Familiars and Foul Play

Crones of a Feather #5

by Beth Dolgner

An unrepentant bride, a magical murder, and a Bigfoot in hiding. The outside world has its eye on the witches of Foxfire Haven.When Hazel Underwood and her coven of middle-aged witches stumble on a dead body in the woods, it sure looks like the work of dark magic. Unfortunately, the case falls under the jurisdiction of a non-magical town, and the sheriff there is looking at the witches a little too closely.

Meanwhile, the coven has to protect the town’s resident Bigfoot, Barry, when a Bigfoot hunter rolls into town. Is it a coincidence that the hunter has ties to the murder victim?

While the residents of Foxfire Haven struggle to protect their magical secrets from being discovered, Hazel also has to deal with the growing energy vortex inside her home. As the energy grows, more and more witches’ familiars are being drawn into the chaos…

The Crones of a Feather paranormal cozy mystery series is about starting over at midlife, magic, and building a sisterhood with strong, inspiring women. Practical Magic meets The Golden Girls in this fun, lighthearted series.

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2026

About the author

Beth Dolgner writes paranormal fiction and non-fiction. Her interest in things that go bump in the night really took off on a trip to Savannah, Georgia, so it's fitting that the Betty Boo, Ghost Hunter Series of paranormal romance novels takes place in that spooky city. Beth's young adult novels, the steampunk Manifest and the urban fantasy A Talent for Death, also have paranormal elements. Her non-fiction work includes Georgia Spirits and Specters and Everyday Voodoo.

Since Georgia is obviously on her mind, you might think Beth lives there. Well, she did, but these days she and her husband live in Berlin, Germany, with their three cats. Beth misses those mild Georgia winters and proper iced tea, but there's no reason her characters can't enjoy those things.

Beth also enjoys giving presentations on Victorian death and mourning traditions as well as Victorian Spiritualism. She has been a volunteer at an historic cemetery, a ghost tour guide and a paranormal investigator. Right now she's chronicling the best spooky spots around Europe.

Beth is online at www.BethDolgner.com.

Betty Boo, Ghost Hunter Series
Ghost of a Threat,
Ghost of a Whisper
Ghost of a Memory
Ghost of a Hope

Manifest
Georgia Spirits and Specters,
Everyday Voodoo

Reviews

[Lola]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I really like this series and was excited to return to Foxfire Haven for another mystery. And this book was another great read. I really like reading about Hazel and her coven and how they work together to solve these mysteries. This one also has a touch of romance for Hazel as well as some progress on the overarching mystery of the energy vortex.

This time the mystery features a man who got murdered in a way that hints to witches, but Hazel and her coven notice the witchcraft doesn’t quite make sense. The sheriff of the next town who is handling the investigation believes it's someone pretending to be a witch who killed the man and has his sights set on the coven.

So this mystery shook things up a bit with it not being sheriff Wyatt who investigates the mystery. The paranormal aspect was also interesting, was it a real witch who did the murder or someone trying to frame witches? There were plenty of suspects and I liked how more hints and clues come to light as the story progresses. I guessed who the murderer was just seconds before Hazel figured it out, which was satisfying. I also liked how Hazel is the one to figure things out. I did feel the ending and wrap up was a bit rushed I would've liked a bit more time to see it all get wrapped up.

Besides the mystery there are a few more things going on, like the Bigfoot Hunter who is in town. And then there is the overarching plot line with the energy vortex, which is progressing a bit in this book. And this book has a bit more romance for Hazel with things developing between her and Wyatt, which was fun to see. I also liked seeing more of the magic and spells the coven does. And reading about the coven and seeing them be there for each other is one of my favorite parts of this series. It also was fun to see more of the familiar side characters like Barry, Gnorris, Wyatt and more.

To summarize: I really liked this newest installment in this series. I really like reading about Hazel and her coven as well as this paranormal small town. The mystery was a solid one and kept me guessing and I figured things out shortly before Hazel did. I like how Hazel was the one to solve the mystery and how there were plenty of suspects. The wrap up and reveal felt a bit rushed to me. This book has some other things going on as well like the Bigfoot Hunter that's in town, the overarching plot line with the energy vortex and some romance development for Hazel. I really liked reading more about Hazel and all the side characters again. I look forward to the next book!

[Julie Howard]

I loved this book but that's not surprising, I don't think this author has a bad story idea in her.
This series has just got better and better as it has gone on and five books in it still has me very much wanting more. I am always disappointed when I read the last page because I know I then have to wait for the next book to come out.

This series has caught my imagination and I just love the funeral coven. They are all strong capable woman, with there own set of skills, personalities and even familiars. The story is told from Hazel's point of view but they all get involved in solving the murder and I would be hard pressed to choose which was my favourite character or magical gift. As the story is very character driven I would recommend you read the books in order, that way you get to know them so much better and don't miss out on any of the fun.
Even with the delightful characters the author doesn't skimp on the mystery. In fact there is a lot going on with two mysteries to solve. The main mystery does get wrapped up nicely, the murder of the groom and the witches themselves become the main suspects. While the mystery of the strange energy in the house is a long running problem and this time around its affecting the familiars. Both cases are weaved together so the story doesn't slow down and stays not only interesting but entertaining.
I had just finished listening to the first book from this series on audible and it was the perfect time to jump straight into this one, especially with the magic so fresh in my mind. I think I might have to listen to the rest of the series while I wait for the next book.

To give there familiars a chance to spread there wings, Hazel and her friends head deep into the woods. Only to stumble over a dead body, a body that could have been used for dark magic. Out side of his district Wyatt is not involved in the case and a human is in charge. With Marlee being the victims wedding planner and the four friends finding the victim they become the prime suspects. As if that wasn't bad enough but a big foot hunter is in town and causing problems for Foxheaven residents, especially Barry the town's big foot. The funeral vortex is also getting stronger and is beginning to not only effect the resident ghost but even the familiars. With a backyard full of animals, now might not be the best time to come under the scrutiny of a human. Can Hazel and the rest of the coven witches find the killer and keep Barry safe before things get out of hand?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Margarita Rose]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but honestly, that’s no surprise. This series just keeps getting better and better, and five books in, I still find myself wanting more. I’m always a little bummed when I reach the last page because I hate waiting.

I love Hazel, Jo, Valerian, and Marlee. They are strong, independent women, each with their own personalities, magical gifts, and familiars. I definitely recommend reading this series in order so you can watch their friendships and relationships grow.

This installment brings another fun and suspenseful mystery when the women discover a murdered man in the woods, with the scene staged to look like dark witchcraft. With the coven becoming suspects, a human investigator involved, and a Bigfoot hunter threatening to expose Barry, there is plenty to keep them—and the reader—busy.

Meanwhile, the strange energy vortex in their home continues to grow stronger, now affecting their familiars and their ghost as well. I love how this ongoing mystery is woven into the murder investigation without taking away from the story.

Another wonderful addition to the series. Now I’m just impatiently waiting for the next book!

[Margery]

Foxfire Haven is a town with a mixture of magicals and non magicals living happily together. Some are aware of magicals the rest just ignore when something magical happens. The ladies are at the bar when a stranger pushes between them to order a coffee to go. He is supposedly well known as a bigfoot hunter and intends to hunt in Foxfire Haven. They set out to protect Barry by bringing groceries and security cameras.
Meanwhile, a couple from a non magical town are in Foxfire Haven to plan their wedding here. Hazel finds it odd that one day Kate abd Nate are having a major heat filled disagreement and the next day, they are all loveydovey. In the forest that is in two towns, one magical, one non magical. Right on the boarder they find Nate dead in a fake pentagram set up. This puts a magicals in danger between Chief Dunwoody and bigfoot hunter Carlos.
A page turning suspenseful mystery. I enjoyed the depth of the characters newly introduced. Beth Dolgner has a talent creating feel good murder mysteries, and that is not an easy thing to do.

[Spinneretta]

Good

When one of Marlee’s clients is murdered, and the Funeral Home Coven discovers the body, Hazel and the rest are immediately on the case to find out the culprit.
This time the murder doesn’t come under Wyatt’s domain, but instead is being headed up by the chief from the next town over- a normal town!
With a Bigfoot hunter in town, suspicion being cast on a witch, and weird things with the energy vortex in their home, there’s a lot for them to deal with.

Another enjoyable cosy mystery featuring our favourite “Crones”, this one actually has some very interesting developments beyond the mystery itself. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what happens next with Hazel, Wyatt, and the vortex!

This is for fans of paranormal cosy mysteries, especially with older heroines.

[Merry Chapman]

This fifth book in the fun series, Crones of a Feather Paranormal Cozy Mystery series. With a lot going on, you have to keep turning pages to see what will happen next. Hazel and her coven, Hazel, Jo, Marlee and Valerian and their familiars find a body in the woods and unfortunately it is not in Wyatt's jurisdiction. It is in Chief Dunwoody's jurisdiction and Hazel and her coven have to keep their investigation on the down low. And they have to protect Big foot from he Big Foot hunter. This is a fun book with a couple of laughs while turning pages to see if you can figure out the mystery. I highly recommend the entire series! I receive an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Cindy Reifel]

Hazel, Jo, Valerian and Marlee are already dealing with their powers getting an unexpected boost. Also, some sort of energy vortex in their house is affecting them, their familiars and their resident ghost. Suddenly they find a man who has been murdered, apparently by a witch using dark magic. Thing is the dark magic is not what a real witch would use, and, any real witch would know that.
So it's time for Hazel to figure out who murdered this man, even if she has to keep the constable from the town the body was found from finding out what she and her friends are doing.
Yet another thoroughly enjoyable read from Ms. Dolgner!

[Cheryl Davis]

I love these stories, each are separate mysteries but follow on from each other. I like the way there is humour in each and in this one, the poltergeist is causing trouble, but dealing with it is having a knock on effect on the coven as well. There is a bigfoot hunter around so Barry is trapped, the romance between Hazel and Wyatt is heating up and Jo and Barry are friends again. The team have to help him out as they try to get rid of the bigfoot hunter. In the meantime a couple arrive who are arguing but about to get married one the man dies and then it's working out who killed him and why. A satisfying story.

[Denise Keef]

So good!

If you haven't started this series yet, you need to! It's a nice, cozy mystery with amazing characters, murders, mysteries and animals. (Who doesn't like a story with animals, right?) Definitely start with the first book so you get all the nitty gritty on who is who and how they all became friends, because that is part of the magic that makes this series so wonderful! Book five has been my favorite so far. (Yeah I've said that about every one so far, I know!) I kind of figured out whodoneit but wasn't positive until the big reveal. So, grab a favorite beverage, a comfy chair and get to reading!

[Penny]

I really enjoy Hazel and the other three in her coven because it’s great to see women of a certain age still going strong even in their 30s/40s. This latest has them coming across a body in the woods, and Wyatt is not the police of note like normal. So, Hazel and the gang have to keep their investigation on the down-low. Add in a fun side plot of a Bigfoot hunter in town and trying to keep the population and magic under wraps while he’s there, and this is a very entertaining installment in the series especially since I couldn’t guess the villain until almost the very end. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Janet]

Rounding up a 3.5. I enjoy the series but this one didn't move the dial on the main arc too much. There is a murder solved with a surprising murderer. But it's all very abrupt and seemed like it was unfinished a bit. The other incidences in the book - a Bigfoot "Hunter", the energy vortex in the funeral home, Hazel and Wyatt's relationship - were all addressed. The Hunter aspect was closed but the vortex/poltergeist remains a mystery and a drag on everyone's energy. Hazel and Wyatt's relationship does take a positive step. I do plan to continue with the series.

[Sherri Moore]

I always enjoy catching up with Hazel, Jo, Marlee and Valerian and their fun familiars. This series has wonderful character development, fun magic, mystery and occasional humor that combine to keep me riveted! Would love to visit in real life, since I feel like the regular characters are already my friends. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! These are my impressions after thoroughly enjoying an early copy of the book.

[JoAn]

Hazel and her coven are once more pulled into a murder that "seems" to have been committed by a witch. On closer examination, nothing is as it seems but that doesn't stop a non-magical sheriff from threatening them. Then we have a Bigfoot hunter who just arrived in Foxfire Haven, who has poor Barry confined to his cabin. There are plenty of twists, a twist on the energy vortex at the funeral home and even a few romantic moments to keep the story moving until the end.

[Lavada Haga]

Good book

There is a Bigfoot hunter in town and to make things worse the Crones come across a dead body in the woods. Someone has tried to make it look like dark magic! If you want to know more read the book! It's a good book!

[Paola]

4.5 ⭐ this series has definitely gotten better as it's gone along. It is definitely more enjoyable than the Betty Boo one. I could barely finish the second book in that one. I also enjoyed the fact that it was harder to figure out who the murderer was in this one. Definitely unexpected.

[Patricia Haynes]

definitely cozy!

Fun read, interesting murder with add ons! Bigfoot, witches, police business and a coven of handy manipulators ! The crones are finding their stride. Now, will they be able to fix the energy? Guess we’ll find out!

[Laurel]

I really liked reading this new Crones adventure. I felt like there was too much effort in putting so many different mysteries in the book. In this case it took away from the read. The books seems very superficial and one of the biggest mysteries is yet unresolved.

[Monique]

Another fun adventure with Hazel and her coven. And we got some romance in this one. These are such fun reads and I always look forward to the release of the next one.

[stephanie huntington]

Entertaining and engaging