Hooked on Magic: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery

Ella Bloom Mysteries #12

by Sarah Noffke

Something fishy is going on at Pixie Dust Lake that has nothing to do with the animals.

The lights started first. Strange glows skimming the water after dark, gone before anyone could point a camera at them. Then came the sightings. Something big moving beneath the surface. Most people laughed it off. The lake was too pretty and the weather too warm for anyone to stay scared for long.

Then a tourist drowned.

The sheriff calls it a tragic accident. Wrong place, wrong current, wrong time of night. Case closed before it really opened.

Ella Bloom and Malcolm Fawkes aren't so sure. Now half the town is too afraid to swim and the other half won't stop asking questions. Ella and Malcolm need answers before the lake claims someone else.

Meanwhile, magic is getting Gloamington unwanted attention from the Unseelie queen and the Department of Defense.

A killer hiding in the water. A queen and a government closing in on the truth.

Can Ella keep her town's secrets safe when everyone is suddenly looking?

Hooked on Magic is the twelfth book in the enchanting Ella Bloom Mysteries.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2026

About the author

Sarah Noffke is a prolific USA Today Best-Selling Author, who writes YA and NA science fiction, fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. Most of her stories draw on her experiences living on the West Coast, growing up in Texas or traveling the world.

Her passion for art, culture and literature drives her to create stories that are full of whimsey, humor and philosophy. Her books appeal to readers who enjoy an escape, a bit of magic mixed with science and the unexpected--like a dragon who tells bad jokes and has a video game addiction, but fights for justice.

Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Amazon. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch and Italian.

To stay up to date with Sarah, please visit her website and subscribe to her newsletter: www.sarahnoffke.com

For a complete list of books by Sarah and a suggested reading order, please see: www.sarahnoffke.com/reading-guide/

Reviews

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a lovely day for a family breakfast at Pixie dust lake for Ella and co, well that is until the unknown giant sized lake monster pushes a dead body onto the shores! Determined to prove the monsters innocence it’s down to Malcolm, Ella, Shadow and Bagpipes along with a certain pirate to discover the truth. There’s definitely plenty of suspects including a not so nice mermaid, plenty of twists and turns and surprises but nothing keeps our dynamic team from working it out! Then it’s off for a tense trip to the fae realm with dear old dad to inform the Unseelie queen of the twins magic & wellsprings where bargains are made and we get to catch up with Tyler’s mum Betsy who in turn saves the day! It’s a great read, suspenseful, brimming with mystery and I do love catching up with the townsfolk plus it’s a great addition to this wonderful series! Now to wait for the next book!

[Cheryl Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this series, it is a really good book, I guessed the murderer and the weapon quite early on, but I just love the story, how it all unfolds, how the world looks and feels and what is going on around Ella and how they unravel the murderer for sure. I would happily read the book even if nothing much happened at all, it just feels like you are right there with them. The story is always good, the supporting people, like the pirate are funny and the cat is always so superior, like it would be. I can even picture the overweight sheriff and the expressions of everyone!

[Janet · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

A favorite series with a great group of creative characters. Ellie's magic continues to grow as she investigates murders with Malcolm. I love those "Malcolmisms" too. The murder wasn't too hard to figure out but the ongoing investigation was fun. It's also obvious El's father has a lot more feelings for her and the twins than he shows. A new potential threat shows up and will surely be an arc moving forward. I look forward to more books in the series.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

More mysteries

This series is so good. I love all the characters and enjoy the new ones that get introduced in each book. Klaus was awesome and I got a good laugh with Monterey and the evil mermaid. As usual I am looking forward to the next book, with its new mystery and new characters.

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This is my favorite of this series so far. It has two mysteries in one, plus an environmental message to get the reader thinking. What I liked best was that I didn't figure out whodunnit until right before Malcolm did, a first for me.

[George N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children.

This series is absolutely amazing. And I vote for the series to continue as the children grow up and what trouble they will face and cause for the Fae Courts.
Please write more.

[Paula Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

lake monster?

Ella can talk to all kinds of things so it isn’t surprising she can talk to the creature at the bottom of the lake. Interesting use of magic to breathe underwater and a new murder for Malcom and Ella to solve! Also who doesn’t love the twins ❤️

[William Dickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

World of mysteries

This such a wonderful world of characters and stories. This time, the murder story was so different than a regular kind. Plus, another meeting with the fae Queen . It was an exciting ending to such a wonderful book. So glad the story will continue

[R Lee Pangburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

If you decide to write more than15 book in this series I'm sure your readers will fallow you no matter what number you decide is enough...