Treachery and Talismans

Willowmere #6

by Carmen Radtke

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2026

Reviews

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic addition to the Willowmere mystery series that keeps you turning pages with a bit of humor. Bex Merriweather and her cat familiar, Cosmo want to fix up the lending library she inherited from her Aunt. She also volunteers at Serenity Spring a senior living center by taking books there for the residents. With Cosmo's magical purr and a little bit of Bex's magic, they are a calming influence on the residents. But some strange things were happening, Louisa's aunt is acting strange at the residence and there is a missing bracelet a murder. Evidence seems to be pointing to Bex's friend so she and Louisa and Cosmo definitely have to help clear her name and Detective Stone wants Bex in the case. With so many twists and turns and red herrings, we are taken guessing until the end. Not only do I highly recommend this book, but I recommend the entire series as well. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her blue hair, cat stroller, and magical cookies… Bex is living her best life and I am totally here for it! I am a sucker for an older heroine, a talking cat, and newly inherited powers. I love the dynamic between Bex and Cosmo the Cat, who has been training her in the magic of witchcraft.

In this installment, Bex and Cosmo are investigating the death of the aunt of one of Bex's friend, Louisa. Sadly, Louisa's aunt hadn't been acting well for a few months and Louisa was concerned that it was the beginning of dementia… or was it something more sinister?

I also adore how the author shows that life does not end when you turn 40… This story takes the antics of Bex and her crazy coven and supercharges it with the hi-jinx of the senior crowd. I loved how the coven tried (and failed) to keep the silver spooners from going too crazy. Of course, Cosmo and his precious "Power of the Purr" is a formidable weapon. But even so, Cosmo is no spring chicken and the absolute love between him and Bex (and lets face it the entire town) was just so wholesome and pure.

I can't wait to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex has been busy with her lending library. She has expanded to bringing books to Serenity Springs retirement home, so that the residents have access to books. When one on the residents dies Bex is sure something is not right. When it's confirmed as murder, she is asked to investigate by detective Trey Stone since the main suspect is Louisa, his girl friend, and they both know she wouldn't hurt her Aunt Jane.
Great book in the series. Has me guessing the killer till the end.

[Michelle]

I love this series. I love that Bex and her coven are middle aged rather than in their 20's. Well plotted mystery. I had a suspicion about who dunnit but additional clues kept popping up that kept me from being sure until near the end. Just the way I like it. Wonderful characters and great world building.

[Sherri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the crazy coven! Bex, Ange, Harper and Reina are such likable characters and I love the way they support each other and their community. This cozy series has wonderful characters, fun magic, a talking familiar and mystery all wrapped up in a very enjoyable read. These are my impressions after enjoying an early copy of the book.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hah! I guessed the correct person! It wasn’t until later in the story…but I still count it as a win! This is a fantastic mystery with many twists, turns, and red herrings. It took Bex and her friends and a couple scrying sessions, and much reliance on Bex’s magic. I died laughing as the culprit outed themselves. Diabolical plan, Bex, but pure genius! This series is so much fun!

[Rita Chrivia]

I enjoyed Bex continuing to accept and develop her magic with the assistance and support of the Crazy Coven. Cosmo gets a lot of stroller time in this one and performs so much EPT- exceptional purr therapy, that it wears even him out.

[Kathryn Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun cozy witchy mystery.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

As in the other novels in this series, Bex and Cosmo are called upon to solve a mystery in Willowmere with the assistance of the Crazy Coven and a cast of characters who we have met in previous novels

This series is "easy reading" - and perimenopausal Bex really is the star, along with Cosmo.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather and her cat Cosmo who was her feline and her coven friends are busy with the Fall Festival and then a murder takes place. There is a lot going on with magical, humour and suspense to Captivating you . I enjoyed this read and leave a voluntary review which I received via Booksirans. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Willow Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Willowmere, Oregon, middle-aged, menopausal newby witch, and her feline familiar, Cosmo Merlin DeBeaufort are working hard to turn the lending library she inherited from her late Aunt Violet, into a community gathering place.
After experiencing a couple of falls at home, Bex’s friend, Jimmy, has moved to the local retirement home, Serenity Springs, and Bex and Cosmo visit him and the other residents regularly with books and a little helpful magic.
During a visit to Serenity Springs, Bex notices that there is a newcomer who seems to be quite popular with the lady residents who are already competing for his attention.
And in the midst of this, Bex's friend, Louisa, begins to notice that her Aunt Jane has started behaving strangely which is quite concerning.
Aunt Jane's murder brings together Bex and her coven of witches to solve the murder.
Plot twists are plentiful and the conclusion was a surprise!
This is book #6 in the Willowmere Mystery series and I am happy to recommend them all!
I was honored to be an advanced reader for this book and I am happy to leave this voluntary review!

[Giannina Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received "Treachery and Talismans" for an honest review.
I found this a very charming story and entertaining. Bex and Cosmo run her late aunt library and are drawn into the mystery of who murdered Louise's aunt. Bex takes books to Serenity Springs for the residents. On a visit there they are informed that some changes have happened to the gardening club, and that a pencil case belonging to a resident has gone missing. Shortly, there after they learn that there had been some tension between Louisa and her aunt. Her aunt had been acting erraticly for the last couple of months and had disinherited her. While investigating with her friends she finds out that a valuable bracelet has gone missing, as well. Unfortunely, during the investigation they find clues that point to Louisa being guilty.
The relationship between Bex and Cosmo is very endearing as her helps her develop her magical abilities and helping her to investigate. This is a wonderful story with funny moments and many endearing moments. Highly recommend.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to running the lending library, participating in various community outreach activities, and hanging out with her best friends in the cozy coven, Bex Merriweather volunteers at the retirement home, bringing comfort with Cosmos the cat, her familiar, and his magical purr. When one of the seniors dies in mysterious circumstances, the coven joins forces to locate a killer.

The Willowmere Mystery series is so readable, it's easy to become completely enwrapped in Bex's world. Treachery and Talismans is no exception. I had my suspicions of who the murderer was, but unlike the ladies in the Murder Club (excuse me, Mystery Book Club), I won't spew out my gossipy thoughts. Regardless, it's always a good time in Willowmere. Love you, Cosmos.

Thank you to Carmen Radtke and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex and her familiar Cosmo make regular trips to the senior living facility Silver Springs. She has friends that offer different activities there as well as Bex's library. As in any small community with many different personalities and needs there can be drama. Bex and Cosmo visit often to quell the animosities with their magic. Cosmo has a way where his purrs relax tensions and along with Bex's gifts she can offer happy thoughts. But, alas, there are always a few who are high maintainance and Marsha seems to be very dramatic. She accuses a resident of stealing it. The accused is Bex's best friend Louisa's own aunt. Not long after, Aunt Jane's talisman bracelet is stolen and as fate would have it, she is found murdered. Poisioned. Now it is up to Bex and friends to uncover the culprit. With no real motive, they all have their work cut out for them. A wonderful murder mystery with believable characters and a deep story line.

[Stacy71 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bex Merriweather has inherited a lending library from her aunt that is run out of the house she lives in. She also inherited her cat familiar Cosmo. They volunteer at the local senior living center and bring books, magic and their calming presence. The place could use it. Things start to go missing and Louisa’s aunt is not acting like herself. When the aunt dies and things don’t look good for Louisa, Bex and Cosmo must investigate and help clear her name. Louisa’s personal relationship with the lead detective doesn’t seem to be helping.

Bex is part of the Crazy Coven and she relies on them to help her solve the case. Cosmo is always part of the action as he accompanies Bex in his stroller to support her with his magical calming purr. I like that Bex is in her midlife and coming into her own. The story wasn’t predictable and I would recommend to readers who enjoy paranormal cozy mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[April Flach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. It was a well written story, with friendship at its core. I like that there is both witchcraft and sleuthing (albeit a little sleuthing) involved in solving the case, instead of her just relying on her magic. And we can't forget Cosmo. He's the star of the show. However, the killer wasn't a surprise this time. I practically predicted the ending. Still looking forward to Bex and Cosmo's next adventure, with the crazy coven of course. Also, I'm kind of hoping for more Sam, and a budding friendship with a slow romance blooming between him and Bex. One last thought...I think the crazy coven should know that Cosmo talks. I think there could be some interesting conversations during coven meetings.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Catherine Stratman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A senior facility with so many activities!

Bex and the crazy coven help run various activities at the local senior facility. The ladies at the facility are chasing the latest new male but things start to go downhill when things start to disappear. And Louisa's wealthy aunt is becoming increasingly viscous and acting out. Bex and the magic purr of Cosmo can only do so much when one of the ladies passes away from natural causes. Or did she? And detective Trey Stone doesn't like where the evidence is pointing. Can Bex and her friends find the culprit before their friend is accused? Such a good book!

I received an ARC. This is my honest review.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex, Cosmo, and her crazy coven are doing their thing to help a friend from being accused of murdering her aunt. I know this may sound like your typical cozy but it is anything but. The main characters are strong independent women (except for the cat ) that are always there for each other. They support each other without hesitation. For me, it's what makes this book so good. Plus the town of Willowmere feels like a good place to be.

What also made me enjoy this book even more was the interaction with some minor characters that may become a bigger part in books to come. I felt this book is setting up a bigger story that I can't wait to see play out.

[Ingrid Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so lovely and captivating!
The combination of a MC that is a bit older and the magic she is discovering keeps me turning the pages.

I love Cosmo, his wisdom and snarkiness is hilarious and intriguing at the same time.

The description of the frustrations the residents at the senior center felt hit really home for me as my father is going through the same emotions.
I had an idea of the culprit in the second half of the novel, but to see how they uncovered the truth kept me turning the pages till the end!

I can't wait to read more in this series!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoy Bex, Cosmo, Wyatt, and the rest of the gang, and I was excited to be back in their world. We take a trip to the local assisted living home, where a resident is murdered, and everyone is trying to find out who did it, even the members of the home. They were so funny about how they went about solving it, and I enjoyed how hard it was to guess the villain even though I had my suspicions. This is such a fun and entertaining series, and I can’t wait to read more. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Anne Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex and Cosmo her familiar are once again kept busy solving puzzles in this book. Serenity Springs Retirement Home has a few problems. A special pencil case has gone missing, as has some money. But the worst is the death of one of the ladies. She had undergone a severe mood change, happening over two months and then she was dead. Definitely poisoned, but how & by whom? Bex and her friends, with help from Cosmo, tackle the problems. Once again a great read.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book of Treachery and Talismans says it all, full of treachery and a talisman bracelet. Bex and Cosmos and her friends are once again in up to magic and schemes to their ears. The story is full of red herrings, schemes, treachery, roller coaster rides of issues occurring in the small town. I found this book extremely hard to put down as many interesting things happening one after the other.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to be back with what Iseems like old friends, now, Bex and Cosmo. Bex just can't get the last part of the vision in her crystal ball that could lead her to the killer!!! They asked Bex for help, because someone set Louisa up!! What a compelling and entertaining story I enjoyed!!

I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series with Bex and Cosmo. They are an amazing duo who work well with the rest of the coven. Cosmo is doing a great job teaching Bex all about being a Witch. I love how he travels around town in a stroller. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait for the next book.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it as I loved all the other novels in this series as Bex and Cosmo are a great couple and the mix of tropes (small town, chosen, friendship) works their magic and I had a lot of fun.
The mystery is a bit weaker than usual and I guessed the culprit, that said I have fun and there's plenty of fun.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

[Barbara Behning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bex and her cat Cosmo continue to take books from their library to the Serenity Spring senior living center. Cosmo usually calms them with his purr. It is not working for a few of them. What is wrong? What changed? Personalities have gone from nice to screaming and threats as well as missing items. A great read that keeps you on your toes.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to visit with Bex, Cosmo, and the coven ladies. There is a death of the senior community and the gang must help Det. Stone clear his girlfriend. Lovely encounters with various characters in this sweet town. Looking forward to their next adventure.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

We visit Serenity Springs with the senior women trying to catch the eye of a new male guest. Cosmo and Bex with her Crazy Coven get involved with another murder. I kept changing my mind on who the was murderer, it turned out I was right with my first choice.
Its a great read. You will like it.

[Calley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again this author is a fun read. Her characters are surface level unless needed for the current book mystery, but that just lends to the short story feel. I love Cosmo and sure hope he lasts as long or longer than Bex! Thanks for another fun read!

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a visit with Bex, Cosmo and the "crazy coven" in Willowmere. A swiftly paced mystery with subtle clues, deft twists and turns and characters that feel like old friends made this a great afternoon read.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good. I really enjoyed it. I like Bex and I love Cosmo! So what's in store for the next chapter?