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Willow Bay Witches #1
The Purr-fect Crime
Magic is about to meet murder in Willow Bay
Angela Martin lives a pretty normal life. As normal as the life of a witch who can talk to animals can be, anyway.
Until she shows up to work one day and finds a dead body.
Of course, in a small town like Willow Bay this means everyone is obviously on edge. Between the cops who have never investigated a murder before, the crazy hot but infuriating guy Angela is sure has something to do with the murder and clients threatening to move to Canada, Angela starts to wonder if things are ever going to be normal again.
But as Angela comes closer to the truth, she finds herself in the murderer's crosshairs. Will she be able to solve the case before she becomes the next victim?
The Purr-fect Crime is the first book in the Willow Bay Witches series of paranormal cozy mysteries. It's a full-length novel full of funny and sarcastic best friends, a touch of magic, a snarky talking cat and a little bit of romance.
Author note: This book was updated (with new editing!) on October 15th, 2016.
Angela Martin lives a pretty normal life. As normal as the life of a witch who can talk to animals can be, anyway.
Until she shows up to work one day and finds a dead body.
Of course, in a small town like Willow Bay this means everyone is obviously on edge. Between the cops who have never investigated a murder before, the crazy hot but infuriating guy Angela is sure has something to do with the murder and clients threatening to move to Canada, Angela starts to wonder if things are ever going to be normal again.
But as Angela comes closer to the truth, she finds herself in the murderer's crosshairs. Will she be able to solve the case before she becomes the next victim?
The Purr-fect Crime is the first book in the Willow Bay Witches series of paranormal cozy mysteries. It's a full-length novel full of funny and sarcastic best friends, a touch of magic, a snarky talking cat and a little bit of romance.
Author note: This book was updated (with new editing!) on October 15th, 2016.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2016
411 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Silver
109 books305 followersSamantha Silver lives in British Columbia, Canada, along with her husband and seventeen-year-old dog named Terra.
When she's not writing cozy mysteries, Samantha loves travelling (she's most recently been to Egypt, Jordan and Florida) skiing, eating Dairy Queen, and complaining about how hard running is.
To be notified about new releases, giveaways, sneak previews and more, sign up for Samantha's newsletter by visiting http://www.samanthasilverwrites.com/n...
When she's not writing cozy mysteries, Samantha loves travelling (she's most recently been to Egypt, Jordan and Florida) skiing, eating Dairy Queen, and complaining about how hard running is.
To be notified about new releases, giveaways, sneak previews and more, sign up for Samantha's newsletter by visiting http://www.samanthasilverwrites.com/n...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
September 7, 2016
"The Purr-fect Crime" is a flawed but fun cozy mystery with humor, a snarky cat, a little romance, fun characters, and a little witchcraft.
The story is actually quite light on the paranormal elements, apart from Angela's ability to talk with animals a la Doctor Doolittle. I liked that Silver didn't go wild with the paranormal aspect; I found it believable. So was Angela's reasoning for getting involved in the investigation. Another plus? The local cops are actually competent instead of bumbling idiots nor are they condescending. Angela and her sister Charlotte and her best friend Sophie are the bumbling ones, seeing as they have never tried to solve a mystery before and have only what they've seen on TV or read in books to guide them. Despite their inexperience, they make headway on solving the murder and related mysteries. Silver did leave some questions unanswered, such as why and how the dead man ended up in Angela's office, but she tied up most of the threads.
Angela, Charlotte, and Sophie are interesting and I liked getting to know them. Sophie works for Angela while Charlotte still attends college. One thing that bugged me was Sophie's age. She's 26 and already completed all of her schooling to be a veterinarian, and passed the national licensing exam, and already owns her own vet practice; it's implied that the practice is a year or two old. We're not told that she's a genius nor that she did an accelerated educational path so, yeah, highly unlikely and improbable. Authors have really got to stop making their heroines so damn young when it comes to certain career fields. It's a minimum of 8 years in the US to get your veterinarian degree, if you don't specialize. If you do, add another year or two to that total. So, that killed some credibility right there. And yes, I realize we're talking about a book where the lead is a witch and talks to animals. That just makes it even more important for the author to get the details right and give her world a solid foundation. Also, the author took liberties with Washington state law regarding estates and wills. The world building is otherwise solid, as is the mystery. Silver gave us clues and red herrings and kept me guessing. There's even a hint of romance for both Sophie and Angela.
"The Purr-fect Crime" was a pleasant way to spend several hours and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series, if only to see how Silver avoids falling into the "Murder, She Wrote" writing traps.
The story is actually quite light on the paranormal elements, apart from Angela's ability to talk with animals a la Doctor Doolittle. I liked that Silver didn't go wild with the paranormal aspect; I found it believable. So was Angela's reasoning for getting involved in the investigation. Another plus? The local cops are actually competent instead of bumbling idiots nor are they condescending. Angela and her sister Charlotte and her best friend Sophie are the bumbling ones, seeing as they have never tried to solve a mystery before and have only what they've seen on TV or read in books to guide them. Despite their inexperience, they make headway on solving the murder and related mysteries. Silver did leave some questions unanswered, such as why and how the dead man ended up in Angela's office, but she tied up most of the threads.
Angela, Charlotte, and Sophie are interesting and I liked getting to know them. Sophie works for Angela while Charlotte still attends college. One thing that bugged me was Sophie's age. She's 26 and already completed all of her schooling to be a veterinarian, and passed the national licensing exam, and already owns her own vet practice; it's implied that the practice is a year or two old. We're not told that she's a genius nor that she did an accelerated educational path so, yeah, highly unlikely and improbable. Authors have really got to stop making their heroines so damn young when it comes to certain career fields. It's a minimum of 8 years in the US to get your veterinarian degree, if you don't specialize. If you do, add another year or two to that total. So, that killed some credibility right there. And yes, I realize we're talking about a book where the lead is a witch and talks to animals. That just makes it even more important for the author to get the details right and give her world a solid foundation. Also, the author took liberties with Washington state law regarding estates and wills. The world building is otherwise solid, as is the mystery. Silver gave us clues and red herrings and kept me guessing. There's even a hint of romance for both Sophie and Angela.
"The Purr-fect Crime" was a pleasant way to spend several hours and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series, if only to see how Silver avoids falling into the "Murder, She Wrote" writing traps.
December 14, 2018
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This is a clean, cozy mystery, which is available through Amazon Unlimited. That program and the number of books in the series is what appealed to me. However, I was disappointed in the mundane telling of everyday occurrences without any humor, joy, or excitement. Angie, Sophie, & Charlotte acted like teenagers instead of adults. The characters were not fleshed out. The communication between Angie and the animals had the potential to be exciting, but it wasn't. I really could not identify with the characters, plot, or mystery. So I personally will not be continuing with this series. I will search for another one that can better provide the adventure, humor, and inspiration I'm looking for in my reading journey.
This is a clean, cozy mystery, which is available through Amazon Unlimited. That program and the number of books in the series is what appealed to me. However, I was disappointed in the mundane telling of everyday occurrences without any humor, joy, or excitement. Angie, Sophie, & Charlotte acted like teenagers instead of adults. The characters were not fleshed out. The communication between Angie and the animals had the potential to be exciting, but it wasn't. I really could not identify with the characters, plot, or mystery. So I personally will not be continuing with this series. I will search for another one that can better provide the adventure, humor, and inspiration I'm looking for in my reading journey.
October 31, 2017
Another Silver series to enjoy
I love the Samsntha Silver series set in England, and now love this one. Lots of action, fun characters, and cute critters. A winner!
I love the Samsntha Silver series set in England, and now love this one. Lots of action, fun characters, and cute critters. A winner!
July 9, 2019
Disappointed
I kept reading waiting for the book to get better but it didn't.. Way too much bickering that got old fast. There wasn't much depth in characters but a bunch of adults acting like kids. Not even enjoyable
I kept reading waiting for the book to get better but it didn't.. Way too much bickering that got old fast. There wasn't much depth in characters but a bunch of adults acting like kids. Not even enjoyable
March 26, 2017
Veterinarian Angela Martin has a nice little practice, lives with her sister and best friend on the coast of Oregon. Life is good-until the morning Angela and Sophie (her best friend and assistant at the clinic) walk in to the building and find a dead man on the exam room table and blood...lots of blood.
The man on the table isn't someone Angela or Sophie know, and even the Chief of Police doesn't know him. However that doesn't stop Angie's resolve to solve this murder with Sophie's help, and maybe or maybe not the help of her sister Charlotte. One thing for sure, if there are any animals involved or around as witnesses, Angie will be sure to get their story. HOW? I guess I forgot to mention that Angie is a witch who can converse with animals.
And so the the investigation begins. Half baked (as some might say) but sincere, Sophie and Angie begin to commit felonies and converse with hamsters in order find out who killed the man. There is also another trouble brewing in town-a resort that is in a hurry to be built. It will likely signal the demise of the town as they know it, and many residents are against it. The three girls have joined the opposition and are wondering if there is a connection between the two things.
A fun witchy book and some cute animal comments result in a quick read that is very enjoyable.
The man on the table isn't someone Angela or Sophie know, and even the Chief of Police doesn't know him. However that doesn't stop Angie's resolve to solve this murder with Sophie's help, and maybe or maybe not the help of her sister Charlotte. One thing for sure, if there are any animals involved or around as witnesses, Angie will be sure to get their story. HOW? I guess I forgot to mention that Angie is a witch who can converse with animals.
And so the the investigation begins. Half baked (as some might say) but sincere, Sophie and Angie begin to commit felonies and converse with hamsters in order find out who killed the man. There is also another trouble brewing in town-a resort that is in a hurry to be built. It will likely signal the demise of the town as they know it, and many residents are against it. The three girls have joined the opposition and are wondering if there is a connection between the two things.
A fun witchy book and some cute animal comments result in a quick read that is very enjoyable.
December 12, 2019
Angela enjoys small town life. She has her practice and her magic, even though she's careful not to use it around any non-magical folk. Things are all but perfect, until Angela finds a dead body in her clinic. It's the first murder in Willow Bay in over a century, and people are shook up about it. When someone hints that Angela's business may suffer, she takes it upon herself to try to solve the murder. Her BFF Sophie is eager to help, but her sister Charlotte tries to be the voice of reason. Of course, Bee, the cat, eggs her on. Angela is having trouble lining up a viable suspect, but what's with the hot guy she keeps seeing all over town? Angela is convinced he has something to do with the murder. Unfortunately, her snooping around may put her, and those she loves, in danger.
The story was cute, if a tad trite. Angela is likable enough, and I enjoyed her ability to speak to animals. Editing, however, was a smokin' hot mess.
Giving this one three stars: one for the fact that it was a charming story, one for the talking cat, and one for effort.
The story was cute, if a tad trite. Angela is likable enough, and I enjoyed her ability to speak to animals. Editing, however, was a smokin' hot mess.
Giving this one three stars: one for the fact that it was a charming story, one for the talking cat, and one for effort.
October 1, 2021
This series isn’t nearly as good as the others by Samantha Silver. There are dozens of careless mistakes throughout the books that can be confusing; it’s almost like Ms. Silver is either writing these books so quickly that she doesn’t remember what she wrote a few pages earlier, or she’s having other people help her and they’re not coordinating with each other. In addition, Angela, who is the main character and a veterinarian, keeps making the same stupid mistakes book after book. Who goes stalking murderers by themselves, nearly getting killed in the process, more than once? Our Angela, that’s who. Moreover, the main characters are so juvenile, they’re always fighting and
sticking their tongues out at each other, (seriously?), and Bee, the feline familiar, is so obnoxious that there’s absolutely nothing redeeming in her character. The mysteries themselves aren’t bad, it’s the quality of the writing and character development that really make this series a waste of time.
sticking their tongues out at each other, (seriously?), and Bee, the feline familiar, is so obnoxious that there’s absolutely nothing redeeming in her character. The mysteries themselves aren’t bad, it’s the quality of the writing and character development that really make this series a waste of time.
August 27, 2021
Paranormal cozy?? Where's the magic??
This misses the point of the whole genre of paranormal cozy mysteries. Yes there's three witches but they don't actually use anything beyond one unlocking spell in the whole novel.
Whilst the premise that witches must keep their identities secret and not perform magic in front of humans is not new it becomes rather pointless to include any magic at all if you aren't even allowing them to use it to save their own lives.
The bickering between the characters did not make them likeable. The mystery wasn't really solved so much as guessed when they were confronted. The confrontation had no real lead up. Editing missed multiple errors in tense, sentence structure and misplaced, misused or unnecessary words.
I had hoped this would be one of Silver's improved works, but unfortunately it's not.
This misses the point of the whole genre of paranormal cozy mysteries. Yes there's three witches but they don't actually use anything beyond one unlocking spell in the whole novel.
Whilst the premise that witches must keep their identities secret and not perform magic in front of humans is not new it becomes rather pointless to include any magic at all if you aren't even allowing them to use it to save their own lives.
The bickering between the characters did not make them likeable. The mystery wasn't really solved so much as guessed when they were confronted. The confrontation had no real lead up. Editing missed multiple errors in tense, sentence structure and misplaced, misused or unnecessary words.
I had hoped this would be one of Silver's improved works, but unfortunately it's not.
October 11, 2019
I'll give it 2.5 stars just for the story. Although the protagonist pretty much stumbled onto the killer, rather than solving the mystery. The characters are fairly 2 dimensional, and there was a minimum of paranormal to it. It was a mildly entertaining read. According to the Goodreads rating system, it was OK.
The biggest issue I had with the book was the editing. They got the misspellings fairly well, but had a serious issue with the names. One in particular, when the author was talking about them sitting around drinking and discussing the case used the protagonists name in place of the best friend. I thought the PoV had switched to the best friend for a bit. And it happened more than once. That, to me, is just poor editing. The editor needs to READ the book, not skim it.
The biggest issue I had with the book was the editing. They got the misspellings fairly well, but had a serious issue with the names. One in particular, when the author was talking about them sitting around drinking and discussing the case used the protagonists name in place of the best friend. I thought the PoV had switched to the best friend for a bit. And it happened more than once. That, to me, is just poor editing. The editor needs to READ the book, not skim it.
March 21, 2019
Nice characters, weak story
If you really want paranormal, look elsewhere. Aside from Angela' being able to talk with animals, it is absent here. Small town folks versus large corporation trying to come in with a huge resort is a good start. However, the resort's physical specs did not make sense for what was being described. Add that "the bad guy" confessed far too easily to a major crime -- well, I could wish that all law enforcement officers should have it so easy. That said, love the cat! Just wish a little more care had been taken to develop the plot more realistically.
If you really want paranormal, look elsewhere. Aside from Angela' being able to talk with animals, it is absent here. Small town folks versus large corporation trying to come in with a huge resort is a good start. However, the resort's physical specs did not make sense for what was being described. Add that "the bad guy" confessed far too easily to a major crime -- well, I could wish that all law enforcement officers should have it so easy. That said, love the cat! Just wish a little more care had been taken to develop the plot more realistically.
January 14, 2021
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A young woman who happens to be a veterinarian and also happens to be a witch with a unique ability to speak to animals. Live in a small Oregon town with her sister and best friend who also happen to be witches. Follow along as they live their lives and cannot help but poke into mysteries murders and other Mayham. Follow along as they figure out who committed a crime and help bring them to justice. Entertaining fun and worth reading.
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A young woman who happens to be a veterinarian and also happens to be a witch with a unique ability to speak to animals. Live in a small Oregon town with her sister and best friend who also happen to be witches. Follow along as they live their lives and cannot help but poke into mysteries murders and other Mayham. Follow along as they figure out who committed a crime and help bring them to justice. Entertaining fun and worth reading.
October 20, 2020
Who killed the dead guy
Life is good until you go to open your animal clinic and find a dead guy. And then there is the resort that is trying to build and destroy the balance of the town. True it will attract people but the resort is designed to keep people there and not to let them into down. That just makes bad environmental sense.
Who killed the dead guy? How to stop the resort from building? And who is this Tony Black?
Life is good until you go to open your animal clinic and find a dead guy. And then there is the resort that is trying to build and destroy the balance of the town. True it will attract people but the resort is designed to keep people there and not to let them into down. That just makes bad environmental sense.
Who killed the dead guy? How to stop the resort from building? And who is this Tony Black?
June 23, 2017
Good read
Lots of sexual tension but not much magic. Although we are told Angels and Charlotte are witches they don't do any spells they just talk about a secret committee of witches that police the use of magic. Not sure how this is classed as paranormal except for Angie talking to her cat and other animals and understanding them. An ok read
Lots of sexual tension but not much magic. Although we are told Angels and Charlotte are witches they don't do any spells they just talk about a secret committee of witches that police the use of magic. Not sure how this is classed as paranormal except for Angie talking to her cat and other animals and understanding them. An ok read
January 9, 2018
Cute, quick read
I'm a sucker for quick mysteries...especially when there is a kitty as a heroine! I'm not too crazy about so much arguing between the 3 main characters, but the lovely food descriptions and Angela, a vegan veterinarian, being able to understand and talk with all animal species makes up for that fact. This is an engaging piece of read-candy... Enjoy!
I'm a sucker for quick mysteries...especially when there is a kitty as a heroine! I'm not too crazy about so much arguing between the 3 main characters, but the lovely food descriptions and Angela, a vegan veterinarian, being able to understand and talk with all animal species makes up for that fact. This is an engaging piece of read-candy... Enjoy!
May 2, 2018
Enjoyable and intriguing
Angela, a vet who talks to animals, finds a dead man in her clinic. With the help of her sister and a friend, she decides to figure out who killed him and why. The list of suspects keeps growing and the story is nicely written It will be interesting to see what else these three can get into.
Angela, a vet who talks to animals, finds a dead man in her clinic. With the help of her sister and a friend, she decides to figure out who killed him and why. The list of suspects keeps growing and the story is nicely written It will be interesting to see what else these three can get into.
June 20, 2018
Talking to animals is more than just a fun item
Awesome! Witches and murder what could be better? A witch that can use her talent of talking to animals to gather clues. Can she solve the murder without getting caught in the crossfire? Great easy read with a good plot. Alright the proofing could have been better but still a good read.
Awesome! Witches and murder what could be better? A witch that can use her talent of talking to animals to gather clues. Can she solve the murder without getting caught in the crossfire? Great easy read with a good plot. Alright the proofing could have been better but still a good read.
February 12, 2019
Angela can talk with the animals, is a witch. Still finding a dead body when she went to work, now has everyone on edge. People talking, even her unusual cat has his opinion. The detectives seem to know what they are doing. For Angela she is making the killer nervous will she be a target next. A light hearted cozy mystery that was enjoyable.
November 11, 2016
Great read!
I love this excellent cozy mystery. The characters are quirky and fun. The plot is intriguing and the action is highly entertaining. I'm reading the next book as soon as I finish this review.
I love this excellent cozy mystery. The characters are quirky and fun. The plot is intriguing and the action is highly entertaining. I'm reading the next book as soon as I finish this review.
June 25, 2017
Good for light reading
Stretched for some of the details in character development. Predictable situations. Needed more of magic and talking with animals. Didn't know back story of 3 March n characters.
Stretched for some of the details in character development. Predictable situations. Needed more of magic and talking with animals. Didn't know back story of 3 March n characters.
October 27, 2017
The Purr-fect Crime
A nice cozy mystery with a switch or twitch of a witch to make things better. As well a Bea the cat. Another well written mystery by Samantha Silver. I loved it!
A nice cozy mystery with a switch or twitch of a witch to make things better. As well a Bea the cat. Another well written mystery by Samantha Silver. I loved it!
September 18, 2018
Not a bad beginning.
Moderately fast paced needs more murderer hints but, shock! I was so not shocked about the end results. good story, lots of curious twists but I Won T ruin a good story ending.
Moderately fast paced needs more murderer hints but, shock! I was so not shocked about the end results. good story, lots of curious twists but I Won T ruin a good story ending.
October 13, 2018
Great read
Well written and enjoyable the characters gets bad started to develop nicely. The only did side is for a witch detective novel not a lot of witchcraft , but still enjoyab!e enough I'll read the series
Well written and enjoyable the characters gets bad started to develop nicely. The only did side is for a witch detective novel not a lot of witchcraft , but still enjoyab!e enough I'll read the series
November 13, 2018
An excellent cozy mystery from my favorite writer
I chose this book and those that follow in this series because I enjoyed one of her other series so much and also because I love cats
I chose this book and those that follow in this series because I enjoyed one of her other series so much and also because I love cats
September 2, 2019
Like, like, like!
Like, OMG! Like, how many likes does one book need?!? The author over used “like” to the point that it just became a distraction. Also, the girls rolled their eyes so often, I’m surprised their eyes aren’t stuck in the back of their heads!
Like, OMG! Like, how many likes does one book need?!? The author over used “like” to the point that it just became a distraction. Also, the girls rolled their eyes so often, I’m surprised their eyes aren’t stuck in the back of their heads!
November 16, 2019
Fun fanciful read
A light hearted cosy mystery that should appeal to all ages. There is a kid in all of us and I enjoyed reading about Angie the vet who can talk to animals with her familiar Bee and with help of her sister and bestie, they solve murder mysteries. Recommend
A light hearted cosy mystery that should appeal to all ages. There is a kid in all of us and I enjoyed reading about Angie the vet who can talk to animals with her familiar Bee and with help of her sister and bestie, they solve murder mysteries. Recommend
May 22, 2020
The Purr-fect Crime was a fun read.
Because this book kept you in your toes. Trying to figure out who did the murder. Also it just didn't make sense for the murder. Until the end it was a surprise.
Because this book kept you in your toes. Trying to figure out who did the murder. Also it just didn't make sense for the murder. Until the end it was a surprise.
September 23, 2017
Willow Bay Witches Review
I enjoyed meeting Angela, Charlotte, Sophie, and Bee. This as a good cozy, with fun characters, especially Bee. A why h that talks to animals is unique
I enjoyed meeting Angela, Charlotte, Sophie, and Bee. This as a good cozy, with fun characters, especially Bee. A why h that talks to animals is unique
December 3, 2017
Interesting story, with a good slice of mystery. Looking forward to reading more from Samantha Silver!
February 8, 2018
Not bad
I enjoyed other of her books but this one is okay- will continue to more in this series to see.
I enjoyed other of her books but this one is okay- will continue to more in this series to see.
March 11, 2018
Bee the cat
So cute, Bee is an important character and that's all I'll say. Not a spoiler person have fun reading it.
So cute, Bee is an important character and that's all I'll say. Not a spoiler person have fun reading it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews