The Hexing Miss Helena

The Society of Scandalous Witches #2

by Darcy McGuire

Practical Magic meets Bridgerton! Discover the BRAND NEW romantic, witchy series from Darcy McGuire

Genres: Queer, Fantasy, Audiobook, Historical, Mystery, Romance, Magic

250 pages, Hardcover

Published July 14, 2026

About the author

Darcy McGuire loves writing novels about powerful women and the people lucky enough to love them.

Her first series, The Queen's Deadly Damsels, is Bridgerton with a dash of murder and mayhem. These women wield more than just cutting wit and dangerous innuendo. It's romance with a hint of suspense and a healthy dose of spice.

Her new series, The Society of Scandalous Witches, pairs the charm of Victorian England with the whimsy of witches determined to help solve cases for Scotland Yard. This series is for readers who like historical romances with a touch of magic, a dash of heat, and a twist of mystery.

Reviews

[Silvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This book put sapphic historical/fantasy romance together with cozy murder mystery (some of my favorite combination of genres) and I was here for it! I haven't read the first book in the series and I didn't have any problems getting into the story and the lore, but it did made me curious about the previous book (and possibly the next 👀)

Highly recommend to fans of the aforementioned genres *chef's kiss*

[Aila Krisse · Rating 4 out of 5]

In theory, I really like murder mysteries but it’s fantasy or sci-fi, but unfortunately I really haven’t read many that I actually liked. But I did like this one. It’s a very readable, uncomplicated murder mystery set in Victorian London and also there’s witches.

The book starts with Cynthia finding the corpse of her murdered husband in his study, and because she doesn’t grieve properly (mainly because her late husband was an absolute asshole so she understandably does not miss him) she immediately becomes suspect number one. Hoping to clear Cynthia’s name, her brother brings along his wife and her ‘sisters’, since they are secretly witches and may be able to help. As the investigation progresses, sparks begin to fly between Cynthia and Helena, one of the sisters, but neither are willling to admit that they might be falling for the other, so they just yearn a whole lot.

This was pretty enjoyable. I breezed through it in 3 days - which is very fast for me - because it was incredibly easy to read and get a bit swept along. The story doesn’t really do anything new, but everything just flows together quite well and makes for a fun and satisfying adventure.

Tropes and such:
- witchy sapphic romance + murder investigation
- set in Victorian London
- both FMCs are witches
- fated soulmates/lovers
- one FMC’s (shitbag) husband just got murdered
- family trauma, child abuse (in flashbacks)
- 2nd in a series but works perfectly fine as a standalone
----
Thank you to Boldwood Books for the ARC

[Nikki (awallflowerreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author just knows how to suck you into a mystery with a solid premise and characters with that spark between them. At the start of this novel, Cynthia finds her neglectful (and deceitful) husband dead in his study. Immediately in swoops her brother Tomas (the MC from the first book) and his bestie Scotland Yard detective Uncle Lachlan. They’re joined by half of the coven we met in book one Clio and her cousin Helena, who immediately has a hard-on for Cynthia. Helena is both worried her family and coven are being taken away from her, and of her own attractions to her until-now married sister-in-law. The tension is there from the start and I always love this director for a sapphic romance- especially in the historical setting. It makes sense that they’re almost upset with their feelings because of the danger it could put them in if they acted and, particularly in Cynthia’s case, having never felt this way about anyone. That representation felt so important in a time when many women were just forced to follow their duty, particularly in this class dynamic.

The magic elements continue to be a cool touch, and I enjoyed getting a different aspect of their witchcraft. Helena is a water witch, and also can read minds. She uses this to help her Uncle investigate crimes, but hits a block when she tries to read Cynthia’s. At the same time Cynthia is going through a bit of her own magic crisis, just learning about the existence of it. It’s ups the stakes of this already pretty high-stakes romance!

This one ended up being a great balance between internal and external stakes. Both Helena and Cynthia have some real emotional baggage to work through before they can really be together. And I loved this tension juxtaposed with the external stakes of the murder investigation and their witchcraft. I don’t want to share too much or give a big plot point away, but the twists and turns in this were excellent! The ending felt beyond satisfying and these two had some real sweet moments to wrap this story up. I’m really excited for Ellie’s story! I have a small tickle about where that one might go and who her love interest could be, but I’m really just grasping at straws because there wasn’t much hinted. Just my own twisted little theories!!!

4.5/5

Thank you to the publishers for an eARC of this novel.

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful blend of cozy fantasy, mystery, and sapphic romance that completely swept me away.

Every book in the Society of Scandalous Witches can be read as a standalone. This is 2nd book of The Society of Scandalous Witches.

Set in a beautifully atmospheric Victorian England filled with whispered scandals and hidden magic, it’s the perfect read for anyone who loves a story brimming with charm, intrigue, and yearning.

The slow-burn romance between Cynthia and Helena is utterly captivating. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is packed with witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of tension, making every interaction feel meaningful.

Watching Cynthia’s carefully controlled life unravel while Helena tries to uncover the truth creates a perfect balance of romance and suspense.

I also loved the found family dynamic, the magical elements woven throughout the story, and the adorable animal companion that stole every scene it appeared in. The mystery kept me guessing, while the cozy atmosphere made it impossible to put down.

With a touch of spice, plenty of heart, and characters you’ll quickly fall in love with, this is a wonderfully bewitching read. If you enjoy queer romances, magical mysteries, and enchanting historical fantasy with plenty of longing, this is one you won’t want to miss.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series has been such a fun one - I love Darcy McGuire's style and her groups of main characters always make me smile. In this series, we have three young women with magical abilities who were raised by their uncle, a Scotland Yard detective. Magic is taboo in this alternative England, but the uncle has the assistance of his nieces during investigations.

Helena, the sister who can read minds, helps investigate a possible murder and realizes she can't read the mind of his widow. The book actually starts from the POV of the widow, Cynthia, who has been the perfect hostess for her restrictive husband. When she finds him dead, she's finally free. What is initially introduced as a little quirk by her brother (the male lead of the first book) is a clue to why Cynthia doesn't remember her childhood. There's an interesting connection between Cynthia and Helena.

There's an instalove (or instalust) element in this story - everything is packed into a short number of pages. I personally would have preferred a little more relationship development for Helena and Cynthia, but their whirlwind romance is understandable after Cynthia's been repressed for so long.

This is a fun series and I look forward to the next installment!

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Hurbert Burrows is dead. Lady Cynthia Burrows is the one who found him and doesn't seem too shocked. It is this lack of grief that makes people think she may be a suspect. Superintendent Lachlan of Scotland Yard and his niece Helena will help solve this case and clear Lady Cynthia's name. Someone may also find love in this murder mystery.

I really enjoyed watching Cynthia and Helena find themselves while also learning to let go. The historical setting showed how hard life was for both women and how much harder and dangerous it could be if anyone found out. The magical element was enjoyable and I was happy to read about these great witchy characters again. I can not wait for this series to continue.
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Danny Kearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood Books for this ARC.

I love a Darcy McGuire story- it's always the perfect mix of mystery and romance, and with this new series, magic too!

But a sapphic Darcy McGuire story? That might just be my favourite yet.

I loved watching Cynthia and Helena find themselves throughout this story while also finding a safe place and sense of belonging in each other.

And when the murderer was revealed? Gasp. I genuinely did not see it coming.

Also, I fully support women's rights and women's wrongs, so I was absolutely seated for everything that happened in this book.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

I am loving this series, they’re such fun cozy mysteries with witchy romances. I adored Cynthia, her journey from unhappy lady of the house to discovering and reclaiming who she is, and wants to be was so satisfying. The banter between her and Helena, and the romance that developed, was not snarky, sweet and spicy. I can’t wait for Ellie’s story.

[Nicole Frantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great one from Darcy McGuire. I loved seeing Cynthia throw off society’s expectations of her and find her power and love. Helena’s fox Hamlet stole the spotlight every time he was on the page. I wanted to know more about Damien Sinclair. How did he know about witches and why did he need one for revenge. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Chloe Catherine Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darcy McGuire pls keep writing lesbian fun literature forever thank you xo

[Kristel (hungryandhappy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and magical and just a tad infuriating

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of yearning. Lots and lots of yearning

[Amanda Lovette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure at first how the author was going to interweave magic and Victoria England but wow, I was immediately intrigued, and did not want to put it down. Both Cynthia and Helena were likeable and complex characters. The romance was insta attraction but slower moving when it came to the relationship, which did not disappoint. I loved the tension and banter between them so when they eventually did get together, it felt right and was well balanced with the plot. The magical elements, witchcraft, mystery elements, and scandalicious behavior made the story very enjoyable with just enough twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat!

Given Cynthia is newly free from the confines of her horrible husband, I think the development of her first sapphic relationship was very genuine and never felt rushed. I liked that Helena and Cynthia’s personalities were so different and that they were able to find a middle ground and not only work together to find Cynthia’s husband’s murder, but also take the time to figure out what they both wanted and needed in order to pursue their true feelings for one another. The rest of the coven woman were also really great and I enjoyed all the witchcraft skills they brought to the table and how welcoming and supportive they were of Cynthia and not afraid of telling Helena how big of a prick she was being.

The stakes were just high enough to enhance the plot, while also allowing the characters to grow and achieve their goal. I was surprised that I wasn’t able to figure out the murderer until the very end, so props to the author for that. I also think the mystery behind Helena and Cynthia’s past were well written and revealed at just the right moments. I understood the hesitation to fully give her heart to another on Helena’s part, but I do think it was maybe dragged on a couple chapters too many, especially when it was so clear that Cynthia loved her with her whole being. Even if I did enjoy the flirting and the challenge they both saw in each other. In the end, the emotional connection and chemistry between them was great and I was not disappointed in the spice department.

Overall, I just loved how well everything blended and fit together, between the history, romance, magic/witchcraft, mystery, side characters, plot development, women rising above men’s abuse of power, and believing in one’s inner strength, and for once, a satisfying ending!

4.5 Stars

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always a little apprehensive about reading books in a series when I haven't read the others even if they claim they can be standalone, but after reading the description for this, I couldn't pass it up (Lesbians! Witches! Mystery! Victorian England!). Some standalone books have made me feel like I'm missing something by not reading the previous books, but not this one. This one did a good job of weaving in anything I should know and introducing the characters without making me feel like I was confused or missing anything.

I loved both of the main characters in this. They were interesting and flawed, but in a likeable way. I also enjoyed the side characters, particularly Helena's family (and Hamlet), though I do wish we'd gotten slightly more Ellie since I feel like I barely got to know her.

The mystery was well done. I didn't immediately figure it out like with so many books. Who killed Cynthia's husband didn't actually hit me until a few chapters before the reveal, but it made complete sense to me. The mysteries surrounding Helena and Cynthia's pasts were also well done. It kept you guessing, giving you little bits of information without being frustrating.

The romance was probably the best part of the book, however. There was a pretty instant attraction on both parts, but the romance didn't move too quickly for me. And while their attraction was instant, their liking and eventual love was not. There was a fair bit of longing and hesitation and some flirting as they got to know one another. I wouldn't exactly call it a slow burn, but I wouldn't say it's rushed, either, especially since Cynthia had been trapped in her marriage for so long and is finally free to be herself for the first time. It’s understandable that she wouldn’t wait around forever for what she wants.

Overall, the writing was good, the plot and characters were interesting, the mystery was well done, and the book tackled some important topics without being hamfisted about it. I have no major complaints and would give this 4.5 stars, rounded up for this. My only major grievance is that the first book in the series isn't about two ladies. If it was, it would definitely be added to my TBR pile.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: The Hexing Miss Helena-The Society of Scandalous Witches #2

✍🏾 Author: Darcy McGuire- I read The Bewitching Miss Blair and gave it 5⭐

📅 Publication date: 7/14/26 | Read: 7/3/26

📃 Format: e-Book 304 pgs.

Genre:
*Historical
*Romantasy
*Mystery

Tropes:
*sapphic romance
*enemies to lovers
*witches/magic
*family drama
*fated mates
*forbidden romance
*opposites attract

👆🏾POV: 3rd person

⚠️TW: murder, cheating, kidnapping, h shot, homophobia

🌎 Setting: Victorian England

Summary: Cynthia has just discovered her husband Lord Burrows dead. The police arrive with Helena to do an investigation with Cynthia as the prime suspect. Helena is a witch who can read everyone's minds except Cynthia. During their inspection, Helena and Cynthia are pulled together in magic and love.

👩🏾 Heroine: Lady Cynthia Burrows- Marchioness of Kentmore, married 10 years, and taught to be the "perfect" beau monde wife

👩🏾 Heroine: Lady Helena Blair-a water witch

🎭 Other Characters
* Lord Hubert Burrows-Marquess of Kentmore who cheated on Cynthia and was in debt
* Superintendent Lachlan MacDougal-Helena's uncle works for Scotland Yard
* Rowan-Helena's aunt who raised her and 2 cousins, owns All Things Bright and Beautiful Apothecary
* Eleanor "Ellie" Blair- Clio's sister, a witch who can see the future
*Clio Thomas- a fire witch who can speak to the dead and glimpse their final memories, married to Lt. General Thomas Grey
*Mrs. Higgins-Cynthia's housekeeper
*Hamlet-Helena's fox familiar

🤔 My Thoughts/Likes: This had adventure, heart, spells, and two strong female leads. Cynthia helped Helena to clear her name in this whodunit mystery. I loved their wit, humor, and stubbornness with each other, but they had each other's backs when it counted.

Rating: 5/5 ✨
Spice level: 4/5 🌶️- 1 spicy scene

🙏🏾Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Darcy McGuire for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.

[Devon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Hexing Miss Helena by Darcy McGuire is the second book in a series with witches falling in love. Helena Blair is antagonistic toward Lady Burrows—Cynthia—because she blames Cynthia’s brother for marrying Helena’s cousin Clio and taking her away. Thus Cynthia gets a share of the animosity. When Cynthia’s husband is murdered and she’s found with the body, Helena arrives to read her mind to see if she’s innocent. But she can’t hear her thoughts! So who killed Hubert Burrows, and why is Cynthia closed off to Helena’s powers?

Negative thoughts:

-The murder mystery really is an after-thought. Don’t pick this book up if you’re going into it for a mystery. They question two people and are simply told who did it.

-The time was muddled to me. I thought it would be later 1800s, but judging from mention of what must have been a reference to Lincoln, it’s not even the 1860s. Also EVERYONE swore. I don’t have a problem with language, but when the servants are swearing (to their masters), when the ladies are cursing, and when women and criminals are all letting fly, it feels much more modern in tone.

-This is instalust, point blank. During their first conversation, where Cynthia is possibly facing a death sentence and Helena hates her for Thomas marrying Clio, they’re thinking about how one another might smell or how beautiful their lips are. Most of the book is spent wondering about how they taste, or how their nipples/breasts look and feel.

Positive thoughts:

+I did like the characters’ personalities, and I enjoyed especially the cousins and their aunt and uncle.

+I liked the magic system. It was fun to see what that entailed for the different witches and how they could use it.

I recommend this for people who are looking for a steamier read and who enjoy cute little animals with personality—Hamlet the fox was adorable!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical tale of freedom and finding yourself
After enjoying the first book in the Society of Scandalous Witches series, I was delighted to return to this magical world for Helena's story. Familiar faces Cleo and Thomas continue to play important roles, helping the series feel wonderfully connected, and by the end I was already looking forward to seeing where the next coven member's story will lead.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is the way both Helena and Cynthia experience freedom in very different ways. Cynthia has spent years living as the perfect society wife, hiding her unhappiness beneath the surface while trapped in a deeply unhappy marriage. Helena, meanwhile, has allowed fear to shape much of her life. Watching both women gradually let go of what has held them back and begin living more authentically made for a satisfying emotional journey.

The magical world continues to grow with each instalment, and I enjoyed spending more time with the characters introduced in the first book. The mystery, humour and friendships all add to the charm, making this feel like a natural continuation of the series rather than simply a standalone romance.
The central romance wasn't entirely to my personal reading taste, although that is purely a matter of preference and not a reflection on the quality of the writing. It certainly didn't stop me enjoying the novel overall or becoming even more invested in the wider series.

Overall, this was another enjoyable and heartfelt addition to the Society of Scandalous Witches. With its engaging characters, growing magical world and themes of courage, freedom and self acceptance, I'm already looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and Darcy McGuire for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Hexing Miss Helena is a wonderfully entertaining blend of historical romance, mystery, and witchy intrigue. Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, the story combines scandal, secrets, magic, and romance into a compelling read that kept me turning the pages.

One of the highlights of the novel is the relationship between Helena Blair and Lady Cynthia Burrows. Their dynamic is engaging from the start, and I enjoyed watching their connection develop as they worked together to uncover the truth behind a murder and the dark secrets hidden beneath Cynthia's carefully constructed life. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and their journey toward trust, healing, and self-discovery adds real emotional depth to the story.

I also appreciated that the book explores larger themes beyond the central romance. Issues of power, accountability, women's independence, and the consequences of hidden wrongdoing are woven thoughtfully throughout the narrative, giving the story substance alongside its magical elements.

The atmosphere is delightful, with just the right amount of mystery and supernatural intrigue. The premise is strong and the Victorian setting provides a perfect backdrop for the scandal, gossip, and witchcraft that unfold. While the pacing and emotional payoff felt a little uneven at times, the engaging characters, layered themes, and satisfying mystery more than made up for it.

Overall, this was a fun, immersive, and charming witchy romance filled with secrets, suspense, and heart. Fans of historical fantasy, sapphic romance, and magical mysteries will find plenty to enjoy here.

[Ashley Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Darcy McGuire and Boldwood Books for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Hexing of Miss Helena is a historical romance that follows Helena and Cynthia as they navigate the aftermath of Cynthia’s husband’s murder while uncovering dark secrets hidden within her home. As the two women work together to solve the mystery, they also embark on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and making amends for the harm that occurred without Cynthia’s knowledge.

I really enjoyed this book. Helena and Cynthia’s relationship development was one of my favorite aspects, and I loved watching their connection deepen as they faced challenges and uncovered secrets together. I was also impressed by how layered the story was. Beyond the romance and mystery, the novel thoughtfully explores themes of men’s abuse of power, women finding their own strength and independence, and taking accountability for past wrongs.

The ending was packed with action, shocking revelations, and heartbreaking moments that brought the story to a satisfying conclusion. I especially appreciated how Helena and Cynthia continued working together during tense moments not only to solve the murder but also to confront the consequences of the dark events that had taken place without Cynthia’s knowledge. The combination of compelling characters, meaningful themes, and an engaging mystery made this a very satisfying read.

[Camille · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

This book was easy to get through, and made for great bedtime reading. My favorite things about this book were: the witchy vibes, Victorian-era London, and the bonds between all the female characters.

While I enjoyed reading this book, it did have a few downsides for me. The attraction between Helena and Cynthia progressed far too quickly for me to believe it. We're told that Helena doesn't like Cynthia, and next thing we know, they're both confessing their attraction to each other (and at the most inappropriate time, imo Why a scene of sexual harassment was turned into a sexual tension-filled moment for the two protagonists is beyond me. It felt super inappropriate and icky and it didn't make me more invested in the romance. I really, really didn't like that part, and it's probably the main reason for rounding down to 3 stars.).

The villains of the story were so one-dimensional that they almost felt like cartoon villains. Also, there were a few moments (mostly near the end) where I felt like I was getting hit over the head with the themes of the novel. We get no less than three speeches or internal monologues explaining how Cynthia was granted freedom. These last few complaints are just my personal preferences, and may not be a problem for people going in for just a magical, historical romp.

In the end, I was happy for our main couple and satisfied with the ending. It was as neatly wrapped-up as could be. And like I mentioned at the beginning, the bond between Cynthia and the women of the coven really shines here.

Thanks to Boldwood Books for the e-ARC through NetGalley!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the second book in this witchy historical mystery series, readers follow Lady Cynthia Burrows as she copes with her husband’s abrupt death and her new reputation as a scandalous suspect. Turning to the Blair family (rumored to be witches) to clear her name, she finds herself working closely with Helena Blair, a witch who can read minds (but not Cynthia’s). As their investigation unfolds, Cynthia starts experiencing strange phenomena and their two worlds unravel as the tension between them grows to a boiling point. Entertaining, steamy, and mysterious, readers will love the underlying investigation and the chemistry between Cynthia and Helena. The magic system is well-written and detailed, and readers will really enjoy the ways in which Cynthia’s understanding of magic develops as the book progresses. The investigation and mystery offer readers a look into a different side of the story, while the challenges it presents for the characters add depth to the story and their relationship. The characters and their relationships are the stars of the book, and their growth over the course of the novel is particularly interesting to follow. Readers will love the characters that bring the latest book in this new series from Darcy McGuire to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

witches
spells
murder and spells

what could you not like about this book

lady cynthia burrows has the life that anyone would be envious of... but look behind the layers and what you find is an horrendous life.... she was disillusioned by her husband not long after her marraige though she appears on his arm when needed he spend his time elsewhere..to which she is glad of

but when he sacks her maid she has had enough and goes to give him a piece of her mind only to find him murdered on his office floor.... she is distraught and cried out

being the first suspect in his murder doesnt come to her reality at first so she is set to find his murderer.... and with the help of her sister law and her family they set out to find the killer.... though secrets dont remain between them for long and the startling news of their talents come to cynthia she doesnt panic....

and before long they find their first suspect and with the aid of witches talents they begin...

well this was quite a fun read... and very entertaining....i enjoyed every aspect of this thoroughly entertained....and i shall look forward to reading more from this author

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable sapphic historical mystery fantasy romance. I don’t know how the author managed to pack all of these things together without losing the core of the story, but she nailed it.

We open with Cynthia, the Lady Burrows, who discovers her husband dead in his study. It is clear from the puddle of blood that this was murder. Hubert Burrows was not a good man, and there are as many possible murderers as people who knew him. While the men try standard methods of investigation Cynthia and her less than happy acquaintance Helena must team up to solve the murder. The fashion is vibrant, the romance believable and just a little spicy, and the mix of magic and the beau monde makes this book sparkle.

This is great for those who don’t care if they figure out the killer on page 1 because the fun is in the journey.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Victorian murder mystery that had me hooked! I didn’t realise this was a series so this was book 2, I haven’t read the first one and brilliantly it didn’t actually matter as this was a standalone with connected characters but not the main characters.

I did feel it was a bit slow to start but once the pace built up I really enjoyed this, Lady Cynthia finds her husband dead in their home the whispers turn to gossip that she murdered him. In her hour of need she turns to the Blair family to help her - not to mention that are rumoured to be witches!

Helena steps up to help, but something odd is happening as she has the power to read minds but she cannot read Cynthia - what is she hiding! Not to mention the fact that Helena is finding Cynthia a bit frustrating but also quite captivating!

An investigation is a foot but there are so many twists and turns not just who did kill her husband, but what’s going on between them and why does the weather change with Cynthia’s mood!

This is good keeps you guessing at each stage plus do not underestimate these two women! Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an opportunity to read.

[Bernadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy murder mystery set in Victorian England that tests the constraints of proper society and adds elements of magic. After Lady Cynthia’s husband is found murdered in their home, she “joins” the investigation in order to clear herself as a suspect. Cynthia realizes the truths of her marriage, discovers the sins of her husband and in the process finds her true self with the help of Helena.

McGuire’s female characters stand out as women ahead of their time. Despite having few rights and being dictated to by fathers and husbands, the women are independent and free thinking. The characters of Cynthia and Helena have an instant attraction that quickly evolves into a sapphic relationship.

This is the second in McGuire’s Society of Scandalous Witches series focusing on a coven of witches with separate magics that enable them to work well together. Each book focuses on different characters so they can be read as a stand-alone, but it is enjoyable to see the stories build upon the previous one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hexing Miss Helena follows Helena, a cousin of Clio Blair from book 1, and a witch who can read peoples minds, and Cynthia, who just became a widow after he husband was murdered. They work together through another murder investigation. While at the beginning the two don’t really see eye to eye, such close work together ought to bring them together, or?

I was unsure how to rate this book because I loved it so much, I couldn’t put it down. But at the very beginning I was so close to DNFing because Helena was so obnoxious, it was hard to get through that first part. However, once her character developed a bit more, everything changed, and I finished the book so quickly, it made me thirsty for more. I do think 4⭐️ is probably fair.

Thank you Boldwood books and Netgalley for the ARC!

[Megan Padilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first witchy sapphic story and it DELIVERED! I was honored that I was able to read this before it came out. Thank you Darcy and NetGalley!

Helena’s story, once revealed, was heartbreaking especially knowing she was so young. It makes sense on how guarded she was and how she made a promise to herself that she was never going to fall in love, to never be used by said love.

Cynthia, thank goodness she was able to be rid of the dead weight, of her husband. She is good and kind and turns out she might be a witch??? Perfect that Helena is there to help her through her new awakening and possibly gay awakening…

Darcy did such a fantastic job with world building and forming this coven that I couldn’t help but fall in love with all of them, even with the familiars!

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading Darcy McGuire’s fantasy books series. This one has again a Victorian era story. Each book is a complete finding unexpected romantic partners. The first two books in the series, this is the second, also have a murder mystery to solve. But an equally important focus is adult cosy spice, finding the perfect partner.

This book gave me feel good vibes as the story came towards its climax, and the main characters accepted their feelings and romantic future.

I look forward to reading the next book, which I know is already waiting in the wings.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are mine, freely given.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another entertaining read in this series. I enjoy the mix of a murder mystery and a touch of magic. The focus in this book is on Cynthia, the sister in law of Clio. Beatrice has endured a horrible marriage for ten years and now her husband has been killed. Cynthia is under suspicion and must try and prove her innocence. Helena has been drafted in to help her uncle with the mystery. Beatrice is experiencing strange feelings and an attraction to Helena. She has to come to terms with what is happening. Helena is also attracted to Cynthia. There are some dangerous events and I just loved Hamlet, the fox’s thoughts, they certainly added humour. The mystery itself , took some working out but it had a satisfying ending. I look forward to the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[trix · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has put me in such a yearning for spooky cosy season it’s crazy. If you are, like me, a person who loves autumn and just wants summer to go by fast, this is the perfect August read.

We are talking about a sapphic paranormal romance set in Victorian England. And it is as perfect as it sounds. It also has the perfect spicy and cuteness balance.

With these books you usually see an imbalance between how strong characters are and the plot, but this is not the case at all. The plot had me gasping every two pages and I fell so in love with the characters I need to pick the other books in the series asap.