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Torrent Witches #4
Fabulous Witch
Harlow Torrent, part-time journalist and full-time Slip Witch has a new job working on the set of Bella Bing’s latest movie, filming in Harlot Bay.
It’s meant to be a change of pace but when the lead actor, Mattias Matterhorn, dies on his first day on set, Harlow is pulled into a dangerous plot.
A saboteur is on set and they’ll do anything to shut the film down... including murder.
With the ghost of Mattias demanding she find his murderer, her witchy cousins Molly and Luce tracking down a thief and her Aunt Cass getting into hot and spicy trouble, Harlow has her plate full. It doesn’t help one bit when she Slips and starts a magical storm...
It’s meant to be a change of pace but when the lead actor, Mattias Matterhorn, dies on his first day on set, Harlow is pulled into a dangerous plot.
A saboteur is on set and they’ll do anything to shut the film down... including murder.
With the ghost of Mattias demanding she find his murderer, her witchy cousins Molly and Luce tracking down a thief and her Aunt Cass getting into hot and spicy trouble, Harlow has her plate full. It doesn’t help one bit when she Slips and starts a magical storm...
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2016
155 people are currently reading
384 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 89 reviews
August 8, 2022
I liked this one, it was really nice, but I didn't like how they left so many open-ended things. This installment into the series was a bit different from the other books. I liked how it sort of gave some characters a refreshing outlook, but again when the book ended it was like they left certain things unanswered. I have a feeling though it will be mentioned in other books. The who-did it was sort of hard to pinpoint the clues weren't as straight forward but it was still a good book. I listened to this book through audible.
December 19, 2022
In Fabulous witch we see Harlow Torrent involved in the movie business while trying to juggle her newspaper, witchy stuff, her romance with Jack and NOW the murder of one of the leading actors.
It doesn't help that the dead actor Matthias Matterhorn is demanding she find his killer.
Life is getting very messy for Harlow.
Loving this series, going to be so sorry to finish them.
It doesn't help that the dead actor Matthias Matterhorn is demanding she find his killer.
Life is getting very messy for Harlow.
Loving this series, going to be so sorry to finish them.
December 22, 2025
Felt like I was starting to get into this series after the last 2 but this just felt a bit thin in terms of the plot.
Movie being filmed in their town, main actor is murderer, Harlow is causing some crazy weather and her arch nemesis from school (also in the movie) is in town…the cousins are on the hunt for their stolen coffee machine.
The murder was a bit “meh” in terms of the why, we’re still no further forward with the coffee machine BUT the crazy weather broke and Gran in the basement for a second came out of her frozen state to tell Harlow it wasn’t time yet.
#CliffHanger
Must find out more…so will continue my Harlot Bay “adventure” (using the term VERY loosely) 🤷🏼♀️😂
Movie being filmed in their town, main actor is murderer, Harlow is causing some crazy weather and her arch nemesis from school (also in the movie) is in town…the cousins are on the hunt for their stolen coffee machine.
The murder was a bit “meh” in terms of the why, we’re still no further forward with the coffee machine BUT the crazy weather broke and Gran in the basement for a second came out of her frozen state to tell Harlow it wasn’t time yet.
#CliffHanger
Must find out more…so will continue my Harlot Bay “adventure” (using the term VERY loosely) 🤷🏼♀️😂
October 8, 2025
3 stars (audiobook) - I enjoy these cozy witch mystery reads. They never bore me. I did have too many questions at the end of this book. Like who is stealing from Addams?! You left me hanging there but I am guessing that will be explained in the next book(s). This also ended slightly differently than the previous 3 books.
July 3, 2024
A lot of pedo vibes
May 3, 2025
I found these books a bit bizarre when I started reading the series, but I’m quite enjoying them now. A recommended read.
October 14, 2025
Poor narration. Poor writing. Just poor everything. Sorry I bought this whole series, but I will muddle through the audiobooks as a background noise while I do chores.
September 9, 2025
3.25 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). This is getting good!
May 1, 2024
These are lighthearted time filling mysteries that I bought the 10 book audio box set of to entertain me while I work. If I had been prompted to buy them one at a time I would have stopped at book one. I'm now at 4/10 and I couldn't help but vent at this point. I don't know if I'm just a super independent adult, but the main character and her cousins seem more like teenagers than actual adults with the way they let their mothers treat them and the way they act in this series. I would laugh my mother off the phone if she demanded my presence at dinner last minute, which seems to always happen in these books. The daughters having no autonomy and it's supposed to be a light hearted "haha those pesky meddling moms"; it's so off putting, I have zero respect for all three cousins.
Aunt Cass and the cat are the most interesting characters in all of this and I'm most disappointed in not knowing who was stealing Adams' cheese in this book.
I hope to see more character development in the next books because I'm going to get my money's worth and listen to them all, if I can stand it by the end.
Also, as a much more substantial critique other than not liking the mom dynamic, the mysteries usually putt along until all of a sudden everything happens and people you weren't even concentrated on all become the villain and everything happens and wraps up in the last part and you wonder what was the point of reading all the bits before. Like the writer remembers in the end that this was a mystery and needs to make some conclusion, wraps up all the action in one confusing last scene then just skips to the end where the main character describes how everything went down.
Aunt Cass and the cat are the most interesting characters in all of this and I'm most disappointed in not knowing who was stealing Adams' cheese in this book.
I hope to see more character development in the next books because I'm going to get my money's worth and listen to them all, if I can stand it by the end.
Also, as a much more substantial critique other than not liking the mom dynamic, the mysteries usually putt along until all of a sudden everything happens and people you weren't even concentrated on all become the villain and everything happens and wraps up in the last part and you wonder what was the point of reading all the bits before. Like the writer remembers in the end that this was a mystery and needs to make some conclusion, wraps up all the action in one confusing last scene then just skips to the end where the main character describes how everything went down.
April 7, 2022
This series is getting better and better. I know I said this in the last review as well. But I'm pleasantly surprised by the author's growth since she started with these books.
I don't have much to say about the plot of the book, because it's either spoiler alert or something other people said.
What I do like is that the Torrent family hasn't changed, even if the author changed the writing style. They're all still their messy, nosy, crazy selves and it's comforting. In all the madness happening in Harlot Bay since Harlow came back, you can count on the 7 Torrent witches to lighten the mood in their loud way.
Definitely a good read if you need to step away from reality for a bit and relax with a little murder and mystery.
I don't have much to say about the plot of the book, because it's either spoiler alert or something other people said.
What I do like is that the Torrent family hasn't changed, even if the author changed the writing style. They're all still their messy, nosy, crazy selves and it's comforting. In all the madness happening in Harlot Bay since Harlow came back, you can count on the 7 Torrent witches to lighten the mood in their loud way.
Definitely a good read if you need to step away from reality for a bit and relax with a little murder and mystery.
November 3, 2017
Fabulous Witch: Torrent Witches 4
2.5 stars
Best read in chronological order.
In A Nutshell: The main story is about Harlow the slip-witch solving the death of a film star Mattias Matterhorn and a saboteur on the set. However, I find the sub-plot equally intriguing. Who stole witchy cousins Luce and Molly special but mean coffee machine?
Their cafe is now selling a standard and dull commercial brew. And that’s bad for business. Little touches let the story down such as women characters stamping their feet in temper. It's puerile. And the familiar Adam, the cat just gripes and eats. I don't see his value. But overall it was a pleasant warm read. A light way to quickly pass the time.
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Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next oneor reread?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre
2.5 stars
Best read in chronological order.
In A Nutshell: The main story is about Harlow the slip-witch solving the death of a film star Mattias Matterhorn and a saboteur on the set. However, I find the sub-plot equally intriguing. Who stole witchy cousins Luce and Molly special but mean coffee machine?
Their cafe is now selling a standard and dull commercial brew. And that’s bad for business. Little touches let the story down such as women characters stamping their feet in temper. It's puerile. And the familiar Adam, the cat just gripes and eats. I don't see his value. But overall it was a pleasant warm read. A light way to quickly pass the time.
Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook
See all my reviews
Follow my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: u
Language: u
Violent: u
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre
December 2, 2024
First of all, these books have no business being this good!
This girl literally pulled lightning out of her own storm like she’s some next level sorcerer, and I am here for it. But seriously, her powers are so intense. I think they’re tied to the prophecy. And don’t even get me started on her grandmother waking up for 5 seconds! WTF? Not yet?! That whole moment threw me for a complete loop, and then the book just ENDED!
Matthias, though… oh my gosh, the drama. The scene in the car where his image kept shifting based on his mood, his actions, and even his costumes? Pure theatrical gold. No wonder he was an actor—it all makes sense now.
What really hit me was how he found peace by realizing he was an inspiration to someone else. That was such a beautiful and heartfelt moment. It honestly touched me more than I expected. I think that's all an artist really wants to do is touch and yeah, inspire other people.
This is hands- own the best one in the series so far, even though I still think it has the worst title....
Favorite quote:
There's something very common about walking inside the harlett bay library Maybe it's something about alll those book all those sentences all those all those ideas calmly printed on paper waiting for someone to pick them up.
This girl literally pulled lightning out of her own storm like she’s some next level sorcerer, and I am here for it. But seriously, her powers are so intense. I think they’re tied to the prophecy. And don’t even get me started on her grandmother waking up for 5 seconds! WTF? Not yet?! That whole moment threw me for a complete loop, and then the book just ENDED!
Matthias, though… oh my gosh, the drama. The scene in the car where his image kept shifting based on his mood, his actions, and even his costumes? Pure theatrical gold. No wonder he was an actor—it all makes sense now.
What really hit me was how he found peace by realizing he was an inspiration to someone else. That was such a beautiful and heartfelt moment. It honestly touched me more than I expected. I think that's all an artist really wants to do is touch and yeah, inspire other people.
This is hands- own the best one in the series so far, even though I still think it has the worst title....
Favorite quote:
There's something very common about walking inside the harlett bay library Maybe it's something about alll those book all those sentences all those all those ideas calmly printed on paper waiting for someone to pick them up.
July 13, 2024
Harlow Torrent, our favorite slip witch, is back in action, this time juggling a new job on a Hollywood film set with a series of puzzling incidents.
The sudden death of the lead actor throws the production into chaos, and Harlow, with her unique ability to see ghosts, finds herself drawn into the investigation. As she navigates the world of eccentric actors and demanding directors, she uncovers hidden motives and simmering tensions.
Meanwhile, her witchy cousins, Molly and Luce, are busy with their own magical mishaps, adding a touch of humor and chaos to the mix. Don't forget Aunt Cass, whose fiery personality is sure to keep you entertained.
"Fabulous Witch" is a fast-paced read with a plot that thickens with every chapter. Lake masterfully weaves together the Hollywood drama, the ghostly mystery, and the heartwarming dynamics of the Torrent family. But just as you think you've figured everything out, the book ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more.
The sudden death of the lead actor throws the production into chaos, and Harlow, with her unique ability to see ghosts, finds herself drawn into the investigation. As she navigates the world of eccentric actors and demanding directors, she uncovers hidden motives and simmering tensions.
Meanwhile, her witchy cousins, Molly and Luce, are busy with their own magical mishaps, adding a touch of humor and chaos to the mix. Don't forget Aunt Cass, whose fiery personality is sure to keep you entertained.
"Fabulous Witch" is a fast-paced read with a plot that thickens with every chapter. Lake masterfully weaves together the Hollywood drama, the ghostly mystery, and the heartwarming dynamics of the Torrent family. But just as you think you've figured everything out, the book ends with a cliffhanger that will leave you desperate for more.
July 13, 2024
Book #4 and still enjoying this series. With her online newspaper tanking, Harlow is now working as the resident journalist on a movie set featuring Bella Bing, who went to school with the cousins (and stole Molly’s boyfriend). When the lead actor dies while filming the first scene, Harlow sees his ghost and knows there’s a murderer in town.
Meanwhile, Molly and Luce are reeling after the theft of their coffee machine just after they dumped all of their money into transforming their souvenir shop into a coffee bar. And Aunt Cass is running her newest shady business out of Harlow’s office.
As the stress factors multiply, Harlow’s slip witch powers are causing violent storms that mirror her mood. Trouble plagues the movie set and Harlow has her hands full as she tries to solve everyone’s problems before she blows up the whole town with a lightening strike.
Magical and funny, this story kept me reading all night until everything was resolved.
Meanwhile, Molly and Luce are reeling after the theft of their coffee machine just after they dumped all of their money into transforming their souvenir shop into a coffee bar. And Aunt Cass is running her newest shady business out of Harlow’s office.
As the stress factors multiply, Harlow’s slip witch powers are causing violent storms that mirror her mood. Trouble plagues the movie set and Harlow has her hands full as she tries to solve everyone’s problems before she blows up the whole town with a lightening strike.
Magical and funny, this story kept me reading all night until everything was resolved.
November 4, 2025
The Case of the Missing Cheese (and My Missing Interest)
Fabulous Witch wasn’t quite as… well, fabulous as I’d hoped. The mystery this time? Meh. The whole movie production subplot and Bella Bing storyline had me yawning and checking how many pages were left — and that’s saying something for a series that’s usually bubbling with charm.
Honestly, the most intriguing mystery here is “Who’s stealing Adam’s cheese?” (And no, I’m not being metaphorical. That’s genuinely the best plot thread in this one.)
Thankfully, the Torrent witches, Adams, and Jack swoop in to save the day with their usual banter and quirky charm. They’re the reason I kept reading — because even when the mystery fizzles, this crew always brings the cozy chaos.
Not my favorite in the series, but still worth the read for the laughs and cheese-based drama. 🧀
Fabulous Witch wasn’t quite as… well, fabulous as I’d hoped. The mystery this time? Meh. The whole movie production subplot and Bella Bing storyline had me yawning and checking how many pages were left — and that’s saying something for a series that’s usually bubbling with charm.
Honestly, the most intriguing mystery here is “Who’s stealing Adam’s cheese?” (And no, I’m not being metaphorical. That’s genuinely the best plot thread in this one.)
Thankfully, the Torrent witches, Adams, and Jack swoop in to save the day with their usual banter and quirky charm. They’re the reason I kept reading — because even when the mystery fizzles, this crew always brings the cozy chaos.
Not my favorite in the series, but still worth the read for the laughs and cheese-based drama. 🧀
December 24, 2025
Lake went meta with this book, it seems. She uses the movie that ties the plot to criticise those of us who don't like her books so far. Thing is, the points she believes people don't like about these books are things we actually like anywhere where it's well done. This book was a mess. In the previous books Molly and Luce have been successful in different areas of their life and to that Harlow was bitter, she thought it was unfair. Now that Molly and Luce are in a tight spot Harlow is happy about it. I don't get it. The body shaming in this book is also present, add to it a ludicrous portrait of young single women fighting for an eligible bachelor and the idea that working as a house cleaner is shameful, and you have an outdated book that was already outdated when it was published. The plot makes no sense and it ends with too many holes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2018
Why would the film be targeted? Or is it the actors?
Wonderful. With her online paper now really just relegated to a sometime hobby, Harlow is glad to get the job on a film set for a former school colleague. However a dead body, attempts at sabotage and hiding the fact that she is a witch all throw her into a tailspin. Who, what and why are the questions on everyone's lips. Her zany family are into even more mischief and a of this is woven into a delightful tale. Plus the romance angle has been raised up a notch. Great read.
Wonderful. With her online paper now really just relegated to a sometime hobby, Harlow is glad to get the job on a film set for a former school colleague. However a dead body, attempts at sabotage and hiding the fact that she is a witch all throw her into a tailspin. Who, what and why are the questions on everyone's lips. Her zany family are into even more mischief and a of this is woven into a delightful tale. Plus the romance angle has been raised up a notch. Great read.
April 19, 2023
Harlow Torrent has a new job working on a movie being shot at Torrent Bay.
When the lead actor dies on set, and Harlow sees his ghost, she knows he will not be making an encore appearance.
Pro's:
Developed characters and a decent amount of humor.
Con's:
I hate cliffhangers.
And this was one of the dumbest cliffhangers I've ever heard.
A coffee machine that was stolen in the last book still has not been found and the sisters who owned the machine is doing everything they can to find it.
Still not found, and it's getting old.
When the lead actor dies on set, and Harlow sees his ghost, she knows he will not be making an encore appearance.
Pro's:
Developed characters and a decent amount of humor.
Con's:
I hate cliffhangers.
And this was one of the dumbest cliffhangers I've ever heard.
A coffee machine that was stolen in the last book still has not been found and the sisters who owned the machine is doing everything they can to find it.
Still not found, and it's getting old.
October 20, 2025
the series is getting better (yay!) and this installment was quite good! it was nice to see Harlow having some fun doing her journalist thing from the set of a film starring Bella Bing, especially after recent events form the last book. unfortunately, it doesn’t last and she’s once again found herself in the middle of a murder mystery…
there are many funny and sometimes even hilarious moments throughout, the mystery kept me guessing, Harlow’s powers were intense ⚡️and the ending (of course) has me eager to listen to the next book! 😉💫⚡️📚👻🎬🤩🥰✨💞
there are many funny and sometimes even hilarious moments throughout, the mystery kept me guessing, Harlow’s powers were intense ⚡️and the ending (of course) has me eager to listen to the next book! 😉💫⚡️📚👻🎬🤩🥰✨💞
October 3, 2019
Just love great witch cozies!!!
Witches are the most unusual people and with so much character themselves and that motto day the people who are around them. Being a reporter and interviewing people that are working on a film that is becoming a dangerous place to be right now. It seems to be something that is a foot and people are getting hurt or worse murdered. Will the movie ever wrap or what will happened!!!
Witches are the most unusual people and with so much character themselves and that motto day the people who are around them. Being a reporter and interviewing people that are working on a film that is becoming a dangerous place to be right now. It seems to be something that is a foot and people are getting hurt or worse murdered. Will the movie ever wrap or what will happened!!!
April 7, 2023
And the plot continues to thicken in this series. I liked this one, especially for the involvement of Harlow's boyfriend Jack - both the calm Harlow, and with real assistance in solving the story's mystery. Hilarious truth serum incident. I'm not a fan of stage drama - every book writer puts at least one such episode in for the ability to add characters I suppose. But, this Book 4 in the series could actually stand alone better than usual all on its own because of the story.
July 4, 2025
3 🌟 Another good cozy witchy story I enjoyed.
Like the previous one, though the increasing fat shaming is starting really bother me. The characters in this book at one point really go at each other for perceived "fatness" because they're all angry and just want to be mean. Ridiculous and lazy writing with a boring bullying mentality.
I bought the 10 book set from audible and will be very annoyed if this theme continues on. I'll not read the rest if it does.
Like the previous one, though the increasing fat shaming is starting really bother me. The characters in this book at one point really go at each other for perceived "fatness" because they're all angry and just want to be mean. Ridiculous and lazy writing with a boring bullying mentality.
I bought the 10 book set from audible and will be very annoyed if this theme continues on. I'll not read the rest if it does.
October 25, 2023
Though I've had the same issues among this book as the previous I decided to give it 4 stars as it left me with more questions and wanting to continue the series in a more positive light.
It also took a turn away from the not so good "reporter" that the MC is suppose to be which is why I think I enjoyed this book a little more and will continue to read (listen) to the series!
It also took a turn away from the not so good "reporter" that the MC is suppose to be which is why I think I enjoyed this book a little more and will continue to read (listen) to the series!
January 26, 2024
By far, my absolute favorite. I really enjoyed this one, the characters seemed very fleshed out this time, the drama with the coffee shop is pretty hilarious and understandable. I really enjoyed the plot, the ending was really gripping with aunt Cass.
As always, easy to knit too and follow along with the story.
As always, easy to knit too and follow along with the story.
December 21, 2025
I just love these Witches! Harlow has a new job! She’s working on a movie set filming in town starring an old “friend”. And, of course, someone winds up dead, his ghost bullying her into solving his murder. All while trying to help her cousins solve a theft and her Aunt Cass with her new business endeavor. I have genuine laughs listening to this book.
August 11, 2022
Susan Smith has come back to town, but now she’s a movie star with another name. Harlow and Jack are working for the movie company, which seems to have a saboteur among the huge cast and crew. Add the cousin’s problems, and it another exciting mystery.
June 12, 2023
I just love these books! The character development is everything. Each story ends with something to keep you wanting more. Each book could be read without reading the others but it defiantly helps going in order. There is a pattern and you can predict where its going, but still a great read!
September 25, 2025
I got this as all 10 books on Audible for FREE! It was a 65 hour read. Since I listen to books at work I was so excited for this. I loved all 10 books! They were so much fun. I'm so grateful I got all 10 books and they were great!
September 30, 2025
I think I’m obsessed with this cozy mystery witchy series. It’s so fun and funny and easy. I also LOVE that every book starts out with a short recap that feels like the beginning of a TV show that says “previously on…” I don’t know why I like that so much I just do.
October 11, 2025
Movies, magic and murder!
Book 4 is a fun ride, with Harlow and Jack now kind of tag-teaming to solve murders and mysteries.
Each of these books leaves you with a little clue of something that is bigger to come.
Book 4 is a fun ride, with Harlow and Jack now kind of tag-teaming to solve murders and mysteries.
Each of these books leaves you with a little clue of something that is bigger to come.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews