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Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1
Flimflam Fairy
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
10 days and 02:25:07
10 copies available
U.S. only
A fun cozy mystery adventure with an enchanted bookstore and a clever talking cat!
Best friends Willa and Lucy buy an enchanted bookstore full of charmed books. One wisp of magic later, they're whisked inside a story, transformed into amateur sleuths, and joined by Banjo, a charming talking cat. There is no way out until the mystery is solved.
This adventure drops them in Whisperglow Village, a world of color, wonder, and fairies, where one of the most beloved residents in town has just been murdered, found clutching a cryptic note from a con man.
Villagers don't lock their doors here. They never imagined this could happen, and they certainly never could have imagined whodunit.
Can Willa, Lucy, and Banjo unmask the killer, solve the case, and make it back to their own cozy bookstore before the story closes its final page?
~ ~ ~
If you like the idea of an enchanted bookstore with charmed books, check out the companion series – The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club. 11 book series available in eBook, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle Unlimited.
Best friends Willa and Lucy buy an enchanted bookstore full of charmed books. One wisp of magic later, they're whisked inside a story, transformed into amateur sleuths, and joined by Banjo, a charming talking cat. There is no way out until the mystery is solved.
This adventure drops them in Whisperglow Village, a world of color, wonder, and fairies, where one of the most beloved residents in town has just been murdered, found clutching a cryptic note from a con man.
Villagers don't lock their doors here. They never imagined this could happen, and they certainly never could have imagined whodunit.
Can Willa, Lucy, and Banjo unmask the killer, solve the case, and make it back to their own cozy bookstore before the story closes its final page?
~ ~ ~
If you like the idea of an enchanted bookstore with charmed books, check out the companion series – The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club. 11 book series available in eBook, paperback, audiobook, and Kindle Unlimited.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Pantley
159 books469 followersElizabeth Pantley is a bestselling author of fiction and non-fiction books. She writes two well-loved cozy mystery series: The Magical Mystery Book Club, and the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series. She has also written the international bestselling No-Cry Solution parenting book series that is available in over twenty languages.
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
Elizabeth lives in the majestic Pacific Northwest and spends winters in the sunny desert of Arizona. While neither location is home to any paranormal beings (that she knows of) the vastly different yet equally lovely locations are the inspiration for the settings in many of her books.
Sign up for her newsletter to get a free novella at www.elizabethpantleyauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 1, 2026
This is a fun start to a new series., Willa, Lucy, and Banjo are an interesting trio of sleuths their personalities complement one another. The mystery is entertaining and full of red herrings to keep the reader guessing. There is a big twist at the end you may not have seen coming. I love that is a spin off of the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series. This series gives us the answer how all the books are picked to be options of the book club choices. I look forward to getting to know our new trio better and going on more magical book trips.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
August 24, 2026
FlimFlam Fairy, a whimsical cozy mystery
I really loved how this story played out the cozy mystery! FMC's Willa and Lucy happen upon a bookstore for sale while they are on a random vacation (random in that they threw a pin at a map to pick their vacay city!), and make the leap to purchase. They soon learn this is not just a regular bookstore, but a fully magical one in which they actually travel into the stories themselves and become characters trying to solve the mystery. They also get a guide, a magical cat named Banjo. When they arrive in the magical town of Whisperglow Village, a fairy village, they find themselves solving the murder themselves, and having to get creative in their sleuthing.
Not only do Willa and Lucy "buy" a bookstore, they now get to actually live inside the books to solve the cozy mysteries! I thought this was such a fun twist on a traditional cozy mystery, while we still have amateur sleuths, they quite literally are inside the mystery themselves, while we try to solve it alongside them. I love that The Enchanted Pages Bookstore and Coffee Shop is a cozy mystery specific store, that is one I would love to visit! I love that the name of the bookstore is literal vs just a fun name!
The mystery itself was fun, I loved all the characters in Whisperglow Village, it was a truly magical town. As Willa and Lucy work to solve the case, they get to try all kinds of foods that don't exist in the real world, which sounded like such an exciting experience. They also purchased some items from the market while in the story, and I honestly wonder if any of those things get to go back with them when they return to the bookstore!
I enjoyed Willa and Lucy's first adventure, and look forward to reading their next!
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"The Enchanted Pages Bookstore and Coffee Shop was well named; it really did look enchanting."
"Every chimney breathed out a lazy curl of smoke that smelled of cinnamon, or lilacs, or fresh-cut cedar, as though each house had chosen its own signature scent to send drifting into the evening."
"“And I am most certainly not a pet, thank you very much. I prefer ‘Distinguished Feline Partner.’ It would look nice on a business card, should I ever decide to print one.”"
"“And I am most certainly not a pet, thank you very much. I prefer ‘Distinguished Feline Partner.’ It would look nice on a business card, should I ever decide to print one.”"
"Some emotions, I thought, could only be properly processed through baked goods."
"Some emotions, I thought, could only be properly processed through baked goods."
I really loved how this story played out the cozy mystery! FMC's Willa and Lucy happen upon a bookstore for sale while they are on a random vacation (random in that they threw a pin at a map to pick their vacay city!), and make the leap to purchase. They soon learn this is not just a regular bookstore, but a fully magical one in which they actually travel into the stories themselves and become characters trying to solve the mystery. They also get a guide, a magical cat named Banjo. When they arrive in the magical town of Whisperglow Village, a fairy village, they find themselves solving the murder themselves, and having to get creative in their sleuthing.
Not only do Willa and Lucy "buy" a bookstore, they now get to actually live inside the books to solve the cozy mysteries! I thought this was such a fun twist on a traditional cozy mystery, while we still have amateur sleuths, they quite literally are inside the mystery themselves, while we try to solve it alongside them. I love that The Enchanted Pages Bookstore and Coffee Shop is a cozy mystery specific store, that is one I would love to visit! I love that the name of the bookstore is literal vs just a fun name!
The mystery itself was fun, I loved all the characters in Whisperglow Village, it was a truly magical town. As Willa and Lucy work to solve the case, they get to try all kinds of foods that don't exist in the real world, which sounded like such an exciting experience. They also purchased some items from the market while in the story, and I honestly wonder if any of those things get to go back with them when they return to the bookstore!
I enjoyed Willa and Lucy's first adventure, and look forward to reading their next!
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
Some fav quotes:
"The Enchanted Pages Bookstore and Coffee Shop was well named; it really did look enchanting."
"Every chimney breathed out a lazy curl of smoke that smelled of cinnamon, or lilacs, or fresh-cut cedar, as though each house had chosen its own signature scent to send drifting into the evening."
"“And I am most certainly not a pet, thank you very much. I prefer ‘Distinguished Feline Partner.’ It would look nice on a business card, should I ever decide to print one.”"
"“And I am most certainly not a pet, thank you very much. I prefer ‘Distinguished Feline Partner.’ It would look nice on a business card, should I ever decide to print one.”"
"Some emotions, I thought, could only be properly processed through baked goods."
"Some emotions, I thought, could only be properly processed through baked goods."
August 30, 2026
Quite often, a new series is hard to get into, especially when you have been so invested in the one prior to this. However, this new series from Elizabeth Pantley starts off with a cracking storyline and interesting new characters. Yet still, hints of the prior series are visible.
So in this opener, we meet Willa and Lucy. Two best friends, they have both recently retired and are looking for something to do. Comfortably well off thanks to sound investments, they decide to go on a trip and pick a place by each throwing a dart at a map. In a weird moment of fate, both darts land in exactly the same place, a place called Thistlebloom. On their arrival, they find a glorious bookstore, filled with only cozy mysteries, and on a whim, they buy it. Well it comes with a talking cat and an olm named Bob, oh and did I mention the books are magical?
The real fun begins when they enter their first book. Right into the action in Whisperglow Village to track down a con man known as the Flimflam Fairy, who has been cheating other female fairies out of a lot of money. Can they track him down before Meadow Mistywood becomes a tragic victim?
I really enjoyed this book; there were so many great moments with Lucy, who rushes ahead with life and dresses to be noticed. Also, Willa, who is the quieter of the two but very astute and full of empathy. Joining them is Banjo, a beautiful tabby cat who is full of wit, charm and has a great appetite both for food and adventure.
I am looking forward to more of the adventures of the Magical Bookstore, a worthy companion series to the Magical Book Club.
So in this opener, we meet Willa and Lucy. Two best friends, they have both recently retired and are looking for something to do. Comfortably well off thanks to sound investments, they decide to go on a trip and pick a place by each throwing a dart at a map. In a weird moment of fate, both darts land in exactly the same place, a place called Thistlebloom. On their arrival, they find a glorious bookstore, filled with only cozy mysteries, and on a whim, they buy it. Well it comes with a talking cat and an olm named Bob, oh and did I mention the books are magical?
The real fun begins when they enter their first book. Right into the action in Whisperglow Village to track down a con man known as the Flimflam Fairy, who has been cheating other female fairies out of a lot of money. Can they track him down before Meadow Mistywood becomes a tragic victim?
I really enjoyed this book; there were so many great moments with Lucy, who rushes ahead with life and dresses to be noticed. Also, Willa, who is the quieter of the two but very astute and full of empathy. Joining them is Banjo, a beautiful tabby cat who is full of wit, charm and has a great appetite both for food and adventure.
I am looking forward to more of the adventures of the Magical Bookstore, a worthy companion series to the Magical Book Club.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flimflam Fairy (Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1)
by Elizabeth Pantley
📖 In book one of the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore, we meet Willa and Lucy- retired best friends looking for their next adventure. To determine where to go, they throw darts at a map, and pin the same small town in Arizona called Thistlebloom. What are the odds? While exploring the town they discover a bookstore full of nothing but cozy mysteries, and an attached house perfect for them to share. This delightful bookstore is ready for new owners. The fit seems perfect!
❓ When they purchase the bookstore (and house)they become 'premier readers' to see if a book is a good candidate for the various magical book clubs throughout the world. However, the book is chosen for them, with no title, no picture, no synopsis. It just appears. Willa and Lucy will be magically transported into the books, where they must live out the story and solve the mystery before they can leave the book and return home to their bookshop. We also meet Bango, the bookstore's the talking cat, who goes with them as their book journey guide.
🔮 They accept the offer and go into their first book, which takes them to a fairy village called Whisperglow. There, they must solve their first case: a fairy victim who was apparently very loved and adored, leaving no clear suspects. But solve it they must, or risk not returning to their bookstore and home.
💖 The magic of this book is their captivating journey to solve the mystery.
🎗️ My Impressions: Willa and Lucy are sixty-something retirees, a demographic that not everyone will relate to, but I feel like the author did a great job portraying them as best friends. These characters have a well developed backstory and their differences are nicely contrasted. I really like Banjo... a dignified but humorous talking cat-travel guide. I'm curious to find out more about Bob and Dakota and hope there are also a few more characters (and maybe a romance or two) added as the series continues.
The worldbuilding and description of the town and the fairies, along with all the details that went into creating Whisperglow village came across vivid and was easy to picture.
Favorite quote: (the bookstore sign) “Books up for adoption. You can’t save them all, but you can come in and rescue a few.”
This book is a spin-off from the author's popular Magical Mystery Book Club series, basically the same idea of characters going inside the book to solve the mystery. This first story begins an interesting new direction, as rather than just investigating, they have a chance to change the ending, plus the book will then be accepted into all the libraries! I'm excited to see where the next book takes us, because the author can create really unique worlds for each book.
🫶 This was an ARC copy given to me by the author.
🌟 It's my privilege to give this book a 4.8/5 rating!
by Elizabeth Pantley
📖 In book one of the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore, we meet Willa and Lucy- retired best friends looking for their next adventure. To determine where to go, they throw darts at a map, and pin the same small town in Arizona called Thistlebloom. What are the odds? While exploring the town they discover a bookstore full of nothing but cozy mysteries, and an attached house perfect for them to share. This delightful bookstore is ready for new owners. The fit seems perfect!
❓ When they purchase the bookstore (and house)they become 'premier readers' to see if a book is a good candidate for the various magical book clubs throughout the world. However, the book is chosen for them, with no title, no picture, no synopsis. It just appears. Willa and Lucy will be magically transported into the books, where they must live out the story and solve the mystery before they can leave the book and return home to their bookshop. We also meet Bango, the bookstore's the talking cat, who goes with them as their book journey guide.
🔮 They accept the offer and go into their first book, which takes them to a fairy village called Whisperglow. There, they must solve their first case: a fairy victim who was apparently very loved and adored, leaving no clear suspects. But solve it they must, or risk not returning to their bookstore and home.
💖 The magic of this book is their captivating journey to solve the mystery.
🎗️ My Impressions: Willa and Lucy are sixty-something retirees, a demographic that not everyone will relate to, but I feel like the author did a great job portraying them as best friends. These characters have a well developed backstory and their differences are nicely contrasted. I really like Banjo... a dignified but humorous talking cat-travel guide. I'm curious to find out more about Bob and Dakota and hope there are also a few more characters (and maybe a romance or two) added as the series continues.
The worldbuilding and description of the town and the fairies, along with all the details that went into creating Whisperglow village came across vivid and was easy to picture.
Favorite quote: (the bookstore sign) “Books up for adoption. You can’t save them all, but you can come in and rescue a few.”
This book is a spin-off from the author's popular Magical Mystery Book Club series, basically the same idea of characters going inside the book to solve the mystery. This first story begins an interesting new direction, as rather than just investigating, they have a chance to change the ending, plus the book will then be accepted into all the libraries! I'm excited to see where the next book takes us, because the author can create really unique worlds for each book.
🫶 This was an ARC copy given to me by the author.
🌟 It's my privilege to give this book a 4.8/5 rating!
September 2, 2026
Elizabeth Pantley is the QUEEN of magical book clubs and mystical adventures and with this first book in her Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series, Flimflam Fairy, the titles say it all .... okay that's not true. Obviously, some people will need more to go with so here we go ....
In this new series, Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore, readers are introduced to Willa and Lucy who are two retired women who decide to throw darts at the map and take a vacation wherever the darts land. Who would have known that both darts would land on the same place ....hmmm.
Anyway, when they get to Thistlebloom in Arizona they fall in love with the town and somehow get talked into buying a bookstore. They then find out that the bookstore and the house behind it where they move into are magical. And that they get to travel inside a cozy book to see if they like it and will recommend it to book clubs. Oh, and they are traveling with a talking cat, Banjo.
Their first adventure takes them to Whisperglow Village which is a place full of colorful fairies with colorful wings, everything around them is colorful and things are so different but in a good way. That is until they happen upon a memorial in the park honoring a fairy, Meadow, who was recently strangled.
So, Willa, Lucy and Banjo figure they are there to solve Meadow's murder until they realize they are in a time jump and Meadow hasn't died yet .....
They begin their investigating and soon learn that there are a few fairies that were conned and maybe they are looking for the con artist. Unfortunately, they are working against the clock to solve the case before it gets to the time when Meadow was strangled ....
If you are a fan of Harry Potter or Pantley's other's series,The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, I am sure you will love being swept into this one. The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series has a whole group of members with a talking cat who can be annoying, jumping into the books but they get to pick their books and there are other differences that make both series unique. I feel that readers will love the differences and look forward to jumping into the books.
In this new series, Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore, readers are introduced to Willa and Lucy who are two retired women who decide to throw darts at the map and take a vacation wherever the darts land. Who would have known that both darts would land on the same place ....hmmm.
Anyway, when they get to Thistlebloom in Arizona they fall in love with the town and somehow get talked into buying a bookstore. They then find out that the bookstore and the house behind it where they move into are magical. And that they get to travel inside a cozy book to see if they like it and will recommend it to book clubs. Oh, and they are traveling with a talking cat, Banjo.
Their first adventure takes them to Whisperglow Village which is a place full of colorful fairies with colorful wings, everything around them is colorful and things are so different but in a good way. That is until they happen upon a memorial in the park honoring a fairy, Meadow, who was recently strangled.
So, Willa, Lucy and Banjo figure they are there to solve Meadow's murder until they realize they are in a time jump and Meadow hasn't died yet .....
They begin their investigating and soon learn that there are a few fairies that were conned and maybe they are looking for the con artist. Unfortunately, they are working against the clock to solve the case before it gets to the time when Meadow was strangled ....
If you are a fan of Harry Potter or Pantley's other's series,The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, I am sure you will love being swept into this one. The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series has a whole group of members with a talking cat who can be annoying, jumping into the books but they get to pick their books and there are other differences that make both series unique. I feel that readers will love the differences and look forward to jumping into the books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a spin off from this author's popular Magical Mystery Book Club series. It's the same idea with the characters going inside the cozy mystery book to solve the murder, just with different characters and not so many of them. The snarky and sometimes bossy cat, of course is still present. It's not necessary to have read the other series but if you like this one then you will love the original series and I can already tell this series is going to be just as entertaining and captivating as the book club.
Willa and Lucy are the new main characters and while I do miss Pagie, Zel and the rest of the Scoby Doo gang, I think this is only because we know them and there antics so well. I am sure Willa and Lucy will quickly become fan favourites, as we spend more time with them and of course Banjo. Actually I already feel like we know them pretty well.
The mystery was good. I had worked out the twist and knew who was responsible before it was revealed but I still enjoyed joining Willa, Lucy and Bango on there adventure of discovery. The fairy world was another treat and I love experiencing the different worlds this author creates with each new adventure she brings out and that's what reading one of her books is like a different adventure every time, whether it's this series or any of her other ones.
We all know about the magical book club but have you ever wondered where the magical books come from and which ones make it in the libraries? Well Willa and Lucy are the new owners of the enchanted bookstore and they get to experience the books before the book club members. New to the world of magic books, join them on there very first adventure. When the most popular fairy is killed, Willa and Lucy start to investigate only to learn a more than murder is going on. A con man is conning fairies out of there hard earned money but could he be responsible for the murder too?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Willa and Lucy are the new main characters and while I do miss Pagie, Zel and the rest of the Scoby Doo gang, I think this is only because we know them and there antics so well. I am sure Willa and Lucy will quickly become fan favourites, as we spend more time with them and of course Banjo. Actually I already feel like we know them pretty well.
The mystery was good. I had worked out the twist and knew who was responsible before it was revealed but I still enjoyed joining Willa, Lucy and Bango on there adventure of discovery. The fairy world was another treat and I love experiencing the different worlds this author creates with each new adventure she brings out and that's what reading one of her books is like a different adventure every time, whether it's this series or any of her other ones.
We all know about the magical book club but have you ever wondered where the magical books come from and which ones make it in the libraries? Well Willa and Lucy are the new owners of the enchanted bookstore and they get to experience the books before the book club members. New to the world of magic books, join them on there very first adventure. When the most popular fairy is killed, Willa and Lucy start to investigate only to learn a more than murder is going on. A con man is conning fairies out of there hard earned money but could he be responsible for the murder too?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars!
I was completely enchanted by Flimflam Fairy, the first book in the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series by Elizabeth Pantley, so much! This is a companion series to The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, but you can absolutely read this book without having read those books.
The main characters in this book are Willa and Lucy, retired best friends who decide that it’s time for an adventure. Throwing darts at a map seems as good a way as any to decide where their first trip should be. With both darts landing in the same spot, going there is a no-brainer. The magic begins when they step into a bookstore that happens to need a new owner, and it happens to come with a house perfect for two. It also comes with a talking cat named Banjo, though they’re definitely not his owners! When they buy the bookstore, they also become the new librarians who are whisked into a yet to be written cozy mystery! As they navigate the mystery, the book is “written.”
I loved Willa, Lucy, and Banjo! Having a smaller cast leads to a calmer yet just as charming cozy mystery. Though I love the characters in the companion series, they are definitely a more boisterous bunch! The author does a wonderful job of giving this series a completely different yet just as charming feel. The town the characters are swept into is called Whisperglow Village and is populated by fairies. Pantley brings the village and the fairies to life through her descriptive writing. She paints a picture with words and draws you right in.
The mystery is well-plotted, and I thought the pacing was just right. There are multiple suspects, and I was thrown off track several times. I had my suspicions close to the end and did guess correctly, but for most of the story, I wavered back and forth!
All in all, I thought that this was a charming cozy mystery with delightful characters, a lovely, whimsical setting, and an enchanting plot. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery readers who like their cozies with a little magic!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I was completely enchanted by Flimflam Fairy, the first book in the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series by Elizabeth Pantley, so much! This is a companion series to The Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club, but you can absolutely read this book without having read those books.
The main characters in this book are Willa and Lucy, retired best friends who decide that it’s time for an adventure. Throwing darts at a map seems as good a way as any to decide where their first trip should be. With both darts landing in the same spot, going there is a no-brainer. The magic begins when they step into a bookstore that happens to need a new owner, and it happens to come with a house perfect for two. It also comes with a talking cat named Banjo, though they’re definitely not his owners! When they buy the bookstore, they also become the new librarians who are whisked into a yet to be written cozy mystery! As they navigate the mystery, the book is “written.”
I loved Willa, Lucy, and Banjo! Having a smaller cast leads to a calmer yet just as charming cozy mystery. Though I love the characters in the companion series, they are definitely a more boisterous bunch! The author does a wonderful job of giving this series a completely different yet just as charming feel. The town the characters are swept into is called Whisperglow Village and is populated by fairies. Pantley brings the village and the fairies to life through her descriptive writing. She paints a picture with words and draws you right in.
The mystery is well-plotted, and I thought the pacing was just right. There are multiple suspects, and I was thrown off track several times. I had my suspicions close to the end and did guess correctly, but for most of the story, I wavered back and forth!
All in all, I thought that this was a charming cozy mystery with delightful characters, a lovely, whimsical setting, and an enchanting plot. I highly recommend it to cozy mystery readers who like their cozies with a little magic!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Flimflam Fairy (Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1)" by Elizabeth Pantley is a spinoff series from her "Magical Mystery Bookstore Club" series. So there is a tiny bit of crossover information and similar base story set up. There is a new magical cat named Banjo. He has a much longer name but that's what his friends call him.
Willa and Lucy are retired best friends looking for their next adventure. So they throw darts at a map that mysteriously stick together mid air and pin the map at the same small town in Arizona, Whisperglow. While exploring the town they discover a bookstore full of cozy mysteries, a cute house perfect for them to share and a magical olm that talks them into being the new caretakers of it all.
Like in the "Magical Mystery Bookstore Book Club" series, Willa and Lucy will be magically transported into the books. There they live out the story as the investigators. However, there's not title and they have to decide if the book is a good candidate for the various magical book clubs throughout the world.
There's a little bit of fantasy between the magic to get them into the book and the book residents being fae. Otherwise, it's your classic cozy. Except we see one possible ending at the beginning of the story world's story. Willa and Lucy operate as if they are a reader more than an in book investigator because of this. I totally called that ending though.
A fun read and a different take on the existing world this author has already created.
Willa and Lucy are retired best friends looking for their next adventure. So they throw darts at a map that mysteriously stick together mid air and pin the map at the same small town in Arizona, Whisperglow. While exploring the town they discover a bookstore full of cozy mysteries, a cute house perfect for them to share and a magical olm that talks them into being the new caretakers of it all.
Like in the "Magical Mystery Bookstore Book Club" series, Willa and Lucy will be magically transported into the books. There they live out the story as the investigators. However, there's not title and they have to decide if the book is a good candidate for the various magical book clubs throughout the world.
There's a little bit of fantasy between the magic to get them into the book and the book residents being fae. Otherwise, it's your classic cozy. Except we see one possible ending at the beginning of the story world's story. Willa and Lucy operate as if they are a reader more than an in book investigator because of this. I totally called that ending though.
A fun read and a different take on the existing world this author has already created.
Review of advance copy received from Author
(3.5 stars)
Thank you to the author for a chance to read an advance copy of the first book in her new cozy mystery series: Flimflam Fairy. This new series is a companion series to her well-established Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series. In this story, we find out where those books come from, the books that the magical cozy mystery book club members dive into!
Willa and Lucy are great friends and decide to live together after they both separately retire. When discussing what their next step, next adventure together should be, they decide to throw darts at a map of the US. BOTH their darts land on a town in Arizona called Thistlebloom, a town they’d never heard of. But they decide to be adventurous and set off for Thistlebloom. Once there, things get rolling. They are recruited to run a cute bookstore in town and it turns out that this is a very special bookstore indeed.
In Pantley’s other series, book clubs decide on a cozy mystery book to explore - and then the book club participants become part of the story and help investigate the murder or whatever crime is in that book. In THIS series, Willa and Lucy have the opportunity to be the first ones to enter a cozy mystery book, to see if the book is worth bringing to the various magical book clubs. A very cool concept.
The mystery in the book they enter is a pretty good one, with a con artist fairy (the titular Flimflam Fairy) at the core of it all. And a talking cat, Banjo, who is a very experienced book journey cat, helps to guide Willa and Lucy on their first book journey. I wanted a bit more of Lucy and Willa outside that book, though, to differentiate this series from the other one.
Thank you to the author for a chance to read an advance copy of the first book in her new cozy mystery series: Flimflam Fairy. This new series is a companion series to her well-established Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series. In this story, we find out where those books come from, the books that the magical cozy mystery book club members dive into!
Willa and Lucy are great friends and decide to live together after they both separately retire. When discussing what their next step, next adventure together should be, they decide to throw darts at a map of the US. BOTH their darts land on a town in Arizona called Thistlebloom, a town they’d never heard of. But they decide to be adventurous and set off for Thistlebloom. Once there, things get rolling. They are recruited to run a cute bookstore in town and it turns out that this is a very special bookstore indeed.
In Pantley’s other series, book clubs decide on a cozy mystery book to explore - and then the book club participants become part of the story and help investigate the murder or whatever crime is in that book. In THIS series, Willa and Lucy have the opportunity to be the first ones to enter a cozy mystery book, to see if the book is worth bringing to the various magical book clubs. A very cool concept.
The mystery in the book they enter is a pretty good one, with a con artist fairy (the titular Flimflam Fairy) at the core of it all. And a talking cat, Banjo, who is a very experienced book journey cat, helps to guide Willa and Lucy on their first book journey. I wanted a bit more of Lucy and Willa outside that book, though, to differentiate this series from the other one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first in a new series that brings together characters from other series, ok, mostly Bob the Olm, and has the same magical twist.
Willa and Lucy are BF, best friends, and decide to take a trip together. They end up in this tiny town in Arizona. Was it chance or fate? But while there, they uncover this amazing bookstore that is looking for a new owner. They decide to take the plunge and take ownership, but that is where the fun really begins. They end up in a book about fairies, and there are several twists with that storyline. The mystery is not what you think, and I enjoyed trying to figure out the who and why. I did not get it right!
I enjoyed the book, but felt a little disjointed only because this series would be perfect to read before the Book Club series. It is about how all of the books get into the book clubs (and yes there are more than one), and has the same feel as that series. Willa and Lucy go into a book to solve it, but the twist is that they don't know anything about the mystery they are there to solve. And once they solve it, they decide if the book should be made a potential selection for the book clubs. I know this series will be another outstanding one, I will need to read another book in the series to get the rhythm.
I believe this series will be another success, and look forward to the next book. We give this book 4 paws up.
Willa and Lucy are BF, best friends, and decide to take a trip together. They end up in this tiny town in Arizona. Was it chance or fate? But while there, they uncover this amazing bookstore that is looking for a new owner. They decide to take the plunge and take ownership, but that is where the fun really begins. They end up in a book about fairies, and there are several twists with that storyline. The mystery is not what you think, and I enjoyed trying to figure out the who and why. I did not get it right!
I enjoyed the book, but felt a little disjointed only because this series would be perfect to read before the Book Club series. It is about how all of the books get into the book clubs (and yes there are more than one), and has the same feel as that series. Willa and Lucy go into a book to solve it, but the twist is that they don't know anything about the mystery they are there to solve. And once they solve it, they decide if the book should be made a potential selection for the book clubs. I know this series will be another outstanding one, I will need to read another book in the series to get the rhythm.
I believe this series will be another success, and look forward to the next book. We give this book 4 paws up.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great start to a new series. Willa and Lucy are lifelong best friends, now retired. They have enough money and are looking for some excitement... for an adventure. They throw a dart at a map and end up in Thistlebloom, Arizona, and the next thing you know, they've bought a bookshop and moved in. But the best part? The store is filled entirely with cozy mysteries -AND- they get to travel inside the books and solve the mysteries in person!
For this book, Willa and Lucy enter a fairy world. All of the characters are well-drawn and the descriptions of the food, clothing, and settings are exquisite. And the mystery? Plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing to the end.
This is a spin-off to The Magical Mystery Book Club series. And, if you like Frank, you're going to love Banjo! Yes, another talking cat... but why not? Frank is so lovable in the original series and now Banjo helps Willa and Lucy solve the mysteries in this one.
All of the regular characters in this book are great (Banjo, Bob, Dakota, and of course Willa and Lucy). I'm going to enjoy reading future books with this group. Plus, each story will have additional people to meet as characters in the book they're reading.
For this book, Willa and Lucy enter a fairy world. All of the characters are well-drawn and the descriptions of the food, clothing, and settings are exquisite. And the mystery? Plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing to the end.
This is a spin-off to The Magical Mystery Book Club series. And, if you like Frank, you're going to love Banjo! Yes, another talking cat... but why not? Frank is so lovable in the original series and now Banjo helps Willa and Lucy solve the mysteries in this one.
All of the regular characters in this book are great (Banjo, Bob, Dakota, and of course Willa and Lucy). I'm going to enjoy reading future books with this group. Plus, each story will have additional people to meet as characters in the book they're reading.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a little magic, this book is a lot of fun. Elizabeth Pantley has done it again with a delightful new series.
Willa and Lucy “buy” an enchanted bookstore where magical books transport them inside the story. Their first adventure takes them to a fairy village where they, along with Banjo, a clever talking cat, must solve a murder before they can return home.
I loved the fairy world and all the imaginative details. The mystery kept me guessing, the characters were easy to like, and Banjo added plenty of humor along the way. The story moves at a nice pace and has enough twists to keep it interesting.
Fans of Pantley's Magical Mystery Book Club series will enjoy learning more about where the magical books come from, but you don't need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
This charming, entertaining read is a wonderful start to what I expect will become another favorite series.
Thank you to the author for an advance digital copy of this amazing new book. Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Willa and Lucy “buy” an enchanted bookstore where magical books transport them inside the story. Their first adventure takes them to a fairy village where they, along with Banjo, a clever talking cat, must solve a murder before they can return home.
I loved the fairy world and all the imaginative details. The mystery kept me guessing, the characters were easy to like, and Banjo added plenty of humor along the way. The story moves at a nice pace and has enough twists to keep it interesting.
Fans of Pantley's Magical Mystery Book Club series will enjoy learning more about where the magical books come from, but you don't need to have read the earlier books to enjoy this one.
This charming, entertaining read is a wonderful start to what I expect will become another favorite series.
Thank you to the author for an advance digital copy of this amazing new book. Opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This spinoff of the Book Club series starts with a look at how the book clubs get their selections and the overall process. Although not essential to have read the previous series, this does adds to the mythology.
Willa and Lucy are sixty-something retirees, a demographic we don't see a ton of but do seem to be getting more prevalent. Lucy is more free spirited, while Willa more reserved and practical, but both are a lot of fun and ready to jump into this new adventure. I really like Banjo- dignified but funny posing with the garden gnomes and begging for fish pie. I'm curious to find out more about Bob and sounds like Dakota has more to his story.
I love the bookstore sign- “Books up for adoption. You can’t save them all, but you can come in and rescue a few.” Their first story really is perfect for the book clubs because rather than just investigating, they have a chance to change the ending as well. The author creates an individual and unique world for each book and I'm excited to see where the next one takes us.
Willa and Lucy are sixty-something retirees, a demographic we don't see a ton of but do seem to be getting more prevalent. Lucy is more free spirited, while Willa more reserved and practical, but both are a lot of fun and ready to jump into this new adventure. I really like Banjo- dignified but funny posing with the garden gnomes and begging for fish pie. I'm curious to find out more about Bob and sounds like Dakota has more to his story.
I love the bookstore sign- “Books up for adoption. You can’t save them all, but you can come in and rescue a few.” Their first story really is perfect for the book clubs because rather than just investigating, they have a chance to change the ending as well. The author creates an individual and unique world for each book and I'm excited to see where the next one takes us.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love the Magical Mystery Book Club series by this author, so I was excited but a little apprehensive to dive into a spinoff series. The characters are fun but there are fewer of them so the diversity of opinions and the splitting up of tasks isn’t there; Willa and Lucy have been friends for years and their friendship shines through. I am never a fan of talking animals, but Banjo was fun and I forgot several times throughout the book that he was, in fact, a cat. The mystery itself was probably my favorite of all the ones I have read between the two series: the book was focused on the mystery, it was fast-paced and well-developed, and the ending was not one I could have seen coming. I’m a little confused on the concept – the women test out the cozy setting of the books before the book clubs get to go in – but we’ll see how that develops as the series progresses. I recommend reading the other series first to see how it all works but it will all be worth it when you get to this one.
Thank you to author for the review copy.
Thank you to author for the review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To be honest, I was a little sceptical about this new series. Miss Pantley‘s magical book club series is absolutely excellent, and I wondered if this was just going to be a rehash of some of those stories.
Boy was I wrong. The premise is similar, but the storyline is totally different. Yes these two ladies go into the book and solve the mystery, but they are the ones who decide if a book goes to a library or not. If they don’t like the story it doesn’t go anywhere. And the difference with this series is that they have no information whatsoever about the book itself. No title, no picture, no synopsis. They go in blind and have to figure it out on their own as they go along. Banjo is a love bug. his purpose in this book, is to show the ladies the proper rules, and help them out with it when he can without giving them outright hints. The only carryover from the original series is Bob the olm.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to readers who have already read the original Magical bookstore mysteries. I do believe you will be pleasantly surprised.
Boy was I wrong. The premise is similar, but the storyline is totally different. Yes these two ladies go into the book and solve the mystery, but they are the ones who decide if a book goes to a library or not. If they don’t like the story it doesn’t go anywhere. And the difference with this series is that they have no information whatsoever about the book itself. No title, no picture, no synopsis. They go in blind and have to figure it out on their own as they go along. Banjo is a love bug. his purpose in this book, is to show the ladies the proper rules, and help them out with it when he can without giving them outright hints. The only carryover from the original series is Bob the olm.
I would highly recommend this book, especially to readers who have already read the original Magical bookstore mysteries. I do believe you will be pleasantly surprised.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really wanted to love this one especially since I enjoy the Magical Mystery Book Club series. I loved the idea of an enchanted bookstore and was excited to see where this would go. There were definitely some fun elements, especially Banjo and the unexpected twist.
I also enjoyed the magical setting and all the details that went into creating Whisperglow Village. However, some parts felt a little slow for me and I found myself wishing the story had moved on a bit more quickly.
I also couldn’t help comparing it to the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series, since the premise felt very similar. I was hoping this new series would have a slightly different feel, and I think that may have affected my overall enjoyment.
While this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me the way I had hoped, I’m still glad I gave it a try, and I’m curious to see where Willa, Lucy, and Banjo go from here.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC and provide my honest review.
3.5 rounded up to a 4
I also enjoyed the magical setting and all the details that went into creating Whisperglow Village. However, some parts felt a little slow for me and I found myself wishing the story had moved on a bit more quickly.
I also couldn’t help comparing it to the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series, since the premise felt very similar. I was hoping this new series would have a slightly different feel, and I think that may have affected my overall enjoyment.
While this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me the way I had hoped, I’m still glad I gave it a try, and I’m curious to see where Willa, Lucy, and Banjo go from here.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read an ARC and provide my honest review.
3.5 rounded up to a 4
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flimflam Fairy is the first book in the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore series. Lucy and Willa decide to take a trip together and decide by throwing darts at a map. They end up in a town where they decide to buy an enchanted bookstore full of farmed books. With Banjo, the talking cat, at their side they find themselves in a cozy mystery book full of fairies and they won’t be able to get out until they solve the mystery.
I love Elizabeth Pantley’s Magical Mystery Book Club and I knew I had to check out this new similar series. Lucy, Willa and Banjo are great leads for this series and I can’t wait to see more of them. The mystery in this book was easy to get hooked on and it twisted and turned with a surprise ending. I really like the premise of this series and this fairy mystery was fun. I love the fact that Willa and Lucy get to pick the books that the other book clubs get to go on. Such a great idea and well executed! This was a great start to this new series and I look forward to seeing what else is to come for Lucy and Willa.
I love Elizabeth Pantley’s Magical Mystery Book Club and I knew I had to check out this new similar series. Lucy, Willa and Banjo are great leads for this series and I can’t wait to see more of them. The mystery in this book was easy to get hooked on and it twisted and turned with a surprise ending. I really like the premise of this series and this fairy mystery was fun. I love the fact that Willa and Lucy get to pick the books that the other book clubs get to go on. Such a great idea and well executed! This was a great start to this new series and I look forward to seeing what else is to come for Lucy and Willa.
August 28, 2026
This is the first book in a delightful new series, and it’s off to a great start! I love that there are nods to two of the author’s other paranormal magical series. The concept is so fun and imaginative as Willa and Lucy, two retired but energetic retirees, throw darts to decide where to travel and end up in Thistlebloom, Arizona, where they’re offered the opportunity to buy a cozy mystery bookstore and home together that by the way, happen to be magical. They travel into cozy mysteries as first readers, to see if book clubs that travel into cozies should choose these books. Their first book is a trip to a fairy land, and the descriptions are so beautiful and imaginative I could happily move there myself. As characters in the cozy mystery, the women understand they’re to become sleuths to solve the mystery, in this case a murder of a young fairy, apparently killed by a man running a romance scam. I loved this book so much and highly recommend it; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Elizabeth Pantley has a new series.
A delightful read with an animal,quirky folk and a colorful location.
It all started with 2 best friends wanting to go on vacation.
Throwing darts at a map to land anywhere seems like a harmless way to find a holiday, then the adventure begins!
The two besties find themselves in an Arizona town that has a charming bookstore with a sign in the window that intrigues them.
Books up for adoption. You can’t save them all, but you can come in and rescue a few.”
It seems the bookstore is for sale and the friends on spur of the moment buy it and the cottage behind it.
The bookstore is magical and takes them on a grand journey that is delightful.
What a refreshing story that was enjoyable to read.
This is a story that puts a smile on your face as you read it.
Am on pins and needles waiting for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This mystery is a real treat. Two engaging sleuths, plus a charming talking cat, make for a fantastic start to a new series. Willa and Lucy, both retired and seeking a bit of adventure—but nothing too wild—decide to throw a dart at a map to choose their destination. It lands on a small town in Arizona, where they soon stumble upon a delightful bookstore in need of a new owner. The fit seems perfect. While signing the papers, they meet a talking olm and the aforementioned cat. Once past the shock, they’re all in. When their first book appears, Willa feels a bit hesitant but joins the journey anyway, and they’re whisked away to a vibrant land filled with fairies. There, they must solve a baffling case: every fairy adored the victim, leaving no clear suspects. Stuck until they crack the case, the big question looms—can they solve it?
August 28, 2026
The first spin-off series for the Magical Mystery Book Club and it was such a fantastic adventure!!!!
Best friends Willa and Lucy are retired, and wondering what to do in their retirement years, when an opportunity to own a bookstore with a twist surfaces. Before they know it they are whisked away inside books to "test" the cozy mystery inside for the Magical Mystery Book Clubs. Their first adventure includes a sidekick by the way of Banjo the cat, and a lot of faeries.
I binged the Magical Mystery Book Club books last year, and I was so thrilled to find out that there was going to be a spin-off!!!!! I really enjoyed Willa and Lucy. Lucy is spunky, Willa is serious and together with Banjo, they make the best sleuthing group!!!!
All the mysteries in both series include paranormals, and I really loved the angle with the faeries. I can't wait for the next adventure!!
Best friends Willa and Lucy are retired, and wondering what to do in their retirement years, when an opportunity to own a bookstore with a twist surfaces. Before they know it they are whisked away inside books to "test" the cozy mystery inside for the Magical Mystery Book Clubs. Their first adventure includes a sidekick by the way of Banjo the cat, and a lot of faeries.
I binged the Magical Mystery Book Club books last year, and I was so thrilled to find out that there was going to be a spin-off!!!!! I really enjoyed Willa and Lucy. Lucy is spunky, Willa is serious and together with Banjo, they make the best sleuthing group!!!!
All the mysteries in both series include paranormals, and I really loved the angle with the faeries. I can't wait for the next adventure!!
Review of advance copy
Flimflam Fairy explains a little more about how these magical book clubs begin. Which if you’ve read her other series Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club you get more insight but if not I feel this book would be a good start before you started the other series. The main characters in this book are so well written and relatable.
It did start out a little slow for me but once it got to the magical book part it was hard to put down. Looking back over the story I do feel the slow part was very important though and helped you understand who the main characters are.
I can’t wait to see what story Willa,Lucy, and Banjo go into next. They do make a great team.
Thank you to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the advance copy for my honest review
It did start out a little slow for me but once it got to the magical book part it was hard to put down. Looking back over the story I do feel the slow part was very important though and helped you understand who the main characters are.
I can’t wait to see what story Willa,Lucy, and Banjo go into next. They do make a great team.
Thank you to Cozy Mystery Review Crew for the advance copy for my honest review
August 28, 2026
What fun this first book in the newest series by Elizabeth Pantley, the Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore! Best friends, Lucy and Willa bought an enchanted book store complete with magical books in the town of Thistlebloom. Loving adventure, the girls choose a book and with a wisp of magic puts them into the story where they become amateur sleuths accompanied by Banjo,a talking cat. But in order to return back home, they have to solve the murder of a resident in the town of Whisperglow Village where the residents are fairies. Can they solve the mystery and return home? What a fantastic first book and it is totally unputdownable and I can't wait for more! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
July 21, 2026
Clever concept for a book. I loved the main characters, Lucy and Willa. They are best friends, and it comes through in the writing. Lucy has no fear and is always full of joy and laughter and willing to do anything. Willa is a bit reserved, but Lucy knows how to get her going. We are introduced to a new furry friend, Banjo, and I loved the chemistry between all the regular characters. It was nice to see Bob again from the Magical Mystery Book Club series. The plot was entertaining, the story had a nice flow to it, and there were some humorous moments between the friends. Definitely a fun read.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a fun start to a Magical Cozy Mystery Bookstore #1. A new series by Elizabeth Pantley.
Two wealthy best friends Willa and Lucy who are retirees decide they want to go on vacation. After throwing darts at a map they end up in Thistlebloom, Arizona. While walking in the magical town they find a bookstore that is for sale with a cottage behind it.
They couldn’t resist buying.
Well, they are taken on a magical journey. To a world of color and fairies. Love the new furry friend, Banjo, a talking cat.
A delightful new series with quirky characters.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Two wealthy best friends Willa and Lucy who are retirees decide they want to go on vacation. After throwing darts at a map they end up in Thistlebloom, Arizona. While walking in the magical town they find a bookstore that is for sale with a cottage behind it.
They couldn’t resist buying.
Well, they are taken on a magical journey. To a world of color and fairies. Love the new furry friend, Banjo, a talking cat.
A delightful new series with quirky characters.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
We are introduced to Willa and Lucy who have been convinced to run the bookstore. Bango is ever present with his larger than life snarkieness.With these ladies, the book store picks the books for the ladies to read before the book club can. All three place their hands and paw on the book picked and wind up in the land of the fae. There at their feet is a dead Fairy. They set out to investigate the murder but catch wind of a con man who is conning the fairies to give him their money. Are the two things tied in? Will our new travelers solve the murder? This is an enjoyable spin off and where we might miss the Scooby Doo gang, I look forward to reading more of Willa and Lucy!
August 28, 2026
Flimflam Fairy is a fun, warm start of a new magical bookstore, cozy mystery series. I really enjoyed meeting Willa and Lucy and Banjo, the talking cat. Just as with the Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club series, Willa and Lucy are swept into a mystery and must solve it to return home. I enjoyed being transported to Whisperglow Village along with the sleuthing trio. With only two human sleuths, this book has a quieter vibe than our boisterous book club books but was just as enjoyable. Ms. Pantley creates a magical world with fairies and all the vibrant details. I am looking forward to the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have thoroughly enjoyed Elizabeth Pantley's Magical Cozy Mystery Book Club and this is a similar premise but with different characters and a slightly different premise. Instead of a book club with a bunch of zany characters choosing a book, two wealthy retirees essentially test a new potential book club book by entering the book to solve the mystery. Do I see a potential crossover where these women test a book, determine it book club worthy, and then our Mystery Book Club goes in to solve the mystery themselves? I think it's possible and it would be so fun! I love the characters and I loved the mystery. Another great one from Elizabeth!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a delightful start to a new series! Ms Pantley always has the most vivacious characters.
Color abounds in this magical town, and the intrepid trio who are visiting are enchanted, yet have a mystery to solve.
How does the Magical Mystery Book Club get their books? Well this might answer your questions.
This new series is a bit of a spin-off from the Magical Mystery Book Club, and I am enjoying this direction as much as I have all of those books.
Absolutely loved this book and Pantley's new direction!
You are in for a magical, mystical and thoroughly enjoyable story.
Color abounds in this magical town, and the intrepid trio who are visiting are enchanted, yet have a mystery to solve.
How does the Magical Mystery Book Club get their books? Well this might answer your questions.
This new series is a bit of a spin-off from the Magical Mystery Book Club, and I am enjoying this direction as much as I have all of those books.
Absolutely loved this book and Pantley's new direction!
You are in for a magical, mystical and thoroughly enjoyable story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Willa and Lucy decide to buy a bookstore but soon discover that it isn't really for sale. They will be traveling into books to see if they are good for book clubs to travel into to solve the case. They jump into a book about a fairy town and must try to solve or prevent a murder. They bring Banjo, a cat, with them. It was such an amazing book to read. I could not put it down. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I can't wait to jump into Elizabeth Pantley's next book.
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