the mother daughter relationship and growth of the main character, Drew. I also learned a thing or two about Mystics and Psychics.
The Mystic and the Missing Girl will definitely appeal to those into small town mysteries with a bit of mysticism.
May 23, 2026
When Hannah passes away, Drew Benson inherits her metaphysical store. Struggling to stay afloat and keeping way too busy another huge weight is put on her- a missing persons case from 20 years ago is getting reopened. Hannah was the psychic on the case and got a lot of pushback. Drew finds out there is a connection between her and the missing girl. Can she figure out the subtle, obscure, and possibly fatal connection to Ginny before it’s too late?
Whatttt I did not see the twist with Ginny’s Death and the actual truth behind it. Poor girl she possibly could have been saved. I really liked the light-heartedness of this story. Crime/Thrillers don’t always have to be crazy to be good.
Whatttt I did not see the twist with Ginny’s Death and the actual truth behind it. Poor girl she possibly could have been saved. I really liked the light-heartedness of this story. Crime/Thrillers don’t always have to be crazy to be good.
Want to Read
April 21, 2026A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 8, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book, and I’m genuinely so glad I did.
This cozy mystery completely pulled me in from the very first page. Drew was such an easy character to root for, and I quickly fell in love with both her and the wonderfully eclectic cast surrounding her. The relationships and small-town feel made this such a comforting, immersive read.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the tarot and metaphysical witchy atmosphere woven throughout the mystery. It gave the book such a unique, cozy charm and made it feel absolutely perfect for fall reading. And if you’re someone who knows nothing about tarot (hi, me), don’t let that scare you away—the author explains everything in a way that feels natural, authentic, and easy to follow without ever slowing the story down.
This is exactly the kind of book I want to curl up with on a chilly fall evening, preferably with a candle lit and a drink nearby. With a September release date, the timing honestly couldn’t be more perfect. Definitely add this one to your fall reading list.
Title: The Mystic and the Missing Girl
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Page Count: 336 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publish Date: September 8, 2026
This cozy mystery completely pulled me in from the very first page. Drew was such an easy character to root for, and I quickly fell in love with both her and the wonderfully eclectic cast surrounding her. The relationships and small-town feel made this such a comforting, immersive read.
One of my favorite parts of the story was the tarot and metaphysical witchy atmosphere woven throughout the mystery. It gave the book such a unique, cozy charm and made it feel absolutely perfect for fall reading. And if you’re someone who knows nothing about tarot (hi, me), don’t let that scare you away—the author explains everything in a way that feels natural, authentic, and easy to follow without ever slowing the story down.
This is exactly the kind of book I want to curl up with on a chilly fall evening, preferably with a candle lit and a drink nearby. With a September release date, the timing honestly couldn’t be more perfect. Definitely add this one to your fall reading list.
Title: The Mystic and the Missing Girl
Author: Vikki VanSickle
Page Count: 336 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publish Date: September 8, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Drew Benson inherited her beloved Aunt Hannah's mystical shop and is trying to keep the business afloat when a former classmate begins digging into the disappearance of a missing teenager. Her psychic aunt had been unable to solve the case 20 years ago, but the notes her aunt left behind and Drew's forgotten psychic ability may be enough to solve the mystery.
The author slowly pulls you, along with Drew, deeper into the mystery. As Drew's psychic abilities are revealed, you learn the meaning of Tarot cards and how things are not always what they seem.
I enjoyed this mystery and would enjoy getting to know Drew below her snarky exterior. Use of pronouns for one character made for a confusing read but this was limited. Overall, a good start to a mystery series!
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
The author slowly pulls you, along with Drew, deeper into the mystery. As Drew's psychic abilities are revealed, you learn the meaning of Tarot cards and how things are not always what they seem.
I enjoyed this mystery and would enjoy getting to know Drew below her snarky exterior. Use of pronouns for one character made for a confusing read but this was limited. Overall, a good start to a mystery series!
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“The Mystic and the Missing Girl” by Vikki VanSickle is one of those cozy-but-intriguing mysteries that mixes small-town drama with realistic magic, and it works surprisingly well.
The story follows Drew, a reluctant psychic who has spent years not using her abilities after watching her aunt get completely torn apart by the town. Twenty years ago, her aunt tried to help solve a missing girl case using her visions, and when it didn’t lead anywhere, the town basically blamed her for everything. So yeah, Drew has every reason to keep that part of herself buried.
But of course, that doesn’t last.
When a reporter comes back to town to reopen the cold case, Drew ends up teaming up with him and slowly starts tapping back into her abilities. The magic here is pretty low-key (think tarot cards, visions, and vibes rather than anything flashy), so it feels more like magical realism than fantasy. If anything, it’s mostly a mystery with a mystical twist.
And the mystery itself is really solid. The whole town is still obsessed with this missing girl decades later, and as Drew and the reporter (Nick) start digging, you get a ton of suspects, secrets, and connections to keep track of. It can feel like a lot at times, but everything eventually clicks into place in a way that’s actually satisfying. The final reveal is one of those “wait—how did I not see that?” moments. The mystery had many layers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when Drew’s magic became involved.
Character-wise, Drew is a standout. She feels very real; she’s not overly dramatic, she’s emotionally mature, and she actually thinks through her decisions (which is rare and refreshing). Her relationships are also a highlight, especially her friendship with Nick. They balance each other really well; he’s more logical and grounded, while she leans into the intuitive, mystical side, and their dynamic makes the investigation more fun to follow.
There’s also a bit of romantic tension with her ex, Foster, which is complicated, to say the least. The book doesn’t romanticize it, though, which is nice. Drew is very aware that their relationship isn’t exactly healthy, and she treats it that way.
Another thing this book does well is atmosphere. The small-town setting feels real; everyone knows everyone, rumors spread fast, and old grudges never really go away. It also touches on how badly the original investigation was handled, especially how quickly the town turned on Drew’s aunt instead of actually solving the case.
And honestly, the tarot/psychic elements are just cool. You get little bits of information about tarot cards and spiritual practices without it feeling overwhelming, which adds to the vibe without taking over the story.
The ending is super satisfying. There’s a big, tension-filled climax where everything comes together, followed by a longer epilogue that actually gives you closure, not just for the mystery, but for Drew’s personal life too. It wraps things up in a way that feels complete but still leaves room for potential future stories.
Also, there’s a black kitten. That alone adds points.
Overall, this is a great pick if you like character-driven mysteries with a cozy, slightly witchy vibe. It’s not super high-stakes or action-packed, but it’s thoughtful, well-constructed, and easy to get invested in. This definitely feels like the kind of book that could turn into a series. I’d 100% read more cases with Drew and Nick.
“The Mystic and the Missing Girl” by Vikki VanSickle is one of those cozy-but-intriguing mysteries that mixes small-town drama with realistic magic, and it works surprisingly well.
The story follows Drew, a reluctant psychic who has spent years not using her abilities after watching her aunt get completely torn apart by the town. Twenty years ago, her aunt tried to help solve a missing girl case using her visions, and when it didn’t lead anywhere, the town basically blamed her for everything. So yeah, Drew has every reason to keep that part of herself buried.
But of course, that doesn’t last.
When a reporter comes back to town to reopen the cold case, Drew ends up teaming up with him and slowly starts tapping back into her abilities. The magic here is pretty low-key (think tarot cards, visions, and vibes rather than anything flashy), so it feels more like magical realism than fantasy. If anything, it’s mostly a mystery with a mystical twist.
And the mystery itself is really solid. The whole town is still obsessed with this missing girl decades later, and as Drew and the reporter (Nick) start digging, you get a ton of suspects, secrets, and connections to keep track of. It can feel like a lot at times, but everything eventually clicks into place in a way that’s actually satisfying. The final reveal is one of those “wait—how did I not see that?” moments. The mystery had many layers, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when Drew’s magic became involved.
Character-wise, Drew is a standout. She feels very real; she’s not overly dramatic, she’s emotionally mature, and she actually thinks through her decisions (which is rare and refreshing). Her relationships are also a highlight, especially her friendship with Nick. They balance each other really well; he’s more logical and grounded, while she leans into the intuitive, mystical side, and their dynamic makes the investigation more fun to follow.
There’s also a bit of romantic tension with her ex, Foster, which is complicated, to say the least. The book doesn’t romanticize it, though, which is nice. Drew is very aware that their relationship isn’t exactly healthy, and she treats it that way.
Another thing this book does well is atmosphere. The small-town setting feels real; everyone knows everyone, rumors spread fast, and old grudges never really go away. It also touches on how badly the original investigation was handled, especially how quickly the town turned on Drew’s aunt instead of actually solving the case.
And honestly, the tarot/psychic elements are just cool. You get little bits of information about tarot cards and spiritual practices without it feeling overwhelming, which adds to the vibe without taking over the story.
The ending is super satisfying. There’s a big, tension-filled climax where everything comes together, followed by a longer epilogue that actually gives you closure, not just for the mystery, but for Drew’s personal life too. It wraps things up in a way that feels complete but still leaves room for potential future stories.
Also, there’s a black kitten. That alone adds points.
Overall, this is a great pick if you like character-driven mysteries with a cozy, slightly witchy vibe. It’s not super high-stakes or action-packed, but it’s thoughtful, well-constructed, and easy to get invested in. This definitely feels like the kind of book that could turn into a series. I’d 100% read more cases with Drew and Nick.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Call it intuition, but I knew as soon as I read the synopsis for this book that it was going to be such a fun, unique mystery. Maybe I am psychic like the protagonist, because this book was such a delight!
Drew Benson is a reluctant psychic who finds herself in the middle of 20 year-old mystery after inheriting her late aunt's metaphysical shop. Her aunt, Hannah Mystic, was a well known psychic with a tarnished reputation in the community. 20 years earlier, she utilized her psychic visions to assist with the case of a local missing girl. When her assistance led to dead ends, she became the town outcast. After witnessing the backlash and torment that her aunt had faced, Drew kept her own psychic abilities a secret. It isn't until a reporter shows up one day, enthusiastic and ready to finally solve the 20 year-old mystery, that Drew realizes her gifts may be the only way to solve this case. It also may be the only way to finally clear her aunt's name.
As someone who personally loves astrology, the paranormal, and everything metaphysical, this book was right up my alley. If you are someone who reads or is familiar with tarot, you will appreciate the way in which it was used throughout the story to help solve the core mystery. I LOVED it. Parts of the book were broken down into corresponding cards and their meaning; it helped set the tone for the narrative and characters that were to follow.
I appreciated the relationship growth between Drew and the reporter, Nick. Their characters complimented each other well, and I would certainly read another adventure with these two at the center of it.
This book was also the first book where I have seen gender fluid representation. Drew employs George, a gender fluid character, who is referred to as the pronouns they/them/their. Not only was George a fun, eclectic character to read, but it was refreshing to see this type of representation in modern fiction.
Overall, this was a fun, cozy mystery that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre. However, if you are someone like me, who looks to the stars for wisdom and to the moon for guidance, then I BEG you to read this! The mystical aspect added so much to the story.
I also must mention, the ending is heartwarming, which left me teary eyed. It is rare I read a mystery book where I laugh, I cry, and still be biting my nails, suspecting everyone and anyone as the villain in the story. Oh how I loved this!
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Drew Benson is a reluctant psychic who finds herself in the middle of 20 year-old mystery after inheriting her late aunt's metaphysical shop. Her aunt, Hannah Mystic, was a well known psychic with a tarnished reputation in the community. 20 years earlier, she utilized her psychic visions to assist with the case of a local missing girl. When her assistance led to dead ends, she became the town outcast. After witnessing the backlash and torment that her aunt had faced, Drew kept her own psychic abilities a secret. It isn't until a reporter shows up one day, enthusiastic and ready to finally solve the 20 year-old mystery, that Drew realizes her gifts may be the only way to solve this case. It also may be the only way to finally clear her aunt's name.
As someone who personally loves astrology, the paranormal, and everything metaphysical, this book was right up my alley. If you are someone who reads or is familiar with tarot, you will appreciate the way in which it was used throughout the story to help solve the core mystery. I LOVED it. Parts of the book were broken down into corresponding cards and their meaning; it helped set the tone for the narrative and characters that were to follow.
I appreciated the relationship growth between Drew and the reporter, Nick. Their characters complimented each other well, and I would certainly read another adventure with these two at the center of it.
This book was also the first book where I have seen gender fluid representation. Drew employs George, a gender fluid character, who is referred to as the pronouns they/them/their. Not only was George a fun, eclectic character to read, but it was refreshing to see this type of representation in modern fiction.
Overall, this was a fun, cozy mystery that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre. However, if you are someone like me, who looks to the stars for wisdom and to the moon for guidance, then I BEG you to read this! The mystical aspect added so much to the story.
I also must mention, the ending is heartwarming, which left me teary eyed. It is rare I read a mystery book where I laugh, I cry, and still be biting my nails, suspecting everyone and anyone as the villain in the story. Oh how I loved this!
Special thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and to St. Martin's Press for the ARC of The Mystic and the Missing Girl
This is a cute and cozy debut - perfect for millennials, and a fun blend of mysticism and mystery. It reminded me a bit of Lina Chern's Play the Fool series and Cherie Priest's Booking Agent series.
I do feel the book description is a bit off or a big of an exaggeration - The Mystic and the Missing Girl follows Drew Benson, a 32 year old woman who has moved back home to take over her recently deceased aunt's failing mystic shop. Drew doesn't really know what she wants from her own life, and is torn between her own dreams, her mother's expectations, and the general malaise when you find yourself in your 30s and half your friends have kids and new lives and the other half haven't matured - she's unmoored, lonely, and a bit helpless on next steps. When her former high school chemistry lab partner, now a reporter, comes to her asking about an old cold case her aunt was consulted on that led to a lot of trauma and a continuing mystery, Drew realizes her aunt left a journal that pushes Drew into action. From here the mystery develops and grows, providing twists and turns as Drew digs into the past and into her forgotten gift of reading objects for memories, while also trying to figure out who she wants to become, who her friends are, what her aunt was trying to tell her, and how to stop falling into bed with a man who is just no good for her.
It's a fun novel - VanSickle brings tarot information out in a way that is understandable and approachable, she makes the small town characters feel nosy and secretive and exasperating, the scenes with all the pastries and coffees from Bev's are always funny, .I think she writes from a place where millennials will really identify with Drew and her friends.
The whodunit did become a bit obvious as the book moved along, but despite that it was still a fun read. If it ends up becoming a series, I would tune in for the next mystery.
This is a cute and cozy debut - perfect for millennials, and a fun blend of mysticism and mystery. It reminded me a bit of Lina Chern's Play the Fool series and Cherie Priest's Booking Agent series.
I do feel the book description is a bit off or a big of an exaggeration - The Mystic and the Missing Girl follows Drew Benson, a 32 year old woman who has moved back home to take over her recently deceased aunt's failing mystic shop. Drew doesn't really know what she wants from her own life, and is torn between her own dreams, her mother's expectations, and the general malaise when you find yourself in your 30s and half your friends have kids and new lives and the other half haven't matured - she's unmoored, lonely, and a bit helpless on next steps. When her former high school chemistry lab partner, now a reporter, comes to her asking about an old cold case her aunt was consulted on that led to a lot of trauma and a continuing mystery, Drew realizes her aunt left a journal that pushes Drew into action. From here the mystery develops and grows, providing twists and turns as Drew digs into the past and into her forgotten gift of reading objects for memories, while also trying to figure out who she wants to become, who her friends are, what her aunt was trying to tell her, and how to stop falling into bed with a man who is just no good for her.
It's a fun novel - VanSickle brings tarot information out in a way that is understandable and approachable, she makes the small town characters feel nosy and secretive and exasperating, the scenes with all the pastries and coffees from Bev's are always funny, .I think she writes from a place where millennials will really identify with Drew and her friends.
The whodunit did become a bit obvious as the book moved along, but despite that it was still a fun read. If it ends up becoming a series, I would tune in for the next mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4⭐️ The Mystic and The Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a cozy, atmospheric mystery with the perfect touch of fall magic woven throughout. Between the metaphysical shop setting, tarot readings, small-town secrets, and a decades-old missing persons case, this book completely pulled me in.
After inheriting her late Aunt Hannah’s mystical shop, Drew Benson is already struggling to keep the business afloat when a missing girl case from twenty years ago is suddenly reopened. Hannah had once been involved in the investigation as a psychic, and as Drew starts uncovering her aunt’s old notes, she realizes the case may be tied to her in ways she never expected.
One of my favorite things about this book was the vibe. It feels tailor-made for crisp autumn nights with a candle burning nearby. The tarot and psychic elements added such a fun layer to the mystery without ever becoming overwhelming, and even if you know nothing about tarot, the story makes it approachable and easy to follow.
The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace, slowly revealing pieces alongside Drew, and I genuinely did not see the twist coming. The emotional truth behind Ginny’s disappearance hit harder than I expected, and the ending left me thinking about how differently things could have turned out.
Drew was easy to root for, and I really enjoyed the quirky cast of side characters and the cozy small-town atmosphere surrounding the shop. This felt less like an intense thriller and more like the kind of comforting mystery you sink into over a weekend.
If you love cozy mysteries with witchy vibes, tarot cards, psychic abilities, and small-town secrets, definitely add this one to your fall reading list.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a cozy, atmospheric mystery with the perfect touch of fall magic woven throughout. Between the metaphysical shop setting, tarot readings, small-town secrets, and a decades-old missing persons case, this book completely pulled me in.
After inheriting her late Aunt Hannah’s mystical shop, Drew Benson is already struggling to keep the business afloat when a missing girl case from twenty years ago is suddenly reopened. Hannah had once been involved in the investigation as a psychic, and as Drew starts uncovering her aunt’s old notes, she realizes the case may be tied to her in ways she never expected.
One of my favorite things about this book was the vibe. It feels tailor-made for crisp autumn nights with a candle burning nearby. The tarot and psychic elements added such a fun layer to the mystery without ever becoming overwhelming, and even if you know nothing about tarot, the story makes it approachable and easy to follow.
The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace, slowly revealing pieces alongside Drew, and I genuinely did not see the twist coming. The emotional truth behind Ginny’s disappearance hit harder than I expected, and the ending left me thinking about how differently things could have turned out.
Drew was easy to root for, and I really enjoyed the quirky cast of side characters and the cozy small-town atmosphere surrounding the shop. This felt less like an intense thriller and more like the kind of comforting mystery you sink into over a weekend.
If you love cozy mysteries with witchy vibes, tarot cards, psychic abilities, and small-town secrets, definitely add this one to your fall reading list.
June 9, 2026
A fusion of mystery and mysticism was something I hoped would be right up my alley and I was right! The Mystic and the missing girl was a cozy mystery where, in the small town of Stanfield, a 17-year-old girl went missing 20 years ago. At that time, the local Mystic did her best to help but the visions/clues she saw did not leave the answers. Now, that Mystic has unfortunately passed but her niece has returned to town and gets drawn into the investigation by an old classmate.
There’s a lot to love about this book. The way the mysticism and witchy components feel natural rather than over the top, it really does justice to those practices. I really loved the queer representation, as well as diversity in race and culture. I think we really got to know not just Drew but the entire ensemble, and they each played such an important an interesting part. Even some of the suspects turned friends really grew on me and sort of made me emotional? And yes, I was crying at the end during the celebration of remembrance and as drew gained a sort of closure amongst more than one relationship.
I don’t really have a lot negative to say, other than I’ve read enough mysteries to suspect who was central to the mystery. However, the plot and revelation was shared in a way that still felt fresh and entertaining, even though I had a hunch. Sometimes when you imagine what’s coming, the plot falls flat which did not happen at all with this book.
Anyway, if you are in the mood for a cozy mystical mystery book, PLEASE check out this story!!!
Thank you so very much to Vicky VanSickle and her publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book… this access does not change my review/opinion.
There’s a lot to love about this book. The way the mysticism and witchy components feel natural rather than over the top, it really does justice to those practices. I really loved the queer representation, as well as diversity in race and culture. I think we really got to know not just Drew but the entire ensemble, and they each played such an important an interesting part. Even some of the suspects turned friends really grew on me and sort of made me emotional? And yes, I was crying at the end during the celebration of remembrance and as drew gained a sort of closure amongst more than one relationship.
I don’t really have a lot negative to say, other than I’ve read enough mysteries to suspect who was central to the mystery. However, the plot and revelation was shared in a way that still felt fresh and entertaining, even though I had a hunch. Sometimes when you imagine what’s coming, the plot falls flat which did not happen at all with this book.
Anyway, if you are in the mood for a cozy mystical mystery book, PLEASE check out this story!!!
Thank you so very much to Vicky VanSickle and her publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this book… this access does not change my review/opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mystic and the Missing Girl follows a reluctant psychic living in a quiet lakeside town who becomes entangled in the decades-old disappearance of a teenage girl. Blending cozy mystery, paranormal elements, and emotional family drama, the story focuses just as much on grief, reputation, and belonging as it does on uncovering the truth behind the case itself.
What completely won me over was VanSickle’s immersive lakeside atmosphere, emotionally layered mystery, and wonderfully grounded heroine. One thing that really sets this apart from many paranormal cozies is how restrained the supernatural elements feel. Drew’s psychic abilities never come across as overpowered or gimmicky. Instead, the visions, tarot readings, and subtle impressions deepen the mystery without simply handing over the answers, which keeps the investigation compelling and believable.
I also thought the mystery itself was genuinely well constructed. There were enough suspects, secrets, and twists to keep me guessing without the resolution feeling random or overly dramatic. The ending delivered both an emotional payoff and a satisfying reveal.
The middle section does slow somewhat under the weight of the town’s history and interpersonal conflicts, though the gentler pacing ultimately adds to the immersive cozy atmosphere, so it mostly worked for me.
Overall, The Mystic and the Missing Girl is less of a high-stakes thriller and more of a witchy, emotionally driven mystery filled with cozy vibes and sharp emotional undercurrents. Readers looking for atmosphere, heart, and a touch of the paranormal will likely find a lot to love here.
What completely won me over was VanSickle’s immersive lakeside atmosphere, emotionally layered mystery, and wonderfully grounded heroine. One thing that really sets this apart from many paranormal cozies is how restrained the supernatural elements feel. Drew’s psychic abilities never come across as overpowered or gimmicky. Instead, the visions, tarot readings, and subtle impressions deepen the mystery without simply handing over the answers, which keeps the investigation compelling and believable.
I also thought the mystery itself was genuinely well constructed. There were enough suspects, secrets, and twists to keep me guessing without the resolution feeling random or overly dramatic. The ending delivered both an emotional payoff and a satisfying reveal.
The middle section does slow somewhat under the weight of the town’s history and interpersonal conflicts, though the gentler pacing ultimately adds to the immersive cozy atmosphere, so it mostly worked for me.
Overall, The Mystic and the Missing Girl is less of a high-stakes thriller and more of a witchy, emotionally driven mystery filled with cozy vibes and sharp emotional undercurrents. Readers looking for atmosphere, heart, and a touch of the paranormal will likely find a lot to love here.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I went into this one not really really knowing what my expectations were, so I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it! What started as a fun mystery with a little romance quickly turned into a really charming and engaging story about a woman finding confidence in herself and stepping into a new chapter of her life.
The strongest part of the book was easily the characters, especially Drew. She felt authentic, relatable, and easy to root for from the beginning. Even the supporting cast felt layered and believable—flawed in realistic ways, but still incredibly likable. The relationships and character dynamics added so much warmth to the story and kept me invested the entire time. I also really loved all the fall vibes.
The mystery itself wasn’t the most unpredictable, and I did figure out the guilty party before the reveal, but I still really enjoyed the journey getting there. The story had enough unique elements and personality that it never felt stale or overly familiar, even when some of the twists were easier to spot.
What also stood out to me was how naturally this felt like the start of a series. While the main storyline wrapped up well, there’s still so much left to explore with Hannah Mystic and her backstory, and it definitely feels like there’s room for future books to see Drew and her glimmers shine. (I’d absolutely pick up a sequel.)
Overall, this one ended up being a really pleasant surprise for me. It was entertaining, heartfelt, and full of characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
The strongest part of the book was easily the characters, especially Drew. She felt authentic, relatable, and easy to root for from the beginning. Even the supporting cast felt layered and believable—flawed in realistic ways, but still incredibly likable. The relationships and character dynamics added so much warmth to the story and kept me invested the entire time. I also really loved all the fall vibes.
The mystery itself wasn’t the most unpredictable, and I did figure out the guilty party before the reveal, but I still really enjoyed the journey getting there. The story had enough unique elements and personality that it never felt stale or overly familiar, even when some of the twists were easier to spot.
What also stood out to me was how naturally this felt like the start of a series. While the main storyline wrapped up well, there’s still so much left to explore with Hannah Mystic and her backstory, and it definitely feels like there’s room for future books to see Drew and her glimmers shine. (I’d absolutely pick up a sequel.)
Overall, this one ended up being a really pleasant surprise for me. It was entertaining, heartfelt, and full of characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with!
** I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the author and publisher! **
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Best cozy debut that I have read in a very long time!
Drew Benson is a strong, smart, relatable heroine who more closely resembles her madcap mystic aunt than her staid, small town parents. Shortly after inheriting her aunt's metaphysical shop, Drew returns to her hometown and is drawn into the mystery of a missing girl, a case that decimated her beloved aunt's reputation 20 years earlier.
Drew is reluctantly drawn into reopening the case when her high school classmate, Nick, now a respected reporter, needs her help solving the mystery--a potential boon to his career. Along the way, Drew is tempted to reignite her on-again, off-again relationship with the son of her father's law partner, the rakish Foster.
Clues are revealed by the judicious use of Tarot cards (explained so that the reader can easily understand each card's signifigance), psychometry, and more prosaic investigative techniques. While the paranormal is integral in solving the crime and advancing the plot, it is not overplayed or used in a deus ex machina fashion.
Drew is to be appreciated as a cozy main character--she's not stupid, she doesn't put herself in dangerous situations willy nilly, and she ensures that she has the back up she needs--so refreshing when so many heroines whose actions put them the TTTL (too stupid to life) category.
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment in this series.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Drew Benson is a strong, smart, relatable heroine who more closely resembles her madcap mystic aunt than her staid, small town parents. Shortly after inheriting her aunt's metaphysical shop, Drew returns to her hometown and is drawn into the mystery of a missing girl, a case that decimated her beloved aunt's reputation 20 years earlier.
Drew is reluctantly drawn into reopening the case when her high school classmate, Nick, now a respected reporter, needs her help solving the mystery--a potential boon to his career. Along the way, Drew is tempted to reignite her on-again, off-again relationship with the son of her father's law partner, the rakish Foster.
Clues are revealed by the judicious use of Tarot cards (explained so that the reader can easily understand each card's signifigance), psychometry, and more prosaic investigative techniques. While the paranormal is integral in solving the crime and advancing the plot, it is not overplayed or used in a deus ex machina fashion.
Drew is to be appreciated as a cozy main character--she's not stupid, she doesn't put herself in dangerous situations willy nilly, and she ensures that she has the back up she needs--so refreshing when so many heroines whose actions put them the TTTL (too stupid to life) category.
I will definitely be on the lookout for the next installment in this series.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What a cozy, quirky and delightfully fun read. This is the perfect book to read while wrapped in a quilt, in cozy chair on a rainy day. This was the perfect read to get me out of a small book slump.
Drew returns to her hometown following the death of her aunt, a local mystic/psychic who despite being much beloved by those who knew her, had a meteoric rise to fame and subsequent fall from grace when her predictions and work in solving a missing girl case doesn’t yield results.
20 years later, Drew moves into her aunt’s apartment and attempts to run her aunt’s mystic store. Things aren’t going great and she is approached by her old high school chem partner and valedictorian who is now a reporter for her help in reviewing the case by reviewing her aunt’s old journals.
This is a cozy mystery at its core, and doesn’t fall into the trope of being too cheesy (as I find some do). The characters are likable, and I loved Drew’s development along the way.
I was guessing until the very end as Drew and Nick worked together to solve the 20 year old question of what happened to Ginny. The ending was unexpected and absolutely perfectly delivered.
I very much enjoyed the writing style, as often I find cozy mysteries hit or miss for me because of the writing style and often easily predicted endings. This was a breath of fresh air, an easy read that balances all the elements of a good mystery well.
Drew returns to her hometown following the death of her aunt, a local mystic/psychic who despite being much beloved by those who knew her, had a meteoric rise to fame and subsequent fall from grace when her predictions and work in solving a missing girl case doesn’t yield results.
20 years later, Drew moves into her aunt’s apartment and attempts to run her aunt’s mystic store. Things aren’t going great and she is approached by her old high school chem partner and valedictorian who is now a reporter for her help in reviewing the case by reviewing her aunt’s old journals.
This is a cozy mystery at its core, and doesn’t fall into the trope of being too cheesy (as I find some do). The characters are likable, and I loved Drew’s development along the way.
I was guessing until the very end as Drew and Nick worked together to solve the 20 year old question of what happened to Ginny. The ending was unexpected and absolutely perfectly delivered.
I very much enjoyed the writing style, as often I find cozy mysteries hit or miss for me because of the writing style and often easily predicted endings. This was a breath of fresh air, an easy read that balances all the elements of a good mystery well.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. Drew runs a local magic shop that she inherited from her Aunt Hannah. Drew is struggling with being back in her hometown and the loss of Hannah. At her store, she reunites with Nick Campbell, who she went to High School with. Nick is now a journalist who is investigating the murder of Ginny Evans. Ginny was murdered when Hannah was a teen and Drew's Aunt Hannah had helped the case with her mystic powers. Unfortunately, the case was never solved and Nick wants to look through Hannah's stuff for a fresh perspective. Drew at first says no, but as she looks through Hannah things, it piques her interest and she teams up with Nick to help. Drew also starts to rediscover her magical abilities and uses them to help the case. As Drew and Nick investigate, small town secrets are revealed and twist and turns ensue. They start to see who and what was missed the first time around and finally bring justice for Ginny. This was an engaging, cozy mystery sprinkled with paranormal vibes. I really liked all the characters and their dynamics as they had good banter, humor, and heart that kept you rooting for them. The story is well written, fast paced, and keeps you reading more to see who did it. I liked how the case was wrapped up, but still left it open for more adventures with Drew and Nick. I can't wait to see what this author writes next. :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Drew Benson gets brought back to her hometown after the passing of her beloved aunt Hannah. What she wasn’t prepared for was taking over her aunts metaphysical shop. Drowning in bills, a lack of customers, a mother who wants nothing more than for Drew to sell the business and an unknown person who keeps vandalizing her storefront— the last thing she needs is her high school rival popping in unannounced.
Nick, a reporter for The Star comes back into town following a twenty year cold case surrounding a seventeen year old, , who went missing without a trace. A girl that Hannah had assisted, with her psychic powers, in a search for.
Gardenias. Saint. Lake.
After many hours of cops following Hannah’s leads through her vision, a massive search of a nearby lake turns up empty. Hannah’s reputation is now soiled and it’s national news.. but like all cold cases. It’s forgotten. Until Nick shows up. He knows about a set of journals in which Hannah had used to write her visions in and asks Drew to find them.
How is Drew linked to this tragedy after twenty years?
I found myself flying through this book! I absolutely love everything metaphysical, crystals (I collect them!), tarot and astrology so when it’s tied into a “cozy mystery” I will always eat it up within a few hours. It’s twisty, yet easy to follow.
A must have on your Fall TBR! Grab a warm coffee, a blanket and cozy up for this one.
Thank you to Minotaur via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! ✨
Nick, a reporter for The Star comes back into town following a twenty year cold case surrounding a seventeen year old, , who went missing without a trace. A girl that Hannah had assisted, with her psychic powers, in a search for.
Gardenias. Saint. Lake.
After many hours of cops following Hannah’s leads through her vision, a massive search of a nearby lake turns up empty. Hannah’s reputation is now soiled and it’s national news.. but like all cold cases. It’s forgotten. Until Nick shows up. He knows about a set of journals in which Hannah had used to write her visions in and asks Drew to find them.
How is Drew linked to this tragedy after twenty years?
I found myself flying through this book! I absolutely love everything metaphysical, crystals (I collect them!), tarot and astrology so when it’s tied into a “cozy mystery” I will always eat it up within a few hours. It’s twisty, yet easy to follow.
A must have on your Fall TBR! Grab a warm coffee, a blanket and cozy up for this one.
Thank you to Minotaur via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts! ✨
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In the Mystic and the Missing Girl, Drew Benson is struggling with a failing business inherited from her aunt when she is enticed into trying to solve a cold case regarding a missing teenage girl. She teams up with Nick, a local reporter to track down new leads. Along the way, she discovers her own skills, builds a great relationship with her one employee, determines what she wants in a romantic relationship, and finds her place within her family. Oh, and she solves the case.
This is a nice little cozy mystery with some strong characters. While there are some surprises, this is not the chaotic, frantic chase for a killer. The author spends more time developing the relationships among the characters which are its strength. It’s as much about someone in their 30’s trying to find their niche as it is about the cold case.
The tarot is used as a tool for solving the mystery and it is very well done. It’s easy to understand, even for those who aren’t familiar, without sounding like a mini lecture on each card. There’s a great atmosphere throughout, cozy and autumnal, with witchy vibes that were comfortable and homey. There was even a tiny black kitten to help set the mood.
This is definitely worth a read, particularly in the fall. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
This is a nice little cozy mystery with some strong characters. While there are some surprises, this is not the chaotic, frantic chase for a killer. The author spends more time developing the relationships among the characters which are its strength. It’s as much about someone in their 30’s trying to find their niche as it is about the cold case.
The tarot is used as a tool for solving the mystery and it is very well done. It’s easy to understand, even for those who aren’t familiar, without sounding like a mini lecture on each card. There’s a great atmosphere throughout, cozy and autumnal, with witchy vibes that were comfortable and homey. There was even a tiny black kitten to help set the mood.
This is definitely worth a read, particularly in the fall. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
When Drew Benson returns to Stanfield, she expects to run into some of the people from her past. But she’d inherited Good Vibrations, her Aunt Hannah’s magic shop and, she was determined to keep it open.
When a reporter suggests television psychic Hannah Mystic may have had some involvement with the disappearance of teenager Ginny Evans some twenty years ago, Drew finds herself drawn to using her long-ignored psychic ability to solve the mystery and clear her aunt’s name.
What will Drew discover as she is drawn into the case?
=========
This cozy mystery, with its intriguing premise, believable characters, and strong sense of place, pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Readers will find the weaving of tarot cards into the telling keeps the investigation fresh and the pages turning.
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a bit of mysticism, a captivating mystery, and delightful characters will find much to appreciate in this difficult-to-set-aside book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheMysticandtheMissingGirl #NetGalley
When Drew Benson returns to Stanfield, she expects to run into some of the people from her past. But she’d inherited Good Vibrations, her Aunt Hannah’s magic shop and, she was determined to keep it open.
When a reporter suggests television psychic Hannah Mystic may have had some involvement with the disappearance of teenager Ginny Evans some twenty years ago, Drew finds herself drawn to using her long-ignored psychic ability to solve the mystery and clear her aunt’s name.
What will Drew discover as she is drawn into the case?
=========
This cozy mystery, with its intriguing premise, believable characters, and strong sense of place, pulls readers into the telling of the tale from the outset. Readers will find the weaving of tarot cards into the telling keeps the investigation fresh and the pages turning.
Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a bit of mysticism, a captivating mystery, and delightful characters will find much to appreciate in this difficult-to-set-aside book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#TheMysticandtheMissingGirl #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Mystic and the Missing Girl
By Vikki Vansickle
This is a very interesting book – part murder mystery, part magic involving not one but two psychics.
Twenty years ago, in the small town of Stanfield, a 17 year old girl named Ginny Evans, the local high school sweetheart, vanished. Never to be seen again! There were intensive searches over the years for Ginny. Everyone from the church youth group to the police to a television psychic named Hannah Mystic was involved in the search, to no avail.
The psychic's reputation was destroyed when her visions didn't pan out, and years later, still more or less an outcast, Hannah died of cancer, leaving her store of magical stock to her niece Drew Benson. But that's not all she left to Drew, because Drew also found that she had her aunt's psychic abilities.
Now, 20 years later, Ginny's disappearance is once again in the limelight, with Drew's old high school lab partner, Nick Campbell, now a journalist, back in town to try to solve the case. And he calls on Drew for help.
This is a well plotted mystery with lots of potential suspects and few real clues. But Drew and Nick hang in and manage to solve the disappearance.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Vikki Vansickle
This is a very interesting book – part murder mystery, part magic involving not one but two psychics.
Twenty years ago, in the small town of Stanfield, a 17 year old girl named Ginny Evans, the local high school sweetheart, vanished. Never to be seen again! There were intensive searches over the years for Ginny. Everyone from the church youth group to the police to a television psychic named Hannah Mystic was involved in the search, to no avail.
The psychic's reputation was destroyed when her visions didn't pan out, and years later, still more or less an outcast, Hannah died of cancer, leaving her store of magical stock to her niece Drew Benson. But that's not all she left to Drew, because Drew also found that she had her aunt's psychic abilities.
Now, 20 years later, Ginny's disappearance is once again in the limelight, with Drew's old high school lab partner, Nick Campbell, now a journalist, back in town to try to solve the case. And he calls on Drew for help.
This is a well plotted mystery with lots of potential suspects and few real clues. But Drew and Nick hang in and manage to solve the disappearance.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4–4.5 stars
I received an ARC of The Mystic and the Missing Girl from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, and while this isn’t a book I would have necessarily picked up on my own, I’m so glad I did.
This was a really enjoyable small-town mystery with a unique paranormal twist. Drew is a fantastic main character—relatable, a little messy, and easy to root for—and I especially loved her dynamic with Nick. Their history and banter added a great layer to the story, and the supporting cast made the town feel fully lived-in.
The mystery itself was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed the reveal. I also appreciated Drew’s character growth throughout the novel as she confronts both her past and her abilities.
At times, the pacing felt a bit repetitive and could have benefited from some tightening, but it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
This definitely feels like the start of a series, and I really hope it is—I would happily return to this world and these characters.
Overall, a fun, cozy-leaning mystery with heart, intrigue, and a compelling lead.
I received an ARC of The Mystic and the Missing Girl from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books, and while this isn’t a book I would have necessarily picked up on my own, I’m so glad I did.
This was a really enjoyable small-town mystery with a unique paranormal twist. Drew is a fantastic main character—relatable, a little messy, and easy to root for—and I especially loved her dynamic with Nick. Their history and banter added a great layer to the story, and the supporting cast made the town feel fully lived-in.
The mystery itself was engaging, and I genuinely enjoyed the reveal. I also appreciated Drew’s character growth throughout the novel as she confronts both her past and her abilities.
At times, the pacing felt a bit repetitive and could have benefited from some tightening, but it didn’t take away too much from my overall enjoyment.
This definitely feels like the start of a series, and I really hope it is—I would happily return to this world and these characters.
Overall, a fun, cozy-leaning mystery with heart, intrigue, and a compelling lead.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Four stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were likable and had good chemistry together. I especially loved that they had known each other in high school and were reconnecting after time apart. There was something nostalgic and comforting about watching old classmates get a second chance at friendship and connection. Their dynamic felt natural and fun, and it made the story easy to sink into. George, the shop’s part time employee, was sweet, lovable, and impossible not to adore.
The mystery itself was well paced and kept me interested the whole way through, with just enough emotional depth underneath it. Best of all, the ending was satisfying in all the right ways. No frustrating loose ends, no unfinished mystery, just a solid conclusion that wrapped everything up nicely. I would happily come back to this little world again if there are more books to come.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were likable and had good chemistry together. I especially loved that they had known each other in high school and were reconnecting after time apart. There was something nostalgic and comforting about watching old classmates get a second chance at friendship and connection. Their dynamic felt natural and fun, and it made the story easy to sink into. George, the shop’s part time employee, was sweet, lovable, and impossible not to adore.
The mystery itself was well paced and kept me interested the whole way through, with just enough emotional depth underneath it. Best of all, the ending was satisfying in all the right ways. No frustrating loose ends, no unfinished mystery, just a solid conclusion that wrapped everything up nicely. I would happily come back to this little world again if there are more books to come.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Goodreads and the publisher for the advance copy of The Mystic and the Missing Girl which I won in a giveaway.
I don’t usually read books about psychics and mysticism but it also has a mystery to solve which appealed to my usual taste in novels.
The characters were well developed and easy to relate to, even the less pleasant ones. In my life I have met people just like the ones in this book. The descriptions of small town life were very interesting.
The main focus was Hannah the deceased and disgraced mystic who fully embraced her gifts and her niece Drew who did not embrace the gifts she had. The plot centered around the disappearance of a teenager twenty years ago and the two people looking for answers and closure. Drew who is returning to the town of her youth as she has inherited a failing business and Nick the big city newspaper reporter hoping for advancement.
The pace was leisurely for most of the book but as the ending neared it got more intense and exciting.
This was a satisfying story very well told.
I don’t usually read books about psychics and mysticism but it also has a mystery to solve which appealed to my usual taste in novels.
The characters were well developed and easy to relate to, even the less pleasant ones. In my life I have met people just like the ones in this book. The descriptions of small town life were very interesting.
The main focus was Hannah the deceased and disgraced mystic who fully embraced her gifts and her niece Drew who did not embrace the gifts she had. The plot centered around the disappearance of a teenager twenty years ago and the two people looking for answers and closure. Drew who is returning to the town of her youth as she has inherited a failing business and Nick the big city newspaper reporter hoping for advancement.
The pace was leisurely for most of the book but as the ending neared it got more intense and exciting.
This was a satisfying story very well told.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a review of an advance copy received from Minotaur Books via NetGalley. This book will be published around September 8, 2026.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is the ultimate cozy mystery for anyone who wants a side of tarot with their true crime.
The book follows Drew Benson, who returns to her Lakeside Canadian hometown after she inherits her late aunt’s mystical shop. But when a former classmate (Nick, my prince) starts to investigate a 20-year-old missing girl case, Drew decides to dust off her suppressed psychic powers to clear her aunt’s name and find answers about the missing girl. Armed with tarot cards, her aunt's old journals, and a whole lot of reluctant intuition, she dives into a web of small-town secrets.
I really enjoyed this snappy, fast paced, cozy, but spooky mystery. There were enough plot twists to keep me guessing, and I was really invested in all of the characters - main and side. I actually would love for this to become a series, but I also love it as a stand-alone too.
Rating: 4.5/5
The Mystic and the Missing Girl by Vikki VanSickle is the ultimate cozy mystery for anyone who wants a side of tarot with their true crime.
The book follows Drew Benson, who returns to her Lakeside Canadian hometown after she inherits her late aunt’s mystical shop. But when a former classmate (Nick, my prince) starts to investigate a 20-year-old missing girl case, Drew decides to dust off her suppressed psychic powers to clear her aunt’s name and find answers about the missing girl. Armed with tarot cards, her aunt's old journals, and a whole lot of reluctant intuition, she dives into a web of small-town secrets.
I really enjoyed this snappy, fast paced, cozy, but spooky mystery. There were enough plot twists to keep me guessing, and I was really invested in all of the characters - main and side. I actually would love for this to become a series, but I also love it as a stand-alone too.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I want to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing an early digital copy of this book. This mysterious story combines supernatural elements with the gripping tale of a missing girl in a small town. It follows a reclusive mystic who gets pulled into the search, amid rumors of curses and hidden secrets. I really enjoyed the moody setting, the foggy coastal village feels filled with danger, and the mystic's hesitant involvement builds a slow, suspenseful tension that is both chilling and character-focused. The supporting characters add complexity and emotional depth, while the writing blends folklore with psychological insights, creating a mystery that kept me guessing until the end. I took off one star because there was a twist in the middle that I found a bit predictable. However, the emotional impact and eerie atmosphere make this book truly special. It’s a great choice for anyone who enjoys suspenseful stories with a touch of the supernatural.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book.
It’s a little slow to start, but once it lays the groundwork and finds its footing it just takes off into a wonderfully twisty small town mystery. I thought I had it all pieced together, and was so happy that I was only slightly off in my theory. To me, that’s the hallmark of a great mystery. One where the reader is able to take all of the clues you’ve laid out and piece it together. It was gorgeously crafted.
I also learned so much about tarot, and I’m so excited to explore and learn even more. It was the perfect blend of mystical and magic while being grounded in reality.
Drew and Nick are also an incredible pairing. I loved their friendship, I really hope we get to go on more adventures with them.
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
It’s a little slow to start, but once it lays the groundwork and finds its footing it just takes off into a wonderfully twisty small town mystery. I thought I had it all pieced together, and was so happy that I was only slightly off in my theory. To me, that’s the hallmark of a great mystery. One where the reader is able to take all of the clues you’ve laid out and piece it together. It was gorgeously crafted.
I also learned so much about tarot, and I’m so excited to explore and learn even more. It was the perfect blend of mystical and magic while being grounded in reality.
Drew and Nick are also an incredible pairing. I loved their friendship, I really hope we get to go on more adventures with them.
Thank you so much to Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If ever there were a book that I hope becomes a series, it's this. The Mystic and the Missing Girl was a reallllllllllly enjoyable read. This is my first VanSickle book, and I'm very interested in continuing to read her work.
Drew and Nick are a fun pairing, each learning and growing from one another, and the side characters are also entertaining. Gigi is great, and I want to learn more about her and George, and Foster. And frankly if that needs to be done via a Tarot reading, cool - let's do it. Speaking of Tarot, the sections divided by the cards was different and far better than a bland "part 1".
This book had interesting characters, a GREAT whodunit, some interfamily drama, and (as all witchy books do) a cat. Where's the downside?
Thank you to the publisher via NetGally for this book.
Drew and Nick are a fun pairing, each learning and growing from one another, and the side characters are also entertaining. Gigi is great, and I want to learn more about her and George, and Foster. And frankly if that needs to be done via a Tarot reading, cool - let's do it. Speaking of Tarot, the sections divided by the cards was different and far better than a bland "part 1".
This book had interesting characters, a GREAT whodunit, some interfamily drama, and (as all witchy books do) a cat. Where's the downside?
Thank you to the publisher via NetGally for this book.
May 13, 2026
This was great! This paranormal mystery set in Canada investigates a small town cold case rife with loose ends. The story hooks you right away and has good pacing throughout. This is a great cozy-ish mystery, but it’s also so much more—it’s got small town connections (and drama), well developed diverse characters, self-discovery and new beginnings, strong friendship, taking a leap and starting a business, processing grief, and of course psychic abilities. There is a hint of romance, but I really enjoyed that the main focus is the mystery and the quirky small town. Fans of The Dead Guy Next Door by Lucy Score, Dead & Breakfast by Kat Hillis & Rosie Thor, and Such a Bad Influence by Grace Demyan would enjoy. This comes out in September and would be a fabulous fall mystical season read.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the e-arc!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Minotaur Books for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC
This was such a fun read.
I’m always a sucker for characters with history, and the fact that they knew each other in high school added a layer that made their connection feel genuine from the start. Watching them find their way back to each other years later felt nostalgic and comforting in the best way. Their chemistry was easy, natural, and never felt forced.
The mystery kept me engaged the entire time without overshadowing the heart of the story. It was well-paced, had enough twists to keep me guessing, and wrapped up in a way that felt satisfying. No unnecessary drama, no loose ends, just a solid ending that delivered.
And George? Absolutely stole every scene he was in.
A really enjoyable read that balanced mystery, friendship, and second chances well. I'd happily return to this world if there are more books to come.
This was such a fun read.
I’m always a sucker for characters with history, and the fact that they knew each other in high school added a layer that made their connection feel genuine from the start. Watching them find their way back to each other years later felt nostalgic and comforting in the best way. Their chemistry was easy, natural, and never felt forced.
The mystery kept me engaged the entire time without overshadowing the heart of the story. It was well-paced, had enough twists to keep me guessing, and wrapped up in a way that felt satisfying. No unnecessary drama, no loose ends, just a solid ending that delivered.
And George? Absolutely stole every scene he was in.
A really enjoyable read that balanced mystery, friendship, and second chances well. I'd happily return to this world if there are more books to come.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
4.5 rounded down to a 4
I really, really enjoyed this one!! 😍 I almost passed it by because the cover just wasn’t doing it for me (yes, I know... judging a book by its cover is terrible 😂), but I’m so glad I picked it up anyway.
Drew was such a fun main character, and I loved all the different dynamics and relationships in her life. The story mixes a cute mystery with a dash of magic, and it was such an enjoyable, cozy read from start to finish. This book completely charmed me, and it’s proof that sometimes the books you’re least sure about end up being the biggest surprises! ✨📚🔮
A delightful mystery, lovable characters, and a little sprinkle of magic—what more could you ask for? I'm so glad I gave this one a chance! 💕📖✨
Thank you to Net Galley, Goodreads and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really, really enjoyed this one!! 😍 I almost passed it by because the cover just wasn’t doing it for me (yes, I know... judging a book by its cover is terrible 😂), but I’m so glad I picked it up anyway.
Drew was such a fun main character, and I loved all the different dynamics and relationships in her life. The story mixes a cute mystery with a dash of magic, and it was such an enjoyable, cozy read from start to finish. This book completely charmed me, and it’s proof that sometimes the books you’re least sure about end up being the biggest surprises! ✨📚🔮
A delightful mystery, lovable characters, and a little sprinkle of magic—what more could you ask for? I'm so glad I gave this one a chance! 💕📖✨
Thank you to Net Galley, Goodreads and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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