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Witchcraft Mystery #7
Spellcasting in Silk
Lily would like nothing better than to relax, enjoy her friends, and take care of business at her store, which is booming thanks to San Francisco's upcoming Summer of Love Festival. But as the unofficial witchy consultant to the SFPD, she is pulled into yet another case. A woman has jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, and her apparent suicide may be connected to a suspicious botanica in the Mission District. When the police investigate the shop, they ask Lily to look into its mysterious owner, whose granddaughter also appears to be missing. As Lily searches for the truth, she finds herself confronted with a confounding mystery and some very powerful magic.
8 pages, Audio CD
First published July 7, 2015
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
40 books2,971 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
February 17, 2020
Some authoresses with series I enjoy, have others that aren’t to my taste. I admire Juliet Blackwell and am keen to continue her “Haunted Renovation” mysteries. No one appreciates beautiful, independent, forty-year old heroines more than me. I exulted over the novella of them sleuthing together. Both her series are spooky and mature enough to qualify as “standard mystery”; if not for pointless, whiny, Oscar spoiling the tone of her “Witchcraft” storylines. I devoured the first three featuring Lily Ivory in 2012, one in 2013 and in 2014, three in 2015; then paused for four years until now. In that time, I outgrew the banal “cozy” genre and my patience for Oscar’s superfluity ran out.
One character can tank a story. Oscar, a witch’s familiar, provides no assistance with spellcasting. A living gargoyle with skills and history that could be intriguing, remains untapped after nine novels. All he does is ingest food from Lily’s kitchen, complains about not accompanying her on investigations, and waits in the car if he does. “Spellcasting In Silk” 2015, has ceased my interest. Juliet has neither phased-out a character whose repetitive dialogue makes me cringe, nor has she built a justification for his inclusion. For only the second time since the series début, my usual four- or five-star grade is three.
This mystery and progress of the overall premise, were great. Sailor is firmly Lily’s beau and her friend, police chief Carlos, now comfortably seeks her consultation of the occult. Assisting the police justifies a protagonist’s involvement far more plausibly. I see that the next mystery comprises the cliché of clearing a loved-one as a suspect. In the present volume, a shopkeeper and her psychic niece are missing. The culprits surprise readers and the cast skilfully and determinedly navigates confusing leads, to solve this puzzle.
One character can tank a story. Oscar, a witch’s familiar, provides no assistance with spellcasting. A living gargoyle with skills and history that could be intriguing, remains untapped after nine novels. All he does is ingest food from Lily’s kitchen, complains about not accompanying her on investigations, and waits in the car if he does. “Spellcasting In Silk” 2015, has ceased my interest. Juliet has neither phased-out a character whose repetitive dialogue makes me cringe, nor has she built a justification for his inclusion. For only the second time since the series début, my usual four- or five-star grade is three.
This mystery and progress of the overall premise, were great. Sailor is firmly Lily’s beau and her friend, police chief Carlos, now comfortably seeks her consultation of the occult. Assisting the police justifies a protagonist’s involvement far more plausibly. I see that the next mystery comprises the cliché of clearing a loved-one as a suspect. In the present volume, a shopkeeper and her psychic niece are missing. The culprits surprise readers and the cast skilfully and determinedly navigates confusing leads, to solve this puzzle.
January 5, 2024
Entertaining witch listening 🎶🔰
This is a kindle e-book novel from the local library.
Lilly is at her store when strange things start to happen. This leads to romance and murder mystery adventure with a happy ending.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of fantasy witch adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤😮🌙🏡
This is a kindle e-book novel from the local library.
Lilly is at her store when strange things start to happen. This leads to romance and murder mystery adventure with a happy ending.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of fantasy witch adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤😮🌙🏡
February 18, 2020
Since I am not one to restate the summary of books in reviews, the process becomes harder as I go further into a series, especially one that I enjoy as much as this one. Many times by the 7th book, things are starting to get maybe a little stale, but not with Lily and company. Blackwell keeps allowing Lily to grow with each book, and I love that about them. Many of the characters around her are evolving as well, and relationships are changing. And Oscar... oh Oscar! Also, could there be a better setting than San Francisco? The story keeps alluding to something building in the "community" and I can't wait to see what is coming next.
June 23, 2015
I’ve mentioned before that stories with witches aren’t really my reading preference. I’m read this book at the request of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. And I have to say. I honestly enjoyed it!
Author Juliet Blackwell is a must buy author for many readers I know. I can see why. She has a passion for writing that clearly showed through in this book.
I loved the fact that lead character, Lily, is not only allowed, but is requested to help the police with their investigations. Even though she’s the owner of a vintage clothing store, her powers prove useful to the police. And with the death in this story looking to be occult inspired, she was needed even more.
This was a very good mystery filled with plenty of suspense, action, and magical moments. I did not see the ending in this story coming. I was really taken by surprise.
For readers who enjoy a mystical, magical mystery, you’re in for a real treat with SPELLCASTING IN SILK. I’ll be passing this book on to a reader I know will simply love it.
Author Juliet Blackwell is a must buy author for many readers I know. I can see why. She has a passion for writing that clearly showed through in this book.
I loved the fact that lead character, Lily, is not only allowed, but is requested to help the police with their investigations. Even though she’s the owner of a vintage clothing store, her powers prove useful to the police. And with the death in this story looking to be occult inspired, she was needed even more.
This was a very good mystery filled with plenty of suspense, action, and magical moments. I did not see the ending in this story coming. I was really taken by surprise.
For readers who enjoy a mystical, magical mystery, you’re in for a real treat with SPELLCASTING IN SILK. I’ll be passing this book on to a reader I know will simply love it.
July 20, 2015
I really like Lily. I remember feeling and thinking like her, of course not like a witch, but in general. I love the fact that when I started this story (and actually all the books in this series) I could just read--there where no feelings of dis-belief or "come on, that is ridiculous" even though I knew that it was made up. Only a really good author can do something like that.
And of course Oscar was wonderul, grumpy but really loyal.
It could be me, but I felt like the story was a bit darker, with a big premonition big things where going to happen...
If there was anything to complain about it would be that there was less said about Lily's shop. And although I missed hearing about the shop the overall story was so good that I still finished the book feeling satisfied!
And of course Oscar was wonderul, grumpy but really loyal.
It could be me, but I felt like the story was a bit darker, with a big premonition big things where going to happen...
If there was anything to complain about it would be that there was less said about Lily's shop. And although I missed hearing about the shop the overall story was so good that I still finished the book feeling satisfied!
July 6, 2016
This is a good book in a mystery series I am enjoying.
Lily is a hereditary witch, meaning that she has inherited witchy powers; she is not, however, thoroughly trained in their use. This can lead to complications, when she is dragged into paranormal situations and does not always have a good approach...although she is talented, clever and resourceful.
This volume focused on Lily's relationships, as well as the mystery itself. While she started out isolated, she is developing more and more of a family of friends- though her current romance may not last.
The mystery works well, and kept me guessing.
probably not the place to start with the series, though I think it would make sense on its own.
Lily is a hereditary witch, meaning that she has inherited witchy powers; she is not, however, thoroughly trained in their use. This can lead to complications, when she is dragged into paranormal situations and does not always have a good approach...although she is talented, clever and resourceful.
This volume focused on Lily's relationships, as well as the mystery itself. While she started out isolated, she is developing more and more of a family of friends- though her current romance may not last.
The mystery works well, and kept me guessing.
probably not the place to start with the series, though I think it would make sense on its own.
didnt-finish-didnt-start
September 21, 2020Deciding to quit series. Have had no real urge to read another.
August 16, 2015
Lily owns Aunt Cora's Closet, a vintage clothing and more store in San Francisco. Lily is also a witch and unofficial consultant to her friend, Carlos, an SFPD detective. A jumper off the Golden Gate Bridge pulls Lily into an investigation of the fortune telling and magic community that combines magic, greed and murder into a powerfully entertaining story. This is Book#7 in the series and it continues the powerfully written characters, fascinating background and intricately plotted magic and murder plots.
This is a cozy paranormal series that everyone will enjoy and I can't wait for Lily's next adventure.
This is a cozy paranormal series that everyone will enjoy and I can't wait for Lily's next adventure.
October 19, 2015
I didn't like the first book in this series, but I'm so glad a friend persuaded me to try the 2nd book! The series has become a favorite of mine. I wasn't sure who the bad guy was until the big reveal and that doesn't happen often. I'm interested to see what's going to happen with Aidan now that he's let Lily in on some information about himself. Look forward to seeing Patience again, too! Recommend!
February 8, 2016
It's a quick, easy, fun read. Perfect for travel because it's easy to pick up and put down. Don't expect great writing.
June 17, 2022
some interesting new characters - I particularly enjoyed Patience Blix, although it didn't seem like the story was setting her up for a larger part. Lily is surrounded by warm, supportive women (Bronwyn, Maya) who seem like accessories and mostly spend their time looking after the shop while Lily does other things, and powerful men (Aidan, Carlos, Sailor) - whether they're powerful magically, or by being police. it would be nice to have Lily spend more time with a gal pal who's more a part of her magical world & able to play a more active role in the story. I'm not sure if Selena would fit that part, but she's off to an interesting start as well.
as for the mystery, I notice that the books follow a similar pattern, where there's all kinds of stuff going on and I realize I'm at about 80% into the book and it's not clear who's responsible and suddenly there's a confrontation!
I enjoy the descriptions of the different places around San Francisco. Lily's refusal to use a phone or computer seem more and more out of place... I miss the days when technology took up less space in our lives.
as for the mystery, I notice that the books follow a similar pattern, where there's all kinds of stuff going on and I realize I'm at about 80% into the book and it's not clear who's responsible and suddenly there's a confrontation!
I enjoy the descriptions of the different places around San Francisco. Lily's refusal to use a phone or computer seem more and more out of place... I miss the days when technology took up less space in our lives.
August 17, 2022
Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell is about Lily being way over her head in this mystery.
Will Lily find out what happened to the woman who jumped off the bridge? What about the missing granddaughter? Where could she be?
Lily Ivory
Lily Ivory is trying to live in the moment and not worry about a dead body needing her expertise in the witchcraft world to solve it. Lily seems to not get any days off from dead bodies in the supernatural area where she lives. She is doing her best to solve these crimes and not getting in anyone's way. Well, kind of. Lily has a more significant role in fulfilling than she thought when moving to San Francisco.
The Mystery
There is much more at play here than Nicky Utley just jumping off the bridge than Carlos Romero thinks. Lily uncovers a more extensive plot than what she meant to do. She ends up having to figure out what happened with Nicky and Betty and how a teenage witch is involved. Lily might be in way over her head on this case, but she still ends up solving it in the end. I thought I knew who did it, but it turned out to be a red herring. I don't think I'm ever going to solve one of Ms. Blackwell's A Witchcraft Mystery cases.
Five Stars
Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell is a great read that I had me laughing throughout the entire story. Lily, Oscar, and Sailor are a cute little family, and I can't wait to see what happens for these three. I just hope that whatever happens that everyone is safe. I am giving Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell five stars as well.
I can't wait to dive back in with these books later this year.
Other Books in the Witchcraft Mystery Series
Will Lily find out what happened to the woman who jumped off the bridge? What about the missing granddaughter? Where could she be?
Lily Ivory
Lily Ivory is trying to live in the moment and not worry about a dead body needing her expertise in the witchcraft world to solve it. Lily seems to not get any days off from dead bodies in the supernatural area where she lives. She is doing her best to solve these crimes and not getting in anyone's way. Well, kind of. Lily has a more significant role in fulfilling than she thought when moving to San Francisco.
The Mystery There is much more at play here than Nicky Utley just jumping off the bridge than Carlos Romero thinks. Lily uncovers a more extensive plot than what she meant to do. She ends up having to figure out what happened with Nicky and Betty and how a teenage witch is involved. Lily might be in way over her head on this case, but she still ends up solving it in the end. I thought I knew who did it, but it turned out to be a red herring. I don't think I'm ever going to solve one of Ms. Blackwell's A Witchcraft Mystery cases.
Five Stars
Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell is a great read that I had me laughing throughout the entire story. Lily, Oscar, and Sailor are a cute little family, and I can't wait to see what happens for these three. I just hope that whatever happens that everyone is safe. I am giving Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell five stars as well.
I can't wait to dive back in with these books later this year.
Other Books in the Witchcraft Mystery Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spellcasting in Silk by Juliet Blackwell.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 8, 2017
I'm still loving this cute, cozy, supernatural mystery series. Every time I start another instalment in this series I chuckle to myself. I would never have thought I would like a series like this, but I love the characters, most specially Oscar, and this series just gives me something light and quick to read when I need a break. Also, the setting is kind of like taking a mini holiday....love San Francisco. I get a hankering to head to SF each time I embark on Lily Ivory's mystery train.
In this one we meet a new character or two, while an old character also makes an appearance.
Lots of witchiness in this one, and this one gets more into the mystery vs the characters.
In this one we meet a new character or two, while an old character also makes an appearance.
Lots of witchiness in this one, and this one gets more into the mystery vs the characters.
January 21, 2023
This is another book that my mom gave me to read. It's different than what I normally read but I enjoyed it enough to be interested in the rest of the series since this one was in the middle of it. It helped distract me from current life and imagine a different world.
August 12, 2023
In this story set in San Francisco, Lily Ivory - the main character, is trying to find a teenage girl who is a young witch. Lily is also coping with her feelings of jealousy about her boyfriend, Sailor, and his cousin, Patience who is helping him regain his powers. The book was an easy read.
November 13, 2017
Another great read. I am really enjoying this series.
November 17, 2019
3.5 stars
August 15, 2021
Another great book in the series.
March 30, 2016
I very much enjoy Juliet Blackwell's books, either the renovation series or this Lily Ivory story of a young witch finding a place to belong in the world. Her vintage clothing shop is jumping as patrons prepare for the Summer Festival of Love.
In the midst of a very busy and happy time, San Francisco's police department's Carlos Ramirez calls Lily to serve as their informal assistant in cases involving paranormal circumstances. He is currently trying to discover why a botanica shop's contents are flying around the shop and slowly destroying it in the process.
At the same time , the SFPD are looking into a woman who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge to her death. As Lily looks into this case, she finds it may be connected to the mysterious botanica where the owner has been arrested for possible connections to the dead woman as well as the fact that her young teen granddaughter is missing.
Only Lily can follow the wild theories that defy logic to find answers and the granddaughter, who will be hard to hold onto, since she is very much like a young Lily. Powerful magic is used, but Lily and Sailor and Aidan team up to overcome them.
The mysteries were easy enough to follow when the author spelled out what she discovered. Left to my own devices, I've never would have figured this out on my mind. I very much enjoyed following Lily and her cohorts.
On a special note, I continue to thoroughly enjoy the narration of Xe Sands. She brings the words to life without overdoing characters' voices or accents. Yes, there are differences when she reads different characters, but they aren't overdone. She's a woman, and reading a man's lines does not involve pushing her voice as low as possible. Rather she uses a subtle accent or other device to make each character's voice their own. Her melodious and clear voice bring life to the words and is a good part of the reason why I love listening to audiobooks. The great writing and storylines of Juliet Blackwell are other big parts!
Now I'm off to read another of her many fine books. I think I'll jump to the renovation series this time...
In the midst of a very busy and happy time, San Francisco's police department's Carlos Ramirez calls Lily to serve as their informal assistant in cases involving paranormal circumstances. He is currently trying to discover why a botanica shop's contents are flying around the shop and slowly destroying it in the process.
At the same time , the SFPD are looking into a woman who jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge to her death. As Lily looks into this case, she finds it may be connected to the mysterious botanica where the owner has been arrested for possible connections to the dead woman as well as the fact that her young teen granddaughter is missing.
Only Lily can follow the wild theories that defy logic to find answers and the granddaughter, who will be hard to hold onto, since she is very much like a young Lily. Powerful magic is used, but Lily and Sailor and Aidan team up to overcome them.
The mysteries were easy enough to follow when the author spelled out what she discovered. Left to my own devices, I've never would have figured this out on my mind. I very much enjoyed following Lily and her cohorts.
On a special note, I continue to thoroughly enjoy the narration of Xe Sands. She brings the words to life without overdoing characters' voices or accents. Yes, there are differences when she reads different characters, but they aren't overdone. She's a woman, and reading a man's lines does not involve pushing her voice as low as possible. Rather she uses a subtle accent or other device to make each character's voice their own. Her melodious and clear voice bring life to the words and is a good part of the reason why I love listening to audiobooks. The great writing and storylines of Juliet Blackwell are other big parts!
Now I'm off to read another of her many fine books. I think I'll jump to the renovation series this time...
September 28, 2015
4.5 Stars
Sexual Content: Subtle/Sensual
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
When (detective and friend) Carlos approached Lily for help on a case, it was supposed to be on a consulting basis. A field trip with Carlos and brief Q&As with the magical community was all that was required by him, but Lily was sucked into this magical mystery of murder and who knows what else, and the only other thing to do was for me to get sucked in right along with her.
All of our favorite characters surround Lily, and poor Oscar has to share time and space and Lily with a fourteen-year old girl, Selena. She's special. In this book, Lily becomes a bit insecure about her relationship with Sailor. He's honing his psychic abilities with his cousin, Patience. But you can be proud of Lily, she tries her best to take the high road and is successful. Sort of, depending on the day or situation.
In this book, the magic at work isn't as dark as the previous ones in this series, but that's all right. Lily needed a breather and I'm not sure, at the time of reading, I was up for a battle as dark and intense as we've watched Lily encounter. What we did see was more of Lily's compassion, the joy and contentment she has for her vintage clothing store, and a brief but closer look at the growing relationships between her, her friends, and Sailor. Perhaps we'll even see some sort of snarky bond immerging with Patience in the future. That could actually be fun.
Blackwell is always on my list of authors to read. I never have to look at the cover blurb to know that I want to read the book, it's simply automatic that I do so.
Enjoy,
Connie
July 20, 2015
Ah, what can I say? Just the first two paragraphs felt a little like coming home.
I've been a fan of this series for years, it's at the very top of my must-reads!
As always, the characters are charming and compelling, I feel like I've gotten to know Lily over the years, and I love how she's grown and accepted herself. I don't know how Juliet does it, but Lily just never gets boring and never stops growing. Lilys a witch, and one of the struggles she faces in this book is all too human, and very powerful. It was fun. However, I kind of felt like the other characters took a backseat this round, giving way to a very intricate and interesting mystery.
I did not figure this one out, not until the very end, so I loved that. It's annoying when I figure the mystery out, and I just have to drag my way through the rest of the book with a clueless heroine. Definitely not the case here.
I got the impression that this installment is kind of like a placeholder, a foundation for bigger story archs later in the series, without being a cliffhanger.
All in all, it was a very fun read, and I very much look forward to the next book! I HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE YEAR! Ugh! LOL, :)
I've been a fan of this series for years, it's at the very top of my must-reads!
As always, the characters are charming and compelling, I feel like I've gotten to know Lily over the years, and I love how she's grown and accepted herself. I don't know how Juliet does it, but Lily just never gets boring and never stops growing. Lilys a witch, and one of the struggles she faces in this book is all too human, and very powerful. It was fun. However, I kind of felt like the other characters took a backseat this round, giving way to a very intricate and interesting mystery.
I did not figure this one out, not until the very end, so I loved that. It's annoying when I figure the mystery out, and I just have to drag my way through the rest of the book with a clueless heroine. Definitely not the case here.
I got the impression that this installment is kind of like a placeholder, a foundation for bigger story archs later in the series, without being a cliffhanger.
All in all, it was a very fun read, and I very much look forward to the next book! I HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE YEAR! Ugh! LOL, :)
August 2, 2015
One of the things I adore about this series is Lily's growth. She started out as unsure, not trusting others, and a bit of a recluse. She's gradually opened up, she has friends (who love her just as she is), she's in a relationship. This book further explores her relationship with Sailor, she has to deal with jealousy and trust. She's stronger for it. I think this book focuses more on Lily's personal life than past books. The mystery is still there (as the "unofficial witchy consultant of the SFPD"), but I felt it was more in the background.
My only disappointment with the book is the ending is abrupt. This particular series has a yearly wait between books. I can take a strong guess where this series might be going.
My only disappointment with the book is the ending is abrupt. This particular series has a yearly wait between books. I can take a strong guess where this series might be going.
Read
January 5, 2021"that thing is u-g-l-y, it ain't got no alibi its uglyyyyy."
"that thing done got whupped with an ugly stick."
"its about as ugly as homemade sin."
"ugly as a mud fence."
"it's so ugly it has to sneak up on a glass of water."
"its soooo ugly it has to slap its feet to make them go to bed with it!"
"it's about as ugly as grandpa's toenails."
"ugly as ten miles of bad road."
"ugly as the back end of bad luck!"
"i swear its like putting socks on a rooster."
"it never ceased to amaze me how the process of trying on clothes resulted in something resembling the aftermath of a hurricane."
"jealousy isn't about another person, its about yourself."
"that thing done got whupped with an ugly stick."
"its about as ugly as homemade sin."
"ugly as a mud fence."
"it's so ugly it has to sneak up on a glass of water."
"its soooo ugly it has to slap its feet to make them go to bed with it!"
"it's about as ugly as grandpa's toenails."
"ugly as ten miles of bad road."
"ugly as the back end of bad luck!"
"i swear its like putting socks on a rooster."
"it never ceased to amaze me how the process of trying on clothes resulted in something resembling the aftermath of a hurricane."
"jealousy isn't about another person, its about yourself."
July 24, 2015
I love this series!! Strong, likeable characters, and a fun, eclectic setting. Still learning her Craft, Lily owns a vintage clothing store in San Francisco, the Haight area. She's also an unofficial Witchy consultant to the local PD. She does more than consult tho~~ she gets herself involved in some pretty dire situations.
In this book, a young woman's death is being blamed on one of the shop owners, who deals in herbs, candles and spells. Lily takes it upon herself to prove the shop owner wrong. Twists and turns abound in this 5 star book!! :)
In this book, a young woman's death is being blamed on one of the shop owners, who deals in herbs, candles and spells. Lily takes it upon herself to prove the shop owner wrong. Twists and turns abound in this 5 star book!! :)
February 10, 2017
This is book seven in Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries. This is a fun lighthearted mystery series with a lovely main character. I love these books for light reads and this one is no different. In this book Lily has to deal with her developing relationship with Sailor, jealousy, a mysterious death, a teenage witch, and of course Aidan Rhodes. This story is fast paced and a pure pleasure to read. Love this series.
December 19, 2015
Juliet Blackwell is amongst my favorite cozy mystery writers and I have enjoyed every single thing she's written so far, spanning across three series. This series is hands down my favorite though. The murderer came completely out of left-field for me; upon reflection I can say I probably should have seen it, but I didn't.
Wordy version: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/121207...
Wordy version: http://jenn.booklikes.com/post/121207...
September 30, 2015
Lily is again up to her armpits in magic and vintage clothing. It was interesting to get more detail on Lily and bringing Adrian back in (even though he's never really been gone). I also like Sailor's role in everything.
September 8, 2024
I found this installment in the series giving Lily growth as a witch and as a character. Poppets play a really big role in this mystery and deals with darker themes (deals with a "suicide" of character). Fostering a young witch really gave Lily a sense of what Garcella did for Lily in her youth.
July 1, 2015
review coming soon www.fantasyliterature.com
August 15, 2015
Always a cozy read, but this time the mystery didn't involve clothes, which was weird for me. Still, looking forward to the next one. Juliet, please don't stop writing this series!
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