Shadows and Spells

by Allie Katt, Tasha Oakwood

The fifth hint that trouble is on the horizon in this witchy small town? Clothes folded neatly at the lake’s edge. Next to a body.Willowbark is finally settling into normal for a town brimming with witches and hidden magic. The cult has gone quiet. The covens are rebuilding. And my life in the apothecary is finally going smoothly—no more magical mysteries to uncover.

Until the town loner turns up dead beside the lake.

What’s worse, the medical examiner can’t figure out the cause, the sheriff’s locked me out of the case, and a reporter has shown up knowing far more than she should. And within days, two more people vanish.

Same lake. Same eerie pattern, their clothes strewn out along the shore.

I’m Aurora Hart. Apothecary. Witch. Professional overthinker. I’ve faced cultists, vampires, rogue magic, and the occasional possessed broom. And I won’t allow anyone to threaten my town, magical or otherwise, even with the sheriff on my tail.

If I don’t find out what’s hiding in the shadows around Willowbark soon, who knows who will missing next?

Dive into the next instalment in this fun paranormal cozy mystery series from USA Today bestselling author Allie Katt and Tasha Oakwood. Grab your copy today!

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2026

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book of the Witches of Willowbark Cozy Mystery series and it is a page turner. Just when witch, Aurora Hart thought everything was back to normal, a body was found beside the lake. To make matters worse, the coroner couldn't figure out the cause of death. And so, even though Aurora was told to stay out of it, she of course, doesn't. This is a edge of your seat page turner to see what will happen next until the unbelievable ending and the fact that this book has a cliffhanger. To understand some of the things in this book, it would be best to read the entire series from the beginning which I highly recommend. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the series and it is very important to read the series. Just when you think Aurora may have a little break from all the drama, a body is found. It is so intriguing that it is hard to stop reading. There are many clues and situations to work through but so interesting in putting eveything together. Each character is more developed which just adds to the overall feel. There are several cliff hanging moments which makes you look forward to the next book. Hopefully, we will not have a long wait, but well worth waiting for. I received a copy for an honest review and well worth the read in my opionion.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aurora (Rory) Hart and the Muskberrys are perplexed with first, a murder and then three people vanishing into thin air. Rory also learns more about her magical powers. Together with her best friend, Maeve Muskberry, Rory must find the murderer as well as the missing people, one of whom is June, Maeve's sister. Will her magic help?
An engaging witchy mystery with interesting characters and an enthralling plot which kept me guessing.

[Leslie Ferrari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another installment in the adventures of Aurora and the Muskberry Coven in Willowbark. This one is very intense and picks up after book 4, so I would strongly recommend you read the series in order. There are several cliffhangers to this one, as well as a huge bombshell drop at the end. Hopefully the next in the series will be forthcoming soon.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is such a confusing case for Rory and Maeve. When the mystery hits close to home, they amp up into high gear to solve it. I did have a suspicion about Rory’s affinity…seems I was right! That is so cool! This was fun to read! Each book get better and better. That quick twist at the end? I NEED the next book NOW!

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This one was a “can’t put it down” book! There was so much going on that I kept trying to figure out what came next: friendship, love, mystery, magic and murder - it has it all. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have liked this series since the first book and I've read all the books!! they are so good and this one goes a long way to explain things. I just love it. I love Connor and I'm so glad that Aurora is willing to learn and research who she is and her history. Great stuff.

[Nicole Presnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute cozy mystery. I love watching Rory and Connor's relationship develop and I love Floofs! I can't wait to read the next in the series to see how it clears up some of the issues that were raised in this book.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

A great story that draws you in immediately and leaves you wanting more at the end. A lot happened in this one & I can’t wait to see what happens next!