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Torrent Witches #3
Hidden Witch
Harlow Torrent, part-time journalist and full-time Slip Witch is hot on the trail of an arsonist. But who is behind the deadly fires? Someone working for their own evil ends or a fire spirit acting according to its nature? Or perhaps a magical power hidden away? Between dealing with sleazy real estate developers intent on getting their hands on Torrent Mansion, a teenage Slip Witch who just might be the Queen of Sarcasm, a talking magical cat who smells like lavender, and an AWOL potential future boyfriend, Harlow would love nothing more than a peaceful Summer. But when an special arson investigator arrives in town with his sights set on Harlow, she has to fight to clear her name! Book #3 of the Torrent Witches series.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 5, 2016
151 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
About the author
Tess Lake
25 books213 followersI'm all about Cozy Witches! Mystery, murder, magic! Author of the bestselling Torrent Witches Cozy Magic series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
December 4, 2023
These books are a really fun read love the characters and the way the series is involving this last book has a teenager slip witch staying with harlo and her.
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January 5, 2023
This is an excellent paranormal cozy mystery! I am actually listening to the Audible 10 book compilation of the 10 unabridged books; for 1 credit!!
These are laugh out loud funny! I have a lot of appointments and wear headphones… get some funny looks when I burst out laughing.
The characters could be developed a little more by now in book 5..maybe a little more about the cousins and the moms than the little we have received so far. What have received makes me want more!
I recommend this to cozy book/mystery fans, witchy book fans, and people who like series where the books run right into each other.
These are laugh out loud funny! I have a lot of appointments and wear headphones… get some funny looks when I burst out laughing.
The characters could be developed a little more by now in book 5..maybe a little more about the cousins and the moms than the little we have received so far. What have received makes me want more!
I recommend this to cozy book/mystery fans, witchy book fans, and people who like series where the books run right into each other.
May 9, 2023
I liked this one less. There were several little inconsistencies that reading the books back to back make it harder to ignore. Also, these were marketed to me as a cozy mystery series, which is why I bought them as a box set. However, there’s absolutely nothing mystery about them. They’re very fun little urban fantasy fiction books, and there’s always something going on that no one knows who is doing it, but a mystery gives the reader a chance to solve the problem.
The guilty party is almost always someone we’ve never met, heard of, or interacted with except maybe in one passing.
All of this is fine if you don’t call it a cozy mystery. I recommend them for people wanting a light, fun read with some magic.
The biggest problem I had with this one was the way the three adult women dealt with a teenager. I, personally, don’t think teaching someone to lie or doing nothing about stealing is ever a good idea, and it got annoying.
The guilty party is almost always someone we’ve never met, heard of, or interacted with except maybe in one passing.
All of this is fine if you don’t call it a cozy mystery. I recommend them for people wanting a light, fun read with some magic.
The biggest problem I had with this one was the way the three adult women dealt with a teenager. I, personally, don’t think teaching someone to lie or doing nothing about stealing is ever a good idea, and it got annoying.
May 18, 2023
Plot lines that end without conclusion, flat empty problematic - characters, storyline and romance. I really don't understand the rating on this series.
November 3, 2025
I liked this one more than the first 2, but holy crap the ending was rushed
September 8, 2025
3 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). The plot thickens! Perfect fall cozy mystery.
December 2, 2022
Harlow is on the trail of a fire witch, ever since she got back to Harlot bay fires have inexplicably been starting and many buildings around the neighbourhood have burnt down.
But when Harlow starts digging she finds herself accused of always being in the same area fires start.
On top of the worry of arrest she is also responsible for a wayward teen, Kira a relative of Hattie Stern their neighbour.
But Kira is hiding secrets of her own.
Does she know where the fire starter is?
Exciting, funny and a thoroughly enjoyable witchy mystery.
But when Harlow starts digging she finds herself accused of always being in the same area fires start.
On top of the worry of arrest she is also responsible for a wayward teen, Kira a relative of Hattie Stern their neighbour.
But Kira is hiding secrets of her own.
Does she know where the fire starter is?
Exciting, funny and a thoroughly enjoyable witchy mystery.
July 31, 2025
the main character has a lot to be desired. she's lazy, doesn't want to work, is snippy with any character who isn't her family, sulks because everyone else is "successful" and makes no attempt to even change her situation. she pines over the "love interest" but doesn't even exchange phone numbers with him. the overarching story is decent, but the MFC is so obnoxious I'll have to take a break before going to the next book. biggest issue with the storyline is that it drags along, is mostly predictable, and the resolution is merely a summary of the "last 2 days" which i consider lazy writing.
October 13, 2025
I could give this 1 star, but I am trying to be gracious about how bad this book. Narrator reads like they are stoned. Story is too short for a novel that it is advertised as. Shallow characters. Shallow story. Dialogue is once again infantile as are the characters. Mystery element is poorly executed.
March 15, 2023
A good one in the series. There’s a arsonist in town and a fire investigator has Harlow square in his sights. As a slip witch who has lost control before and had her magic lash out, Harlow is investigating the fires and land grabs while trying to avoid going to jail. Meanwhile, a teen witch has moved in with the family to learn how to control her magic but she’s also holding secrets. Will the family lose their live-hood as they battle greedy land developers or will it all go up in flames?
September 13, 2023
Book 3 so far is my favorite and as we get deeper in the family mystery and the fathers leaving more questions arise. Intrigue, adventure, trouble and love all coming together in this fun series.
August 27, 2025
Still good still fun
April 1, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
April 21, 2024
I was actually quite invested in the mystery until the villain reveal. The villain was so comically goofy that it really lost a few points for me.
But I’m in this for the long haul. On to the next cozy mystery!
But I’m in this for the long haul. On to the next cozy mystery!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2023
2.8. The only remotely interesting character is the talking cat. Also not real sure why these books are considered mysteries.
November 4, 2022
If you haven't read the other books in this series, go back and read them. This book starts where that one left off.
In the last book Harlow's slip caused her to see clips of the past as she works to solve the murder of the skeletons they found. In those are clues to something, she just doesn't quite know what.
This book opens with a series of fires. Starting with a warehouse, then a vacant rental home and now this one. Unfortunately, in this latest fire the occupant died of smoke inhalation so if it was indeed arson, then it's also murder. With her history with fire Harlow doesn't want to report on a fire especially if it's possibly arson.
She's also waiting for Jack to return from cleaning up his affairs in Canada, that's taken longer than he expected.
She gets a bit of a heads up from Sheriff Hardy about the arson special investigator, who's coming to town. Apparently, he's connected her to the fire in her apartment building (attributed to faulty wiring) that caused her to come back to Harlot Bay and the subsequent fire in the house on the Torrent property that had the family moving back into the main mansion. We can't forget that fire from the first book when a kettle on a stove started the fire in Zero Storm's rental, after she had been there. Oh, and let's not forget the fireworks explosion and fire the first night with guests at the newly opened Torrent Mansion Bed and Breakfast. That one had some interesting consequences for Harlow.
In an interesting turn of events, real-estate agent and developer, Dominic Gresso, stops by wanting to buy the mansion. Mentioning that April Torrent is the owner of record, and he can't find her to talk to. That brings up hackles on Aunt Cass as she swiftly gets rid of him. April is Cass's sister and Harlow's grandmother who is frozen in time in the basement. No one know when she will awaken, they are just confident she will one day.
You'd think that would be enough for an opening, but it goes one step further. In an unexpected move, Hattie Stern drops off her granddaughter Kira to be trained by Aunt Cass. Like Harlow and Cass, Kira is a slip witch and there's concern that the fires may have been caused by her slipping. Aunt Cass is also having Harlow get involved.
Of course, nothing is going to be simple about any of this.
Their participation in the pirate's parade is key in Jack making quite an appearance. The investigator snoops close to home, and clues lead to more than just the fires.
I love the addition of Kira to these books, she's snarky and fun. Adams as always has me giggling at his antics. Plus, all the new relationships that have formed grow stronger.
I am already reading the next book, as I purchased this as a complete series box set.
In the last book Harlow's slip caused her to see clips of the past as she works to solve the murder of the skeletons they found. In those are clues to something, she just doesn't quite know what.
This book opens with a series of fires. Starting with a warehouse, then a vacant rental home and now this one. Unfortunately, in this latest fire the occupant died of smoke inhalation so if it was indeed arson, then it's also murder. With her history with fire Harlow doesn't want to report on a fire especially if it's possibly arson.
She's also waiting for Jack to return from cleaning up his affairs in Canada, that's taken longer than he expected.
She gets a bit of a heads up from Sheriff Hardy about the arson special investigator, who's coming to town. Apparently, he's connected her to the fire in her apartment building (attributed to faulty wiring) that caused her to come back to Harlot Bay and the subsequent fire in the house on the Torrent property that had the family moving back into the main mansion. We can't forget that fire from the first book when a kettle on a stove started the fire in Zero Storm's rental, after she had been there. Oh, and let's not forget the fireworks explosion and fire the first night with guests at the newly opened Torrent Mansion Bed and Breakfast. That one had some interesting consequences for Harlow.
In an interesting turn of events, real-estate agent and developer, Dominic Gresso, stops by wanting to buy the mansion. Mentioning that April Torrent is the owner of record, and he can't find her to talk to. That brings up hackles on Aunt Cass as she swiftly gets rid of him. April is Cass's sister and Harlow's grandmother who is frozen in time in the basement. No one know when she will awaken, they are just confident she will one day.
You'd think that would be enough for an opening, but it goes one step further. In an unexpected move, Hattie Stern drops off her granddaughter Kira to be trained by Aunt Cass. Like Harlow and Cass, Kira is a slip witch and there's concern that the fires may have been caused by her slipping. Aunt Cass is also having Harlow get involved.
Of course, nothing is going to be simple about any of this.
Their participation in the pirate's parade is key in Jack making quite an appearance. The investigator snoops close to home, and clues lead to more than just the fires.
I love the addition of Kira to these books, she's snarky and fun. Adams as always has me giggling at his antics. Plus, all the new relationships that have formed grow stronger.
I am already reading the next book, as I purchased this as a complete series box set.
October 15, 2024
best book in the series so far!
Slip Witch Harlow Torrent’s life is really starting to turn upside down. Her job as a journalist seems to be going nowhere fast, and her latest story on local fires has lead to an arson investigator investigating her as a possible arsonist. Even her love life is in danger, her possible love interest just can’t seem to stay in town long enough for the two of them to become official. Add to that a teenage slip witch staying with the family to get control of her powers, a magical talking cat who is living double lives and it’s clear things just aren’t going well for Harlow. But is it possible that there is something magical about these fires? And could someone want Harlow to take the blame or is she in danger of being the next casualty? It’s going to take all of Harlow’s resources and some help from unlikely sources to solve this mystery before Harlow and her family lose something that can’t be replaced.
To me, this is the best book so far. In previous books, I felt like I didn’t have a clear vision or understanding, of the world. While that hasn’t changed, This book was able to deliver new characters, new mysteries, and new stakes, without adding too many new questions. The author also took time to add a passage, that to me helps explain a little more as to why Harlow (and by extension the reader) doesn’t know more about the supernatural world she is living in.
Overall, I was very entertained, quite amused, and pleasantly surprised. I believe this to be the best of the books so far, and look forward to reading the next one.
Slip Witch Harlow Torrent’s life is really starting to turn upside down. Her job as a journalist seems to be going nowhere fast, and her latest story on local fires has lead to an arson investigator investigating her as a possible arsonist. Even her love life is in danger, her possible love interest just can’t seem to stay in town long enough for the two of them to become official. Add to that a teenage slip witch staying with the family to get control of her powers, a magical talking cat who is living double lives and it’s clear things just aren’t going well for Harlow. But is it possible that there is something magical about these fires? And could someone want Harlow to take the blame or is she in danger of being the next casualty? It’s going to take all of Harlow’s resources and some help from unlikely sources to solve this mystery before Harlow and her family lose something that can’t be replaced.
To me, this is the best book so far. In previous books, I felt like I didn’t have a clear vision or understanding, of the world. While that hasn’t changed, This book was able to deliver new characters, new mysteries, and new stakes, without adding too many new questions. The author also took time to add a passage, that to me helps explain a little more as to why Harlow (and by extension the reader) doesn’t know more about the supernatural world she is living in.
Overall, I was very entertained, quite amused, and pleasantly surprised. I believe this to be the best of the books so far, and look forward to reading the next one.
October 23, 2025
So far I liked this one the least. I don't get why Harlow was trying so hard to get the approval of some bratty teenager and tiptoeing around her and I'm getting burnt out on these adult women acting like children where their mothers are concerned. Has nobody in the Torrent household heard of these crazy things called boundaries? If I had a mother like that I would have moved away asap and stayed gone no matter how many things I accidentally burnt down. Also, the mc is dense, and what happened with the "fire spirit" thing? It led nowhere and just kind of fizzled out.
The author has created this weird fantasy world of things that just make no sense. Like the hoards of double decker tour buses? Not that it can't happen but I've never seen such a thing. And every new book comes with new restaurants and shops but all in a supposedly declining small town that somehow keeps getting bigger with new neighborhoods but has lots of empty store fronts even though there are clearly a massive amount of tourists. Too many descriptions about the food and not enough about the town who shall not be named.
The author has created this weird fantasy world of things that just make no sense. Like the hoards of double decker tour buses? Not that it can't happen but I've never seen such a thing. And every new book comes with new restaurants and shops but all in a supposedly declining small town that somehow keeps getting bigger with new neighborhoods but has lots of empty store fronts even though there are clearly a massive amount of tourists. Too many descriptions about the food and not enough about the town who shall not be named.
February 15, 2019
I tried to like this series. I really did, because on surface it is so similar to Wicked Witches of Midwest(and I absolutely love that), but this series just falls flat. The books aren't bad, they just fail to excite and hold interest for long.
The main plotline is interesting enough, but the other plotlines are barely connected with it and the characters and there are so may characters that get mentioned again and again, yet don't make any real difference in the main plotline. Like boyfriend of the main character - he is reoccuring character, yet we haven't seen him do much other than being handsome and attractive. Take him out of the story and nothing much changes.
Overall, rather than an original story, this seems like a fanfic of kind of average quality. And I'm giving up on the series. As it was not really horrible, I might pick it up again some day, just not now and probably not anytime soon.
The main plotline is interesting enough, but the other plotlines are barely connected with it and the characters and there are so may characters that get mentioned again and again, yet don't make any real difference in the main plotline. Like boyfriend of the main character - he is reoccuring character, yet we haven't seen him do much other than being handsome and attractive. Take him out of the story and nothing much changes.
Overall, rather than an original story, this seems like a fanfic of kind of average quality. And I'm giving up on the series. As it was not really horrible, I might pick it up again some day, just not now and probably not anytime soon.
October 19, 2025
i think this has been my favorite book in those series so far. this picks up where book two left off and the characters continue to become more well-rounded. Harlow finds herself under a bit of suspicion as there have been fires occurring in places she has been…😬
a new character, Kira, is introduced. she’s a teenager with plenty of moodiness and sarcastic quips but is overall just trying to learn about her witchcraft abilities. i love her interactions with the family and her willingness to help (sometimes 🤭) i was especially delighted by Addams, the cat. he’s so starved, Harlow “never feeds him”…poor thing (this is complete sarcasm 🤣).
i will continue with this series as i am now invested in the ongoing mystery, Harlow’s developing relationship, not to mention her business is (slowly) gaining momentum. onto book four!! 🔥👻🐱🧀📰💻🤣✨💞
a new character, Kira, is introduced. she’s a teenager with plenty of moodiness and sarcastic quips but is overall just trying to learn about her witchcraft abilities. i love her interactions with the family and her willingness to help (sometimes 🤭) i was especially delighted by Addams, the cat. he’s so starved, Harlow “never feeds him”…poor thing (this is complete sarcasm 🤣).
i will continue with this series as i am now invested in the ongoing mystery, Harlow’s developing relationship, not to mention her business is (slowly) gaining momentum. onto book four!! 🔥👻🐱🧀📰💻🤣✨💞
November 29, 2024
NOT THE BIG PIE!!!
Y'alllllll, this book was absolute chaos! Fires breaking out everywhere, people dying, someone with what can only be described as paranormal ribbons streaming from their body, leading them to bad people, maybe? What is even happening? 😂
I’m really intrigued by the John Smith side quest, and I NEED to know more about this mysterious prophecy... But hey, it’s only book three, right? Also, is it just me, or have Harlow and Jack not really had much of a spark? This is the first time I’ve actually felt it a little.
I’m loving this series so much, and I can already tell I'm going to be so sad when it's finished. I also really love that her family isn't the only magical one in the town like these books normally have.
Y'alllllll, this book was absolute chaos! Fires breaking out everywhere, people dying, someone with what can only be described as paranormal ribbons streaming from their body, leading them to bad people, maybe? What is even happening? 😂
I’m really intrigued by the John Smith side quest, and I NEED to know more about this mysterious prophecy... But hey, it’s only book three, right? Also, is it just me, or have Harlow and Jack not really had much of a spark? This is the first time I’ve actually felt it a little.
I’m loving this series so much, and I can already tell I'm going to be so sad when it's finished. I also really love that her family isn't the only magical one in the town like these books normally have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2025
Secrets, Sleaze, and Slow-Burn Sparks
Hidden Witch turns up the magic and the mystery — finally! The plot in this one feels a little meatier, with shady real estate developers slithering into town and just enough drama to keep things interesting.
The romance? A slow burn so slow you could roast marshmallows over it — but I’m not mad about it. Every one of the girls seems to be getting their moment, and it’s giving me all the cozy, heart-fluttery vibes.
And then there’s Adams. Perfectly written, perfectly written, perfectly ugh-why-aren’t-you-real? He’s the kind of character that makes you want to reach into the book, pluck him out and keep him forever.
This series keeps getting better — like a cinnamon roll that somehow gets fluffier with every bite.
Hidden Witch turns up the magic and the mystery — finally! The plot in this one feels a little meatier, with shady real estate developers slithering into town and just enough drama to keep things interesting.
The romance? A slow burn so slow you could roast marshmallows over it — but I’m not mad about it. Every one of the girls seems to be getting their moment, and it’s giving me all the cozy, heart-fluttery vibes.
And then there’s Adams. Perfectly written, perfectly written, perfectly ugh-why-aren’t-you-real? He’s the kind of character that makes you want to reach into the book, pluck him out and keep him forever.
This series keeps getting better — like a cinnamon roll that somehow gets fluffier with every bite.
December 3, 2025
This is definitely the best book in the Torrent Witches series so far — the charm, the chaos, the found-family vibes… everything just clicked.
Harlow stepping into a surrogate aunt role for two slip witches? Absolutely adorable. It gave the story so much warmth and heart. Aunt Cass finally getting her romantic moment? Honestly iconic — I’ve been waiting since book one for that woman to get some happiness!
The mystery twist was also a pleasant surprise. I didn’t see the villain reveal coming, and it added a fun punch to the ending. The pacing was tighter, the stakes felt higher, and the emotional payoff was so satisfying.
This series has been cute from the start, but Book 3 really landed for me. Can’t wait to see what magical trouble Harlow stumbles into next.
Harlow stepping into a surrogate aunt role for two slip witches? Absolutely adorable. It gave the story so much warmth and heart. Aunt Cass finally getting her romantic moment? Honestly iconic — I’ve been waiting since book one for that woman to get some happiness!
The mystery twist was also a pleasant surprise. I didn’t see the villain reveal coming, and it added a fun punch to the ending. The pacing was tighter, the stakes felt higher, and the emotional payoff was so satisfying.
This series has been cute from the start, but Book 3 really landed for me. Can’t wait to see what magical trouble Harlow stumbles into next.
September 20, 2023
The third installment of the Torrent Witches Cozy Mysteries was much better in my opinion. Hidden Witch left more mystery within the novel, leaving you with questions that throughout the story got answers, until all the pieces clicked in place.
The police still have more to be desired and I feel the author could ramp up their performance within the story to make it more believable. But I really enjoyed the storyline and the surprise twist towards the end.
I Also enjoyed the start of a blossoming relationship even if at first I was on the fence which if you read or listen to this novel (as I have) you'll see why it felt a bit childish first but soon began something rather cute!
This one has certainly been a more cozy fun-filled mystery!
The police still have more to be desired and I feel the author could ramp up their performance within the story to make it more believable. But I really enjoyed the storyline and the surprise twist towards the end.
I Also enjoyed the start of a blossoming relationship even if at first I was on the fence which if you read or listen to this novel (as I have) you'll see why it felt a bit childish first but soon began something rather cute!
This one has certainly been a more cozy fun-filled mystery!
July 13, 2024
Harlow, our favorite Torrent witch, is back in sizzling form! Returning to Harlot Bay, she finds herself embroiled in a fiery mystery – a series of unexplained arsons are plaguing the town. As Harlow digs deeper, suspicion falls uncomfortably close to home.
Juggling the threat of arrest and a wayward teenager with secrets of her own, Harlow must unravel the truth. Could the enigmatic Kira hold the key to the firestarter's identity? Packed with excitement, humor, and a touch of small-town charm, this witchy mystery is a surefire delight for fans of the series.
Juggling the threat of arrest and a wayward teenager with secrets of her own, Harlow must unravel the truth. Could the enigmatic Kira hold the key to the firestarter's identity? Packed with excitement, humor, and a touch of small-town charm, this witchy mystery is a surefire delight for fans of the series.
October 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the first two books but this one just missed the mark. If this wasn't released in 2017 I'd have thought it was written by AI.
Harlow is a pathetic reporter and almost just as pathetic as a witch. "Huh I think x person is burning down buildings but it's fine since I know them I won't bring it up". It also feels like the writer thinks you're stupid, I do NOT want to reread the relationship description or location description multiple times. I get that it was done this way in case someone jumped in at book 3 instead of 1, but it just doesn't work.
Harlow is a pathetic reporter and almost just as pathetic as a witch. "Huh I think x person is burning down buildings but it's fine since I know them I won't bring it up". It also feels like the writer thinks you're stupid, I do NOT want to reread the relationship description or location description multiple times. I get that it was done this way in case someone jumped in at book 3 instead of 1, but it just doesn't work.
February 19, 2024
I'm going to need more from Harlow because right now it seems that Aunt Cass should be the main character as she is solving most of the crimes. I want to see Harlow a bit more mature (she refers to almost thirty-year-old men as "boys"), I want to know the hidden agenda at play, and I need her and Jack to step it up in the romance department. Also, she is a witch and I don't think she used more than two spells in this book...
April 1, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The addition of Kiera (not sure of spelling as I am consuming the audiobooks for this series…) is wonderful. I also loved the moment of self awareness re Harlow and her knowledge of magic being her fault for not asking to be taught more thoroughly. The series is improving in depth but the characters are still a bit light. I think with work this series could make an excellent tv series.
June 12, 2025
This does what it says on the tin. The story is drizzles with fabulous light jokes (e.g. stroking the cat on her lap like a bond villain), a light touch of romance developing with the main characters, and a sassy talking Werecat. All is light and breezy and cozy: although there are interesting themes and plotlines that aren't without their stakes, you know it's all going to work out fine in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews