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Lizzie Hart Mysteries #2
That Old Black Magic
Lizzie Hart is back--snooping, lying, and chick-fighting to uncover the truth in this sequel to the bestselling first book of The Lizzie Hart Mysteries series, It's Just a Little Crush.
That Old Black Magic...will it put Lizzie under its spell?
Lizzie Hart hoped her first day back at work after nearly being killed would be uneventful. No such luck. Before she can finish her morning coffee, Lizzie and her co-workers find a dead body on the rooftop of their office. Media vultures that they are, the Liberty Chronicle employees are psyched to have first-hand news to report. Lizzie, however, is devastated when she realizes that the victim is her ex-boyfriend's brother.
When evidence begins piling up against one of Lizzie's friends, she reluctantly dons her detective hat once again, determined to find the real killer. She's not thrilled about chasing another psychopath around, but she'll do anything for a friend. Lizzie's love life is rapidly becoming a hot mess, too. Her latest attempt at sleuthing isn't leaving much time for her budding romance with town hunk Blake Morgan. Add that to the fact she's hiding a secret so big it could rock the very core of their relationship, it's no wonder that Lizzie's in a tizzy.
Poor Lizzie ends up juggling a murder investigation, a wacky Wiccan coven, and two men vying for her attention--all while nursing injuries left over from the last time she decided to play Nancy Drew. It's a good thing she always has a few tricks up her sleeve.
That Old Black Magic...will it put Lizzie under its spell?
Lizzie Hart hoped her first day back at work after nearly being killed would be uneventful. No such luck. Before she can finish her morning coffee, Lizzie and her co-workers find a dead body on the rooftop of their office. Media vultures that they are, the Liberty Chronicle employees are psyched to have first-hand news to report. Lizzie, however, is devastated when she realizes that the victim is her ex-boyfriend's brother.
When evidence begins piling up against one of Lizzie's friends, she reluctantly dons her detective hat once again, determined to find the real killer. She's not thrilled about chasing another psychopath around, but she'll do anything for a friend. Lizzie's love life is rapidly becoming a hot mess, too. Her latest attempt at sleuthing isn't leaving much time for her budding romance with town hunk Blake Morgan. Add that to the fact she's hiding a secret so big it could rock the very core of their relationship, it's no wonder that Lizzie's in a tizzy.
Poor Lizzie ends up juggling a murder investigation, a wacky Wiccan coven, and two men vying for her attention--all while nursing injuries left over from the last time she decided to play Nancy Drew. It's a good thing she always has a few tricks up her sleeve.
252 pages, ebook
First published December 2, 2014
92 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fardig
28 books289 followersCAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 6, 2015
I really, really enjoyed this book. Romance and suspense on the love story, with the intrigue and twists of a mystery novel.
Lizzie is a very likeable character; always wanting to help others and unsure about her future... She's just starting a new relationship with dreamy Blake when the murder of her ex's brother takes her on an adventure that'll put them through a lot of danger and excitement.
I loved Caroline Fardig's writing style and can't wait to read more of Lizzie's story in the next in the series.
Lizzie is a very likeable character; always wanting to help others and unsure about her future... She's just starting a new relationship with dreamy Blake when the murder of her ex's brother takes her on an adventure that'll put them through a lot of danger and excitement.
I loved Caroline Fardig's writing style and can't wait to read more of Lizzie's story in the next in the series.
January 26, 2015
That Old Black Magic by Caroline Fardiq is a 2014 publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second Lizzie Hart Mystery and picks up pretty much where the first book- “It's Just a Little Crush” left off.
Lizzie is recovering from a nasty fall down a flight of stairs after being the target of a murderer. She has been away from work for a while and is nervously anticipating the first day back at the Liberty Chronicle. But, Lizzie's return is quickly overshadowed when a dead body is discovered and it turns out to be her ex-boyfriend's brother. Although, Lizzie is with Blake now, and is positive he is “the one”, she feels like she owes Lee a few favors for how things ended between them. So, she sets out to discover who murdered his brother, despite Blake's protestations and the strain it puts on their new relationship.
It is quickly determined that the victim recently had a break up with a woman who is a member of a coven of Wiccans. She is the prime suspect, but Lizzie has her doubts, so she decided to infiltrate the coven. In the meantime a spate of kidnappings most certainly are related to this case and Lizzie's friends could be next.
Lizzie is a just a riot. She is hobbled all through the story by a boot she has to wear on her leg and I could just see her trying to pull off some of her stunts wearing the big bulky thing on her leg. The mystery is light, with a few crazy twist and turns and outlandishly bold capers Lizzie, Blake and the gang try to pull off in order to find out the truth.
Getting equal air time is Lizzie's complicated relationship with Lee and Blake. Lee and Lizzie have a past and it left Lizzie with a some heavy baggage she has left to unpack. But, we do see she makes some progress in that area as she begins to see some things about herself she needed to improve upon. So, while the grand HEA is still unsettled I was pleased with Lizzie's progress. I did however, miss Lizzie's cantankerous cat who only had an honorable mention in this one. However, I do hope this author is at home typing away furiously on the next installment in this series, because I know that despite Lizzie's determination to avoid anymore trouble, trouble will find her none the less. 4 stars
This is the second Lizzie Hart Mystery and picks up pretty much where the first book- “It's Just a Little Crush” left off.
Lizzie is recovering from a nasty fall down a flight of stairs after being the target of a murderer. She has been away from work for a while and is nervously anticipating the first day back at the Liberty Chronicle. But, Lizzie's return is quickly overshadowed when a dead body is discovered and it turns out to be her ex-boyfriend's brother. Although, Lizzie is with Blake now, and is positive he is “the one”, she feels like she owes Lee a few favors for how things ended between them. So, she sets out to discover who murdered his brother, despite Blake's protestations and the strain it puts on their new relationship.
It is quickly determined that the victim recently had a break up with a woman who is a member of a coven of Wiccans. She is the prime suspect, but Lizzie has her doubts, so she decided to infiltrate the coven. In the meantime a spate of kidnappings most certainly are related to this case and Lizzie's friends could be next.
Lizzie is a just a riot. She is hobbled all through the story by a boot she has to wear on her leg and I could just see her trying to pull off some of her stunts wearing the big bulky thing on her leg. The mystery is light, with a few crazy twist and turns and outlandishly bold capers Lizzie, Blake and the gang try to pull off in order to find out the truth.
Getting equal air time is Lizzie's complicated relationship with Lee and Blake. Lee and Lizzie have a past and it left Lizzie with a some heavy baggage she has left to unpack. But, we do see she makes some progress in that area as she begins to see some things about herself she needed to improve upon. So, while the grand HEA is still unsettled I was pleased with Lizzie's progress. I did however, miss Lizzie's cantankerous cat who only had an honorable mention in this one. However, I do hope this author is at home typing away furiously on the next installment in this series, because I know that despite Lizzie's determination to avoid anymore trouble, trouble will find her none the less. 4 stars
May 7, 2015
An exciting and hilarious mystery with sprinkles of romance
That Old Black Magic by Caroline Fardig is an exciting and hilarious mystery that kept me turning pages, trying to figure out who was hiding behind everything that was happening.
Lizzie Hart is adorable, feisty, smart, and a devoted friend while at the same time, she has an amazing talent to get on people’s nerves and get herself in trouble. She and her friend Julia make an irresistible pair that could turn any normal situation into a total disaster—Well, I shouldn’t say normal because where Lizzie is concerned nothing can be normal.
Still getting over her wounds from the previous time she played Nancy Drew, Lizzie finds herself hunting yet another killer while at the same time trying to decide between drop-dead gorgeous reporter Blake and her ex-boyfriend Lee. Her first date with Blake was a disaster, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. And this wasn’t the only time I did that. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing my heart out on quite a few of Lizzie’s escapades. And when Blake told Lizzie and Julia “you’re not even fit to be called Nancy Drew anymore. You two have slid down to Lucy and Ethel status” I just laughed till I cried.
Don’t miss this one. It’s a winner!
That Old Black Magic by Caroline Fardig is an exciting and hilarious mystery that kept me turning pages, trying to figure out who was hiding behind everything that was happening.
Lizzie Hart is adorable, feisty, smart, and a devoted friend while at the same time, she has an amazing talent to get on people’s nerves and get herself in trouble. She and her friend Julia make an irresistible pair that could turn any normal situation into a total disaster—Well, I shouldn’t say normal because where Lizzie is concerned nothing can be normal.
Still getting over her wounds from the previous time she played Nancy Drew, Lizzie finds herself hunting yet another killer while at the same time trying to decide between drop-dead gorgeous reporter Blake and her ex-boyfriend Lee. Her first date with Blake was a disaster, and I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. And this wasn’t the only time I did that. Throughout the book, I found myself laughing my heart out on quite a few of Lizzie’s escapades. And when Blake told Lizzie and Julia “you’re not even fit to be called Nancy Drew anymore. You two have slid down to Lucy and Ethel status” I just laughed till I cried.
Don’t miss this one. It’s a winner!
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
July 22, 2015
This was one suspenseful but hilarious read!
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 14, 2015
A fun murder/mystery series
Book #2 of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series doesn't disappoint! This time the murder of her ex-boyfriend's brother really muddies the waters of Lizzie's personal life. For awhile I wondered if Blake or Lee would eliminate the other from competing for Lizzie's attention. I won't tell you how that ended, but I will say having both of them in this story made for some interesting situations. I enjoyed Lizzie's loyalty to do what was right-not what was easy as she struggled to solve the mysteries. I also felt her frustration and pain as she dealt with the injuries from the conclusion of book 1. I chuckled at her funny asides, where she would say she ran to something, and then in parenthesis said well, clomped quickly because of her foot boot for her broken ankle. I felt that Lizzie was a little stronger and more confident in herself as this book progressed. I like that her character is growing as the books continue. Can't say I was thrilled with the ending, but I am sure the next book will put it all into perspective!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The expressed opinions are mine, and I encourage you to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself. Better still, read the first book (It's just a little crush) and then this one. Then let's all write Caroline and tell her to hurry up with book #3!
Book #2 of the Lizzie Hart Mystery series doesn't disappoint! This time the murder of her ex-boyfriend's brother really muddies the waters of Lizzie's personal life. For awhile I wondered if Blake or Lee would eliminate the other from competing for Lizzie's attention. I won't tell you how that ended, but I will say having both of them in this story made for some interesting situations. I enjoyed Lizzie's loyalty to do what was right-not what was easy as she struggled to solve the mysteries. I also felt her frustration and pain as she dealt with the injuries from the conclusion of book 1. I chuckled at her funny asides, where she would say she ran to something, and then in parenthesis said well, clomped quickly because of her foot boot for her broken ankle. I felt that Lizzie was a little stronger and more confident in herself as this book progressed. I like that her character is growing as the books continue. Can't say I was thrilled with the ending, but I am sure the next book will put it all into perspective!
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The expressed opinions are mine, and I encourage you to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself. Better still, read the first book (It's just a little crush) and then this one. Then let's all write Caroline and tell her to hurry up with book #3!
July 11, 2015
“That Old Black Magic” by Caroline Fardig is an exciting and hilarious mystery. It grabbed my attention from the first page and held onto it until the last. While Lizzie Hart is adorable, feisty, and a devoted friend, at the same time, she has a talent to get on peoples’ nerves and get in trouble. The author delivers a hilarious and well-conceived plot, with well-developed characters. This is a fun read that is full of interesting characters and crazy situations that will have you laughing. There is mystery, fun, and mayhem throughout the book. Ms. Fardig has a knack for witty dialog, and a sense of humor that comes alive in her written words. There is adult language in this book, but no graphic violence or explicit sexual situations.
Ms. Fardig is a new author for me and “meeting” a new author is exciting, especially when their books are written as well as this one is. I am looking forward to reading “It’s Just a Little Crush,” the first book in this series, and Ms. Fardig’s new book, “Bad Medicine.”
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Ms. Fardig is a new author for me and “meeting” a new author is exciting, especially when their books are written as well as this one is. I am looking forward to reading “It’s Just a Little Crush,” the first book in this series, and Ms. Fardig’s new book, “Bad Medicine.”
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2015
There’s no way you can resist Lizzy Hart, she’s addictive. After finishing It’s Just a Little Crush, I immediately went on to That Old Black Magic and I’m so glad I did. That little town of Liberty certainly has a lot of intriguing residents and reminds me a lot of the little town of my childhood (sans the murders). Caroline Fardig has a way of writing a mystery/romance that won’t let anyone walk away disappointed. I laughed at Lizzy’s antics, cried at her heartbreak, and experienced a whole range of emotions in between. If you tend to get caught up in a series of books with the same main character, the Lizzy Hart series is for you. Now on to the book 3!
~ Linda Thompson, Host of TheAuthorsShow.com
~ Linda Thompson, Host of TheAuthorsShow.com
July 2, 2015
Lizzie Hart is a little dysfunctional and has a habit of jumping feet first into danger. Add in a crazy killer, a coven and a bunch of reporters and you have a pretty good story.
It was quite a long read and did drag in a couple of places, but it managed to get going again before too long. Other than that I enjoyed it so it's only lost the one star.
I'll be going back to read the first book to see if that helps me to understand the characters a bit more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
It was quite a long read and did drag in a couple of places, but it managed to get going again before too long. Other than that I enjoyed it so it's only lost the one star.
I'll be going back to read the first book to see if that helps me to understand the characters a bit more.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
July 21, 2015
A very cute mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. Lizzie has only just returned to work healing from her previous injuries, when a body is discovered on the roof of the building. It is the body of her ex-boyfiend, Lee's brother. She gets involved in solving who is behind the killing, especially when her friend Melonie is arrested for the murder. While she is trying to figure who is behind killing Jesse she is pursued by her ex-boyfriend and her current love Blake. Can she figure out who is responsible in time.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2015
Entertaining witch hunt
Amusing cozy with a coven tossed under the 'Who is the murderer?' bus. I don't recall reading book 1, but I certainly want to locate it and also look forward to book 3.
Amusing cozy with a coven tossed under the 'Who is the murderer?' bus. I don't recall reading book 1, but I certainly want to locate it and also look forward to book 3.
July 13, 2015
Good read
This easily is a stand a lone book. It kept my interest though out the whole book and I went back to book one to see who all the original players were I would definitely buy book three.
This easily is a stand a lone book. It kept my interest though out the whole book and I went back to book one to see who all the original players were I would definitely buy book three.
January 4, 2015
Written by my best friend and UE alum, Caroline (Hart) Fardig. A fun read with interesting characters and crazy situations that will have you laughing. Pour a cup of coffee, snuggle in and enjoy!
September 25, 2015
Oh, NO!
Loved this book until the ending! How could you have Lizzie and Blake break up?!?! I am soo disappointed! Please get them back together very soon.
Loved this book until the ending! How could you have Lizzie and Blake break up?!?! I am soo disappointed! Please get them back together very soon.
March 29, 2016
Mystical
Very good. Witches, Covens, dead body, missing people and two hunks fighting over a girl, one bad cop and you have a good must read book.
Very good. Witches, Covens, dead body, missing people and two hunks fighting over a girl, one bad cop and you have a good must read book.
September 10, 2019
Reviewed by Heather
Book provided by the author
Shew. Can you say drama? Wow. That Old Black Magic is yet another amazing mystery by Caroline Fardig. This book has it all: drama, mystery, romance, murder, and humor.
When Lizzie Hart decides to poke her nose into another murder, her crush and newest friend, Blake Morgan, and the local police force are not very thrilled about the whole idea. Mainly because Lizzie is still in the healing process from the last murder mystery she helped solve. Lizzie feels like she has no other option considering the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s brother and her longtime friend, Jesse. Things heat up when Lizzie decides to investigate a Wiccan coven that she believes is responsible for Jesse’s murder.
Fardig is very good at hiding the true identity of the murderer. I tried so hard to figure it out the entire time I was reading but the truth had me completely shocked. Again, there is never a dull moment in That Old Black Magic . I mostly enjoyed the humor because I hate reading depressing mysteries. I am in love with this series. I would highly recommend it!
Book provided by the author
Shew. Can you say drama? Wow. That Old Black Magic is yet another amazing mystery by Caroline Fardig. This book has it all: drama, mystery, romance, murder, and humor.
When Lizzie Hart decides to poke her nose into another murder, her crush and newest friend, Blake Morgan, and the local police force are not very thrilled about the whole idea. Mainly because Lizzie is still in the healing process from the last murder mystery she helped solve. Lizzie feels like she has no other option considering the victim is her ex-boyfriend’s brother and her longtime friend, Jesse. Things heat up when Lizzie decides to investigate a Wiccan coven that she believes is responsible for Jesse’s murder.
Fardig is very good at hiding the true identity of the murderer. I tried so hard to figure it out the entire time I was reading but the truth had me completely shocked. Again, there is never a dull moment in That Old Black Magic . I mostly enjoyed the humor because I hate reading depressing mysteries. I am in love with this series. I would highly recommend it!
February 4, 2018
It's not Lizzie Hart's fault trouble keeps finding her, but maybe she can figure out how to get out of her own way once in a while?
Lizzie hasn't even finished her bagel on her first day back at work before someone (else) is found dead. Unfortunately, this time she's well-acquainted with both the victim and the accused murderer. Because Lizzie can't catch a break, this case is going to put her back into the orbit of her hot ex-boyfriend Lee just as she's ready to take things to the next level with her even hotter almost-boyfriend Blake. Good: she might get to work through some of the issues that have left her more than a little closed off with Blake; bad: she might not be able to resist Lee as well as she thought she could.
Not enough complications? Then how about the fact that the latest murders have a distinctly creepy occult angle to them and if Lizzie wants to clear an innocent person she's going to have to infiltrate a coven. And from there...hilarity ensues.
Once again, Fardig made me laugh til I cried in a number of the scenes. Lizzie gets the prize for one of the most awkward first dates ever, and without giving too much away, never has a breaking and entering been so funny. (And both her stupid car and psycho co-worker returns for yet more cringe-worthiness.) Plenty of serious moments- your heart might break at the end- but overall you'll chortle through another clever mystery.
Lizzie hasn't even finished her bagel on her first day back at work before someone (else) is found dead. Unfortunately, this time she's well-acquainted with both the victim and the accused murderer. Because Lizzie can't catch a break, this case is going to put her back into the orbit of her hot ex-boyfriend Lee just as she's ready to take things to the next level with her even hotter almost-boyfriend Blake. Good: she might get to work through some of the issues that have left her more than a little closed off with Blake; bad: she might not be able to resist Lee as well as she thought she could.
Not enough complications? Then how about the fact that the latest murders have a distinctly creepy occult angle to them and if Lizzie wants to clear an innocent person she's going to have to infiltrate a coven. And from there...hilarity ensues.
Once again, Fardig made me laugh til I cried in a number of the scenes. Lizzie gets the prize for one of the most awkward first dates ever, and without giving too much away, never has a breaking and entering been so funny. (And both her stupid car and psycho co-worker returns for yet more cringe-worthiness.) Plenty of serious moments- your heart might break at the end- but overall you'll chortle through another clever mystery.
March 16, 2018
Lizzie Hart's life gets more complicated in this second book in the series. Still recovering from multiple injuries suffered when her former boss tried to kill her, Lizzie is in a permanent bad mood: bored at home while she is unable to walk, in physical pain, and in relationship purgatory while she and Blake still try to figure out what's going on between them. When her ex's brother is found murdered on the roof of the building where she works (on her first day back, no less), a Pentagram carved into his forehead, life quickly swirls out of control. She's drawn back to her ex as she tries to support him in the loss of his brother, she doesn't believe Lee's brother's girlfriend could commit murder (but must admit that she is the high priestess of the local Wiccan coven), and all evidence points to her. What a mess! In trying to prove Molly's innocence, Lizzie finds herself in the middle of Wiccan rituals which involve shedding blood - hers! This time it's Blake who's injured in the rescue, but worse than either of their physical wounds is Blake's startling declaration that the relationship is over. Lizzie's life is a bigger mess than ever. Let's hope all her troubles are resolved in the final book in the series!
October 2, 2019
She doesn't think this jerk is a douche? Newsflash! He's a raving narcissist. His wants will always be his only priority. Two hostages whose safety may be compromised by publicity, and their well being never crossed his mind. He didn't even have enough class to fake an apology for writing a sensationalist article to be published the next morning. It's all about his attention seeking. He's constantly putting Lizzie down by implying she's stupid to disagree with whatever story he's decided will get him the biggest article. He's always trying to control her, because her actions might hurt him! If Lizzie was a real person, I'd want to slap the stupid out of her, and that pile of stupid would take a haz-mat team to clean up! This is not 'romance'. It's an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship! I don't expect great literature out of this genre, but this one just straight up PISSED ME OFF.
December 17, 2019
A fun book! Lizzie Hart is a copy editor for the local paper and it's her first day back at work after almost being killed. A dead body is found on the roof of the building and Lizzie recognizes him as being the brother of her ex-boyfriend. The dead man's girlfriend is arrested and Kizzie investigates by inserting herself into the woman's coven to find the true killer. Interesting characters and storyline with a surprising killer reveal. I look forward to reading the rest of this series!
September 17, 2018
A good mystery!
I enjoyed all the mystery, romance and complications... The story is great and entertaining. I couldn’t stop reading, I wanted to know...
All the crazy sleuthing ideas are a plus...
The end of the mystery wasn’t good enough for me. It was like a big ‘EH?’
Next book, come to me.... :P
I enjoyed all the mystery, romance and complications... The story is great and entertaining. I couldn’t stop reading, I wanted to know...
All the crazy sleuthing ideas are a plus...
The end of the mystery wasn’t good enough for me. It was like a big ‘EH?’
Next book, come to me.... :P
March 13, 2023
the main character is just plain stupid
The story was ok, but as I said in the heading, the main character is just too stupid for words, emotionally childish and as said by herself a terrible girlfriend. Don’t know that I can recommend this trash at all. Rough language- cursing etc.
The story was ok, but as I said in the heading, the main character is just too stupid for words, emotionally childish and as said by herself a terrible girlfriend. Don’t know that I can recommend this trash at all. Rough language- cursing etc.
Read
November 17, 2015Lizzie Hart is recovering from injuries incurred in a previous book, but the reader won't be at too much of a disadvantage not having read the first. Evidently Hart's old boss tried to kill her in a jealous scheme over Hart's coworker/friend/boyfriend Blake Morgan. The dynamic between them was probably developed in the first book, so perhaps that would have been handy to read.
Hart returns to work as copy editor at the local newspaper after working at home part-time while recuperating. During her welcome back party, they find the body of her ex-boyfriend's brother on the roof of the building, and off she goes, investigating and trying to ease the mind of her ex, Lee. As one can imagine the Blake and Lee go head-to-head several times over the course of the book, with good reason; Hart is a bit immature. Along the way, their investigation takes them into a Wiccan coven, involves kidnapping, and leaves several of Hart's friends in danger, not to mention Hart herself.
Hart gets compared to Nancy Drew several times in this book. Let me say that I think we all know who would win in a battle of wits...but that's OK. That's what makes Hart Hart; if everyone solved the murder on page 2, these books would be 3 pages long, and that's just not enough.
Hart returns to work as copy editor at the local newspaper after working at home part-time while recuperating. During her welcome back party, they find the body of her ex-boyfriend's brother on the roof of the building, and off she goes, investigating and trying to ease the mind of her ex, Lee. As one can imagine the Blake and Lee go head-to-head several times over the course of the book, with good reason; Hart is a bit immature. Along the way, their investigation takes them into a Wiccan coven, involves kidnapping, and leaves several of Hart's friends in danger, not to mention Hart herself.
Hart gets compared to Nancy Drew several times in this book. Let me say that I think we all know who would win in a battle of wits...but that's OK. That's what makes Hart Hart; if everyone solved the murder on page 2, these books would be 3 pages long, and that's just not enough.
February 14, 2016
More RomCom than mystery
As this book begins, Lizzie is healing from an attack by a sociopathic boss. Blake, her coworker, feels somewhat responsible because the woman was trying to use him to make her boyfriend jealous and somehow Lizzie's friendship with Blake messed up her plans.
In this book, Lizzie and Blake are attempting to take their friendship to the next step, when the body of Lizzie's ex-boyfriend's brother is found on the roof of their office building. Lizzie and her ex have some unfinished business to tend to and the death brings them together much to Blake's distress. Also, the police suspect the dead man's girlfriend of committing the murder.
To me, the characters seemed a little flat. Although there was some snarky humor in the books, the conversations still seemed too formulaic. This is number two in the series. There are at least three books in this series.
As this book begins, Lizzie is healing from an attack by a sociopathic boss. Blake, her coworker, feels somewhat responsible because the woman was trying to use him to make her boyfriend jealous and somehow Lizzie's friendship with Blake messed up her plans.
In this book, Lizzie and Blake are attempting to take their friendship to the next step, when the body of Lizzie's ex-boyfriend's brother is found on the roof of their office building. Lizzie and her ex have some unfinished business to tend to and the death brings them together much to Blake's distress. Also, the police suspect the dead man's girlfriend of committing the murder.
To me, the characters seemed a little flat. Although there was some snarky humor in the books, the conversations still seemed too formulaic. This is number two in the series. There are at least three books in this series.
Read
February 10, 2015I received a review copy
Yay! I get so excited when I get to “meet” a new author (virtually, of course) and fall in love with their books. That Old Black Magic is the second book in the Lizzie Hart series and I did not read the first book, but that didn’t impact my reading time except that I really, really want to read book 1 now. I had such a fun time getting to know Lizzie and if you follow my blog you know I love a little magic in my stories, so I was sucked in by the title right away! The writing was fantastic, the storyline had me curious the whole time, and I highly recommend! Even though I haven’t read It’s Just a Little Crush (yet!) I suggest you might want to grab that one too!
4.5 stars
Yay! I get so excited when I get to “meet” a new author (virtually, of course) and fall in love with their books. That Old Black Magic is the second book in the Lizzie Hart series and I did not read the first book, but that didn’t impact my reading time except that I really, really want to read book 1 now. I had such a fun time getting to know Lizzie and if you follow my blog you know I love a little magic in my stories, so I was sucked in by the title right away! The writing was fantastic, the storyline had me curious the whole time, and I highly recommend! Even though I haven’t read It’s Just a Little Crush (yet!) I suggest you might want to grab that one too!
4.5 stars
September 29, 2016
After surviving an attempted murder in the 1st book (haven’t read,) Lizzie Hart is back at work, limping on crutches. Judging from the title, I thought Lizzie was a latent witch. But it turns out someone ends up dead with a pentagram symbol carved on the forehead. I was a bit disappointed that Lizzie wasn’t a witch. But she does, however, infiltrate a local coven for answers.
Written in the POV of Lizzie, story is witty and smart.
Lizzie must delve deep into the haunting whereabouts of this coven to exonerate a good friend (a witch practitioner with 2nd sight) and free her of the murder chargers.
Written in the POV of Lizzie, story is witty and smart.
Lizzie must delve deep into the haunting whereabouts of this coven to exonerate a good friend (a witch practitioner with 2nd sight) and free her of the murder chargers.
February 16, 2016
It is as if Lucy and Ethel become amateur detectives (and by the way, Ethel retires at the end of the book). The plot was really good - I did not see who the bad guys were till the end.
"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
"I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
November 7, 2015
Very good
I enjoyed reading this book from the beginning. It was realistic and the characters were believable. Lizzie is tough but also vulnerable.
I enjoyed reading this book from the beginning. It was realistic and the characters were believable. Lizzie is tough but also vulnerable.
April 6, 2016
I couldn't get started, because the character was so annoying. One of those don't go there, and she does. Don't do that and she does, which leads to problems. So I couldn't get past that.
February 20, 2016
Fun
Books in this series. After getting off to a tentative start, Fardig gets her legs under her and delivers a rollicking tale.
Books in this series. After getting off to a tentative start, Fardig gets her legs under her and delivers a rollicking tale.
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