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Agnes Hale Book Club Cozies #1
Alchemy and Allegories
Meet Agnes Hale: retired librarian, reluctant sleuth, and a witch trying very hard not to use magic.
All I wanted was a better book club, not for someone to wind up dead.
I moved to Greymoure Glen for a quieter life, somewhere far from Salem and its complications. With my cat Rover at my side, I was hoping for peace, a good library, and a fresh start.
Starting a new book club seemed like the perfect way to settle in.
Then the woman running the rival club was found dead in the library parking lot.
Unfortunately, I was the one who found her.
Now I’m at the center of a murder investigation in a town where the victim had a remarkable talent for making enemies. The more I learn about Patricia Farmer, the harder it is to find anyone who didn’t have a reason to dislike her.
I’m not supposed to use magic. The Council made that very clear.
But I’m also not the sort of person who can ignore a problem like this.
Which means Rover and I are going to start asking questions.
All I wanted was a better book club, not for someone to wind up dead.
I moved to Greymoure Glen for a quieter life, somewhere far from Salem and its complications. With my cat Rover at my side, I was hoping for peace, a good library, and a fresh start.
Starting a new book club seemed like the perfect way to settle in.
Then the woman running the rival club was found dead in the library parking lot.
Unfortunately, I was the one who found her.
Now I’m at the center of a murder investigation in a town where the victim had a remarkable talent for making enemies. The more I learn about Patricia Farmer, the harder it is to find anyone who didn’t have a reason to dislike her.
I’m not supposed to use magic. The Council made that very clear.
But I’m also not the sort of person who can ignore a problem like this.
Which means Rover and I are going to start asking questions.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 27, 2026
About the author
Diana Xarissa
284 books273 followersDiana started self-publishing in 2013 and over a decade later she now has over a hundred books available for readers. Writing remains her passion and she has no plans to stop writing in the foreseeable future.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
Diana grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and earned a history degree from Allegheny College. She met her husband, an Englishman, while living and working in Washington, DC. Following their marriage, she moved to Derbyshire. A short while later, the happy couple moved to the Isle of Man.
During their years on the island, Diana and her husband welcomed two children, and Diana completed a master’s degree in the history of the island. In 2008, the family made the decision to move to the US. Now empty-nesters, Diana and her husband are living in the suburbs of Buffalo, New York, and contemplating moving somewhere that doesn’t get snow.
Diana also writes mystery/thrillers set in the not-too-distant future as Diana X. Dunn and Young Adult fiction as D.X. Dunn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 17, 2026
Witchy Retired Librarian + Her Talking Cat Familiar
Really liked this new series by Diana Xarissa. Retired librarian, Agnes Hale, has recently moved from Salem, Massachusetts to a small village. In an attempt to meet new friends & book lovers, Agnes joins a book club. Unfortunately, the self-appointed leader of the book club and the only person allowed to decide on which titles to read, is the über-nasty Patricia. Agnes chooses to start a new book club, allowing members to vote on next book to read.
Very much a small village where folks know everyone else's secrets, traumas, and sensitivities. Patricia very much enjoys her games and even more so, the power trip she's on & apparently has been her entire life. At the first meeting of her new bookclub, Agnes discovers a dead body on the ground by her car.
Much drama, bits of hilarity, and hints of why they left Salem and why Agnes isn't supposed to use magic.
Look forward to the next installment of Agnes Hale's Book Club Cozies.
Highly Recommend!
Really liked this new series by Diana Xarissa. Retired librarian, Agnes Hale, has recently moved from Salem, Massachusetts to a small village. In an attempt to meet new friends & book lovers, Agnes joins a book club. Unfortunately, the self-appointed leader of the book club and the only person allowed to decide on which titles to read, is the über-nasty Patricia. Agnes chooses to start a new book club, allowing members to vote on next book to read.
Very much a small village where folks know everyone else's secrets, traumas, and sensitivities. Patricia very much enjoys her games and even more so, the power trip she's on & apparently has been her entire life. At the first meeting of her new bookclub, Agnes discovers a dead body on the ground by her car.
Much drama, bits of hilarity, and hints of why they left Salem and why Agnes isn't supposed to use magic.
Look forward to the next installment of Agnes Hale's Book Club Cozies.
Highly Recommend!
June 4, 2026
Agnes and a cat named “Rover”.
I have read most of Diana Xarissa’s novels and enjoyed all of them. This new series is delightful. It has magic and mystery. I highly recommend it.
I have read most of Diana Xarissa’s novels and enjoyed all of them. This new series is delightful. It has magic and mystery. I highly recommend it.
Review of advance copy
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily to share my honest opinion.
I tend to read mostly fantasy books or non fiction but I decided to give a murder mystery a try. I wasn’t disappointed. It was a good read, kept my attention all the way through but sadly the twist in the plot wasn’t as surprising as it could have been. I had figured it out a few chapters before. But that would be my only complaint as it were. This is a lovely book and I believe it’s part of a series which I will definitely be reading as I find Agnes quite intriguing.
But how could you not when your main character stumbles upon a murder and instantly becomes a suspect. How do you come back from that gossip mill? Especially when you are new and just trying to fit in.
Agnes is extremely relatable, she loves a good book full of substance and something that sparks the imagination. A book with a main character who is an avid reader, chefs kiss! This is very well written because as you get to know each character more you start to feel more and more hostile towards some and fond of others. The emotions that you feel towards the characters really adds to the overall experience of the book. It makes you feel more like you are apart of it.
I tend to read mostly fantasy books or non fiction but I decided to give a murder mystery a try. I wasn’t disappointed. It was a good read, kept my attention all the way through but sadly the twist in the plot wasn’t as surprising as it could have been. I had figured it out a few chapters before. But that would be my only complaint as it were. This is a lovely book and I believe it’s part of a series which I will definitely be reading as I find Agnes quite intriguing.
But how could you not when your main character stumbles upon a murder and instantly becomes a suspect. How do you come back from that gossip mill? Especially when you are new and just trying to fit in.
Agnes is extremely relatable, she loves a good book full of substance and something that sparks the imagination. A book with a main character who is an avid reader, chefs kiss! This is very well written because as you get to know each character more you start to feel more and more hostile towards some and fond of others. The emotions that you feel towards the characters really adds to the overall experience of the book. It makes you feel more like you are apart of it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A good start to the series.
Living in Greymoure Glen is a relief after the turmoil in Salem for Agnes Hale and Rover, her familiar. She can help people without actually using magic. She joined the local book club at the library, looking forward to lively discussions and getting to know people in the community. Instead, the club was dominated by Patricia Farmer, who dictated the reading list and seemed to enjoy spreading misery. Starting another club seemed like the best option. Attendance was good at the first meeting in the library, but the evening went from good to bad when Agnes arrived at her car and discovered Patricia’s body beside it. As a prime suspect, she doesn’t dare use magic to clear her name without the Council finding out. She and Rover will need to find a different way to unravel the case.
It’s funny how the town immediately assumes an older woman living on the edge of town with her cat must be a witch. This series has good potential. I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Living in Greymoure Glen is a relief after the turmoil in Salem for Agnes Hale and Rover, her familiar. She can help people without actually using magic. She joined the local book club at the library, looking forward to lively discussions and getting to know people in the community. Instead, the club was dominated by Patricia Farmer, who dictated the reading list and seemed to enjoy spreading misery. Starting another club seemed like the best option. Attendance was good at the first meeting in the library, but the evening went from good to bad when Agnes arrived at her car and discovered Patricia’s body beside it. As a prime suspect, she doesn’t dare use magic to clear her name without the Council finding out. She and Rover will need to find a different way to unravel the case.
It’s funny how the town immediately assumes an older woman living on the edge of town with her cat must be a witch. This series has good potential. I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 28, 2026
Agnes Hale, new resident of Greymoure Glen, discovers a dead body next to her car on the first night that her new book club has met at the library. Unfortunately, the deceased is the unpopular leader of the existing book club, Patricia Farmer. Rather than become suspect number one, Agnes lets herself be dragged along an unofficial snooping mission with her new friend Janice.
Agnes is a witch trying not to use her witch powers but her familiar cat, Rover, is constantly afraid the witch council will come find her anyway. He is always sneaking his way into her bag to join her and Janice. There is no shortage of suspects with reason to go after Patricia. Every lunch meeting they have turns up a new suspect.
I enjoyed this book. It was nice to have a FMC who was a retiree. The ending was not telegraphed throughout the whole book so that was great. I would recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Agnes is a witch trying not to use her witch powers but her familiar cat, Rover, is constantly afraid the witch council will come find her anyway. He is always sneaking his way into her bag to join her and Janice. There is no shortage of suspects with reason to go after Patricia. Every lunch meeting they have turns up a new suspect.
I enjoyed this book. It was nice to have a FMC who was a retiree. The ending was not telegraphed throughout the whole book so that was great. I would recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Diana Xarissa has another great new series with "Alchemy and Allegories," the first book in the Agnes Hale Book Club series. The book is about a woman who starts a new book club because the other book club in town is run by an entirely deplorable woman who has gone out of her way to be nasty and hurtful to everyone who crosses her path. On the first night of the book club, she finds the leader of the other book club laying dead next to her car. How Agnes goes about meeting all the people in town who have ill used by the dead woman and sorting out their reasons for wanting her dead is the story. Ms Xarissa has woven a delightful tale, full of quirky characters and interesting adventures. This is a book you really don't want to miss! I couldn't put it down and read it all in one sitting: it's that good!
May 29, 2026
Agnes has been in town 6 months. She lives with her familiar, Rover a black cat in a small cottage on the outskirts of town. She helps people by giving them potions but there's nothing magical in them. She gives them great advice and the placebo effect works wonders. She belongs to the Monday night book club at the library and she started a Tuesday night book club. She's a retired librarian and she had book clubs 6 days a week there. A different genre each night. While at the 1st Tuesday book club, a woman is murdered and left next to Agnes' car. Needless to say it's up to the ladies to find the killer. Very fast moving story that is well written with a surprise plot twist. The characters are life like and the story is well told. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to next in the series.
Read on 05/23/26.
Read on 05/23/26.
June 11, 2026
This is the first time I've read a mystery by Diana Xarissa, and I'm looking forward to reading another. It's a cozy mystery, based in a very small town in the Northeastern US. Agnes is a witch who has moved to this small town, Greymoure Glen, after some negative experiences in her hometown of Salem, Massachusetts. I would have liked the story to have more backstory, instead of vague hints of awful experiences, but this was otherwise an excellently-written story. After reading so many cozy mysteries where the female protagonist was a fluffy-headed flake, it was incredibly refreshing to read a cozy women's mystery where the protagonist is the most sensible and interesting person in town. Definitely recommended!
July 16, 2026
haven't read too many books by this author, but every one that I’ve read always has the most interesting characters and some good humor mixed in it. I just loved Agnes’s cat familiar, Rover. He reminded me so much of Salem on the 90s comedy Sabrina, the Teenage Witch that I’ve been streaming. I could totally hear Rover’s lines in Salem’s voice, lol.
Agnes was a witch who’s apparently not allowed to use magic and had to leave Salem (the town not the cat in the show) with Rover. Now I’m curious to hear the story behind that and hope it comes up eventually in one of the next books. Agnes could improvise with the best of them and used her witchy rep to nab a killer. It's amazing what the power of suggestion can do! I can’t wait to read the next book.
Agnes was a witch who’s apparently not allowed to use magic and had to leave Salem (the town not the cat in the show) with Rover. Now I’m curious to hear the story behind that and hope it comes up eventually in one of the next books. Agnes could improvise with the best of them and used her witchy rep to nab a killer. It's amazing what the power of suggestion can do! I can’t wait to read the next book.
May 28, 2026
Alchemy and Allegories
I don't usually read paranormal mysteries, but I have read almost all of Diana Marissa' s mysteries, and I love them, so I decided to try this new series. Apparently, she is a witch who moved to this small town between Rochester and Buffalo, and she gives potions to people. She claims that they are harmless and not magical. The murder victim was a horrible woman who was dying, and she decided to have cruel final conversations with everyone that she knew. I will continue to read this series!
I don't usually read paranormal mysteries, but I have read almost all of Diana Marissa' s mysteries, and I love them, so I decided to try this new series. Apparently, she is a witch who moved to this small town between Rochester and Buffalo, and she gives potions to people. She claims that they are harmless and not magical. The murder victim was a horrible woman who was dying, and she decided to have cruel final conversations with everyone that she knew. I will continue to read this series!
June 1, 2026
This is the first book in a new series. Agnes and her talking cat named Rover have recently moved to a new town from Salem Massachusetts. She finds a body next to her car after leaving a book club meeting.
I enjoyed the book and the characters in the book. It was a quick fun read, and I look forward to getting to know the residents of Greymoure Glen better in future books.
I liked that the characters all had flaws and not all of them were likeable but that just added to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the book and the characters in the book. It was a quick fun read, and I look forward to getting to know the residents of Greymoure Glen better in future books.
I liked that the characters all had flaws and not all of them were likeable but that just added to the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 17, 2026
I received this as an advanced copy for free and here are my personal thoughts!
I was looking for a cozy mystery book to read and this one seemed perfect. I love that this book got straight to the point of the story quickly and had me guessing throughout the entire book. I did find myself very curious to Agnes’ back story and maybe in a future book we will learn more of it. I love the fact that the cat is named Rover and had people assuming dog.
Also how old is Agnes? I think that has been plaguing my thoughts throughout the story!
I was looking for a cozy mystery book to read and this one seemed perfect. I love that this book got straight to the point of the story quickly and had me guessing throughout the entire book. I did find myself very curious to Agnes’ back story and maybe in a future book we will learn more of it. I love the fact that the cat is named Rover and had people assuming dog.
Also how old is Agnes? I think that has been plaguing my thoughts throughout the story!
June 23, 2026
Agnes Hale moved to Greymore Glen for a quieter life. All she wants is to do her thing, go to book club, and make a few friends. She is a witch but trying not to use her magic. Then the leader of her book club is murdered and right next to Agnes' car. Agnes wants nothing to do with the investigation but her new friend Janice is determined to solve the murder. Together they will meet lots of zany local characters while asking questions of all. This was a fun read and a really good first in series book.
June 25, 2026
Brrr One pure evil woman in this one!
I did not like the horrific woman who has spent her life finding out things that hurt and embarrass other people. These others have not done anything to deserve her attention. She just likes to hurt other people. No one is unhappy when she is murdered and the general feeling is that they are glad she isn't around to hurt them or anyone else. Apparently she was this way even as a child. Well written but boy, I would have a hard time convicting the guilty party!
I did not like the horrific woman who has spent her life finding out things that hurt and embarrass other people. These others have not done anything to deserve her attention. She just likes to hurt other people. No one is unhappy when she is murdered and the general feeling is that they are glad she isn't around to hurt them or anyone else. Apparently she was this way even as a child. Well written but boy, I would have a hard time convicting the guilty party!
May 29, 2026
This novel is about a woman, a witch apparently, who finds a dead body by her car. The murder seems to be linked to her book club, but she isn’t so sure. Along with a friend that is also in the book club, she ends up questioning suspects and identifying the murder. Her sidekick is a talking cat. It’s a cute book and an easy cosy read. I was not thrilled with the dialogue and thought it could have been done better.
July 1, 2026
I laughed at the snarky cat's comments all through this story. Agnes Hale is a great character, but I wonder if we will ever find out why she had to leave Salem, Mass.!!! The victim in the story was such a horrible person, I was cheering for whoever killed her. Wonder if we will ever find out what was in her will?? All the characters in this book feel like people you know. Can't wait to read the next story and listen to the snarky cat!!
June 5, 2026
Fun Paranormal Read
I always like books by Diana Xarissa so I knew I would enjoy her new series.
Agnes Hale has moved from Salem to Greybourne to start a new less exciting life but her new book club ends with a body.
I really liked the characters and found the plot interesting.
Highly recommended
I always like books by Diana Xarissa so I knew I would enjoy her new series.
Agnes Hale has moved from Salem to Greybourne to start a new less exciting life but her new book club ends with a body.
I really liked the characters and found the plot interesting.
Highly recommended
June 23, 2026
I loved this book.
I enjoyed the mysterious Agnes Hale with her wonderful talking cat familiar and all the tantalising hints about her intriguing life in Salem and bits of possibly unfinished business there.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the mysterious Agnes Hale with her wonderful talking cat familiar and all the tantalising hints about her intriguing life in Salem and bits of possibly unfinished business there.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 24, 2026
Very fun & fast read! And I didn't guess the ending!
I read this book because I love all of Diana's work!
It made me laugh AND think...it also made me very happy. I'd write a bit more but I ha e to go walk my cat. We live on a steep Bluff but he loves to go out and walks great on a leash!
I read this book because I love all of Diana's work!
It made me laugh AND think...it also made me very happy. I'd write a bit more but I ha e to go walk my cat. We live on a steep Bluff but he loves to go out and walks great on a leash!
August 12, 2026
Surprising New Series
Agnes has moved to a small town and joined a book club in order to meet new people. The club is headed by Patricia, a very unpleasant woman who seems to take pleasure in upsetting others. And Patricia is murdered. As Agnes investigates, I have questions. There are hints of Agnes' past that, hopefully, will be answered in upcoming books.
Agnes has moved to a small town and joined a book club in order to meet new people. The club is headed by Patricia, a very unpleasant woman who seems to take pleasure in upsetting others. And Patricia is murdered. As Agnes investigates, I have questions. There are hints of Agnes' past that, hopefully, will be answered in upcoming books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved meeting Agnes and Rover and especially enjoyed their banter! Love Rover’s comments! Clever plot! Couldn’t put it down! I’m excited to read more about Agnes, Rover and the book club ladies! These are my opinions after devouring an early copy of the book.
May 28, 2026
Loved it....
Was so happy to see the new series was out and it didn't disappoint... How could it with a cat named Rover? Seriously, this series is off to a great start...can't wait to see where it goes next time :)
Was so happy to see the new series was out and it didn't disappoint... How could it with a cat named Rover? Seriously, this series is off to a great start...can't wait to see where it goes next time :)
July 6, 2026
A Great Cozy Mystery!
The title caught my attention and I'm glad it did. It's a good, cozy read. The characters are believable and likable. Well, except for person who was murdered. She put new meaning into the word "unlikeable".
The title caught my attention and I'm glad it did. It's a good, cozy read. The characters are believable and likable. Well, except for person who was murdered. She put new meaning into the word "unlikeable".
August 2, 2026
Loved it! So much fun and the murder couldn’t have happened to a more perfect person. Too bad that the murderer had to be arrested for it. I must say I was surprised who did the deed. Getting ready to start book 2!
August 7, 2026
Interesting, a bit slow, some backstory on Salem would have given a bit more context. Easy to follow plot and not difficult to get to the outcome before the end of the book. Will read the next & see if it's got a bit more to it...
May 28, 2026
A good premise for a new series.
Read
May 30, 2026Good start to a new series.
May 30, 2026
Wonderful new series
This is a great start to an entertaining new series. I look forward to reading about bats in the next one.
This is a great start to an entertaining new series. I look forward to reading about bats in the next one.
June 3, 2026
Fantastic Fun!
Loved this new one from Diana Xarissa! Can’t wait for the next in the series so I can find out more about Agnes and Rover.
Loved this new one from Diana Xarissa! Can’t wait for the next in the series so I can find out more about Agnes and Rover.
June 14, 2026
Agnes Hale Book 1
Not a bad book. I've read this author before and like the writing. Good for everyone above 14, I would suggest.
Not a bad book. I've read this author before and like the writing. Good for everyone above 14, I would suggest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews