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A Wishwille Mystery #3
The Well-Hidden Clue
A buried clue. A forgotten crime. A fall festival hiding one deadly truth.
Lyra Wells hopes Fall WishFest will bring calm after a turbulent summer—pumpkins, cider, and a town ready to believe in joy again. But when renovations beneath the library uncover a sealed time capsule containing a notebook with frayed edges, a folded map, a tiny glass jar of soil, and a craved stone fragment the size of a plum etched with lines too smooth and too deliberate to be human-made, Lyra is pulled into a cold-case that never truly ended.
Maggie Winslow, a beloved teacher vanished in 1984. Her daughter Clara, now fully grown, demands answers—unaware that someone who helped bury the truth is still watching, still protecting what was done.
As Holden Thorn struggles to keep panic from spreading and Calderis senses dangerous movement in the tunnels below, Lyra follows a trail of new clues and hidden passageways that intersect with her mother’s past. In this tense, character-driven unraveling of secrets, Lyra discovers the truth was buried for a reason—and exposing it could destabilize both realms.
Some secrets survive because they’re protected.
Others wait until the cost of truth is unbearable.
And then they hunt.
With its autumnal setting, layered mysteries, and gentle paranormal undercurrent, The Well-Hidden Clue delivers a richly atmospheric cozy mystery that rewards readers who love small towns with deep histories and heroines brave enough to uncover them. Kari Lee Townsend blends suspense, heart, and supernatural intrigue into a story where every secret has a cost—and every clue matters.
Lyra Wells hopes Fall WishFest will bring calm after a turbulent summer—pumpkins, cider, and a town ready to believe in joy again. But when renovations beneath the library uncover a sealed time capsule containing a notebook with frayed edges, a folded map, a tiny glass jar of soil, and a craved stone fragment the size of a plum etched with lines too smooth and too deliberate to be human-made, Lyra is pulled into a cold-case that never truly ended.
Maggie Winslow, a beloved teacher vanished in 1984. Her daughter Clara, now fully grown, demands answers—unaware that someone who helped bury the truth is still watching, still protecting what was done.
As Holden Thorn struggles to keep panic from spreading and Calderis senses dangerous movement in the tunnels below, Lyra follows a trail of new clues and hidden passageways that intersect with her mother’s past. In this tense, character-driven unraveling of secrets, Lyra discovers the truth was buried for a reason—and exposing it could destabilize both realms.
Some secrets survive because they’re protected.
Others wait until the cost of truth is unbearable.
And then they hunt.
With its autumnal setting, layered mysteries, and gentle paranormal undercurrent, The Well-Hidden Clue delivers a richly atmospheric cozy mystery that rewards readers who love small towns with deep histories and heroines brave enough to uncover them. Kari Lee Townsend blends suspense, heart, and supernatural intrigue into a story where every secret has a cost—and every clue matters.
- GenresMystery
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
About the author
Kari Lee Townsend
116 books463 followersNational Bestselling Author, Agatha, RT Reviewer's Choice & Golden Duck Award Nominee. Kari lives in Central New York with her husband & Samoyeds. She's a lover of wine & travel, obsessed with reality TV, and loves a good book with mystery, romance & humor. Inspired by TV shows like SMK, Moonlighting, Bones & Castle, she writes paranormal and fantasy cozy mysteries, historical mysteries & upper Middle Grade as Kari Lee Townsend, romantic suspense, romantic comedy & women's fiction as Kari Lee Harmon.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 24, 2026
THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Third Wishville Mystery
Autumn has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and the Fall WishFest is underway. Things are running smoothly, almost too smoothly so Lyra Wells, Festival Chair, and, more importantly Guardian of the Well isn't too surprised when she received a frantic call that leads her to the library. Librarian Clara Winslow has discovered a box hidden behind a wall. A box left by her mother who disappeared forty years ago during a previous library renovation. In 1984 Maggie Winslow discovered a draft that didn't belong and blueprints that didn't match. Town officials called her crazy and after her disappearance police shut down any investigation. Did Maggie discover the underground world of Elarion? Determined to give Clara answers, yet safeguard that secret world Lyra will work with Police Chief Thorn, Elarion Enforcer Calderis, and friend and reporter Lulu. Are humans to blame? Could Rebels be involved? More importantly are there still people who would go to any length to keep their secrets?
The themes of the third Wishville Mystery are control, a mother's love, and deception. These themes are entwined, ensnaring many a victim. Things are not always what they seem. And neither are people. THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE is a great addition to this unique series. While Lyra, Thorn, and Calderis are the triumvirate, is actually a quartet now, with Lulu becoming a solid addition to the group. Although I would be remiss without adding Vex and Fenrith so what we really have is more of a sextet! I appreciate the way in which they investigate, especially Fenrith and I love how Lyra was able to take Clara's concerns yet still keep her true role quiet. The third Wishville Mystery is decidedly more ominous that the previous two books, especially as we near the end. And the ending itself...a stunner!
Missing mothers, treachery, and a stunning revelation make THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE a dynamic nail biting entry into a fantastic series.
The Third Wishville Mystery
Autumn has arrived in Wishville, Vermont and the Fall WishFest is underway. Things are running smoothly, almost too smoothly so Lyra Wells, Festival Chair, and, more importantly Guardian of the Well isn't too surprised when she received a frantic call that leads her to the library. Librarian Clara Winslow has discovered a box hidden behind a wall. A box left by her mother who disappeared forty years ago during a previous library renovation. In 1984 Maggie Winslow discovered a draft that didn't belong and blueprints that didn't match. Town officials called her crazy and after her disappearance police shut down any investigation. Did Maggie discover the underground world of Elarion? Determined to give Clara answers, yet safeguard that secret world Lyra will work with Police Chief Thorn, Elarion Enforcer Calderis, and friend and reporter Lulu. Are humans to blame? Could Rebels be involved? More importantly are there still people who would go to any length to keep their secrets?
The themes of the third Wishville Mystery are control, a mother's love, and deception. These themes are entwined, ensnaring many a victim. Things are not always what they seem. And neither are people. THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE is a great addition to this unique series. While Lyra, Thorn, and Calderis are the triumvirate, is actually a quartet now, with Lulu becoming a solid addition to the group. Although I would be remiss without adding Vex and Fenrith so what we really have is more of a sextet! I appreciate the way in which they investigate, especially Fenrith and I love how Lyra was able to take Clara's concerns yet still keep her true role quiet. The third Wishville Mystery is decidedly more ominous that the previous two books, especially as we near the end. And the ending itself...a stunner!
Missing mothers, treachery, and a stunning revelation make THE WELL-HIDDEN CLUE a dynamic nail biting entry into a fantastic series.
April 15, 2026
It’s time for the Fall WishFest in Wishville, Vermont. The whole town is involved and excited about the event. Things take a strange turn when renovations beneath the library reveals information involving a cold case and a woman who has been missing for over 40 years.
Maggie Winslow had been investigating mysterious actions that happened in the tunnels under the library. Nobody believed her, then she went missing. Never to be heard from again. Her daughter, Clara, learns of this and wants answers. She asks Lyra to help figure out what happened to her mother.
With the help of her friends and her familiar, Vex the cat, Lyra throws herself into the investigation. Her own mother vanished years ago so she can identify with Clara’s situation.
This is the third book in the series. The author hits it out of the ballpark with this one. It’s her best yet!
Wishville is a charming town filled with magical powers - both above ground and under. It’s the perfect setting for a paranormal cozy mystery.
The cast of characters is a mixed group ranging from mystical to quirky to witty to funny to mysterious to downright evil. There’s a wide variety of people that mixes together into one enchanting tale.
This is the perfect escape from everyday life. Spending a few hours reading this book is a pure delight. The storyline is intriguing and the characters interesting. I found myself completely engrossed in it.
As a side note, the mystery is solved in this book. However, there is a continuing thread throughout this series. I highly recommend starting with book #1 and reading them in order. It's the best way to experience character growth and have a real understanding of what is happening in the Wishville world.
Kari Lee Townsend has been a favorite author of mine for years. She does not disappoint with this one. I look forward to the next book in this series. I hope it continues for a long time to come.
I borrowed this one from the Kindle Unlimited library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Maggie Winslow had been investigating mysterious actions that happened in the tunnels under the library. Nobody believed her, then she went missing. Never to be heard from again. Her daughter, Clara, learns of this and wants answers. She asks Lyra to help figure out what happened to her mother.
With the help of her friends and her familiar, Vex the cat, Lyra throws herself into the investigation. Her own mother vanished years ago so she can identify with Clara’s situation.
This is the third book in the series. The author hits it out of the ballpark with this one. It’s her best yet!
Wishville is a charming town filled with magical powers - both above ground and under. It’s the perfect setting for a paranormal cozy mystery.
The cast of characters is a mixed group ranging from mystical to quirky to witty to funny to mysterious to downright evil. There’s a wide variety of people that mixes together into one enchanting tale.
This is the perfect escape from everyday life. Spending a few hours reading this book is a pure delight. The storyline is intriguing and the characters interesting. I found myself completely engrossed in it.
As a side note, the mystery is solved in this book. However, there is a continuing thread throughout this series. I highly recommend starting with book #1 and reading them in order. It's the best way to experience character growth and have a real understanding of what is happening in the Wishville world.
Kari Lee Townsend has been a favorite author of mine for years. She does not disappoint with this one. I look forward to the next book in this series. I hope it continues for a long time to come.
I borrowed this one from the Kindle Unlimited library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 19, 2026
Forty years ago a woman mysteriously disappeared. Renovations at the library uncovered a time capsule containing the missing woman's notebook. Lyra and her friends start investigating the hidden tunnels under the town. Can they find answers to the disappearance? Can Lyra find answers to her own mother's disappearance one hundred years ago? A delightful blend of cozy mystery with a touch of the supernatural! Great addition to this series!
March 17, 2026
It’s fall and time for a new wishfest. But for Lyra and the town an uncovered time capsule has big implications. There’s secrets from forty years ago that are daughter wants answered and which may help destabilize the balance. It’s personal for Lyra as there may also be a connection to her mother. This whimsical and intricate fantasy/mystery does not disappoint. With plenty of twists to keep you guessing and all the characters we’ve come to know and love ready to start shenanigans. You’ll be hooked from start to finish!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
With the excitement of wish fest ahead, everyone is trying to put last summers storm to rest. The town is doing renovations to the library and a capsule is uncovered. Inside are three items that seem to point to what happened to a teacher who vanished into thin air. The teachers daughter is demanding they uncover what happened to her mother. There are tunnels beneath the town are rumbling and Lyra has to follow the clues. They could bring her closer to her own mothers past, but she is aware that to keep the balance between the worlds us utmost in importance what will she choose? Is the one who hid the capsule still around and trying to stop the secret from unfolding? I could literally feel Lyra's struggle between finding out what happened to her mother, yet, as the well guardian, ensure the two worlds do not implode. Either way, I know I would always have a regret, no matter what I chose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 6, 2026
The more I read in this series, the more I love it! This is definitely a series you'll want to read in order to understand the overarching plot. Each book's mystery is resolved, but the mysteries just build on something bigger. These characters are becoming more real to me. I love the wellies! You'll see...
The author has a wonderful talent of writing atmospheric scenes, and you just feel as if you're right in the story! Though each book takes place during Wishfest, which is in and of itself delightful, this book was much more than a Wishfest mystery. The cold case disappearance was the main focus, and it really added depth to what is really happening in the "real" world, Elarion, and the in-between worlds.
I highly recommend that you give The Well-Hidden Clue and this entire series a read! It's so well-written with beautiful scenery, engaging characters, some humor, and a very intriguing plotline!
The author has a wonderful talent of writing atmospheric scenes, and you just feel as if you're right in the story! Though each book takes place during Wishfest, which is in and of itself delightful, this book was much more than a Wishfest mystery. The cold case disappearance was the main focus, and it really added depth to what is really happening in the "real" world, Elarion, and the in-between worlds.
I highly recommend that you give The Well-Hidden Clue and this entire series a read! It's so well-written with beautiful scenery, engaging characters, some humor, and a very intriguing plotline!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Book 3 in the Wishville Mysteries did not disappoint! Relationships are developing and new characters are bringing the mysteries. Lyra is still guarding the boundary between worlds but a discovery in the Wishville Library threatens to put both worlds in jeopardy.
Notes from a woman missing 40 years causes a cold case to be reopened and the investigation reveals that what was going on then, is still going on.
The Covenant Three, along with the psychic, are all working to solve the mystery of the missing woman and the question of what she discovered that caused her disappearance. There is no shortage of suspects, and they all have secrets.
There were plenty of twists, secrets, surprises, and thrills to hold my interest and I couldn't put it down. The ending was not what I expected, at all.
Notes from a woman missing 40 years causes a cold case to be reopened and the investigation reveals that what was going on then, is still going on.
The Covenant Three, along with the psychic, are all working to solve the mystery of the missing woman and the question of what she discovered that caused her disappearance. There is no shortage of suspects, and they all have secrets.
There were plenty of twists, secrets, surprises, and thrills to hold my interest and I couldn't put it down. The ending was not what I expected, at all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Well-Hidden Clue, the third book in the Wishville Mystery Series by Kari Lee Townsend has forty-year-old cold case being looked at in the present Autumn Festival. It is Fall in Wishville and you can just feel the excitement, energy giving crisp air at the Festival, that is until Lyra receives the phone call from Clara. A story of missing mothers, supernatural that blend with humans and a secret mystery to be solved. Lyra, Holden, Calderis, LuLu, Vex and Fenrith are all needed to not only solve this case but discover exactly what crimes have been committed. Of course, this must be done without causes a break between the worlds. Along the way relationships are deepened while more of the power are explained. The Well-Hidden Clue is one excellent addition to this series. 4.5 Stars
Review of advance copy
Kari Lee Townsend's Wishville Mysteries just keep getting better! The Well-Hidden Clue is the third book in the series and revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a woman 40 years ago.
The missing woman's notebook is found in the library, which leads Lyra, Holden, Calderis and LuLu to investigate the hidden tunnels under the town and what secrets have been kept by the village planning commission and other village leaders.
While solving the mystery and bringing the culprits to justice, Lyra also finds clues to why her own mother disappeared a hundred years ago.
The next book in this series is sure to be exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The missing woman's notebook is found in the library, which leads Lyra, Holden, Calderis and LuLu to investigate the hidden tunnels under the town and what secrets have been kept by the village planning commission and other village leaders.
While solving the mystery and bringing the culprits to justice, Lyra also finds clues to why her own mother disappeared a hundred years ago.
The next book in this series is sure to be exciting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
This book was hard to put down. It catches your attention, with twists and turns, adventure and surprises. Who knew a town could be riddled with such secrets silenced by fear and greed. Read this third book in the series to find out more about this little town of Wishville and the public attraction of Wish-fest, as well as the wish it granted this time around. So far, my favorite of the series. Anxiously awaiting book four from the author and beed the entire set in hardcover for my bookshelf!
Review of advance copy
I am so buried in this series. Every time another book comes to me, I am in that world, following each step, and living all the interactions. Lyra, Holden, Calderis, Vex and Fenrith, and the townsfolk who are quirky and halfway to knowing what Lyra is. The secrets are deep, but the truth will out.
March 18, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. This book had plenty of twists to keep me guessing and I will be watching for more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2026
It was a mystery I didn't know I needed reading as it helped me to relax and I had fun.
I love the world building, the characteres are fleshed out, and the plot it tightly knitted.
I was kept hooked and reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
I love the world building, the characteres are fleshed out, and the plot it tightly knitted.
I was kept hooked and reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews