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Violet Cross Magical Mysteries #2
Crows at Dawn
Agatha Christie meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer – a cozy fantasy mystery novella with dry humor and a sapphic slow-burn romance.
A murder of crows, a magical Mediterranean village, and a very public false accusation...
When omens of death appear in the branches above main street before a bomb explodes, ex-agent Violet Cross is blamed for the attack. With the town turning against her and sparks flying with Rose, the owner of the apothecary next door, Violet must unmask the real culprit and clear her name before the crows claim their first victim.
A cosy, slightly chaotic, paranormal mystery filled with humour, flirting, and the existential, inescapable dread of being falsely blamed for something incompetent and poorly executed…
A murder of crows, a magical Mediterranean village, and a very public false accusation...
When omens of death appear in the branches above main street before a bomb explodes, ex-agent Violet Cross is blamed for the attack. With the town turning against her and sparks flying with Rose, the owner of the apothecary next door, Violet must unmask the real culprit and clear her name before the crows claim their first victim.
A cosy, slightly chaotic, paranormal mystery filled with humour, flirting, and the existential, inescapable dread of being falsely blamed for something incompetent and poorly executed…
148 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2026
About the author
Sophie Victor
3 books5 followersSophie Victoria Manley writes cosy paranormal mystery and fantasy — atmospheric settings, sharp-tongued protagonists, and a queer heart running through all of it.
Her debut novella, Zombie in Corfu, is the first instalment of the Violet Cross Magical Mysteries series. She's currently writing Silence in Sandos (Book 3), with new novellas releasing monthly through 2026.
When she's not building fictional small towns full of vampires and questionable decisions, she works in medical communications by day and reads an unreasonable amount of fantasy by night. She lives with her partner Louise and their cavapoo, Max.
Her debut novella, Zombie in Corfu, is the first instalment of the Violet Cross Magical Mysteries series. She's currently writing Silence in Sandos (Book 3), with new novellas releasing monthly through 2026.
When she's not building fictional small towns full of vampires and questionable decisions, she works in medical communications by day and reads an unreasonable amount of fantasy by night. She lives with her partner Louise and their cavapoo, Max.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 26, 2026
Thank you to Sophie for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a fun read! A cosy murder mystery that’s funny, well written and a great ride! I give it 4.25 stars!
The fantasy setting works perfectly for this series - it’s simplistic enough that it’s not over complicated or overbearing in the way a lot of fantasy ends up being, and feels familiar enough to add perfectly to the cosy feel. And yet, despite the simplicity, it’s fun and varied enough to keep you engaged - there’s always a fun new side character to meet, and each character, no matter how ‘minor’, adds to the beautifully cosy and humorous tapestry of Sandos!
Naturally, with it being a short novella, it’s obviously not going to have a crazy deep plot, but Victor does so well to write a mystery that’s well thought out, engaging, and with all the hallmarks of a proper whodunnit, while still keeping it light and fast paced enough to keep you engaged throughout the story, and without cramming stuff in or making it feel rushed given the low page count - it’s really well written and makes for the perfect cosy read! I really enjoyed the first one (Zombie in Corfu), but I found this one to be even more engaging due to the little puzzles and codes, allowing the reader to try and figure out the mystery alongside the characters!
I really enjoy the characterisation, and loving how the romance elements are being steadily built up - I’m super excited to see where the different relationships go!
Overall, a perfect example of a cosy mystery novella - as someone who loves sapphic books, cosy fantasy and murder mysteries, this is honestly the perfect blend!! Thank you for letting me read an early release copy, I can’t wait to see where this series goes! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a light read!
This was such a fun read! A cosy murder mystery that’s funny, well written and a great ride! I give it 4.25 stars!
The fantasy setting works perfectly for this series - it’s simplistic enough that it’s not over complicated or overbearing in the way a lot of fantasy ends up being, and feels familiar enough to add perfectly to the cosy feel. And yet, despite the simplicity, it’s fun and varied enough to keep you engaged - there’s always a fun new side character to meet, and each character, no matter how ‘minor’, adds to the beautifully cosy and humorous tapestry of Sandos!
Naturally, with it being a short novella, it’s obviously not going to have a crazy deep plot, but Victor does so well to write a mystery that’s well thought out, engaging, and with all the hallmarks of a proper whodunnit, while still keeping it light and fast paced enough to keep you engaged throughout the story, and without cramming stuff in or making it feel rushed given the low page count - it’s really well written and makes for the perfect cosy read! I really enjoyed the first one (Zombie in Corfu), but I found this one to be even more engaging due to the little puzzles and codes, allowing the reader to try and figure out the mystery alongside the characters!
I really enjoy the characterisation, and loving how the romance elements are being steadily built up - I’m super excited to see where the different relationships go!
Overall, a perfect example of a cosy mystery novella - as someone who loves sapphic books, cosy fantasy and murder mysteries, this is honestly the perfect blend!! Thank you for letting me read an early release copy, I can’t wait to see where this series goes! Highly recommend for anyone looking for a light read!
August 8, 2026
Crows at Dawn is book 2 in the Violet Cross magical mysteries series. Again I have to give this novella a 5⭐️ rating. I adore this cute little mystery series. I love how short the books are and that I can blast through them in one sitting. Even though they are short they still manage to be packed with witty remarks, romance, and of course a mystery. They are the perfect ‘palette cleanser’ books with no spice, no gore, no heavy subjects- just small town vibes and friendly creatures. At approx 100 pages in length, this book is perfect for a relaxing reading session. So I encourage you all to grab a cup of tea and a biscuit, and get started into this magical fantasy series. You won’t regret it.
Crows are know as bad omens- bringers of death. So when our main character Violet notices a gathering of crows it left her feeling uneasy. This book starts off with the mystery of someone stealing from an apothecary. This then turns more serious when a makeshift bomb goes off in the residence of the towns rude goblin. There are 4 suspects and it’s up to Violet to figure out who had the means, motive and opportunity for the crime.
Thank you so much to Sophie Victor for allowing me to read an ARC copy. I’m excited to continue with this series.
Crows are know as bad omens- bringers of death. So when our main character Violet notices a gathering of crows it left her feeling uneasy. This book starts off with the mystery of someone stealing from an apothecary. This then turns more serious when a makeshift bomb goes off in the residence of the towns rude goblin. There are 4 suspects and it’s up to Violet to figure out who had the means, motive and opportunity for the crime.
Thank you so much to Sophie Victor for allowing me to read an ARC copy. I’m excited to continue with this series.
August 21, 2026
This was another brilliant instalment in the Violet Cross Magical Mysteries series. It’s the second book in the series and this one follows on immediately after the events in the first book, so I do recommend reading Zombie In Corfu first.
In this book, Violet is hired when the local apothecary is burgled under mysterious circumstances. In true Violet style, things escalate quickly and she finds herself at the centre of an attempted murder.
I love this series. Violet is a great FMC, she’s cocky, overconfident and loveable. Her relationship with Maggie is tension filled and doomed for disaster but hopefully this developing chemistry with Rose will be just what she needs.
I loved investigating the mystery and following the clues. You can tell that it’s inspired by Agatha Christie and in my opinion it’s so much better with magical creatures. I didn’t guess the culprit and I loved the grand reveal.
I love a fast paced novella, this was so easy to fly through in under 2 hours. I love this series and cannot wait for the next book.
Overall, this was an 4⭐️ read for me.
In this book, Violet is hired when the local apothecary is burgled under mysterious circumstances. In true Violet style, things escalate quickly and she finds herself at the centre of an attempted murder.
I love this series. Violet is a great FMC, she’s cocky, overconfident and loveable. Her relationship with Maggie is tension filled and doomed for disaster but hopefully this developing chemistry with Rose will be just what she needs.
I loved investigating the mystery and following the clues. You can tell that it’s inspired by Agatha Christie and in my opinion it’s so much better with magical creatures. I didn’t guess the culprit and I loved the grand reveal.
I love a fast paced novella, this was so easy to fly through in under 2 hours. I love this series and cannot wait for the next book.
Overall, this was an 4⭐️ read for me.
August 21, 2026
5 ⭐️
0 🌶️
What starts as a break in investigation, turns into an unaliving attempt investigation. Following on from the aftermath of the zombie, and a few short days away, paranormal PI Violet Cross returns to Santos, home to a quirky group of paranormal beings. What starts off as a “routine” break in investigation, becomes a little more serious. Crows and their bad omens, an explosion, blackmail, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Violet must find the culprit before more damage is done. All whilst being cosy, funny & whimsical!
Another great read by Sophie, which I ate up so quickly! Despite being a 120 page novella, Sophie does an incredible job throwing in twists, turns & whimsical chaos and humour! I was giggling, gasping and raising an eyebrow in curiosity so much!
This, like the first book in the series is perfect for a fun light read, when in need of a reading palette cleanse! I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!
0 🌶️
What starts as a break in investigation, turns into an unaliving attempt investigation. Following on from the aftermath of the zombie, and a few short days away, paranormal PI Violet Cross returns to Santos, home to a quirky group of paranormal beings. What starts off as a “routine” break in investigation, becomes a little more serious. Crows and their bad omens, an explosion, blackmail, being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Violet must find the culprit before more damage is done. All whilst being cosy, funny & whimsical!
Another great read by Sophie, which I ate up so quickly! Despite being a 120 page novella, Sophie does an incredible job throwing in twists, turns & whimsical chaos and humour! I was giggling, gasping and raising an eyebrow in curiosity so much!
This, like the first book in the series is perfect for a fun light read, when in need of a reading palette cleanse! I can’t wait to see what happens in the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.95
Thoroughly enjoyable comfort read
It's a case of the wrong place at the wrong time for Violet in this second mystery.
When accused of setting off a bomb by the Goblin Accountant even after recently saving the town from a zombie and closing the case. She teams up once again with Maggie
A theft from the apothecary which is how this all starts.
A murder of Crows which is a bad omen
A karaoke night
4 suspects
Secrets and lies which have to be revealed to solve the case
Violet being Violet and regularly putting her foot in it
This mystery has everything you could ask for. Red herrings and fabulous reveal (total Agatha Christie and Death in Paradise vibes)
Highly enjoyable read
Even though this is book 2 you can read it without having read book 1 as there are mentions of the events but it will spoil it.
Highly recommend
Can't wait for book 3
Thoroughly enjoyable comfort read
It's a case of the wrong place at the wrong time for Violet in this second mystery.
When accused of setting off a bomb by the Goblin Accountant even after recently saving the town from a zombie and closing the case. She teams up once again with Maggie
A theft from the apothecary which is how this all starts.
A murder of Crows which is a bad omen
A karaoke night
4 suspects
Secrets and lies which have to be revealed to solve the case
Violet being Violet and regularly putting her foot in it
This mystery has everything you could ask for. Red herrings and fabulous reveal (total Agatha Christie and Death in Paradise vibes)
Highly enjoyable read
Even though this is book 2 you can read it without having read book 1 as there are mentions of the events but it will spoil it.
Highly recommend
Can't wait for book 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Crows at Dawn — Book Review
I was so excited to be asked to be an ARC reader for the lovely Sophie Victor!
After reading the first book, I was eager to dive into Crows at Dawn, and I’m so pleased that all the same characters were back. I was guessing all the way through, trying to work out what was going to happen—but Sophie really pulled it out of the bag because all my guesses were wrong!
If you’re looking for a short, gripping story, then this book is definitely for you. I could have so easily carried on reading because I was always left wanting more! 😊
Another great read from Sophie Victor.
I was so excited to be asked to be an ARC reader for the lovely Sophie Victor!
After reading the first book, I was eager to dive into Crows at Dawn, and I’m so pleased that all the same characters were back. I was guessing all the way through, trying to work out what was going to happen—but Sophie really pulled it out of the bag because all my guesses were wrong!
If you’re looking for a short, gripping story, then this book is definitely for you. I could have so easily carried on reading because I was always left wanting more! 😊
Another great read from Sophie Victor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
Violet Cross is back and I deeply missed her sarcastic tone and clumsy commentary! And.. I am really invested in her love interest ;) Crows at Dawn brings back all those Gilmore Girl/Buffy characters who we just love, and I really found myself giggling at this one. I will say at times I was on the end of my seat as a darkness is brewing in the village, and my favourite bird - CROWS! Sophie Victor has a way of writing that feels like you are really there, in a beautiful Greek village, where every detail matters and every movement seems to hold a secret! I really loved this one -10/10
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sophie Victor does it again with another hilarious, cozy, and fun Violet Cross Magical Mystery. This time, a local shop explodes and the blackmailing goblin accountant tries to blame it on Violet! But all is not what it seems in Sandos. Tune in for a real page turner with Crows at Dawn.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews