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Murder Like Magic: A Novel
Being able to read minds should make it pretty easy to solve crimes, right? Right?
A sort-of-telepathic witch-slash-PI takes on a murder case in this light urban fantasy mystery, perfect for fans of A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer.
Tess Tulley is the proud proprietor of Mill City Investigations—the premier (if you ask her) private investigation business in her small Massachusetts city. Business is slow, especially after she blew up her credibility among her fellow Spinners (do not call them witches) by turning in her own uncle for a crime spree three years ago. Loyalty among Spinners is top priority, and Tess’s decision to put the investigation over her coven has left her out in the cold.
So when the local “Officer Handsome” comes knocking with a bizarre murder investigation involving a dead Spinner, Tess is reluctant to take the case. Even more so when she learns the The victim was stabbed postmortem, there’s no sign of who or what actually killed her, and the body was found in a pool of someone else’s blood.
Left with few other options, Tess dusts off her investigative skills, revs up her so-so telepathy, and dives headfirst back into her old community of Spinners. If she’s lucky, she’ll be able to unmask a killer and figure out whose blood had been left behind at the crime scene—and why. If she’s not lucky (and let’s face it, she rarely is), Tess might just become the next casualty on a slab in the Mill City morgue.
A sort-of-telepathic witch-slash-PI takes on a murder case in this light urban fantasy mystery, perfect for fans of A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer.
Tess Tulley is the proud proprietor of Mill City Investigations—the premier (if you ask her) private investigation business in her small Massachusetts city. Business is slow, especially after she blew up her credibility among her fellow Spinners (do not call them witches) by turning in her own uncle for a crime spree three years ago. Loyalty among Spinners is top priority, and Tess’s decision to put the investigation over her coven has left her out in the cold.
So when the local “Officer Handsome” comes knocking with a bizarre murder investigation involving a dead Spinner, Tess is reluctant to take the case. Even more so when she learns the The victim was stabbed postmortem, there’s no sign of who or what actually killed her, and the body was found in a pool of someone else’s blood.
Left with few other options, Tess dusts off her investigative skills, revs up her so-so telepathy, and dives headfirst back into her old community of Spinners. If she’s lucky, she’ll be able to unmask a killer and figure out whose blood had been left behind at the crime scene—and why. If she’s not lucky (and let’s face it, she rarely is), Tess might just become the next casualty on a slab in the Mill City morgue.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Trisha Blanchet
6 books32 followersTrisha Blanchet is the internationally tolerated, New York Times best-reading author of Murder Like Magic, The Neath Trilogy (Herrick's End, Herrick's Lie, and Herrick's Key), The Cow Crashed into the Moon, and more. She's also an award-winning humor writer, a member of the Tall Poppy Writers, the producer and host of A Mighty Blaze Podcast, and the founder of Operation Delta Dog: Service Dogs for Veterans. She lives in Massachusetts with her family and dog, none of whom know she is actually an undercover Soviet agent sent to live among them and report back on the seamy underbelly of American suburbia. Well, the dog knows. But he also knows who buys the Alpo, so he's keeping his snout shut. For now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 31, 2026
Well this was quite a pleasant surprise. I love a good murder mystery, add into it, witches too, and I'm all in! This was such a fun, and compelling read. Tess is a PI who is a spinner, because she doesn't want to be known as a witch. After turning in her uncle for a crime, her coven has cast her aside. When a handsome cop comes to ask her about a murder of another spinner, Tess decides to put her telepathy skills to use and help solve the murder.
The murder in this case was definitely a strange one, and I loved watching Tess put the pieces of the puzzle together. Tess was a funny, and quirky character. There is a dash of romance but that wasn't the highlight of the book. The magic was what made this such an interesting and entertaining book. I really liked it.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
The murder in this case was definitely a strange one, and I loved watching Tess put the pieces of the puzzle together. Tess was a funny, and quirky character. There is a dash of romance but that wasn't the highlight of the book. The magic was what made this such an interesting and entertaining book. I really liked it.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 28, 2026
Ok, Tess was fun. She's a Seven (people/witches but they don't call themselves that, they are Spinners) a seventh sense if you will. She can read thoughts. But her people have turned on her because she turned in one of their own.
But her friend Dev is a cop and calls her in on a murder case. A local Spinner is dead but the crime scene doesn't seem to be right. Tess kind of sticks her foot where it doesn't belong at times .. At least according to the people she interviews.
This was a breezy type of mystery. I love when Tess finds the cat and all that comes from that. It was engaging and entertaining and I hope to see more of Tess again.
But her friend Dev is a cop and calls her in on a murder case. A local Spinner is dead but the crime scene doesn't seem to be right. Tess kind of sticks her foot where it doesn't belong at times .. At least according to the people she interviews.
This was a breezy type of mystery. I love when Tess finds the cat and all that comes from that. It was engaging and entertaining and I hope to see more of Tess again.
September 20, 2026
Book Title: Murder Like Magic
Author: Trisha Blanchet
Publishers: Crooked Lane Books + Spotify Audiobooks
Out Now? Y
Dates Read/Listened: September 3, 2026 – September 20, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I was hooked from the first chapter of Murder Like Magic, and the more I think about it, the more I love it! This is a unique storyline that follows Spinners (witches, but don’t you dare say that 🤐) and a really interesting murder investigation our PI, Tess, picks up. It’s got a little romance, but it is mostly a fascinating mystery that gets Tess into some sticky situations. There is also a healthy dose of drama, and the whodunnit completely surprised me, along with a couple of other aspects.
I would LOVE to see these characters back in future books, and I am hoping and sending all the vibes I can to Blanchet that she transforms this into a series. Also worth noting: her writing was superb, and the imagery was completely on point. So many things to love about this book!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I started my book journey eyeballing this one, but then for the sake of time (and my slowness) I switched over to the audiobook. I was thoroughly satisfied with Maria McCann’s narration, and I thought she captured Tess’s character perfectly. If this happened to turn into a series (😉😉), I would love to have her back again as the narrator.
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Author: Trisha Blanchet
Publishers: Crooked Lane Books + Spotify Audiobooks
Out Now? Y
Dates Read/Listened: September 3, 2026 – September 20, 2026
🗣️ 𝚀𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔(𝚒𝚜𝚑) 𝚃𝚊𝚔𝚎: I was hooked from the first chapter of Murder Like Magic, and the more I think about it, the more I love it! This is a unique storyline that follows Spinners (witches, but don’t you dare say that 🤐) and a really interesting murder investigation our PI, Tess, picks up. It’s got a little romance, but it is mostly a fascinating mystery that gets Tess into some sticky situations. There is also a healthy dose of drama, and the whodunnit completely surprised me, along with a couple of other aspects.
I would LOVE to see these characters back in future books, and I am hoping and sending all the vibes I can to Blanchet that she transforms this into a series. Also worth noting: her writing was superb, and the imagery was completely on point. So many things to love about this book!
🎧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘶𝘥𝘪𝘰𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬: I started my book journey eyeballing this one, but then for the sake of time (and my slowness) I switched over to the audiobook. I was thoroughly satisfied with Maria McCann’s narration, and I thought she captured Tess’s character perfectly. If this happened to turn into a series (😉😉), I would love to have her back again as the narrator.
𝙱𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝙼𝚢 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚌𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 🚫
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 26, 2026
I enjoyed this book - a lot!
I've found that I like fantasy detective stories VERY MUCH. When the mystery and fantasy is well-written, of course. This one was.
I wouldn't mind if this turns into a series. I wouldn't mind at all! In fact: Fingers crossed for more books!
I've found that I like fantasy detective stories VERY MUCH. When the mystery and fantasy is well-written, of course. This one was.
I wouldn't mind if this turns into a series. I wouldn't mind at all! In fact: Fingers crossed for more books!
August 25, 2026
With Murder Like Magic, Trisha Blanchet does fantasy like I've rarely seen it done before. This was the ARC I was possibly most excited about being approved for, and, as it turned out, with good reason; the story was fresh, surprising, and a little heartbreaking, with an unexpected final reveal that, while not quite what I was hoping for, probably moved me more than it should. If you're into modern-day witches, believe that mind-reading would be a useful skill to have, and devour anything that even slightly reeks of long-lasting family drama, look no further.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Netgalley Review
The writing was light and pulled you in. The main character was quite chatty throughout which made you feel more involved in what was happening to her. This technique also emphasised to the reader what it meant to have a power that allowed you to read other people's thoughts.
The chapters were long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good flow between the chapters, so I quite happily sat and read the story for long periods of time.
There was a good pace to the book. We moved forward well with lots of possibilities cropping up. We were slowed down by all the thought processes of the main character and gradually working through all the options. As there were quite a few different bits to consider, I was kept guessing until the end.
The characters were great. By the end of the book I felt that I knew the main character very well. I felt sad for her being ostracised for doing the right thing. She did have some friends though and that was nice to read about.
Lastly the settings. There were lovely descriptions dotted throughout the book that grounded the story well, however the main focus was on the main character and her thought processes.
Overall an interesting read, with the perfect blend of mystery and magic.
The writing was light and pulled you in. The main character was quite chatty throughout which made you feel more involved in what was happening to her. This technique also emphasised to the reader what it meant to have a power that allowed you to read other people's thoughts.
The chapters were long which meant that you got a good chunk of the story before moving on. There was a good flow between the chapters, so I quite happily sat and read the story for long periods of time.
There was a good pace to the book. We moved forward well with lots of possibilities cropping up. We were slowed down by all the thought processes of the main character and gradually working through all the options. As there were quite a few different bits to consider, I was kept guessing until the end.
The characters were great. By the end of the book I felt that I knew the main character very well. I felt sad for her being ostracised for doing the right thing. She did have some friends though and that was nice to read about.
Lastly the settings. There were lovely descriptions dotted throughout the book that grounded the story well, however the main focus was on the main character and her thought processes.
Overall an interesting read, with the perfect blend of mystery and magic.
September 18, 2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🧙 love witchy reads
💭 ever wanted a six, er, seventh sense
🔎 enjoy a good whodunnit
🐈⬛ like books featuring cats
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Tess Tulley is the proud proprietor of Mill City Investigations—the premier (if you ask her) private investigation business in her small Massachusetts city. Business is slow, especially after she blew up her credibility among her fellow Spinners (do not call them witches) by turning in her own uncle for a crime spree three years ago. Loyalty among Spinners is top priority, and Tess’s decision to put the investigation over her coven has left her out in the cold.
So when the local “Officer Handsome” comes knocking with a bizarre murder investigation involving a dead Spinner, Tess is reluctant to take the case. Even more so when she learns the details: The victim was stabbed postmortem, there’s no sign of who or what actually killed her, and the body was found in a pool of someone else’s blood.
Left with few other options, Tess dusts off her investigative skills, revs up her so-so telepathy, and dives headfirst back into her old community of Spinners. If she’s lucky, she’ll be able to unmask a killer and figure out whose blood had been left behind at the crime scene—and why. If she’s not lucky (and let’s face it, she rarely is), Tess might just become the next casualty on a slab in the Mill City morgue.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Tess, a magical Spinner (aka a witch) is also a detective. And so relatable, if I do say so myself. She’s witty, sarcastic, and messy, in all the best ways. I found myself giggling alongside her as she went about trying to solve this insane mystery! And boy, was it a doozy! I loved the idea of these Spinners and their special abilities. It was definitely a unique plot line. Tess also reminded me a bit of myself in that she had a strong sense of justice, even turning in her own flesh and blood and alienating herself in the process. Sounds exactly like something I would do. This one moves a great pace, and the mystery wraps up nicely. I can only hope for this to turn into a series!
🧙 love witchy reads
💭 ever wanted a six, er, seventh sense
🔎 enjoy a good whodunnit
🐈⬛ like books featuring cats
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Tess Tulley is the proud proprietor of Mill City Investigations—the premier (if you ask her) private investigation business in her small Massachusetts city. Business is slow, especially after she blew up her credibility among her fellow Spinners (do not call them witches) by turning in her own uncle for a crime spree three years ago. Loyalty among Spinners is top priority, and Tess’s decision to put the investigation over her coven has left her out in the cold.
So when the local “Officer Handsome” comes knocking with a bizarre murder investigation involving a dead Spinner, Tess is reluctant to take the case. Even more so when she learns the details: The victim was stabbed postmortem, there’s no sign of who or what actually killed her, and the body was found in a pool of someone else’s blood.
Left with few other options, Tess dusts off her investigative skills, revs up her so-so telepathy, and dives headfirst back into her old community of Spinners. If she’s lucky, she’ll be able to unmask a killer and figure out whose blood had been left behind at the crime scene—and why. If she’s not lucky (and let’s face it, she rarely is), Tess might just become the next casualty on a slab in the Mill City morgue.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Tess, a magical Spinner (aka a witch) is also a detective. And so relatable, if I do say so myself. She’s witty, sarcastic, and messy, in all the best ways. I found myself giggling alongside her as she went about trying to solve this insane mystery! And boy, was it a doozy! I loved the idea of these Spinners and their special abilities. It was definitely a unique plot line. Tess also reminded me a bit of myself in that she had a strong sense of justice, even turning in her own flesh and blood and alienating herself in the process. Sounds exactly like something I would do. This one moves a great pace, and the mystery wraps up nicely. I can only hope for this to turn into a series!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
A private investigator/ witch tasked to find the answers to a mysterious murder case.
I liked learning about the Spinners and their world. The murder mystery was interesting in the beginning, but it was list for me as I continued the book. However, I still loved the world building.
CHARACTERS:
The FNC, Tess Tulley, is a mind reading spinner who's a private detective. I don't really like her personality. I think it was because of her being an outcast, but still. But, she was a better private detective.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay and engaging.
SETTINGS:
I loved the author's new spin of witches through Spinners. I really liked reading it. I liked the combination of witchery and superpower.
OVERALL:
The book was just okay for me. I loved the world building, but I felt the murder mystery was lacking.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
A private investigator/ witch tasked to find the answers to a mysterious murder case.
I liked learning about the Spinners and their world. The murder mystery was interesting in the beginning, but it was list for me as I continued the book. However, I still loved the world building.
CHARACTERS:
The FNC, Tess Tulley, is a mind reading spinner who's a private detective. I don't really like her personality. I think it was because of her being an outcast, but still. But, she was a better private detective.
WRITING STYLE:
It was okay and engaging.
SETTINGS:
I loved the author's new spin of witches through Spinners. I really liked reading it. I liked the combination of witchery and superpower.
OVERALL:
The book was just okay for me. I loved the world building, but I felt the murder mystery was lacking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder Like Magic is a light, fun, urban fantasy/mystery. The main character, Tess, is a spinner (like a witch) who has been ostracized due to her role in putting her criminal uncle in jail. Most of the paranormal community now ignores her, at best, or outright hates her. Despite having to go it alone, Tess is resilient and strong. She sometimes forgets that, which makes her very relatable.
The mystery is good, and the relationships with her potential new friend and with the potential love interests are solid. The world-building is interesting in a low-key way. Oh, and there is a very cute kitty.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and hope there is more to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.
The mystery is good, and the relationships with her potential new friend and with the potential love interests are solid. The world-building is interesting in a low-key way. Oh, and there is a very cute kitty.
I enjoyed this quite a bit and hope there is more to come.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the eARC.
October 14, 2026
MURDER LIKE MAGIC is a fun whodunit with an atmospheric setting, likeable characters, and an engaging plotline. In general, I prefer magical books that are grounded more in the real world than in a supernatural one, so I liked Blanchet's balanced setting. Her descriptions of Mill City made it come to such vivid life that I Googled it to see if it's real. (It is. Kinda. It's based on Lowell, Massachusetts.) The magical world is also well-built, with enough details to feel authentic but not so many as to over-complicate things. Tess is sympathetic and likeable. She's relatable and down-to-earth, but also tenacious and brave. Although there aren't many of them, her friends are loyal and supportive, easy to like. The mystery at the center of MURDER LIKE MAGIC is interesting enough, with some unique elements to it. It's not too tough to guess whodunit, although I didn't understand their why until Tess pointed it out. For the most part, the story was engaging and intriguing enough to keep me reading. Although I would have preferred a cozier version of this novel with fewer F-bombs and less innuendo, I enjoyed it overall. This appears to be the first book in a planned series; I'll definitely read on!
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, blood/gore, innuendo/mild sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use (marijuana)
If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, blood/gore, innuendo/mild sexual content, and depictions of illegal drug use (marijuana)
September 16, 2026
MURDER LIKE MAGIC was such a fun surprise! It has that perfect mix of murder mystery, supernatural vibes, small town drama, and humor that made this so easy to fly through.
Tess is a telepathic PI and a Spinner, basically this world’s version of a witch but she’s also an outcast from her own community. After helping put her criminal uncle behind bars, she hasn’t exactly been welcomed back with open arms.
Then a fellow Spinner is murdered, and Tess finds herself pulled into the investigation. Now she has to use her mind reading abilities to figure out who’s responsible while trying not to become the next victim.
I really liked Tess. She’s smart, funny, resilient, and just messy enough to feel real. I also loved the whole Spinner world, especially the community dynamics, complicated relationships, and little bits of humor woven into the mystery.
It’s light, witchy, a little quirky, and has a good whodunit at the center. Such a fun pick for spooky season or anytime you’re craving a magical murder mystery without anything too heavy.
Tess is a telepathic PI and a Spinner, basically this world’s version of a witch but she’s also an outcast from her own community. After helping put her criminal uncle behind bars, she hasn’t exactly been welcomed back with open arms.
Then a fellow Spinner is murdered, and Tess finds herself pulled into the investigation. Now she has to use her mind reading abilities to figure out who’s responsible while trying not to become the next victim.
I really liked Tess. She’s smart, funny, resilient, and just messy enough to feel real. I also loved the whole Spinner world, especially the community dynamics, complicated relationships, and little bits of humor woven into the mystery.
It’s light, witchy, a little quirky, and has a good whodunit at the center. Such a fun pick for spooky season or anytime you’re craving a magical murder mystery without anything too heavy.
September 17, 2026
I’ve got a fun book for your spooky-season reading list! It's a unique, gritty mash-up of urban fantasy and a detective whodunit.
Tess Tulley, the owner of Mill City Investigations, is a flawed but relatable protagonist. Well, except that she is a mind-reading witch, which has its pros and cons. Her kind call themselves Spinners, not witches, and each has a unique gift. But Tess has made herself a bit of an outcast in the coven because of her sense of justice.
Tess’s cop friend asks for her help on a murder case involving a Spinner's death. The mystery is compelling, and the magic twist plus Tess’s sarcastic personality kept me flipping the pages.
I love paranormal reads like this where the “gifted ” are out there doing real-life stuff among normal people, in a city that could be right where you live. 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺, 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @trishablanchet for this gifted book.
Tess Tulley, the owner of Mill City Investigations, is a flawed but relatable protagonist. Well, except that she is a mind-reading witch, which has its pros and cons. Her kind call themselves Spinners, not witches, and each has a unique gift. But Tess has made herself a bit of an outcast in the coven because of her sense of justice.
Tess’s cop friend asks for her help on a murder case involving a Spinner's death. The mystery is compelling, and the magic twist plus Tess’s sarcastic personality kept me flipping the pages.
I love paranormal reads like this where the “gifted ” are out there doing real-life stuff among normal people, in a city that could be right where you live. 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺, 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @trishablanchet for this gifted book.
September 13, 2026
This is such an entertaining “witchy” read, although those with unique powers in this story prefer to be called spinners. The book is a great mix of “seventh sense,” humor, mystery, plus small-town and community dynamics. Tess is a fun character who gave me plenty of laughs. I was also rooting for her to solve the crimes and find her way back into the good graces of her community. This is perfect for spooky season, but it would be fun to read anytime!
August 27, 2026
3.5 rounded up.
Murder mystery + a secret magical community + a PI with unreliable telepathy? I’m in.
The mystery in Murder Like Magic was actually really compelling, and I had a good time trying to figure out what the heck was going on. I also really liked the whole idea of the Spinners and their different abilities. I definitely wanted the book to dig a little deeper into that world. I also kept finding myself wishing the background of the conflict that drove a wedge between Tess and her "family" came sooner and went deeper.
Tess. Oh, Tess. She was mildly funny and her power was cool, but I never got particularly attached to her (or really anyone). It's almost like her standoffishness jumped off the page to keep me at arm's length as well. I probably could have done without the romance, too. That chemistry was not chemistry-ing for me. 😂
BUT the mystery and magic were enough to carry it. This wasn’t one I’m going to rave about, but I enjoyed myself, I’m curious about this world, and I’d absolutely read another one. Sometimes that’s enough!
Murder mystery + a secret magical community + a PI with unreliable telepathy? I’m in.
The mystery in Murder Like Magic was actually really compelling, and I had a good time trying to figure out what the heck was going on. I also really liked the whole idea of the Spinners and their different abilities. I definitely wanted the book to dig a little deeper into that world. I also kept finding myself wishing the background of the conflict that drove a wedge between Tess and her "family" came sooner and went deeper.
Tess. Oh, Tess. She was mildly funny and her power was cool, but I never got particularly attached to her (or really anyone). It's almost like her standoffishness jumped off the page to keep me at arm's length as well. I probably could have done without the romance, too. That chemistry was not chemistry-ing for me. 😂
BUT the mystery and magic were enough to carry it. This wasn’t one I’m going to rave about, but I enjoyed myself, I’m curious about this world, and I’d absolutely read another one. Sometimes that’s enough!
September 1, 2026
Trisha Blanchet sets her interesting mystery in a small town on the Merrimack River. The female music teacher’s corpse has an axe in her head and is lying in blood, not her home. People with witch blood come with minor talents. Private detective Tess Tulley can get an occasional thought or image from people’s minds which helps in her cases, and sometimes works with the local police. She’s also being snubbed by the magical community after helping to arrest her criminal uncle. Murder Like Magic(hard fromCrooked Lane Books) is a solid first book in what might be a series.
September 1, 2026
Oh, did I love this book! I stayed up well in the dark hours of the night to read what happened next, and I was not disappointed. This well-paced story weaves together magic, a feisty heroine, an interesting whodunit, and a cast of fascinating secondary characters. You won't figure out who the murderer is until the end -- which is always the best in a mystery! And Tess Tulley, the main character, is sarcastic and brave and perfectly teed up for a sequel!
August 30, 2026
You know I love a good murder mystery, so I was so excited to dive into this one, and it turned out to be such a fun surprise.
A murder to solve, a group of witches, or Spinners because they definitely don’t like being called witches, a bit of paranormal romance, and a fantastic main character that I absolutely loved.
Fast-paced, engaging, thrilling, and full of twists. I even heard this might be the start of a series, and I really hope that’s true because I’m definitely ready for more of Tess and her adventures.
And, the best part? I had so much fun reading it!
A murder to solve, a group of witches, or Spinners because they definitely don’t like being called witches, a bit of paranormal romance, and a fantastic main character that I absolutely loved.
Fast-paced, engaging, thrilling, and full of twists. I even heard this might be the start of a series, and I really hope that’s true because I’m definitely ready for more of Tess and her adventures.
And, the best part? I had so much fun reading it!
September 2, 2026
LOVED this book. Oh my gosh the best mix of magic and mystery. I loved the world the author built and her writing style is ridge up my alley. Tess is the most lovable hot mess and I so hope this is the first of a series. I would love to see Tess and Merri solve more cases and repair the past that has been haunting her. Absolutely a must read.
August 25, 2026
I couldn’t have loved this book more!
MURDER LIKE MAGIC is a murder mystery with a mystical twist, packed with sharp humor, a quick-witted private eye of a protagonist who also happens to read minds, and a whodunnit plot that will have you whipping through the pages. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself torn between flying through this fast-paced read and savoring the hidden gems in every sentence.
I absolutely love Trisha Blanchet’s writing. It’s funny, whip-smart, and utterly original. Tess Tulley is a relatable narrator I rooted for throughout, and the setting—a version the gritty real world with a magical splash—is so vividly depicted. I would love to return to Mill City for more Tess Tulley mysteries!
MURDER LIKE MAGIC is a murder mystery with a mystical twist, packed with sharp humor, a quick-witted private eye of a protagonist who also happens to read minds, and a whodunnit plot that will have you whipping through the pages. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself torn between flying through this fast-paced read and savoring the hidden gems in every sentence.
I absolutely love Trisha Blanchet’s writing. It’s funny, whip-smart, and utterly original. Tess Tulley is a relatable narrator I rooted for throughout, and the setting—a version the gritty real world with a magical splash—is so vividly depicted. I would love to return to Mill City for more Tess Tulley mysteries!
August 28, 2026
I have been drawn to stories about witches hiding in plain sight somewhere in New England since the days of Practical Magic, and Blanchet does a great job playing with and adding to that genre. A sort-of-telepathic PI solving a murder that may have been committed by another witch? Yes, please. Tess is a wise-cracking first person narrator and I enjoyed her voice and the compelling storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so lucky to have received a digital copy of this book from the author and Netgalley, and I just love a good magical mystery. The writing style is so easy to digest and it flowed really smoothly at a good pace for this genre. The world building element was strong, which is so important for a story like this, so I loved that.
The character development was also great and much appreciated as a reader. It kept me guessing all the way through and fully entertained me. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
The character development was also great and much appreciated as a reader. It kept me guessing all the way through and fully entertained me. I would definitely like to read more from this author in the future.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a good detective story. Tess was a little too messy for me. I enjoyed the story but felt it was a little wordy at times. I don’t think I quite understood all the magical aspects in the book either.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for providing this copy. All opinions are my own.
This was surprisingly good! The mystery itself was an interesting puzzle with multiple suspects. Tess was a fairly decent investigator, who kept the story going; Her sense of justice and the consequences of that sense made her much more empathetic to read. The magic system was fascinating as well. I enjoyed learning about the “seventh sense”. I really hope this is the first in a long series. I definitely recommend.
This was surprisingly good! The mystery itself was an interesting puzzle with multiple suspects. Tess was a fairly decent investigator, who kept the story going; Her sense of justice and the consequences of that sense made her much more empathetic to read. The magic system was fascinating as well. I enjoyed learning about the “seventh sense”. I really hope this is the first in a long series. I definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tess is a sort of witchy private investigator trying to solve a mysterious crime. She is such a fun protagonist. Strong, bold, and occasionally uncertain, she feels relatable and authentic. I absolutely loved this enjoyable, witty, engaging, and suspenseful book. The writing style is easy to read, the characters are wonderfully developed and the plot kept me hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait to read more about Tess and Merri!
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Crooked Lane Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via Netgalley/Crooked Lane Books and I’m leaving a voluntary and honest review.
November 1, 2026
Tess Tulley is the proprietor (and sole employee) of Mill City Investigations in Mill City, Massachusetts. She’s proud of her little agency even though there are not many clients. Tess also has a secret. She’s a Spinner. There is an entire coven of Spinners in Mill City, and they do NOT want to be called “witches” due to the negative connotation associated with that name. Part of the reason Tess has few clients is that she has been ostracized from Spinner society following a case in which she reported her uncle for crimes, breaking the rules of Spinner loyalty above all else. So when a police detective friend of hers requests her assistance on a baffling case, she really has no choice but to accept the assignment.
The victim of the case is a fellow Spinner, but there is no indication of how she was killed, and she was found in a pool of someone else’s blood, making for an intriguing investigation .
The world that author Trisha Blanchet has built in Murder Like Magic is fascinating and deviates from the usual “witch world.” Spinners in this world have very specific skills, such as being fire resistant, being able to revive dying plants and the ability to detect infections in other Spinners. Further, the abilities are active for about half an hour at a time, and then a recharge is needed. Tess is able to read thoughts - sort of. She generally gets images or colors or words rather than complete thoughts, necessitating a good bit of detective work on her part. Luckily, she is a good detective and actually enjoys detecting, which sets her apart from other amateur sleuths.
I really enjoyed spending time with Tess. The book is written in first person and Tess’ inner dialog is sharp, self-deprecating, and frequently hilarious. She is very down-to-earth. One of the prevalent themes of the story is that Tess misses her community. As she is investigating, she is constantly encountering resistance because of her ostracization. However, she finds friends - the manager of a local pet store, and an adorable kitten abandoned in an apartment. The kitten adds just the right note of whimsy to the story.
The mystery was multi-layered and I did not guess the killer or the motive behind the killings. I liked this story a lot and would love to see a long-term series developing from this installment. I think Tess has a lot more adventures ahead of her.
The victim of the case is a fellow Spinner, but there is no indication of how she was killed, and she was found in a pool of someone else’s blood, making for an intriguing investigation .
The world that author Trisha Blanchet has built in Murder Like Magic is fascinating and deviates from the usual “witch world.” Spinners in this world have very specific skills, such as being fire resistant, being able to revive dying plants and the ability to detect infections in other Spinners. Further, the abilities are active for about half an hour at a time, and then a recharge is needed. Tess is able to read thoughts - sort of. She generally gets images or colors or words rather than complete thoughts, necessitating a good bit of detective work on her part. Luckily, she is a good detective and actually enjoys detecting, which sets her apart from other amateur sleuths.
I really enjoyed spending time with Tess. The book is written in first person and Tess’ inner dialog is sharp, self-deprecating, and frequently hilarious. She is very down-to-earth. One of the prevalent themes of the story is that Tess misses her community. As she is investigating, she is constantly encountering resistance because of her ostracization. However, she finds friends - the manager of a local pet store, and an adorable kitten abandoned in an apartment. The kitten adds just the right note of whimsy to the story.
The mystery was multi-layered and I did not guess the killer or the motive behind the killings. I liked this story a lot and would love to see a long-term series developing from this installment. I think Tess has a lot more adventures ahead of her.
September 20, 2026
Tess who is also a spinner (do not all her a witch) has a private investigation business that has been severely lacking in investigating ever since she put her uncle behind bars. He rightfully committed those crimes and there was plenty of proof but there's a code amongst the spinners and she broke that. When the attractive detective Devi calls her up to do a consult, at first she says she isn't doing this again. Nope, she's out but she has bills to pay and an office that's been very empty. After Devi gives her some of the details, she knows she can't say no to this one, or the money. Being brought in as a consult she has her work cut out for her. A spinner is dead, the weapon appears to be from a game and all the blood at the scene comes back as not the victims. What is going on? And with that much blood, there has to be another body somewhere. As quickly as Tess starts her investigation, Devi tells her it's over. The police no longer want her consult, the coroner ruled it as natural causes as that weapon did not actually kill the victim, and so case closed for her. After the break in to her business and the threatening knife stabbed into her counter, maybe it's for the best she's done with this case. When she gets asked to continue to investigate on her own and she will be paid, she knows she can't stop what she has already started and agrees only on the terms that it will be understood that if another spinner is involved, she will not be ostracized again for her good detective work. Will her spinner skills be able to help her solve this case or will she become a victim herself? I really enjoyed the spinner/magical element woven through you this story as well as the historical tidbits of the spinners history. Thank you to the author and publisher for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
September 23, 2026
I received this book this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Tess Tulley is doing okay, after making a mistake in the spinner circles that she once grew up in. At least the magical community thinks of it as a mistake. She, however, thinks that her uncle misused his powers, and needed to be in prison, and not what the council would have given him. So, what happens when a powerful spinner falls dead, and that same council needs her to solve the case? Who could have wanted a music teacher/professor dead? Does it have anything to do with the spinner community? Where did this cute little calico kitten come from? And can a shunned spinner do any good? Let's find out.
Dislikes: These spinners held an odd belief system. They accepted that the mundane world was out there, and were willing to live in it. Yet, if you are a spinner: don't fall in love with a mundane individual, don't tell them about your abilities, and never go to the mundane world for justice--even if you know that the spinner in question hurt or killed a mundane individual. It reminds me of the sovereign citizen ideology that seems to be going around.
Also, I'd have had to tell the head of the spinner's council how the cow ate the cabbage. If I'm not good enough to be part of the society, then I ain't good enough to be their PI.
Likes: Tess managed to find a decent friend group, even while being shunned.
Conclusion: This wasn't as fun as I'd thought it would be. If you like magical mysteries, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Tess Tulley is doing okay, after making a mistake in the spinner circles that she once grew up in. At least the magical community thinks of it as a mistake. She, however, thinks that her uncle misused his powers, and needed to be in prison, and not what the council would have given him. So, what happens when a powerful spinner falls dead, and that same council needs her to solve the case? Who could have wanted a music teacher/professor dead? Does it have anything to do with the spinner community? Where did this cute little calico kitten come from? And can a shunned spinner do any good? Let's find out.
Dislikes: These spinners held an odd belief system. They accepted that the mundane world was out there, and were willing to live in it. Yet, if you are a spinner: don't fall in love with a mundane individual, don't tell them about your abilities, and never go to the mundane world for justice--even if you know that the spinner in question hurt or killed a mundane individual. It reminds me of the sovereign citizen ideology that seems to be going around.
Also, I'd have had to tell the head of the spinner's council how the cow ate the cabbage. If I'm not good enough to be part of the society, then I ain't good enough to be their PI.
Likes: Tess managed to find a decent friend group, even while being shunned.
Conclusion: This wasn't as fun as I'd thought it would be. If you like magical mysteries, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder Like Magic is a light, witty delight—perfect for readers who enjoy their mysteries with a dash of magic and a protagonist whose life is just messy enough to be relatable.
Tess Tulley, a sort‑of‑telepathic PI with a knack for trouble, is exactly the kind of character you want leading a story like this. She’s sharp, stubborn, and still dealing with the fallout of choosing justice over coven loyalty years ago. That tension—between her Spinner community and her own moral compass—adds a great emotional undercurrent to the book.
The murder case itself is deliciously strange: a dead Spinner stabbed after death, a crime scene soaked in someone else’s blood, and no clear cause of what actually killed the victim. It’s the kind of puzzle that feels impossible until Tess starts tugging at the threads, and watching her navigate old grudges, magical politics, and her unreliable telepathy is half the fun.
The tone stays breezy even as the stakes rise, and the world of Spinners is engaging without ever overwhelming the mystery. Tess’s banter, her reluctant partnership with “Officer Handsome,” and her knack for getting herself into danger keep the story moving with charm and energy.
Overall, Murder Like Magic is an entertaining, magic‑tinged whodunit with heart, humor, and a heroine who shines. A great pick for fans of light urban fantasy mysteries and character‑driven sleuthing.
With thanks to Trisha Blanchet, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Tess Tulley, a sort‑of‑telepathic PI with a knack for trouble, is exactly the kind of character you want leading a story like this. She’s sharp, stubborn, and still dealing with the fallout of choosing justice over coven loyalty years ago. That tension—between her Spinner community and her own moral compass—adds a great emotional undercurrent to the book.
The murder case itself is deliciously strange: a dead Spinner stabbed after death, a crime scene soaked in someone else’s blood, and no clear cause of what actually killed the victim. It’s the kind of puzzle that feels impossible until Tess starts tugging at the threads, and watching her navigate old grudges, magical politics, and her unreliable telepathy is half the fun.
The tone stays breezy even as the stakes rise, and the world of Spinners is engaging without ever overwhelming the mystery. Tess’s banter, her reluctant partnership with “Officer Handsome,” and her knack for getting herself into danger keep the story moving with charm and energy.
Overall, Murder Like Magic is an entertaining, magic‑tinged whodunit with heart, humor, and a heroine who shines. A great pick for fans of light urban fantasy mysteries and character‑driven sleuthing.
With thanks to Trisha Blanchet, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
August 30, 2026
Murder Like Magic by Trisha Blanchet is a modern urban fantasy mystery. The sleuth is Tess Tulley, a telepathic "spinner" (witch) who owns a private investigation business in a small Massachusetts city. Tess is on the outs with the local coven because she turned in her own uncle for a crime spree. She reluctantly takes a case involving a dead Spinner when the local “Officer Handsome” comes knocking on her door.
Trisha Blanchet built an entertaining world to serve as the backdrop for this creative mystery. The city is realistic and gritty but cozy, and the "spinner" aspect really supplemented the story and the mystery. Tess has unique abilities, like reading thoughts, which make her an interesting sleuth.
I loved the way the investigation played out. It was fun and fast-paced with good twists and lots of humor. The overall effect was an entertaining mystery that felt like a page-turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
Trisha Blanchet built an entertaining world to serve as the backdrop for this creative mystery. The city is realistic and gritty but cozy, and the "spinner" aspect really supplemented the story and the mystery. Tess has unique abilities, like reading thoughts, which make her an interesting sleuth.
I loved the way the investigation played out. It was fun and fast-paced with good twists and lots of humor. The overall effect was an entertaining mystery that felt like a page-turner.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC.
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