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Green Witch and Thorn Mysteries #1
Angelica Under Glass
When the main sponsor of a regional potions competition is found dead in her hotel suite, the evidence is almost too neat: a rare allergy, a suspicious vial, and Lena Knox's best friend standing over the body.
Faye didn't do it. But someone went to a lot of trouble to make it look like she did.
Lena — green witch and reluctant amateur sleuth — isn't about to let her best friend take the fall. Not when the killer is still in the hotel, the suspect list includes half the potions industry, and the motive turns out to be tangled up in a family secret Faye didn't even know she had.
With her familiar, Thorn, offering opinions she didn't ask for, and her ex-boyfriend inconveniently working the case, Lena is going to need more than potions to untangle this one.
Faye didn't do it. But someone went to a lot of trouble to make it look like she did.
Lena — green witch and reluctant amateur sleuth — isn't about to let her best friend take the fall. Not when the killer is still in the hotel, the suspect list includes half the potions industry, and the motive turns out to be tangled up in a family secret Faye didn't even know she had.
With her familiar, Thorn, offering opinions she didn't ask for, and her ex-boyfriend inconveniently working the case, Lena is going to need more than potions to untangle this one.
ebook
First published August 28, 2026
About the author
C.L. Roman
41 books34 followersC.L. (aka Cheri) Roman, writes fantasy and sci-fi with a paranormal edge. You can find her at www.clroman.com and on Facebook. Cheri and her ever-patient husband live in the not-so-wilds of Northeast Florida with Jack E. Boy, the super Chihuahua, and Pye, the invisible cat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 20, 2026
Angelica Under Glass is a cozy paranormal mystery that features two friends, Lena and Faye, who possess various magical powers. Both are involved in creating specific substances or potions for an upcoming competition. Winners could receive a lucrative contract with a major pharmaceutical company or manufacturer. They are both college students and winning this competition would help their careers.
Their world encompasses certain fey creatures, in normal terms as part of their cohort in the magical town of Hawthorne where stores might have protections at the door and potions within.
Lena inherited a large Maine coon cat called Thorn from a deceased relative. The cat was her guide and advisor, especially when her sister Charlotte, a lawyer, was not around
Both ladies studied the entry rules and carefully prepared their entry vials. They used specially marked glass containers. Faye was suddenly notified that her entry was being disqualified, so she used a pseudonym (her grandmother 's name) to try to get past the order. Apparently she, unknowingly was related to one of the contest sponsors. Lena thought that might explain why a mysterious Faye look-a-like woman was seen about town.
Both ladies dress up for the competition dinner and meet other contestants and some of the sponsors. Lena sees her old boy friend, Marcus, a local police officer who is assigned to the event, but is curt with him when he asks her to dance. During the speeches, Faye is summoned to the VIP suite to meet Karla ( her unknown aunt) and company owner. She finds her dead and calls Lena who has to use magic to enter the locked floor. Lena calls Marcus and soon learns that the death was not accidental. The herb Angelica was present at the crime scene and affected both the victim and Faye who had a severe allergy to it. Fortunately she carried an antidote and reversed the episode. Unfortunately Faye touched the fatal vial and was determined to be a suspect
Later, Lena with Thorn's help, wanders around the hotel eavesdropping and trying to find clues. They meet Karla s assistant Michelle, who believed she should inherit part of the company since she produced potions before she was employed; she was.challenged by the company CEO who threatened her. Later, she went missing, her purse was found in Faye's car, so Faye was arrested. Marcus continued to have doubts without proof.
This is an interesting plot with multiple directions and likeable characters.
Read further to find out if more evidence turns up, see how Lena and Faye protect themselves and how Thorn helps save the day.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Their world encompasses certain fey creatures, in normal terms as part of their cohort in the magical town of Hawthorne where stores might have protections at the door and potions within.
Lena inherited a large Maine coon cat called Thorn from a deceased relative. The cat was her guide and advisor, especially when her sister Charlotte, a lawyer, was not around
Both ladies studied the entry rules and carefully prepared their entry vials. They used specially marked glass containers. Faye was suddenly notified that her entry was being disqualified, so she used a pseudonym (her grandmother 's name) to try to get past the order. Apparently she, unknowingly was related to one of the contest sponsors. Lena thought that might explain why a mysterious Faye look-a-like woman was seen about town.
Both ladies dress up for the competition dinner and meet other contestants and some of the sponsors. Lena sees her old boy friend, Marcus, a local police officer who is assigned to the event, but is curt with him when he asks her to dance. During the speeches, Faye is summoned to the VIP suite to meet Karla ( her unknown aunt) and company owner. She finds her dead and calls Lena who has to use magic to enter the locked floor. Lena calls Marcus and soon learns that the death was not accidental. The herb Angelica was present at the crime scene and affected both the victim and Faye who had a severe allergy to it. Fortunately she carried an antidote and reversed the episode. Unfortunately Faye touched the fatal vial and was determined to be a suspect
Later, Lena with Thorn's help, wanders around the hotel eavesdropping and trying to find clues. They meet Karla s assistant Michelle, who believed she should inherit part of the company since she produced potions before she was employed; she was.challenged by the company CEO who threatened her. Later, she went missing, her purse was found in Faye's car, so Faye was arrested. Marcus continued to have doubts without proof.
This is an interesting plot with multiple directions and likeable characters.
Read further to find out if more evidence turns up, see how Lena and Faye protect themselves and how Thorn helps save the day.
I received a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR.
Angelica Under Glass is a light-hearted murder mystery with a little magic thrown in to keep things fun. This is the first book by C.L. Roman that I've read. Maybe wasn't the best place to start, because as the story began, I felt like there was information that I was missing. After doing a little googling...I now realize that this is an offshoot of another series, The Knox Agency Chronicles. The lack of background didn't really preclude me from enjoying this story of Lena and Faye as the author did a great job giving me just enough information so that I didn't feel lost in the history. The author's page says "One of the fun things about writing in a shared universe is discovering which characters quietly start asking for more space." I think Faye is going to be one of those characters. I almost felt that this was Faye's story, even though it was told through the character of Lena. Regardless, I enjoyed the fast pace the book kept throughout. When reading a murder mystery, I don't want to be able to figure out whodunnit until the murderer is revealed - that's the test. I felt this storyline kept me on the edge of figuring it out until the end, when it was finally revealed. I was partially right. So YAY, the suspense held! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this fun story.
Angelica Under Glass is a light-hearted murder mystery with a little magic thrown in to keep things fun. This is the first book by C.L. Roman that I've read. Maybe wasn't the best place to start, because as the story began, I felt like there was information that I was missing. After doing a little googling...I now realize that this is an offshoot of another series, The Knox Agency Chronicles. The lack of background didn't really preclude me from enjoying this story of Lena and Faye as the author did a great job giving me just enough information so that I didn't feel lost in the history. The author's page says "One of the fun things about writing in a shared universe is discovering which characters quietly start asking for more space." I think Faye is going to be one of those characters. I almost felt that this was Faye's story, even though it was told through the character of Lena. Regardless, I enjoyed the fast pace the book kept throughout. When reading a murder mystery, I don't want to be able to figure out whodunnit until the murderer is revealed - that's the test. I felt this storyline kept me on the edge of figuring it out until the end, when it was finally revealed. I was partially right. So YAY, the suspense held! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to enjoy this fun story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review via ARC received from Author.
Angelica Under Glass is a cozy paranormal mystery with some magic mixed in. While this is the first book in this series it is an off-shoot of another series by the same author, The Knox Agency Chronicles. Due to this I was a bit confused in the beginning with some of the references however the book still stands on its own even if, like, you haven't read the other books yet.
While I'm always a fan of whodunit mysteries I've never been a fan of those that are a little easy to figure early on. I am pleased to say that this book is not one of those. The bits of twists and turns keep the suspense just enough to carry the reader to the end and to keep them turning the pages. The loyalty of Lena to her friends is very engaging.
If you enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries with no spice that include hints of magic and sparks pick this book and read it. I look forward to not only more books in this series but in tracking down the prior series due to the Easter eggs that were included here.
Angelica Under Glass is a cozy paranormal mystery with some magic mixed in. While this is the first book in this series it is an off-shoot of another series by the same author, The Knox Agency Chronicles. Due to this I was a bit confused in the beginning with some of the references however the book still stands on its own even if, like, you haven't read the other books yet.
While I'm always a fan of whodunit mysteries I've never been a fan of those that are a little easy to figure early on. I am pleased to say that this book is not one of those. The bits of twists and turns keep the suspense just enough to carry the reader to the end and to keep them turning the pages. The loyalty of Lena to her friends is very engaging.
If you enjoy cozy paranormal mysteries with no spice that include hints of magic and sparks pick this book and read it. I look forward to not only more books in this series but in tracking down the prior series due to the Easter eggs that were included here.
Review of advance copy
Lena Knox and her best friend, Faye, are thrilled to be entering their potions in the regional competition. A win will grant exposure, a prize, and entrance into the national tournament. But tension ripples under the surface, and one of the main judges is killed, a woman who had a close connection to Faye. Lena won't allow her friend to go down for murder, even if it means working with a detective who is also her traitorous ex.
It was a pleasure to be introduced to Lena, her familiar Thorn, and their world. I enjoyed every twist and turn this plot took, even though the strongly paranormal mysteries are not my "thing". But I did love this book with its tenacious heroine who was surprisingly pragmatic when it came to using normal healing practices as well as witchy ones.
Angelica Under Glass (a fantastic title, by the way) is a brilliant start to the new Green Witch and Thorn Mystery series.
Thank you to C. L. Roman and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
It was a pleasure to be introduced to Lena, her familiar Thorn, and their world. I enjoyed every twist and turn this plot took, even though the strongly paranormal mysteries are not my "thing". But I did love this book with its tenacious heroine who was surprisingly pragmatic when it came to using normal healing practices as well as witchy ones.
Angelica Under Glass (a fantastic title, by the way) is a brilliant start to the new Green Witch and Thorn Mystery series.
Thank you to C. L. Roman and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ARC from the author through Bookfunnel!
This was a witch murder mystery with no spice but didn't lack sparks! This book was well paced and didn't feel like it drug on, it actually kept me pretty pulled in from the start. I did not know who done it until the end. Had my suspicions but still gave enough twists that it kept me on my toes, with some extra revelations at the end that I wouldn't have guessed!
-Cozy Witch Mystery
-Murder Mystery
-Found Family
-Potion Competition
-Talking Familiar
-Potion making witch, amateur sleuth
There were parts in the book that left me questioning if this was the first book and had me checking a couple times. It is the first book in THIS series, however FMC's sister has her own series that FMC appears in so there would have been crossover. Still enjoyable without reading sister's series (I haven't) but the Easter eggs were definitely intriguing and I might seek out that series. This was very enjoyable!
This was a witch murder mystery with no spice but didn't lack sparks! This book was well paced and didn't feel like it drug on, it actually kept me pretty pulled in from the start. I did not know who done it until the end. Had my suspicions but still gave enough twists that it kept me on my toes, with some extra revelations at the end that I wouldn't have guessed!
-Cozy Witch Mystery
-Murder Mystery
-Found Family
-Potion Competition
-Talking Familiar
-Potion making witch, amateur sleuth
There were parts in the book that left me questioning if this was the first book and had me checking a couple times. It is the first book in THIS series, however FMC's sister has her own series that FMC appears in so there would have been crossover. Still enjoyable without reading sister's series (I haven't) but the Easter eggs were definitely intriguing and I might seek out that series. This was very enjoyable!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A cozy paranormal murder mystery that is a spin-off of the Knox Agency Chronicles. Unfortunately, as it is a spin-off, the character development and world-building in this book are a little lacking. There were many times early on when I questioned what was going on and why, and if I had missed that this was not the first book in the series.
However, this is a good book that is quick and easy to read. The pacing is very good and keeps you interested and wanting to read more. The mystery in this was also really good, and while I had suspicions, I didn’t know who had done it or why until the end.
I would be interested in reading other books by this author, especially the Knox Agency books to fill in the gaps from this one.
If you like a cozy mystery with a bit of magic and spark, then I do recommend this one.
However, this is a good book that is quick and easy to read. The pacing is very good and keeps you interested and wanting to read more. The mystery in this was also really good, and while I had suspicions, I didn’t know who had done it or why until the end.
I would be interested in reading other books by this author, especially the Knox Agency books to fill in the gaps from this one.
If you like a cozy mystery with a bit of magic and spark, then I do recommend this one.
Review of advance copy
★★★★★
I really enjoyed Angelica Under Glass! The beginning with the letter immediately got me interested and made me want to know where the story was going.
I really liked the main character and especially the family dynamics throughout the book. The pacing worked perfectly for me too—it moved along nicely while still keeping that cozy, mysterious feeling that I loved.
This honestly feels like such a perfect book for the upcoming autumn season. Cozy, a little mysterious, and just really easy to get lost in. Also, the cover is absolutely beautiful and fits the vibe of the story so well!
Overall, a really fun and comforting read and a great start to the series. Definitely an easy 5 stars for me!
Totally worth checking out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed Angelica Under Glass! The beginning with the letter immediately got me interested and made me want to know where the story was going.
I really liked the main character and especially the family dynamics throughout the book. The pacing worked perfectly for me too—it moved along nicely while still keeping that cozy, mysterious feeling that I loved.
This honestly feels like such a perfect book for the upcoming autumn season. Cozy, a little mysterious, and just really easy to get lost in. Also, the cover is absolutely beautiful and fits the vibe of the story so well!
Overall, a really fun and comforting read and a great start to the series. Definitely an easy 5 stars for me!
Totally worth checking out!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 15, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was such an easy book to get into and I liked the mix of magic, mystery and friendship throughout the story which is what I am always looking for in a book.
Lena was really likeable but to be honest Thorn was most definately my favourite character! I loved his attitude and all the little comments he made throughout because they gave the story a whole lot of personality and humour. I also enjoyed all the witchy details especially the potions, herbs and the competition side of the story.
The murder mystery kept me interested because there were quite a few people who could have been responsible, so I was constantly changing my mind about who I suspected but I'm happy to say I did pick it!!
This book was such an easy book to get into and I liked the mix of magic, mystery and friendship throughout the story which is what I am always looking for in a book.
Lena was really likeable but to be honest Thorn was most definately my favourite character! I loved his attitude and all the little comments he made throughout because they gave the story a whole lot of personality and humour. I also enjoyed all the witchy details especially the potions, herbs and the competition side of the story.
The murder mystery kept me interested because there were quite a few people who could have been responsible, so I was constantly changing my mind about who I suspected but I'm happy to say I did pick it!!
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this one so much, that I read it twice. The characters and storyline drew me in and kept me reading and guessing. There are secrets that some don't want made public. How far are they willing to go to keep secrets? Death-- as many as it takes. The greed and ruthlessness of some characters to set others up for crimes made me sick.
Lena and Faye are especially dear characters that I hope to see more of. Their perseverance for truth and justice, plus their integrity!! I'm a fan already!! Looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Lena and Faye are especially dear characters that I hope to see more of. Their perseverance for truth and justice, plus their integrity!! I'm a fan already!! Looking forward to more.
I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was so intrigued just from the description but reading the book? In LOVE. The opening was so unique and able to catch my attention, I couldn’t put the book down. Lena is so fierce in her loyalty and determination, Thorn with his sassy attitude and witty banter. Even the details and accuracy with the herbs was really a special touch to create this world. Plus witches & a mystery? Absolutely brilliant. A couple of the chapters did have a POV switch that threw me for a loop, but overall this was truly a delight to read. I can’t wait to read more about Lena & Thorn, I’d heavily recommend this book!☺️
Review of advance copy
Angelica Under Glass is a well-paced, enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery. It also has just the slightest hint of a possible second-chance romance, which adds a nice touch without taking over the story.
I really enjoyed this one. The mystery unfolds in a way that feels satisfying, and by the end, everything comes together in a way that makes sense. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, especially ones with a little bit of witchy or paranormal flair, I definitely recommend picking this up.
This is the second book in the series, so I'd suggest starting with the first book if you can. That said, this is shaping up to be a great series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this one. The mystery unfolds in a way that feels satisfying, and by the end, everything comes together in a way that makes sense. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, especially ones with a little bit of witchy or paranormal flair, I definitely recommend picking this up.
This is the second book in the series, so I'd suggest starting with the first book if you can. That said, this is shaping up to be a great series, and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received an ARC via BookSirens. My new addiction are no spice cozy fantasy books. This was right up my alley. I was occasionally confused because the ARC listed it as the first in a series, but I think this was the first for this particular MC not the first in the series though.
Once I understood that the occasional unexplained mentions of Char was a character from a previous book, I was able to his book is a nice cozy mystery with hints at past romance, but no spice.
Once I understood that the occasional unexplained mentions of Char was a character from a previous book, I was able to his book is a nice cozy mystery with hints at past romance, but no spice.
August 29, 2026
Lena and Faye are entering a magic potion competition when one of the judges are found dead.
It turns out she had a rare allergy and Faye ends up being a suspect.
Lena can't believe this and starts investigating.
But it's a bit more complicated than she thought and it's getting dangerous with secrets, found family and of course magic.
I really enjoyed this story and happy I had a chance to get an arc for it. It was hard to let go and not entirely easy to see who the murderer was.
It turns out she had a rare allergy and Faye ends up being a suspect.
Lena can't believe this and starts investigating.
But it's a bit more complicated than she thought and it's getting dangerous with secrets, found family and of course magic.
I really enjoyed this story and happy I had a chance to get an arc for it. It was hard to let go and not entirely easy to see who the murderer was.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The characters were interesting and fun to read, Thorn was delightful, and the twists and turns kept me reading. Definitely recommend! I'm going to have to go check out some of her other books now.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review, freely given.
I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review, freely given.
Review of advance copy
Great paranormal cozy mystery! I enjoyed the characters and touch of romance snuck in among the twists and turns of the plot. I had my suspicions, but this story actually kept me guessing until the end - and I enjoy my cozy mysteries so that's a feat in and of itself! Looking forward to reading the next one!!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a cute, cozy mystery! I found the beginning to be a little slow but things picked up quickly. As the story progressed I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong. The ending is satisfying and entertaining.
This was a cute, cozy mystery! I found the beginning to be a little slow but things picked up quickly. As the story progressed I thought I had it figured out, but I was wrong. The ending is satisfying and entertaining.
Review of advance copy
The was a cute cozy mystery. I will say this did not seem like book 1 in a series. The characters were discussing events from the past quite a bit in the book. Maybe it is set in the same world as another series or a spin off of something.
August 28, 2026
Review of ARC:
Friends, love, and murder mystery all wrapped with a nice holiday bow. The characters are quite lovable and the story was great to follow. Thorn may be one of my favorites; but who doesn’t love a talking animal sidekick.
Friends, love, and murder mystery all wrapped with a nice holiday bow. The characters are quite lovable and the story was great to follow. Thorn may be one of my favorites; but who doesn’t love a talking animal sidekick.
September 7, 2026
This was a lovely read. I especially liked Lena's Maine Coon familiar Thorn.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2026
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the murder mystery and plot. The characters were so relatable.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 10, 2026
C.L. Roman's Angelica Under Glass was an enjoyable read.
Lena Knox and her best friend Faye had no idea the potions competition they were entering would include a murder. When Faye becomes the prime suspect, Lena and her opinionated cat, Thorn, determine to prove her innocence. The story had plenty of twists and kept me guessing all the way through. The magical elements added to the story, providing clues and questions throughout. Thorn was my favorite character. I found it engaging and it kept me entertained to the end. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and cozy mysteries.
Lena Knox and her best friend Faye had no idea the potions competition they were entering would include a murder. When Faye becomes the prime suspect, Lena and her opinionated cat, Thorn, determine to prove her innocence. The story had plenty of twists and kept me guessing all the way through. The magical elements added to the story, providing clues and questions throughout. Thorn was my favorite character. I found it engaging and it kept me entertained to the end. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and cozy mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews