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The Hemlock Saga #2
The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite & Spellwork (Deluxe Edition)
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
9 days and 14:52:56
15 copies available
U.S. only
448 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Kiri Callaghan
11 books479 followersBorn from ink and stardust, Kiri Callaghan enthusiastically prods and catalogues the world around her. She’s driven by questions: the why’s and what if’s of life. Her peers call her fickle, seemingly unable to focus on a singular field of study. She reads, cooks, crafts, and games. Submerged in some new thing, she explores unexplained supernatural phenomena or how to make a proper cake pop. Kiri is a writer, singer, actor, and adventurer. Above all, Kiri is curious.
Kiri Callaghan currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Kiri Callaghan currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hearth witch's guide to spite and spellwork has a wonderfully sharp, witchy energy — the kind of story that blends emotional vulnerability with dark magic and a touch of spiteful charm. Avery Hemlock’s loneliness sits at the centre of it all, and the book captures that ache beautifully. As the bastard daughter of the late Erlking, she’s always kept herself apart, but now solitude feels less like safety and more like punishment. It gives her chapters a quiet, compelling tension.
Saga’s journey runs parallel in a way that feels deeply satisfying. Still reeling from her grandmother’s murder and the shock of discovering the fey world, she’s trying to rebuild herself piece by piece. Her longing to reach out to Avery — tempered by guilt and fear — adds a lovely emotional thread. Both women are navigating grief, identity, and the consequences of their last case, and the book lets those wounds breathe.
The new investigation pulls them back together with perfect timing. A local witch’s death, possibly tied to a vicious revenge hex, is exactly the kind of mystery that refuses to let either of them stay away. The case is layered, eerie, and threaded with political tension from the Winter Council, whose secrets add an extra chill to the story.
What stands out is how nothing is straightforward. Every clue feels slightly off, every truth has a shadow behind it, and even Avery and Saga’s own long‑held beliefs begin to crack. Their dynamic — prickly, loyal, and quietly tender — gives the book its strongest heartbeat, grounding the magic in real emotional stakes.
Atmospheric, sharp, and full of fey intrigue, The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite and Spellwork delivers a compelling blend of mystery, magic, and messy, meaningful connection. A rich, engaging read that deepens the world and the characters in all the right ways.
With thanks to Kiri Callaghan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Saga’s journey runs parallel in a way that feels deeply satisfying. Still reeling from her grandmother’s murder and the shock of discovering the fey world, she’s trying to rebuild herself piece by piece. Her longing to reach out to Avery — tempered by guilt and fear — adds a lovely emotional thread. Both women are navigating grief, identity, and the consequences of their last case, and the book lets those wounds breathe.
The new investigation pulls them back together with perfect timing. A local witch’s death, possibly tied to a vicious revenge hex, is exactly the kind of mystery that refuses to let either of them stay away. The case is layered, eerie, and threaded with political tension from the Winter Council, whose secrets add an extra chill to the story.
What stands out is how nothing is straightforward. Every clue feels slightly off, every truth has a shadow behind it, and even Avery and Saga’s own long‑held beliefs begin to crack. Their dynamic — prickly, loyal, and quietly tender — gives the book its strongest heartbeat, grounding the magic in real emotional stakes.
Atmospheric, sharp, and full of fey intrigue, The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite and Spellwork delivers a compelling blend of mystery, magic, and messy, meaningful connection. A rich, engaging read that deepens the world and the characters in all the right ways.
With thanks to Kiri Callaghan, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25/5)
Returning to Saga and Avery’s world felt like slipping back into a favorite magical London.
One of my favorite aspects of The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite & Spellwork is how naturally the world continues to expand. Rather than relying on constant action, Kiri Callaghan lets the mystery unfold through layered world-building, folklore, and character relationships. The magic system feels richer, the stakes grow steadily, and every new revelation adds another piece to a much larger puzzle.
What continues to set this series apart for me, though, is Saga and Avery. Their relationship remains the emotional heart of the story, and I found myself just as invested in their quieter moments together as I was in the central mystery. They balance one another beautifully, and watching their trust and partnership deepen made the journey especially rewarding.
The prose is elegant and immersive, creating the perfect atmosphere for a cozy magical mystery. Even during the slower sections, I never felt disconnected because the world itself was so enjoyable to spend time in.
The ending is clearly designed to lead into the next installment. While it leaves several larger questions unanswered, it still provides enough emotional resolution that I finished the book feeling excited for what’s to come rather than frustrated by the open threads.
If I had one small criticism, it’s that the deliberate pacing and open-ended conclusion kept this from reaching a full five stars for me. I wanted just a bit more closure before turning the final page.
Overall, this is another enchanting installment in the Hemlock Saga that blends magical mystery, folklore, and heartfelt character development into a wonderfully immersive reading experience.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Kiri Callaghan, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Returning to Saga and Avery’s world felt like slipping back into a favorite magical London.
One of my favorite aspects of The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite & Spellwork is how naturally the world continues to expand. Rather than relying on constant action, Kiri Callaghan lets the mystery unfold through layered world-building, folklore, and character relationships. The magic system feels richer, the stakes grow steadily, and every new revelation adds another piece to a much larger puzzle.
What continues to set this series apart for me, though, is Saga and Avery. Their relationship remains the emotional heart of the story, and I found myself just as invested in their quieter moments together as I was in the central mystery. They balance one another beautifully, and watching their trust and partnership deepen made the journey especially rewarding.
The prose is elegant and immersive, creating the perfect atmosphere for a cozy magical mystery. Even during the slower sections, I never felt disconnected because the world itself was so enjoyable to spend time in.
The ending is clearly designed to lead into the next installment. While it leaves several larger questions unanswered, it still provides enough emotional resolution that I finished the book feeling excited for what’s to come rather than frustrated by the open threads.
If I had one small criticism, it’s that the deliberate pacing and open-ended conclusion kept this from reaching a full five stars for me. I wanted just a bit more closure before turning the final page.
Overall, this is another enchanting installment in the Hemlock Saga that blends magical mystery, folklore, and heartfelt character development into a wonderfully immersive reading experience.
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Kiri Callaghan, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to Kiri Callaghan and Poisoned Pen Press for an advanced eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Do you like witchcraft? Fey (the spooky, 'steal babies' kind, not the other kind) and magic? Murder and intrigue? Delicious recipes that accompany the novel, described so beautifully you can almost smell them on the page? Okay, so the last one is a bonus, but the recipes ARE good.
Spite & Spellwork is an excellent follow-up to Magic & Murder, and a perfect continuation of the series that continues to mix cozy, classic Sherlock Holmes, and fantastical crimes that cross the thin border between our world and that of folklore and wonder. There's no sophomore slump here. Saga and Avery continue to yearn, but it's more pointed, more clear. Their developing relationship was so lovely to read, especially with how much more we got to see of Saga's past. The characters are complicated, real, and lovable in their own ways, and you want to see more of their lives, not less.
The mystery in S&S was, in my opinion, not as interesting as in M&M; it was easier to solve, a bit more clear-cut in motive if you're familiar with the genre or are good at solving mysteries. BUT!! The consequences and results, the way it was presented, and the resolution kept me entertained even as I started to put the pieces together. Not only that, but it truly showed how complicated this world is, the London which Saga and Avery occupy, especially when it comes to how Mundane and magic meet. There is no perfect solution to the problems presented, but that's life.
S&S introduces new characters and concepts, reenforces old, and it's a fantastic time all around. Perfect for the coming fall months, I'd recommend a heavy blanket, some warm lighting, and a robust cup of black tea with cardamom syrup as you dive back into this alternative London and all its continued magic.
Do you like witchcraft? Fey (the spooky, 'steal babies' kind, not the other kind) and magic? Murder and intrigue? Delicious recipes that accompany the novel, described so beautifully you can almost smell them on the page? Okay, so the last one is a bonus, but the recipes ARE good.
Spite & Spellwork is an excellent follow-up to Magic & Murder, and a perfect continuation of the series that continues to mix cozy, classic Sherlock Holmes, and fantastical crimes that cross the thin border between our world and that of folklore and wonder. There's no sophomore slump here. Saga and Avery continue to yearn, but it's more pointed, more clear. Their developing relationship was so lovely to read, especially with how much more we got to see of Saga's past. The characters are complicated, real, and lovable in their own ways, and you want to see more of their lives, not less.
The mystery in S&S was, in my opinion, not as interesting as in M&M; it was easier to solve, a bit more clear-cut in motive if you're familiar with the genre or are good at solving mysteries. BUT!! The consequences and results, the way it was presented, and the resolution kept me entertained even as I started to put the pieces together. Not only that, but it truly showed how complicated this world is, the London which Saga and Avery occupy, especially when it comes to how Mundane and magic meet. There is no perfect solution to the problems presented, but that's life.
S&S introduces new characters and concepts, reenforces old, and it's a fantastic time all around. Perfect for the coming fall months, I'd recommend a heavy blanket, some warm lighting, and a robust cup of black tea with cardamom syrup as you dive back into this alternative London and all its continued magic.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was an amazing sequel and, honestly, I enjoyed it even more than the first book. It has everything I love in a fantasy, mystery, magic, suspense, great characters, and plenty of emotional moments.
The relationship between Saga and Avery continues to develop slowly, and I loved every minute of it. Their connection feels natural and realistic, with lots of small moments that show how much they care about each other. The slow burn romance never feels frustrating because it fits their personalities and journeys perfectly.
The mystery kept me interested from start to finish. While I had some guesses about what was happening, the way the story unfolded was still exciting and entertaining. The magical world feels rich and unique, blending folklore, witchcraft, and detective work in a way that makes it hard to put the book down.
What stood out the most for me was the emotional depth of the story. The characters feel real, with their own struggles, hopes, and complicated histories. Some scenes were genuinely moving and stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The writing is warm, engaging, and often funny, balancing darker moments with humor and heart. Returning to this magical version of London felt like coming home. If you enjoyed Magic & Murder, this sequel is a must read. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
The relationship between Saga and Avery continues to develop slowly, and I loved every minute of it. Their connection feels natural and realistic, with lots of small moments that show how much they care about each other. The slow burn romance never feels frustrating because it fits their personalities and journeys perfectly.
The mystery kept me interested from start to finish. While I had some guesses about what was happening, the way the story unfolded was still exciting and entertaining. The magical world feels rich and unique, blending folklore, witchcraft, and detective work in a way that makes it hard to put the book down.
What stood out the most for me was the emotional depth of the story. The characters feel real, with their own struggles, hopes, and complicated histories. Some scenes were genuinely moving and stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The writing is warm, engaging, and often funny, balancing darker moments with humor and heart. Returning to this magical version of London felt like coming home. If you enjoyed Magic & Murder, this sequel is a must read. I can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Spite & Spellwork is the second book in this cozy, sapphic, magical reimagining of Sherlock Holmes. I enjoyed the first book so much, and thought this one was very nearly as good. The mystery doesn’t pick up until almost 40% of the way through, so that was a struggle for me. However, what this book lacks in action it more than makes up for in emotional depth.
We get perspectives from both FMCs and they could not be more different.
Saga: the med-school dropout and newly-minted witch with an estranged mother and strained family dynamic after her beloved gran passes away.
Avery: the bastard daughter of the late Earlking who is figuring out modern-day London after 200 years in a magical prison for patricide.
A new investigation brings these women back together to unearth who or what is responsible for some very macabre deaths in the Mundane world. Mixing folklore and contemporary life, this book weaves a London I wish I could visit. It’s one full of life, intrigue, and more than one otherworldly being with nefarious intentions walking the streets with the mere mortals.
Perfectly threading the needle between cozy and suspenseful, Callaghan’s book will make the perfect autumn companion with a good cuppa. I’m looking forward to her next installment!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley, and Kiri Callaghan for the ARC of this book!
We get perspectives from both FMCs and they could not be more different.
Saga: the med-school dropout and newly-minted witch with an estranged mother and strained family dynamic after her beloved gran passes away.
Avery: the bastard daughter of the late Earlking who is figuring out modern-day London after 200 years in a magical prison for patricide.
A new investigation brings these women back together to unearth who or what is responsible for some very macabre deaths in the Mundane world. Mixing folklore and contemporary life, this book weaves a London I wish I could visit. It’s one full of life, intrigue, and more than one otherworldly being with nefarious intentions walking the streets with the mere mortals.
Perfectly threading the needle between cozy and suspenseful, Callaghan’s book will make the perfect autumn companion with a good cuppa. I’m looking forward to her next installment!
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, NetGalley, and Kiri Callaghan for the ARC of this book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5*
The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic & Murder is one of my favorite reads of the past year so this book is a highly anticipated sequel for me, and it lived up to that!
I will say that this one took me a decent bit longer to get into than the first book, but once I did, it was well worth it. Same cozy vibes but that underlying tension and emotion that I loved in the first book. This time, with Avery and Saga continuing to grow from where they left off in the first book. Their relationship is so lovely. The way that they each communicate how much they care for each other through their actions just really gets to me. I love how each of them has their own character arc that impacts the story but isn't exclusive to their relationship. I can tell that these are characters with full lives outside of each other and not everything revolves around their growing relationship and that's something I love to see in writing.
The mystery in this book was so good as well! It kept me guessing right up until the last act. Very excited to see where this series continues to go and especially excited to see more of Avery and Saga's relationship in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the e-arc for an honest review.
The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic & Murder is one of my favorite reads of the past year so this book is a highly anticipated sequel for me, and it lived up to that!
I will say that this one took me a decent bit longer to get into than the first book, but once I did, it was well worth it. Same cozy vibes but that underlying tension and emotion that I loved in the first book. This time, with Avery and Saga continuing to grow from where they left off in the first book. Their relationship is so lovely. The way that they each communicate how much they care for each other through their actions just really gets to me. I love how each of them has their own character arc that impacts the story but isn't exclusive to their relationship. I can tell that these are characters with full lives outside of each other and not everything revolves around their growing relationship and that's something I love to see in writing.
The mystery in this book was so good as well! It kept me guessing right up until the last act. Very excited to see where this series continues to go and especially excited to see more of Avery and Saga's relationship in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the e-arc for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite and Spellwork!
This queer and cosy magical murder mystery has a lot to like about it, from the enchanting world it portrays to its well-defined characters, fun footnotes, and exploration of grief and family dynamics. The recipes at the end of the book were also a charming touch.
All the same, I regularly found myself bored. The murder mystery plot was too easy to solve, to the point where I felt frustrated with the characters for not once suspecting the very obvious villain with their clear motive and methods.
The relationships were sweet. But, I felt that some scenes with secondary characters bogged down the storyline, and dialogues at time seemed contrived. There was also a fair amount of telling rather than showing.
I think a lot of readers will still enjoy The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite and Spellwork, however. I'd recommend it if you're interested in a cosy, magical world that also tackles unjust systems, heartbreak, and grief. Read it for the worldbuilding and the characters, not the murder mystery.
This queer and cosy magical murder mystery has a lot to like about it, from the enchanting world it portrays to its well-defined characters, fun footnotes, and exploration of grief and family dynamics. The recipes at the end of the book were also a charming touch.
All the same, I regularly found myself bored. The murder mystery plot was too easy to solve, to the point where I felt frustrated with the characters for not once suspecting the very obvious villain with their clear motive and methods.
The relationships were sweet. But, I felt that some scenes with secondary characters bogged down the storyline, and dialogues at time seemed contrived. There was also a fair amount of telling rather than showing.
I think a lot of readers will still enjoy The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite and Spellwork, however. I'd recommend it if you're interested in a cosy, magical world that also tackles unjust systems, heartbreak, and grief. Read it for the worldbuilding and the characters, not the murder mystery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this e-book ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.
It's always great when an author surpasses their previous book, and that's the case for the second Hemlock book by Kiri Callaghan. This time we have a mystery surrounding really gruesome murders that are somehow linked. I think Callaghan did an amazing job of not only crafting the mystery plot, but weaving in Saga learning her family's history and all the good and bad around it. Avery is a delight as usual, with still trying to figure out how things have changed in 200 years and finally figuring out how to use a cell phone.
Toward the end, I did figure out whodunit, but I was fully on board with watching things play out in the story. And no spoilers, but one of the final chapters involving Saga nearly brought me to tears. So beautiful and heart-wrenching. I'm really looking forward to book three and the continued connection between Avery and Saga, and what mystery they can solve next time!
It's always great when an author surpasses their previous book, and that's the case for the second Hemlock book by Kiri Callaghan. This time we have a mystery surrounding really gruesome murders that are somehow linked. I think Callaghan did an amazing job of not only crafting the mystery plot, but weaving in Saga learning her family's history and all the good and bad around it. Avery is a delight as usual, with still trying to figure out how things have changed in 200 years and finally figuring out how to use a cell phone.
Toward the end, I did figure out whodunit, but I was fully on board with watching things play out in the story. And no spoilers, but one of the final chapters involving Saga nearly brought me to tears. So beautiful and heart-wrenching. I'm really looking forward to book three and the continued connection between Avery and Saga, and what mystery they can solve next time!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
There’s so much I enjoyed about this book. The story was intriguing and thoughtfully crafted, and it kept me turning pages. The characters made me feel deeply, and the themes landed just as they were meant to. As a second book in the series, it definitely feels like part of a larger story—I found myself missing a few details here and there. I'm sure picking up Book 1 will fill in those gaps, and I’m already looking forward to reading it, as well as whatever comes next. I’m giving this one 4 stars, and I’ll be recommending it to anyone who loves a cozy mystery with a magical twist.
I received this book as an advanced reader edition in a giveaway win from Sourcebooks via Goodreads giveaways. The above review, including thoughts, feelings, and opinions, is my own and not influenced by receiving a free copy of the book.
I received this book as an advanced reader edition in a giveaway win from Sourcebooks via Goodreads giveaways. The above review, including thoughts, feelings, and opinions, is my own and not influenced by receiving a free copy of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
To say I was thrilled to get an ARC of this book would be an understatement. I LOVE this world. This is by far one of the best Sherlock retellings (and I should know, I think this is the 3rd one I've read recently!) and the added magic system as well as the receipts are just the icing on the literal cakes.
Saga and Avery team up to figure out what is happening to a specific group of people who appeared to have met in college - and while sure this is the underlying mystery (and I am SO PLEASED with myself for figuring out the murderer, it was very well done - and I didn't have all the answers, but close enough) - the real story is Saga's mother. I have a very loud feeling that Saga is far more powerful and that could be an interesting situation between her, Avery, and the magical council.
This series is great and I can't wait to see where Callaghan takes future installments.
Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for this book.
Saga and Avery team up to figure out what is happening to a specific group of people who appeared to have met in college - and while sure this is the underlying mystery (and I am SO PLEASED with myself for figuring out the murderer, it was very well done - and I didn't have all the answers, but close enough) - the real story is Saga's mother. I have a very loud feeling that Saga is far more powerful and that could be an interesting situation between her, Avery, and the magical council.
This series is great and I can't wait to see where Callaghan takes future installments.
Thank you to the publisher via netgalley for this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
**Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own**
The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic and Murder was one of my favorite reads of 2025. Somehow it's sequel has surpassed it.
The slow burn between Avery and Saga continues to slow burn and it's just so perfect. The little moments where one of them is exactly who the other needs in a difficult moment have me smiling and kicking my feet every time. And yes, it's moving slowly but at no point do I want it to move faster. It feels true to the characters and their journeys.
The humor is brilliant and even has me laughing out loud at points but for me what truly put this book over the top was the vulnerable moments, the hard conversations and difficult emotions. The author handles it all with such authenticity, despite all the magic surrounding them these characters feel so real.
And I don't want to give spoilers but chapter 43 will stay with me for a long time. It was beautifully written and I think I will feel the impact of that chapter every time I revisit it.
If I could recommend one book I've read this year it would be The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite and Spellwork (unless you haven't read Magic and Murder in which case read that one first!). I cannot wait to see where book 3 will take this amazing story.
The Hearth Witch's Guide to Magic and Murder was one of my favorite reads of 2025. Somehow it's sequel has surpassed it.
The slow burn between Avery and Saga continues to slow burn and it's just so perfect. The little moments where one of them is exactly who the other needs in a difficult moment have me smiling and kicking my feet every time. And yes, it's moving slowly but at no point do I want it to move faster. It feels true to the characters and their journeys.
The humor is brilliant and even has me laughing out loud at points but for me what truly put this book over the top was the vulnerable moments, the hard conversations and difficult emotions. The author handles it all with such authenticity, despite all the magic surrounding them these characters feel so real.
And I don't want to give spoilers but chapter 43 will stay with me for a long time. It was beautifully written and I think I will feel the impact of that chapter every time I revisit it.
If I could recommend one book I've read this year it would be The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite and Spellwork (unless you haven't read Magic and Murder in which case read that one first!). I cannot wait to see where book 3 will take this amazing story.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss for providing a DRC for review!
I loved Magic and Murder, so I was excited to get Spite and Spellwork early! Saga and Avery are healing and adjusting after the events of book 1, and although both are trying to keep their distance in misguided attempts at safety, the two are quickly brought together to solve another murder. Without spoilers, the case is much bigger than either anticipates, and much more is revealed than the perpetrator alone.
Much in like Magic and Murder, Callaghan doesn't shy away from potentially upsetting details but isn't gratuitous in her writing. The case was intriguing and kept me guessing the whole way through, but I was equally (or more so!) invested in Saga and Avery's evolving relationship and the discoveries each made about their own families and histories. I can't wait to read more!
I loved Magic and Murder, so I was excited to get Spite and Spellwork early! Saga and Avery are healing and adjusting after the events of book 1, and although both are trying to keep their distance in misguided attempts at safety, the two are quickly brought together to solve another murder. Without spoilers, the case is much bigger than either anticipates, and much more is revealed than the perpetrator alone.
Much in like Magic and Murder, Callaghan doesn't shy away from potentially upsetting details but isn't gratuitous in her writing. The case was intriguing and kept me guessing the whole way through, but I was equally (or more so!) invested in Saga and Avery's evolving relationship and the discoveries each made about their own families and histories. I can't wait to read more!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC! The first in this series was my favorite book of 2025, so I was really excited to read this one! Loved being back in the very slightly alternate London universe of Avery and Saga. This one did feel a bit darker - the theme was vengeance, so that tracks. Callaghan does a good job of playing devil's advocate and sometimes you cheer for the heroes and sometimes you almost feel for the villains. Character development is strong.
This is probably just me and my brain fogginess, but I did have a bit of a hard time following all of the characters and the plot twists at times, but it kept things interesting. I really, really, really hope there will be more to this series!
This is probably just me and my brain fogginess, but I did have a bit of a hard time following all of the characters and the plot twists at times, but it kept things interesting. I really, really, really hope there will be more to this series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A sapphic, fantasy Sherlock Holmes with a changeling detective and a witch of a Watson? Count me in every time! Kiri Callaghan’s magical, queer-normative world feels like a safe place to call home—I was so happy to return to it in The Hearth Witch’s Guide to Spite & Spellwork. This brilliant sequel flawlessly combines a string of gruesome murders, so much heart, and a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page.
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July 9, 2026The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite & Spellwork by new to me author Kiri Callaghan is the second book in the Hemlock Saga published by PPenPress.
I read the reviews of book one and was intrigued. I mean a female Sherlock Holmes figure who is flawed and determined to do a better job this second time? What's not tolike. So I thought give it a try. But I couldn't for the life of my connect with story and characters.
I strongly dislike to be a low rater, geschmeichelte 3 stars.
I read the reviews of book one and was intrigued. I mean a female Sherlock Holmes figure who is flawed and determined to do a better job this second time? What's not tolike. So I thought give it a try. But I couldn't for the life of my connect with story and characters.
I strongly dislike to be a low rater, geschmeichelte 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
OOOH so good. Better than the first even, but also kinda torturing us. I'll try to write a more coherent review when the book has settled in my brain a little more, but going to preorder it right now.
And also, there had better be more in this series....
And also, there had better be more in this series....
August 4, 2026
Do you enjoy mystery? Suspense? Magic? Mayhem?
Well then you are in the right place! This is book two and it does not disappoint! This book is sassy and spiteful in all the right places! You will be drawn back into this world as if the magic is reaching out to you! Definitely an interesting spooky time read!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Well then you are in the right place! This is book two and it does not disappoint! This book is sassy and spiteful in all the right places! You will be drawn back into this world as if the magic is reaching out to you! Definitely an interesting spooky time read!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews