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A Wishwille Mystery #5
The Well-Broken Promise
A cozy fantasy mystery where the boundary between worlds may not be as secure as anyone believed—and someone is willing to kill to prove it.
Some promises are made to be broken.
Some loyalties are made to be tested.
But some lines should never be crossed.
Lyra Wells hoped Spring WishFest would mark a true new beginning—flowers in bloom, music in the square, and a town ready to believe balance could be rebuilt. After a winter of deception, Lyra and her closest allies have chosen a different path. No longer aligned with the Elders and refusing to join the rebels, they protect both Wishville and Elarion on their own terms. They call themselves The Fearless Four—equal partners with no secrets and no inherited loyalties.
But independence comes with consequences.
When a scientist investigating the strange energy beneath Wishville is found murdered, Lyra discovers he may have crossed through a fracture between worlds before his death.
Chief of Police Holden Thorn must manage a growing list of suspects while LuLu keeps the story from spinning out of control. Calderis faces quiet unrest in Elarion as whispers spread about his departure. With evidence pointing in impossible directions and suspects rising in both worlds, Lyra must untangle a mystery that threatens more than one life.
If the boundary between realms can be breached, peace may not be as secure as she once believed.
The question is who decides what balance looks like? And who is willing to kill for it?
Twisty, magical, and impossible to put down—The Well-Broken Promise deepens the Wishville mysteries with secrets that span two worlds.
Perfect for readers who
– Cozy mysteries with fantasy world-building
– Tight-knit sleuthing teams with divided loyalties
– Spring festivals hiding deadly secrets
– Boundaries between realms that refuse to hold
Some promises are made to be broken.
Some loyalties are made to be tested.
But some lines should never be crossed.
Lyra Wells hoped Spring WishFest would mark a true new beginning—flowers in bloom, music in the square, and a town ready to believe balance could be rebuilt. After a winter of deception, Lyra and her closest allies have chosen a different path. No longer aligned with the Elders and refusing to join the rebels, they protect both Wishville and Elarion on their own terms. They call themselves The Fearless Four—equal partners with no secrets and no inherited loyalties.
But independence comes with consequences.
When a scientist investigating the strange energy beneath Wishville is found murdered, Lyra discovers he may have crossed through a fracture between worlds before his death.
Chief of Police Holden Thorn must manage a growing list of suspects while LuLu keeps the story from spinning out of control. Calderis faces quiet unrest in Elarion as whispers spread about his departure. With evidence pointing in impossible directions and suspects rising in both worlds, Lyra must untangle a mystery that threatens more than one life.
If the boundary between realms can be breached, peace may not be as secure as she once believed.
The question is who decides what balance looks like? And who is willing to kill for it?
Twisty, magical, and impossible to put down—The Well-Broken Promise deepens the Wishville mysteries with secrets that span two worlds.
Perfect for readers who
– Cozy mysteries with fantasy world-building
– Tight-knit sleuthing teams with divided loyalties
– Spring festivals hiding deadly secrets
– Boundaries between realms that refuse to hold
- GenresMystery
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2026
About the author
Kari Lee Townsend
145 books475 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 1, 2026
It's spring in Wishville and the town is celebrating with the Spring Wishfest.
The old birch tree is looking unhealthy there is unrest between the Dwellers and the Rebels, artwork is stolen and there is a murder in the meadow.
Luckily for all, Lyra and the rest of the fearless four continue to solve crimes while protecting the delicate balance between Elarion, the Rebels and Wishville.
A reckoning is coming and I look forward to finding out how it all ends.
This is a perfect series for those who enjoy fantasy, mystery and whimsy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The old birch tree is looking unhealthy there is unrest between the Dwellers and the Rebels, artwork is stolen and there is a murder in the meadow.
Luckily for all, Lyra and the rest of the fearless four continue to solve crimes while protecting the delicate balance between Elarion, the Rebels and Wishville.
A reckoning is coming and I look forward to finding out how it all ends.
This is a perfect series for those who enjoy fantasy, mystery and whimsy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2026
The Well-Broken Promise (A Wishville Mystery Book 5) by Kari Lee Townsend begins by reminding the reader of the fragile peace and the need for it. This could be applied o our world today not just in a fantasy story. A combination of Dwellers and humans are working to keep the peace a lasting one. However, it seems others are determined to see to broken. This book is the most complicated of the series with an overarching theme. I would suggest that the series be read in order. By the end of this book it seems clear that there are not just two sides but three in this original intertwine world.
June 30, 2026
THE WELL-BROKEN PROMISE by Kari Lee Townsend
The Fifth Wishville Mystery
Spring is a time of growth and renewal, but not this Spring. In Wishville, Vermont this Spring is bringing death. The old birch tree is dying and a schism is opening the earth disrupting the connection between the human world of Wishville and the Dweller world of Elarion. Guardian of the Well, Lyra Wells can feel the difference in the earth and subtle changes are becoming not so subtle as even Wishville residents are noticing a change. Though the Spring WishFest is in progress many people want to stop the wishes. When a flashy reporter from Lulu's past appears things get even worse as he adds flames to the fire with his inflammatory headlines. But the worst happens when a scientist, more eager than is good decides to use a probe to test and amplify vibrations. After a second unauthorized attempt in the middle of the night he's found dead beneath the birch. The Fearless Four, Lyra Wells, Police Chief Thorn, Enforcer Calderis, and psychic reporter Lulu will not only have to determine who killed him (Human? Dweller? Rebel?) but attempt to fix the rift before it destroys both worlds.
As the Wishville Mystery series progresses it becomes darker with higher stakes. In this, the fifth book, we witness the possible destruction of both worlds. This aspect is even more worrisome than the murder and is even more important. We see the Fearless Four facing Rebel forces, some of whom want Lyra dead, and the Council of Elarion, who want Lyra removed from her position as Guardian of the Well going the prejudiced "she's not pure blood" route. In addition to the possible end of the world, we also have a murder and theft!
I really enjoy this series balancing light and dark, good and not so good with humor and a bit of pathos. I love how our team works together, but my favorite part was when the Wellies worked their magic, showing the way to stabilize the rift and thus save the day! A surprise at the ending made my jaw drop...Vex.
Fraught with tension THE WELL-BROKEN PROMISE delivers an anxiety laden mystery that nonetheless proves that with friendship and by working together the good guys can triumph-at least for today.
The Fifth Wishville Mystery
Spring is a time of growth and renewal, but not this Spring. In Wishville, Vermont this Spring is bringing death. The old birch tree is dying and a schism is opening the earth disrupting the connection between the human world of Wishville and the Dweller world of Elarion. Guardian of the Well, Lyra Wells can feel the difference in the earth and subtle changes are becoming not so subtle as even Wishville residents are noticing a change. Though the Spring WishFest is in progress many people want to stop the wishes. When a flashy reporter from Lulu's past appears things get even worse as he adds flames to the fire with his inflammatory headlines. But the worst happens when a scientist, more eager than is good decides to use a probe to test and amplify vibrations. After a second unauthorized attempt in the middle of the night he's found dead beneath the birch. The Fearless Four, Lyra Wells, Police Chief Thorn, Enforcer Calderis, and psychic reporter Lulu will not only have to determine who killed him (Human? Dweller? Rebel?) but attempt to fix the rift before it destroys both worlds.
As the Wishville Mystery series progresses it becomes darker with higher stakes. In this, the fifth book, we witness the possible destruction of both worlds. This aspect is even more worrisome than the murder and is even more important. We see the Fearless Four facing Rebel forces, some of whom want Lyra dead, and the Council of Elarion, who want Lyra removed from her position as Guardian of the Well going the prejudiced "she's not pure blood" route. In addition to the possible end of the world, we also have a murder and theft!
I really enjoy this series balancing light and dark, good and not so good with humor and a bit of pathos. I love how our team works together, but my favorite part was when the Wellies worked their magic, showing the way to stabilize the rift and thus save the day! A surprise at the ending made my jaw drop...Vex.
Fraught with tension THE WELL-BROKEN PROMISE delivers an anxiety laden mystery that nonetheless proves that with friendship and by working together the good guys can triumph-at least for today.
June 30, 2026
Spring has come round and as seasons change another festival’s time has come. As you may expect if you’ve kept up with the series a quiet wish, a promise kept and secrets hidden isn’t exactly what happens. Instead there’s a murder and a rather unexpected and possibly connected natural mishap. So the usual suspects gather again to seek out the truth and protect the balance.
I enjoy these books quite a lot. The fantasy is a lovely break from my usual mystery heavy book rotation. There is whimsy underlying the serious situations and the promises made that only a few still retain knowledge of. Balance is essential but it’s rather difficult to keep when one must also hide the reasons why that’s true. The story has layers and the author weaves a wonderful tale yet again in this small town with big purpose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoy these books quite a lot. The fantasy is a lovely break from my usual mystery heavy book rotation. There is whimsy underlying the serious situations and the promises made that only a few still retain knowledge of. Balance is essential but it’s rather difficult to keep when one must also hide the reasons why that’s true. The story has layers and the author weaves a wonderful tale yet again in this small town with big purpose.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 30, 2026
This is a continuation of the fantasy series which perfectly blends drama and mystery. The small-town setting is more than just a backdrop—it plays an essential role in shaping the story, adding charm and depth to the unfolding events. Townsend’s characters are wonderfully written, with personalities that feel authentic and relationships that grow naturally throughout the plot.
The pacing was engaging, and I appreciated how the layers of mystery were revealed in a way that kept me guessing without feeling rushed. Overall, the book delivered a captivating and satisfying read.
If you enjoy fantasy stories with a touch of drama, mystery, and a vividly drawn small-town setting, The Well-Broken Promise is a great pick!
The pacing was engaging, and I appreciated how the layers of mystery were revealed in a way that kept me guessing without feeling rushed. Overall, the book delivered a captivating and satisfying read.
If you enjoy fantasy stories with a touch of drama, mystery, and a vividly drawn small-town setting, The Well-Broken Promise is a great pick!
June 30, 2026
This is book 5 of a cozy fantasy mystery series, and these stories get better and better. Lyra is half-human half-Dweller, and the well in Wishville is the portal between the two worlds (the human world, and Elarion - the Dweller world). It's time for Spring Wishfest and all the joy that comes with the festival and granting wishes. However, there are two bad things happening at the same time - a murder and a fracture under the big birch tree near the well - and Lyra, Holden, LuLu, and Calderis (the Fearless Four) have to solve both cases... or are the two related, making it one giant case?
The characters in this book are believable and likable. I love their interactions and both Lyra and LuLu are a bit snarky... which is fun. The Wellies - the three women of a certain age who always bring a smile - are joined in this book by three ladies from the yarn shop, the Silver Stitchers, and together the six become unstoppable. I'm a cat person and Vex is always a great addition to the tale as well as Fenrin, a Whispen from the Dweller world who shape shifts, but mostly stays as a cat.
As usual with this series, this book has a very exciting ending with new revelations. I recommend reading these books in order... each book builds on the previous one and you don't want to miss a single minute.
Disclosure: We received a free ARC of this book. No guarantee of a review or other compensation was made.
The characters in this book are believable and likable. I love their interactions and both Lyra and LuLu are a bit snarky... which is fun. The Wellies - the three women of a certain age who always bring a smile - are joined in this book by three ladies from the yarn shop, the Silver Stitchers, and together the six become unstoppable. I'm a cat person and Vex is always a great addition to the tale as well as Fenrin, a Whispen from the Dweller world who shape shifts, but mostly stays as a cat.
As usual with this series, this book has a very exciting ending with new revelations. I recommend reading these books in order... each book builds on the previous one and you don't want to miss a single minute.
Disclosure: We received a free ARC of this book. No guarantee of a review or other compensation was made.
September 21, 2026
It’s time for Spring WishFest in the small town of Wishville, Vermont. Lyra Wells has her hands full as Guardian of the Well. She desperately continues to fight to keep two worlds apart - the humans of Wishville and the Dwellers of Elarion.
When a man is found murdered, they fear someone has crossed to the other world. Lyra, along with her friends and her familiar Vex, are on the case. They must keep peace at all costs even if they have to fight the Rebels and those closest to them.
This is another action-packed adventure. The author transports readers to an enchanted land. Although it’s filled with charm and excitement, it’s also filled with danger.
I really enjoy the camaraderie Lyra has with her friends, the townspeople and even her cute familiar cat. The characters are more rounded with each book.
I highly recommend reading these books in order. Besides character growth, it gives the reader a better feel for the progression of the storyline. Each book leads to the next one. Although, the murder mystery is solved in this book and does not carry over to the next one.
The author has done a wonderful job at creating the whimsical town of Wishville and bringing to life this motley group of characters.
On to book #6…
Disclosure: I borrowed this one from the Kindle Unlimited library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When a man is found murdered, they fear someone has crossed to the other world. Lyra, along with her friends and her familiar Vex, are on the case. They must keep peace at all costs even if they have to fight the Rebels and those closest to them.
This is another action-packed adventure. The author transports readers to an enchanted land. Although it’s filled with charm and excitement, it’s also filled with danger.
I really enjoy the camaraderie Lyra has with her friends, the townspeople and even her cute familiar cat. The characters are more rounded with each book.
I highly recommend reading these books in order. Besides character growth, it gives the reader a better feel for the progression of the storyline. Each book leads to the next one. Although, the murder mystery is solved in this book and does not carry over to the next one.
The author has done a wonderful job at creating the whimsical town of Wishville and bringing to life this motley group of characters.
On to book #6…
Disclosure: I borrowed this one from the Kindle Unlimited library. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy
This was a wonderful blend of mystery, magic and community. While there is an intriguing search for missing birch anchors and the cause of the growing imbalance between worlds, what captivated me most was the deeper mystery at the heart of the story. How an entire community had forgotten the truth behind the promise that once kept everything in harmony.
I loved the themes of balance, stewardship, and the idea that peace requires continual care rather than simply good intentions. The world of Wishville felt warm and welcoming, filled with characters who come together in both practical and unexpected ways when things begin to unravel.
What stayed with me even after I finished was the reminder that sometimes the greatest danger is not evil itself, but forgetting the wisdom that once held people together. Hope, healing, and community shine throughout this story. A thoughtful and heart warming fantasy that left me eager to return to Wishville.
A read we could all use as comfort in these troubled times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the themes of balance, stewardship, and the idea that peace requires continual care rather than simply good intentions. The world of Wishville felt warm and welcoming, filled with characters who come together in both practical and unexpected ways when things begin to unravel.
What stayed with me even after I finished was the reminder that sometimes the greatest danger is not evil itself, but forgetting the wisdom that once held people together. Hope, healing, and community shine throughout this story. A thoughtful and heart warming fantasy that left me eager to return to Wishville.
A read we could all use as comfort in these troubled times.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2026
This was another really good book in this series! I really recommend beginning with book one. Though each book contains a fully solved mystery, there is a whole lot going on in Wishville and Elarion that you won't understand. Of all the books so far, this one is the most complex. The boundaries between the "real" world and the magical world underneath it all are beginning to thin, and it's really affecting Lyra. As always, I love the characters. The Wellies, 3 eccentric older women who seem to know more than they should, are still my favorites. Their knitting group's contribution to the story made it so much more fun. I loved the cozy feeling among that group and would like to see them again. The author once again uses picturesque language to bring both worlds to life. There's a lot of description, so it's easy to picture each setting. My favorite was when the knitting group set up under the birch tree. You just have to read it to believe it! If you're a fan of cozy paranormal fantasy books, you really need to read the Wishville Mystery books! I highly recommend them!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adrian Mercer is said to have crossed over to the hidden world of the well. An earth shaking grounds leads Holden, Willa, Calderis and the Wellies to not only discover his body, but now they need to unfold the how and whys. There is a birch tree that has sigil that are signs of the hidden world. No one has ever traversed thru the void. There is an alarming search for the team to unfold the whys and how and yet assure the town that the wish festival should commence safely. Will the protectors of the thin veil between the worlds, despite the rogues who want the veil broken, be able to secure the boundary yet again?
June 30, 2026
While trouble has been brewing just under the surface between Wishville and Elarion for a while, it finally breaks loose and sets the Guardians scrambling for answers, explanations, and cures. The Spring Wishfest is in full swing when strange events begin to be noticed, things go missing, and a visiting scientist is murdered.
I didn't see the ending coming at all. The people responsible for the thefts and murder were not who I expected, but the criminals were captured and the balance was restored, for now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn't see the ending coming at all. The people responsible for the thefts and murder were not who I expected, but the criminals were captured and the balance was restored, for now.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 20, 2026
This cozy paranormal mystery had so much heart and magical charm packed into it. The setting was delightfully atmospheric, and the mystery itself was really clever. I found myself genuinely caring about the characters and how their stories unfolded. It was a relaxing, fun escape that I’d recommend to any cozy fantasy fan!.
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.
July 4, 2026
This book is so intense. They all have been, but the drama is so increased I have not moved until the end. The thefts, the vibration, the birch tree. All the people we have got to know coming together again to try to find answers. And always, the cats. Quiet, in the background, but visible and supportive.
July 2, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book. This is a fast reading mystery that kept me guessing. I will be watching for more 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.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews