Mystic Brews & Malice

Magical Teashop Mysteries #2

by Karen McSpade

Starting over at midlife is hard. Doing it with magic—and a deadly local legend—is harder.

Midlife witch Samara Snow moves to Winter Haven, Maine, chasing a fresh start wrapped in small-town charm. In this quaint coastal town, with her magical teashop, new friends, and a quiet life, she hopes her newly awakened magical powers won’t scare anyone away. Like the charming fisherman, Jack Andrews, who makes her want to risk her heart.

Romance after forty wasn’t part of the plan, though. Neither is a first sailing date that goes awry when Jack hears a haunting song right before the sea delivers a luxury yacht…and a dead man.

As rumors swirl about a seafaring urban legend that lures locals to a watery grave, Samara can’t ignore the eerie pull toward the islands offshore. Especially when her sassy familiar, Pumpkin, insists the town’s “totally harmless folklore” about a mythical creature on Eastdare Island is how people end up as ghost stories.

With a storm and supernatural mystery brewing, and her slow-burn romance with Jack growing complicated, Samara teams up with a nosy knitting circle and her talking cat to uncover the truth. Together, they must untangle gossip from evidence, magic from motive, and legend from lethal truth. Because someone is using a myth to cover murder…

…and the next name on the ocean’s list is someone Samara loves.

Witchy, warm, and delightfully twisty, Mystic Brews & Malice is a spellbinding paranormal cozy mystery—perfect for readers who love witchy heroines, talking cats, cozy vibes, quirky, witty characters, found family, closed-door romance, no cursing or violence, and a mystery that keeps you guessing.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2026

About the author

Raised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.

As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.

Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.

When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

On their first sailing date, Jack takes Samara to an island for a romantic picnic. Unfortunately, the weather takes a turn for the worse, forcing them to head back. As they make their way, Jack hears a song that calls to him, while Samara remains unaware of it.

As they head back, they stumble upon a yacht with a deceased man aboard. Naturally, Samara can't resist the urge to board the yacht, where she discovers the body. She also feels compelled to delve into the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Her investigation uncovers numerous secrets that certain individuals are desperate to keep concealed. What truths are they hiding, and what motives do they have against the man found on the yacht?

Samara’s cat, Pumpkin, hears the same eerie song that Jack heard while on the water and dashes off, with Samara in pursuit. It is fortunate that she chases after him, as he was about to follow the song right off a cliff. Samara manages to catch up and scoop him into her arms just moments before he would have plunged off the edge.

As she follows the trail of clues and interviews various suspects, Samara must sift through a web of rumors and myths to uncover the truth regarding what transpired with the unfortunate man discovered on the yacht.

Mystic Brews & Malice captivated me with its blend of myths, rumors, and mystery, along with its delightful characters. I particularly enjoyed Pumpkin, Samara's talking cat, and the enchanting magic woven throughout the story. I loved how Samara casually employed her magic for small tasks, like when she followed Pumpkin up the mountain.

Mystic Brews & Malice serves as an excellent continuation of the Magical Teashop Mysteries by Karen McSpade. It kicks off with a bang and maintains a steady stream of suspense from start to finish. I eagerly anticipate the next adventure that awaits Samara and Pumpkin in the upcoming installment of the Magical Teashop Mysteries.

I wholeheartedly recommend obtaining a copy of Mystic Brews & Malice today for another intriguing mystery to unravel!

[Lael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun supernatural mystery

Karen writes a solid story. The two books so far have kept my attention and truly entertained me.

They are quick, easy, fun reads. I enjoy a witch mystery series and have read many, not all that I would recommend and these I would.

They're well written and engaging, a little silly at times, sure. But as a quick weekend read, this is right up my alley.

I like book 2 a bit better as the story was more complex with an added mythological/supernatural element to it and some more character/relationship building. I'm not sure if the story continues but if it doesn't, I'll be sure to check out Karen's other series.

Thanks for a good time!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sea legends come to life

Life by the sea is never dull. Storms are brewing both emotional and physical. It’s not just bad weather that has people in a trap there’s magic afoot. Samara is up against an unknown foe when a legend comes to life and threatens her new chosen home.
Sirens, pirates, an evil witch and old legend what fun! Great little twisty mystery with plenty of surprises. Spooky in a Scooby sense but where the villain is actually magical. Just a fun, great story!

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mystic Brews & Malice, author Karen McSpade once again casts her irresistible magical spell, delivering a charming and cozy mystery filled with enchantment and intrigue. Serving up mystery, magic, and charm, this book is the second installment in the delightful Magical Tea Shop Mystery series. Her books never fail to enchant me, and words seem far too ordinary to capture the delight and wonder I experience while reading them. Whether it is the Crystal Beach Mysteries, the Sinclair Sisters Bakery Mysteries, or the Piper Sandstone Savory Mysteries, each story feels as though it has been sprinkled with a touch of magic, overflowing with charm, mystery, excitement, warmth, and irresistible wonder.

Samara Snow is slowly settling into her enchanting new life in Winter Haven, managing her magical tea shop alongside her quirky feline familiar, Pumpkin. All she longs for is a peaceful and quiet life, but fate seems to have other plans as she finds herself gradually falling under the charming spell of Jack Andrews. What begins as a peaceful boating date between Samara Snow and Jack Andrews soon takes a dark and mysterious turn when Jack hears a haunting melody drifting across the water. Their magical evening is shattered as the two stumble upon a dead body aboard a luxurious yacht, pulling Samara into yet another web of secrets, danger, and intrigue.

There is something undeniably sinister lurking around the shadowy shores of Eastdare Island. Before the town can recover from the first horrifying discovery, another spine-chilling tragedy sends fresh waves of fear through Winter Haven, adding yet another name to the growing list of watery graves. As whispers of the island’s cursed folklore spread like wildfire, the line between myth and reality begins to blur, leaving everyone to wonder if the legendary creature haunting the waters may be far more terrifyingly real than anyone ever imagined.

Filled with haunting mysteries, enchanting magic, atmospheric seaside charm, and delightful twists, Mystic Brews & Malice is a spellbinding cozy mystery that keeps readers captivated until the very last page. Karen McSpade once again brews the perfect blend of suspense, warmth, folklore, and supernatural intrigue, creating a story that feels as comforting as a cup of tea and as chilling as whispers carried across a stormy sea. With unforgettable characters, magical secrets, and a mystery wrapped in legends, this book leaves readers eagerly waiting to return to the enchanting world of Winter Haven once more.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Magical Teashop mystery series and it hooks you from the beginning and keeps you turning pages with wonderful characters and a great mystery. Mid-life Witch, Samara Snow has opened her tea shop in Winter Haven, Maine and hopes this is a place where she can settle. With Pumpkin, her talking cat, she hopes to be accepted for her gifts even though she tries to keep low key. Falling for Jack Andrews, she goes on a boating date and picnic with him. But an idyllic day it wasn't. They discover a dead body on a yacht and of course, Samara, her sassy, smart familiar telepathic cat, Pumpkin, Jack and Samara's knitting group that are a group that are always in her shop dive into an investigation. But, Samara has to face some paranormal problems like an evil witch, a legend, and forces that have her using her magic. With a second dead body turning up things get even more dangerous. Can she solve the deaths, take care of evil and stay in a town she loves? Or will pressure make her run again? Will the romance between Jack and Samara blossom? This is a really wonderful story that keeps you guessing and on the edge of your seat to see how things will turn out. I highly recommend this book, although it can be read as a stand-a-lone, I would definitely recommend this first book as well and can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Catherine Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystic Brews and Malice is book two in the Magical Teashop Mysteries series, and it's a delightful addition. Samara Snow is back in her new hometown, settling into her shop, and once again finds herself pulled into a murder mystery alongside her charming knitting group friends, her cat and her romantic interest, Jack.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The mystery itself is well-crafted; I managed to identify the culprit before the reveal (one of my favorite reading games!), but the story still kept me second-guessing myself along the way, which is exactly what a good cozy mystery should do. The pacing was light and fun, and I found myself genuinely invested in the outcome.
The budding romance between Samara and Jack was a lovely touch , It was understated and sweet, perfectly calibrated for the cozy genre without ever overshadowing the plot.
One helpful note for potential readers: I came to this book without having read book one (it's on my TBR pile…I'll get there!), and I had absolutely no trouble following along. This can easily be enjoyed as a standalone.
If you're looking for a fun, quick read with a warm cast of characters, a well-paced mystery, and a magical atmosphere, this is a great pick. I'm already looking forward to more adventures with Samara, Jack, the knitting group, and of course, Pumpkin the cat.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

"MYSTIC BREWS AND MALICE" is the second book in Karen McSpade's new magical series, "Magical Teashop Mysteries." This easy-to-read and fun story is about Samara, a teashop owner and caterer, and Pumpkin, the sassy cat who adopted Samara after his human was murdered.

Samara Snow has never stayed in one place for long. She's always hoping to finally find a place that feels like home. She came to Winter Haven, Maine, hoping for a fresh start. So far, she's opened a teashop, solved a murder, and ended up with a mysterious talking cat, Pumpkin. She also met Jack Andrews, a tough fisherman who makes Samara want to open up her heart.

On her and Jack's first date, they find a body on a boat. Then Pumpkin almost walks off a cliff, but Samara luckily saves him. What's going on that could affect both a cat's behavior and people?

Come along with Samara, Pumpkin, and Jack as they investigate and go after a killer.

Get ready for some witty comments, as Pumpkin always has sarcastic things to say to keep Samara on her toes.

I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, there were a couple of twists in this novel that I didn't see coming; but then, I doubt anyone else would either. The setting in a New England coastal community lends itself to a comparison: Salem Witch Trials Meet the Golden Girls. Samara Snow is a "midlife" witch who thought she wanted peace and quiet, but discovers a need for a bit of excitement. She, like the "Runaway Bride", has a habit of leaving when the pressure seems too much. But maybe, just maybe, her new teashop and the small town atmosphere will prove sufficient to overcome that inclination. We'll see.

Speaking of small towns, small town life doesn't usually have as much excitement as does Winter Haven. People keep turning up dead, witchcraft keeps being used, and a telepathic cat seems to be a touch clairvoyant. The aura of mystery surrounding the Eastdare Island and shipwrecks ala "Bermuda Triangle" gives this novel a bit more widespread intrigue. If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries with a hint (or more) of magic, this book is for you.

[Tina Cossaboom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Samara Snow and the Magical Teashop Mysteries, and I really enjoyed the book! I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the book when I became one of Karen McSpade’s Advance Reader Copy Street Team!

I love cozy mysteries, especially those with quirky characters such as the knitting club which meets at Samara’s tea shop. I am just starting to read a few books featuring magic, and I have read several books featuring animals who help to solve mysteries. This book has a little of all of my favorite things: quirky characters, a little magic, a little romance, and a cat who can talk and help solve a mystery! I have downloaded the first book in the Magical Teashop Mysteries, and I know that I will enjoy that one just as much as the second book, but I think that both books are good as stand alone books.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews And Magic - a review by Rosemary Kenny.

Mystic Brews And Magic is a supernatural cozy that you're sure to enjoy. 

Tea shop owner/manager witch Samara Snow has settled, (for now) in Winter Haven, with her magical familiar Pumpkin. 
Amidst a hotly-fought mayoral election campaign, she and hunky fisherman Jack make a shocking discovery while picnicking on a remote nearby islet.

Fans of Samara's adventures will know she's not the most popular resident with the local Sheriff, as it seems she's destined to find murder victims - and their killers - before he does.
Read Mystic Brews and Malice by Karen McSpade and get to know Samara, Jack and the townsfolk a little better, while learning about magical myths and more...don't delay, it's spellbinding!

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A song of death.

Samara Snow does not intentionally advertise that she is a witch, but helping with a previous murder case revealed her to Jack Andrews, the fisherman, who is making her reconsider relationships. Their first date goes horribly wrong. Jack hears an alluring song as the boat sails to the island, where they find a beached yacht with a dead man on board. More reports of odd behavior come to light, and the body count rises. Samara and her familiar, Pumpkin, begin to wonder if the old legends about Eastdare Island are true or if someone is using the stories to conceal murder.

This is a good paranormal cozy. Magic and talking cats make all stories more fun! I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch, Samara Snow, owner of a teashop, has settled into her life in Winter Haven. Samara has never stayed in one place for so long and having her own business and a best friend are new to her, but she is finding comfort in her new home. It doesn’t hurt that she is starting a new relationship with fisherman, Jack Andrews. While out for a picnic with Jack they stumble across an abandoned yacht with the body of a man. When the town begins to hear startling news of missing people and some mentioning that they can hear a voice singing, Samara is not sure what to make of that. Soon she and Jack would discover the source. A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Sandra Silvers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted mystery with fun, quirky characters.

I haven't read the first book in the series, but Mystic Brews and Malice was a fun standalone read.

Samara has finally settled down in a cute small town and opened up a magical tea shop. She goes on a date with Jack on his fishing boat, things happen, and they discover a body on a yacht. Hijinks ensue when she can't help but get involved in the investigation. Between her snarky cat familliar and the multiple quirky members of the knitting club that are fixtures in the shop, there are plenty of lovable characters that make the town feel welcoming. The mystery was fun and had a bit of an unexpected resolution, and plenty of magic was used during the investigation. All in all, an enjoyable read.

[Marseydoats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack takes Samura to a local island for a romantic picnic. The weather turns bad, and they have to leave early. Then they spot a yacht among the rocks. There is a dead body on board.
A siren is luring some residents of Winter Haven to a watery death. She even manages to call Pumpkin, and Samura has to stop him from leaping off a cliff!
The town is holding an election for a new mayor, and Samura's elderly friend Jean throws her hat in the ring.
This book is fast paced, with great characters. I hope there will be many more books in the series!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Lorraine O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara has been in Winter Haven for 6 months and is running her own Tea Shop. Her familiar is Pumpkin, a cat. She is going on her 1st date with Jack, dressed in a nice black dress only to find that he's taking her in his fishing boat; old and smelly. They end up finding a dead body on a beached boat. There is a legend that a siren/witch is on one of the islands and several people have just gone missing with no trace. Things heat up from here with some of the townsfolk hearing singing. Even pumpkin is hypnotized by the singing. The plot is entertaining and the characters life like. This story has earned 5*.
Read on 05/14/26.

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book 2 in the Magical Teashop Mysteries series. The tale starts when Jack and Samara are enjoying a first date picnic on a nearby island. Jack suddenly hears an alluring tune in the distance and follows it to a beach wrecked luxury yacht. The mystery starts here when they discover a dead body. Wonderfully written story with a tight narrative and some very exciting passages. This was a "take me with you" book that I was loathe to put down. Every spare moment was spent with my nose buried in the pages as my eyes devoured chapter after chapter until I was done. Brava.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Magical Teashop Mysteries series. It would have been easier to understand some of the dynamics if I'd read the first book, Mystic Brews and Murder first, so you might want to read the series in order. Other than that, this is an excellent story. The world-building is surprisingly accurate, and the characters are very believable. The premise of the story is explained carefully, and it's easy to follow the storyline to the very satisfying conclusion. Anyone who likes paranormal cozy fiction whose main characters are well past teenage angst will love this book. Highly recommended!

[Tara D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this magical sequel in the Samara Snow mystery series. I like that Samara is a midlife witch that has searched a long time for a place to call home. This book is giving me hope that she has finally found her "tribe"! Samara's sassy familiar, Pumpkin, is a great partner. Her relationship with Jack is growing in a positive way. The big question is, "What is really happening on the eerie Eastdare Island?". A dead body on the island leads to a truly magical trail of questions and strange occurrences. Samara and Jack (and Pumpkin of course!) work together to solve this fun mystery.

[Dot Morrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of the same series about Samara only being in Winter Haven for 6 months and already getting on the police chiefs' nerves. Tension is growing between her and Jack. The cat Pumpkin talks and owns a Tea Shop. They have their first date, on a smelly fishing boat and it does not end well. Pumkin gets to hearing the song that a siren is singing. Will this be the only body found or will there be more? I recommend this book. I love the coastal town vibe, witchy scenes, with feeling of Jack and Samara feelings starting to show more, and the feeling of a close-knit family in the community. I did not figure out who did it until the very end.

Review of advance copy received from Author

[Samantha]

This is the second book in the "Magical Teashop Mysteries" series. I'd say you could read this as a standalone! This story follows Samara, a mid-life witch and teashop owner, who has recently moved to Winter Haven. Hoping for a fresh start, this story if full of intrigue, magic, mystery, love, thrill, and murder. I couldn't put this down, especially with all of the twists throughout.

I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own.

I absolutely adore Karen McSpade--her writing style, plot, character development! This book is a winner, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for something cozy.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read!
I could not put it down, I read until I reached the end.
Lots of red herrings, excellent characters in a small seaside town.
Funny, startling, a bit romantic, witchy magic, believe in the supernatural fill the pages of this riveting read.
Samara Snow recently opened a tea shop, but she has yet to spend very much time there.
Murders in the small town have her sleuthing into the mystery’s despite the sheriffs warning to stay away.
Her witchy side can’t help but stay involved.
Surprise ending in this action packed book!

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara has a new challenge as a witch. Firstly, a man is murdered. Secondly, some of the townspeople are petrified by strange alluring music from the haunted Eastdare Island nearly leading them to their deaths. Samara is also disturbed by her boyfriend, Jack's evasive behaviour. What is happening in their town and will she be able to use her magic to stop people from being lured to their deaths? An entertaining read with vivacious characters. In addition to being suspenseful the story is humorous especially the antics of Samara's cat, Pumpkin.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midlife witch Samara had moved to Winter Haven, Maine, for a fresh start and opened up a magical teashop. Romance wasn't part of her plans! On her first date with fisherman Jack, they discover an abandoned yacht with a dead body on board! Of course, Samara has to get in the middle of the investigation! A captivating story with a talking cats, a sirens song, a hilarious "Knitting Club," a heavily contested mayoral race, plenty of twists and turns, a touch of the supernatural and a touch of sweet romance. It was a hard book to put down and I can't wait for more to come!

[Sarah Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews & Malice by Karen McSpade is a charming paranormal cozy mystery filled with magic, small-town intrigue, and plenty of suspense. Samara Snow's romantic boat date quickly turns into a nightmare when she discovers a dead body aboard a mysterious yacht, launching her into another captivating investigation. With an engaging cast of characters, a lovable talking cat, and an atmospheric coastal setting steeped in supernatural legends, this second installment in the Magical Teashop Mystery series is an entertaining and cozy read that keeps the pages turning.

[Shannon McGlone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Karen McSpade for this Arc.

I am loving this series so far. Book one was cute and grabbed my attention. Book two had me hooked from the beginning. Normally books like these even though they are more cozy magical witchy books I tend to read in the fall but, Karen McSpade doesn’t make it where I only read her books during that time. I love her way of keeping the reader wanting more without overbearing details and always keeps my attention.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews & Malice by Karen McSpade is a book that will keep you turning pages to the end. It has a witch, who is an amateur sleuth, a talking cat, some romance, and a ghost. It has it all! You won't be able to guess whodunit until the very end. The plot and characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and trying to guess what would happen next. This is a quick book to read and it will leave you wanting more. Enjoy.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an advanced copy reader.
This is one of the best stories I have come across in awhile. By the time I was half of the way into the book, I could not put it down.
Samara and Jack try to make it work but a sea siren has other plans. Samara broadens and strengthens her magical abilities…and she’s not the only one!
Highly readable!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Siren's Song.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mythical story with Samara, Jack and Pumpkin investigating a murder.  Lots of tension, intrigue and drama as the story builds.  This is an entertaining and addictive story that I can easily recommend to others.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Tiffany Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book got five stars because it was a really good book to read.It was fun reading about the magic in there.All the characters are good to read about.If anyone has not read this book yet,you should.

Tiffany

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing paranormal cozy mystery with quirky small town characters. I enjoyed how Samara was working together with Jack and her friends to figure out what is happening. The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. Super fun to read.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I am leaving a voluntary and honest review.