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Lake Forest Witches #2
Meows, Magic & Manslaughter
Life in Lake Forest is interesting enough with new witch Petunia Patterson creating potions that actually work and communicating telepathically with her cat, Pansy, who was once a man until one of those potions accidently changed him into an animal. But things heat up when Petunia is threatened by the mayor with a five-thousand-dollar fine for breaking a local ordinance for making these potions from home. Then things quickly go from bad to worse when Petunia marches over to the mayor’s house with plans to plead to his wife Bonnie about changing the ordinance. There, Petunia discovers the body of Florence McHenry floating face down in the pool. Since Florence had an affair with the mayor recently, Bonnie is certainly in the hot seat. Petunia and her neighbor Noah vow to get to the bottom of the mystery and discover who is trying to frame Bonnie for the murder.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2015
62 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Madison Johns
69 books186 followersWhen Madison Johns began writing at the age of forty-four, she never imagined she'd make it onto the USA Today best-selling books list with her first cozy mystery, Armed and Outrageous, as an independent author. Sure, this book is an Amazon bestseller, but USA Today?
Although sleep-deprived from working third shift, she knew if she used what she had learned while caring for senior citizens to good use, it would result in something quite unique. The Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths mystery series has forever changed Madison's life, with each of the books making it onto the Amazon bestseller's list for cozy mystery and humor.
Madison is a member of Sisters In Crime. Madison is now able to do what she loves best and work from home as a full-time writer. She has two children, a black lab, and a hilarious Jackson Chameleon to keep her company while she churns out more Agnes Barton stories with a few others brewing in the pot.
Books
Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths Mystery series in order:
Armed and Outrageous
Grannies, Guns and Ghosts
Senior Snoops
Romance
Pretty and Pregnant novella
Redneck Romance (Published by Tirgearr Publishing)
Amazon Author Page
http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Johns/e...
She is actively involved on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Goodreads. She is always willing to chat it up or give advice, and supports other writers whenever she can.
Smiles :)
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 8, 2018
Delightful Mystery
This was another fun read. Madison Johns really knows how to keep a mystery rolling. I love Pansy the cat. What makes this book fun is the first book which gives you clues about all the characters then includes them further into this book. My only complaint is the proof reading and visible mistakes. I know that Madison Johns has written many books and with that should come more experience and better proofing. I may be a little to rash in my expectations as these may have been her earlier writings.
This was another fun read. Madison Johns really knows how to keep a mystery rolling. I love Pansy the cat. What makes this book fun is the first book which gives you clues about all the characters then includes them further into this book. My only complaint is the proof reading and visible mistakes. I know that Madison Johns has written many books and with that should come more experience and better proofing. I may be a little to rash in my expectations as these may have been her earlier writings.
May 10, 2018
Money makes the world go round
Another light, easy cozy that will have you heading in the wrong direction completely. When a body is found in the mayor's pool, it leads to a lot of questions. Was it because the victim was having an affair with the mayor? Sorting out the motives and the suspects nearly has a disastrous outcome. The characters are really coming into their own now and really enhance this neat little plot and the magic. Whilst the romantic angle is slowly being played out. Loved the budding relationship between Pansy and the dog.
Another light, easy cozy that will have you heading in the wrong direction completely. When a body is found in the mayor's pool, it leads to a lot of questions. Was it because the victim was having an affair with the mayor? Sorting out the motives and the suspects nearly has a disastrous outcome. The characters are really coming into their own now and really enhance this neat little plot and the magic. Whilst the romantic angle is slowly being played out. Loved the budding relationship between Pansy and the dog.
May 26, 2017
A fun mystery with lots going on
This story has a lot of entertaining and intriguing situations. I had more trouble than Petunia trying to figure out who the murderer was. I love a story that keeps you guessing until the end. Then there is the romance that is blossoming very nicely and gradually, so cute. A few typos missed in editing, but that didn't hurt the story for me. I loved it.
This story has a lot of entertaining and intriguing situations. I had more trouble than Petunia trying to figure out who the murderer was. I love a story that keeps you guessing until the end. Then there is the romance that is blossoming very nicely and gradually, so cute. A few typos missed in editing, but that didn't hurt the story for me. I loved it.
January 14, 2020
Good characters and interesting stories, just wish she used better proofreaders or a grammar check at least. So many dumb mistakes that interrupt the flow of the stories.
I real like the characters and the stories it's just all the dumb errors in grammar and spelling get in the way.
I real like the characters and the stories it's just all the dumb errors in grammar and spelling get in the way.
Read
May 16, 2025Liked the story.... but...
I like this book series, but I only gave it three stars because of the lack of proofreading. There were missing words, a plethora of misspelled words that, for me, took away from the story.
I'm going to read the next book in the series, but if it is the same, I think I'll try a new book\series.
I like this book series, but I only gave it three stars because of the lack of proofreading. There were missing words, a plethora of misspelled words that, for me, took away from the story.
I'm going to read the next book in the series, but if it is the same, I think I'll try a new book\series.
January 26, 2021
A good read.
A light mystery. I like the characters and the plot. Petunia is a witch who makes potions, and she solves murders. If you are looking for a light mystery I recommend this series.
A light mystery. I like the characters and the plot. Petunia is a witch who makes potions, and she solves murders. If you are looking for a light mystery I recommend this series.
May 16, 2025
The only redhead?
I suppose I should write more about the plot/etc (which tends to be volatile) but everybody recognizes her because she's a ginger?
On a more serious note, there are clues about who the killer is, mixed in with much else.
I suppose I should write more about the plot/etc (which tends to be volatile) but everybody recognizes her because she's a ginger?
On a more serious note, there are clues about who the killer is, mixed in with much else.
December 2, 2019
Makes magic & manslaughter.
Good book! I am really enjoying these light mystery stories. Looking forward to the next one. My favorite kind of book.
Good book! I am really enjoying these light mystery stories. Looking forward to the next one. My favorite kind of book.
January 13, 2020
Outstanding
I'm a glad I've found this author. Madison Johns is a gifted author with excellent storylines as with this book.
I'm a glad I've found this author. Madison Johns is a gifted author with excellent storylines as with this book.
July 4, 2015
This second book in the series is just as good as the first one.
This time the Mayor’s mistress is found in his pool right before a campaign BBQ. Who could have killed her and gotten in through the locked gate? Why would anyone kill her? These are the things that Petunia and Noah must figure out. On top of that, her Grandfather has escaped from the nursing home and is telling everyone he is with the CIA and is looking for proof that there are bad things going on.
Madison Johns is witty and insightful in her writing. Her characters are believable and fun to read. I hope there will be more books in the series.
This time the Mayor’s mistress is found in his pool right before a campaign BBQ. Who could have killed her and gotten in through the locked gate? Why would anyone kill her? These are the things that Petunia and Noah must figure out. On top of that, her Grandfather has escaped from the nursing home and is telling everyone he is with the CIA and is looking for proof that there are bad things going on.
Madison Johns is witty and insightful in her writing. Her characters are believable and fun to read. I hope there will be more books in the series.
August 8, 2016
Are small towns really a safe place to live?
In Petunia's small town murders are getting to be a habit. She's a witch who loves to investigate deadly crimes. She has a handsome neighbor, Noah who assists in her sleuthing and a cat that used to be her boyfriend before she gave him a love potion that wasn't. The book is funny and I really enjoyed it. I read the previous book about Petunia's adventures and that book was just as fun to read. Porch sitting on a hot summer day reading one of Madison Johns tales is a perfect match.
In Petunia's small town murders are getting to be a habit. She's a witch who loves to investigate deadly crimes. She has a handsome neighbor, Noah who assists in her sleuthing and a cat that used to be her boyfriend before she gave him a love potion that wasn't. The book is funny and I really enjoyed it. I read the previous book about Petunia's adventures and that book was just as fun to read. Porch sitting on a hot summer day reading one of Madison Johns tales is a perfect match.
April 13, 2016
Magical Potions
Petunia made potions for her aunt to sell, but her noisy neighbor made a complaint about her to the sheriff. She was always causing trouble for Petunia. Petunia decided to talk to the mayor's wife to see if she would help her. After finding a body in their pool, petunia decides to find out who killed the woman. Investigating, Petunia starts annoying people and that leads to trouble.
Petunia made potions for her aunt to sell, but her noisy neighbor made a complaint about her to the sheriff. She was always causing trouble for Petunia. Petunia decided to talk to the mayor's wife to see if she would help her. After finding a body in their pool, petunia decides to find out who killed the woman. Investigating, Petunia starts annoying people and that leads to trouble.
March 9, 2017
I still like the series, but the mystery and especially the gramps storyline was a bit over the top. The whole book seemed a bit rushed and often superficial. It is still a nice read if you csn ignore that, but not as good as Book 1. Hopefully Book 3 will be better.
April 30, 2016
Quick but cute reading!
Quick little story that I really enjoyed! A few grammatical errors but only a few, I skipped over them easily enough. Cute characters and I enjoyed the ending! Will read more of this author's work for sure!
Quick little story that I really enjoyed! A few grammatical errors but only a few, I skipped over them easily enough. Cute characters and I enjoyed the ending! Will read more of this author's work for sure!
May 18, 2016
Cute cozy mystery
This second book in the lake Forrest mystery series was another great cozy! Truly enjoyed the characters & felt like they could be my neighbors! Great clean mystery I would be happy to share with my middle school daughter.
This second book in the lake Forrest mystery series was another great cozy! Truly enjoyed the characters & felt like they could be my neighbors! Great clean mystery I would be happy to share with my middle school daughter.
May 9, 2016
Laughed Out Loud
and woke my dog. Another great LAKE FOREST BOOK.
Please hurry up and write more. I am on to number three and guess I will hit ave to read ALL
her other tales while waiting for more PETUNIA NOAH PANSY and yes even CORA.
and woke my dog. Another great LAKE FOREST BOOK.
Please hurry up and write more. I am on to number three and guess I will hit ave to read ALL
her other tales while waiting for more PETUNIA NOAH PANSY and yes even CORA.
July 5, 2016
This book was quirky. The authors writing style is a bit old fashioned. She used words that are dated. I got past that!
I liked the premise and but found the mystery was more detective and not very witchy! Easy reading for bedtime.
I liked the premise and but found the mystery was more detective and not very witchy! Easy reading for bedtime.
August 9, 2016
Cute cute
Cute witchy storyline. A little romance, hot car, hot guy, scandal and murder. What else can you ask for, its a fast moving book, it just flows so well your at the end before you know it with a giggle here and there.
Cute witchy storyline. A little romance, hot car, hot guy, scandal and murder. What else can you ask for, its a fast moving book, it just flows so well your at the end before you know it with a giggle here and there.
January 11, 2017
I liked this book because it made me laugh while I was also intrigued trying to figure out who was a murderer. This book was funny and suspenseful mystery. It was an easy read. If you like witches and cats you will enjoy this book.
June 18, 2015
Cute story
Good storyline enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series. Keep up the good work.
Good storyline enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series. Keep up the good work.
October 13, 2015
Petunia Wins Again
Five stars for this book because it has well developed characters, fun storyline, and enough twists and turns to keep one's interest. More please.
Five stars for this book because it has well developed characters, fun storyline, and enough twists and turns to keep one's interest. More please.
April 23, 2016
This was a fun read. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
April 30, 2016
Another fun book that keeps you entertained with some witches, cops and a cat that used to be a man.
May 2, 2016
Great
There's nothing like witches, cats and potions. A very humorous story about witches and cats talk. I love a good cozy mystery and that surely is what this was
There's nothing like witches, cats and potions. A very humorous story about witches and cats talk. I love a good cozy mystery and that surely is what this was
May 3, 2016
Another great adventure
Petunia and Pansy team for another murder adventure. Looks like I will have to find out if Petunia and Noah will keep on dating.
Petunia and Pansy team for another murder adventure. Looks like I will have to find out if Petunia and Noah will keep on dating.
June 9, 2016
Good
the story about how a woman and her aunt are in business of selling potions that she makes .the murder becomes part of the story.
the story about how a woman and her aunt are in business of selling potions that she makes .the murder becomes part of the story.
July 12, 2016
The best
Absolutely the best series. Madison Johns did it again, I love the cat and his sassy ways,the romance going on and the mystery.
Absolutely the best series. Madison Johns did it again, I love the cat and his sassy ways,the romance going on and the mystery.
August 4, 2016
I expected more than I got in this book.
Read
January 19, 2017Didn't finish. Just too illogical for me.
January 21, 2017
Cute story!
If you like cozy mysteries, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as you try to figure out if the "witches" are REALLY witches
If you like cozy mysteries, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as you try to figure out if the "witches" are REALLY witches
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews