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Witch Squad #1
The Witch Squad
Nineteen-year-old Mercy Habernackle is a witch gone off the rails. Causing problems with the law in her hometown, she’s faced with two options. Go to a correctional institution or get shipped off to witch boarding school, or as her mother prefers to call it, finishing school. Choosing the latter, Mercy’s mother, Linda, drives her daughter cross country to the Paranormal Institute for Witches, situated high in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains in cozy, Aspen Falls, Pennsylvania.
Upon arrival, Mercy is faced with cheerful smiles, friendly people, and a sticky sweet roommate who has turned their dorm room into an advertisement for the Pottery Barn. Mercy had hoped her fellow witches would be more like her, dark, dreary, and a little bit self-destructive.
When the murder of a local teenager takes place on the first day of class, Sorceress Stone, headmistress of the college for wayward witches, takes the class on a consulting job to help the Aspen Falls Police Department solve the murder. Mercy and her mismatched classmates find themselves in the heart of the murder investigation and when the body of the murder victim suddenly goes missing and her roommate turns up abducted, Mercy must put aside her feelings of resentment about her gift and put her paranormal abilities to good use.
Throw in a smokin’ hot cowboy wizard, a black cat that seems to be stalking her, and a Black Witch and you’ve got the first book in the new Witch Squad Cozy Mystery Series where the twists and turns just don’t stop!
Upon arrival, Mercy is faced with cheerful smiles, friendly people, and a sticky sweet roommate who has turned their dorm room into an advertisement for the Pottery Barn. Mercy had hoped her fellow witches would be more like her, dark, dreary, and a little bit self-destructive.
When the murder of a local teenager takes place on the first day of class, Sorceress Stone, headmistress of the college for wayward witches, takes the class on a consulting job to help the Aspen Falls Police Department solve the murder. Mercy and her mismatched classmates find themselves in the heart of the murder investigation and when the body of the murder victim suddenly goes missing and her roommate turns up abducted, Mercy must put aside her feelings of resentment about her gift and put her paranormal abilities to good use.
Throw in a smokin’ hot cowboy wizard, a black cat that seems to be stalking her, and a Black Witch and you’ve got the first book in the new Witch Squad Cozy Mystery Series where the twists and turns just don’t stop!
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2016
1453 people are currently reading
1793 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
September 29, 2017
ACTUAL RATING 3.5*
I'm not sure if this is classed as such, but this reads more like a YA mystery rather than one for adults. Nevertheless, this was an easy, light and enjoyable read and the story flowed very well. The story centres on a bunch of girls who attend a witches school, so Harry Potter fans may enjoy reading this. The main protagonist is Mercy Habernackle, a reluctant pupil at the school, but she didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. I like Jax, a quirky character, who unfortunately hasn't inherited any skills from her mother and other witch ancestors. Working together the girls unravel who's responsible for the murder of 17 year old Morgan and for the kidnapping of Jax. The ending, a great revelation to Mercy, leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.
This is book #1 in the Witch Squad mystery series, the first book that I have read by this author. It is a standalone novel, but the ending does lead you into book #2, in some ways hooking you in and enticing you to buy #2. Will I read more - yes!
I'm not sure if this is classed as such, but this reads more like a YA mystery rather than one for adults. Nevertheless, this was an easy, light and enjoyable read and the story flowed very well. The story centres on a bunch of girls who attend a witches school, so Harry Potter fans may enjoy reading this. The main protagonist is Mercy Habernackle, a reluctant pupil at the school, but she didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. I like Jax, a quirky character, who unfortunately hasn't inherited any skills from her mother and other witch ancestors. Working together the girls unravel who's responsible for the murder of 17 year old Morgan and for the kidnapping of Jax. The ending, a great revelation to Mercy, leaves you wanting to find out what happens next.
This is book #1 in the Witch Squad mystery series, the first book that I have read by this author. It is a standalone novel, but the ending does lead you into book #2, in some ways hooking you in and enticing you to buy #2. Will I read more - yes!
October 11, 2017
The Witch Squad
A Witch Squad Cozy Mystery, Book 1
By: M.Z. Andrews
Narrated by: Lisa Cordileone
This was far better than I ever expected it would be. I expected it would be a teen book and really didn't think it would have the depth I wanted. I tried it and boy was I surprised! This was a true gem! A fun book with the paranormal side, great characters, wonderful plot, silliness, a mystery, side things to keep your mind going, a school of witches and warlocks learning their craft, evil lurking about, and a touch of romance. I truly enjoyed this book and will look for other books in this series.
This was an audible book and the narrator was perfect for this book! I loved her silliness when needed and the multiple voices she did so well!!! Great job!
A Witch Squad Cozy Mystery, Book 1
By: M.Z. Andrews
Narrated by: Lisa Cordileone
This was far better than I ever expected it would be. I expected it would be a teen book and really didn't think it would have the depth I wanted. I tried it and boy was I surprised! This was a true gem! A fun book with the paranormal side, great characters, wonderful plot, silliness, a mystery, side things to keep your mind going, a school of witches and warlocks learning their craft, evil lurking about, and a touch of romance. I truly enjoyed this book and will look for other books in this series.
This was an audible book and the narrator was perfect for this book! I loved her silliness when needed and the multiple voices she did so well!!! Great job!
June 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. At first I wasn't sure about it because the characters were okay. However, they got so much better as the book went along. Another thing I loved about this was that it put cozy mystery and paranormal together. I love both these genres. With the surprise at the end I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book.
February 22, 2021
This was a quick and fun read, that felt a bit weird in the age group at times.
The main characters are around 19, drive cars, show boobs as a distraction if needed, and there's purity rings and such on the one hand - on the other hand they do behave like the characters in a middle grade boarding school mystery...
I didn't mind it so much, as I am still happy to read these too at 34, but I can see some readers having a problem with it being too childish, or too sexy?
The whole setup was rather easy and predictable and often just unrealistic (yes, it's fantasy, but I'm talking logic not magic). Like the class teacher taking a whole class of new students right to a murder scene, including looking at the body and interviewing the parents... The girls know each other for a couple of days at best and are insta friends and there's sentences like "more than I ever saw her eat before" frequently - when she only knew her since yesterday. They always run into any and every sort of danger head on. If asked if the others shall fetch help - no, no, we shall just confront the murderer ourselves, why not!
So why I liked the fast pace, the banter, the plot and some of the twists, I would have expected a bit more depth to the story with characters of that age group.
The main characters are around 19, drive cars, show boobs as a distraction if needed, and there's purity rings and such on the one hand - on the other hand they do behave like the characters in a middle grade boarding school mystery...
I didn't mind it so much, as I am still happy to read these too at 34, but I can see some readers having a problem with it being too childish, or too sexy?
The whole setup was rather easy and predictable and often just unrealistic (yes, it's fantasy, but I'm talking logic not magic). Like the class teacher taking a whole class of new students right to a murder scene, including looking at the body and interviewing the parents... The girls know each other for a couple of days at best and are insta friends and there's sentences like "more than I ever saw her eat before" frequently - when she only knew her since yesterday. They always run into any and every sort of danger head on. If asked if the others shall fetch help - no, no, we shall just confront the murderer ourselves, why not!
So why I liked the fast pace, the banter, the plot and some of the twists, I would have expected a bit more depth to the story with characters of that age group.
March 18, 2017
This was a cute book. A little young for me. I was looking for a clean fast read, so I went with a young adult book. I chose poorly. Even though it was set in college age, it was still a little too filled with that teen angst thing that makes me want to scratch my eyes out. The characters are well developed and enjoyable, though and the plot is fun. Yes, this is a witch school, but it isn't trying to be Harry Potter, so don't worry. If you enjoy Vampire Diaries, Buffy and Faerie Wars, you will probably enjoy this.
September 26, 2018
A nice short read, and I really think I will read the rest in this series.
October 6, 2017
After some initial trepidation, the writing got better, and I really enjoyed this. I docked it stars for the following reasons: 1.) Fat-shaming, stereotyping fat girls (grabbing a snack every spare second--really?), and some "light" slut-shaming, if there is such a thing (for the love of God, quit mentioning Holly using her boobs as her magic power); 2.) This is a very heterosexist witch squad, and if there are POC, it's not evident. (Everyone seems to be blonde or ginger.) Otherwise, cute, lighthearted fun.
January 31, 2018
Yet another book that I couldn't finish because of the quality of the writing. One of many examples: "The body of a girl from the local high school has been found dead." The 'body' has been found 'dead' — surely the 'girl was found dead' or a 'body was found'? This isn't just pedantry. Writing like this makes books unreadable for me. Am I the only person frustrated by the number of badly written books there are?
November 13, 2017
This was an okay read, although I'm glad it wasn't too long. The characters could be a tad annoying at times, but they weren't bad.
Overall, An okay read.
Overall, An okay read.
February 3, 2018
Not only has Mercy Habernackle been sentenced to two years of Paranormal College, but she is going to find herself in a tighter bind then she started off.
Meeting her new roomie Jax put a special something on the experience. Then you have Alba, Holly and Sweets. Mercy is definitely going to find some special abilities when Morgan from the Catholic school down the road is murdered and Sorceress Stone decides to take the girls with her on her special road trip; to assist in the investigation.
A very good read and a great little cozy mystery.
Meeting her new roomie Jax put a special something on the experience. Then you have Alba, Holly and Sweets. Mercy is definitely going to find some special abilities when Morgan from the Catholic school down the road is murdered and Sorceress Stone decides to take the girls with her on her special road trip; to assist in the investigation.
A very good read and a great little cozy mystery.
February 25, 2019
I absolutely adored this little cozy mystery!
It had all the genres I love: mystery, suspense, paranormal, and thriller.
In this story, it’s Mercy’s first day at a witch academy that she was forced to go to after an incident with her powers got her in trouble. It’s here she meets a group of witches, each of them drastically different from one another. These unlikely friends go on the trail of a murdered girl, desperate to find out what happened to her. When they think they have the answers, one of their own is kidnapped.
This book kept me on my toes, and I absolutely loved how different each of the main characters were. It made the book feel that much more real. I think Jax was my favorite character just because she was so bubbly and warm compared to the others. I’m happy to see this book is part of a series because I could use more stories with these characters.
The narration was absolutely fantastic as well. Each character had a distinct voice. She even did a New Jersey accent for Alba which was awesome.
Awesome audiobook!
It had all the genres I love: mystery, suspense, paranormal, and thriller.
In this story, it’s Mercy’s first day at a witch academy that she was forced to go to after an incident with her powers got her in trouble. It’s here she meets a group of witches, each of them drastically different from one another. These unlikely friends go on the trail of a murdered girl, desperate to find out what happened to her. When they think they have the answers, one of their own is kidnapped.
This book kept me on my toes, and I absolutely loved how different each of the main characters were. It made the book feel that much more real. I think Jax was my favorite character just because she was so bubbly and warm compared to the others. I’m happy to see this book is part of a series because I could use more stories with these characters.
The narration was absolutely fantastic as well. Each character had a distinct voice. She even did a New Jersey accent for Alba which was awesome.
Awesome audiobook!
May 8, 2019
A little reminiscent of Harry Potter type of theme... but in America, modern, and at a Girls Witch College...they do however share common grounds with the all Male Wizard College so it's not all bad. ;) Throw in a local murder investigation and you have all the ingredients for a great story. The narrator for this book was a perfect fit and she makes it even more fun to listen to. If you like cozy mysteries with a fun fantasy twist then you'll love this book and although it is geared towards the young adult crowd it was clean enough that I would be ok with my middle school daughter reading it and I think the older adults will still really enjoy it too.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 1, 2021
Es una novela entretenida y la idea me parece buena: todo lo que mezcle magia (y, sobre todo, brujas) con misterio y asesinatos me tiene dentro. Por desgracia, en este libro la forma en la que descubren quién es el asesino y cómo evoluciona la "investigación" (difícilmente puede llamarse así) me ha parecido muy conveniente y la trama en general, simple. Aun así está bien para pasar el rato porque es una novela cortita y ligera.
October 2, 2017
This was a fun book to read! It does read almost more like a middle school book, possibly younger YA type. But the plot and the characters were easy to follow and it was a simple story. As the book went on we learned a little more about each character, even some unexpected things! The twist at the end has me looking forward to book #2 and what mystery the witch squad will be faced with next!
October 12, 2017
Cute, quick read.
Mercy is sent to an all witch boarding school and she couldn't be more thrilled.
Not.
First day of class a girl is murdered in town, Mercy sees the her ghost.
Mercy and the witch squad, Jax, Sweets, Holly, and Alda, start investigating.
A good witchy murder mystery.
Ready to read the next book.
Who wants to sent me a copy.
😊
Mercy is sent to an all witch boarding school and she couldn't be more thrilled.
Not.
First day of class a girl is murdered in town, Mercy sees the her ghost.
Mercy and the witch squad, Jax, Sweets, Holly, and Alda, start investigating.
A good witchy murder mystery.
Ready to read the next book.
Who wants to sent me a copy.
😊
October 24, 2017
Cute and fun
I loved this book and can't sIt to read the rest of the series. This story has everything I love, it is funny ( I actually laughed out loud many times throughout this book), It has mystery which kept me guessing for quite awhile, I love supernatural stories, all the characters were well done. Everything about this book was well done. There were a small amount of typos but no big deal. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA supernatural funny stories. The author did a fantastic job. I am looking forward to reading more book is by M Z Andrews.
I loved this book and can't sIt to read the rest of the series. This story has everything I love, it is funny ( I actually laughed out loud many times throughout this book), It has mystery which kept me guessing for quite awhile, I love supernatural stories, all the characters were well done. Everything about this book was well done. There were a small amount of typos but no big deal. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA supernatural funny stories. The author did a fantastic job. I am looking forward to reading more book is by M Z Andrews.
September 25, 2018
This book was surprisingly fun. I liked the characters and found the story interesting. I’d definitely read more in the series.
November 1, 2016
Excellent read
M. Z. Andrews has done an amazing job with Witch Squad. Great characters, a fun mystery, and lots of laughs makes for a great book. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series
M. Z. Andrews has done an amazing job with Witch Squad. Great characters, a fun mystery, and lots of laughs makes for a great book. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely be reading more. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series
October 31, 2016
New author for me
Awesomely entertaining. First of this authors books that I've read it sure won't be the last. Can't wait to start the next book.
Awesomely entertaining. First of this authors books that I've read it sure won't be the last. Can't wait to start the next book.
March 29, 2021
Where to begin with Witch Squad?
I suppose the main character Mercy would be a good place to start. Mercy comes across as a moody, introvert, at times badass who doesn't really know how to express herself in a more open way. Really she is like many main characters in YA stories, she acts like a teenager - although yes she is a teenager she's 19 here - but she acts more like someone who is a fair bit younger.
Jax is next, she's a witch like Mercy and dresses like one too, as in really dresses like one, she's bubbly, friendly, open and very much an extrovert.
Holly comes across as a shy girl, timid and unsure of where she is, a bit of a klutz but she means well.
Alba is similar to Mercy only she is more brash and bold, she's also more in touch with her feelings than her too.
Finally Sweet, a kind girl who never thinks bad of anyone, who loves food and... that's pretty much it really.
The characters in the book aren't bad, they just don't get any real time to properly shine, we see sudden changes to their characters with each other even though they've only known each other for a week. Holly goes from a timid girl to someone who is very secure in her body - great - and will put anyone else down for not flaunting what they've got - not great really. Mercy has a lot of potential as the main character but really everything that happens is just something she lucks out on, and while we are suppose to feel sorry for her, it's really hard to do when she acts so 'woe is me'. Alba is also a bit annoying, but at least she has more personality to act like a decent person when a friend is feeling down.
Sweet is probably the only character who isn't really given any kind of 'shine' moment, she's just there, really it feels like she's there for comic relief, to lighten the darkness of the book.
Only issue to that is the book isn't that dark, while the mystery of the murder is meant to grip up, along with the girls meant to be learning, there just isn't anything to grasp at, we don't know anything about the side characters that they are investigating, and there is also the issue of their witchy powers, which I kept forgetting about because it was never important to the story, the only one who used their powers as it was stated was Alba.
I kind of wish we knew more about the school, about the classes the girls went to, to really fill out the story more than what it was. What the other classmates are like for example, instead we got everything filled into a week long adventure, not enough time to have the girls trust each other - Mercy certainly doesn't seem like someone who trusts so easily, and Alba doesn't seem the sort either - but they all hang about each other, they trust each other, and they act like they've know each other for ages even though it's been a week.
The book isn't bad, it just lacks any real bite to make it interesting, the plot is what gripped me in, but the characters are just so flat that I just don't care about any of them - also how many times did Mercy smirk in the book? Can she not smirk, it felt like that was all she ever did when talking to someone.
I suppose the main character Mercy would be a good place to start. Mercy comes across as a moody, introvert, at times badass who doesn't really know how to express herself in a more open way. Really she is like many main characters in YA stories, she acts like a teenager - although yes she is a teenager she's 19 here - but she acts more like someone who is a fair bit younger.
Jax is next, she's a witch like Mercy and dresses like one too, as in really dresses like one, she's bubbly, friendly, open and very much an extrovert.
Holly comes across as a shy girl, timid and unsure of where she is, a bit of a klutz but she means well.
Alba is similar to Mercy only she is more brash and bold, she's also more in touch with her feelings than her too.
Finally Sweet, a kind girl who never thinks bad of anyone, who loves food and... that's pretty much it really.
The characters in the book aren't bad, they just don't get any real time to properly shine, we see sudden changes to their characters with each other even though they've only known each other for a week. Holly goes from a timid girl to someone who is very secure in her body - great - and will put anyone else down for not flaunting what they've got - not great really. Mercy has a lot of potential as the main character but really everything that happens is just something she lucks out on, and while we are suppose to feel sorry for her, it's really hard to do when she acts so 'woe is me'. Alba is also a bit annoying, but at least she has more personality to act like a decent person when a friend is feeling down.
Sweet is probably the only character who isn't really given any kind of 'shine' moment, she's just there, really it feels like she's there for comic relief, to lighten the darkness of the book.
Only issue to that is the book isn't that dark, while the mystery of the murder is meant to grip up, along with the girls meant to be learning, there just isn't anything to grasp at, we don't know anything about the side characters that they are investigating, and there is also the issue of their witchy powers, which I kept forgetting about because it was never important to the story, the only one who used their powers as it was stated was Alba.
I kind of wish we knew more about the school, about the classes the girls went to, to really fill out the story more than what it was. What the other classmates are like for example, instead we got everything filled into a week long adventure, not enough time to have the girls trust each other - Mercy certainly doesn't seem like someone who trusts so easily, and Alba doesn't seem the sort either - but they all hang about each other, they trust each other, and they act like they've know each other for ages even though it's been a week.
The book isn't bad, it just lacks any real bite to make it interesting, the plot is what gripped me in, but the characters are just so flat that I just don't care about any of them - also how many times did Mercy smirk in the book? Can she not smirk, it felt like that was all she ever did when talking to someone.
May 3, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I read it on my kindle when it first came out and just had to add it to my audio book collection but it wasn't available at the time. So when I discovered it was I jumped at the chance to listen to it and see if it was as good as I remembered. It was and I am glad to say I might have enjoyed it even more. I love everything about this series.The characters are such a mixed bunch but so well written you feel like you already know them or they remind you of someone. The mystery was good and entertaining with the use of witch craft to try and solve it. I can't wait to start the next book because that is so going to happen it like a spell.as been cast over me I have to find out what happens to the girls next.
Mercy has finally found a place she feel like she fits in and it only took the courts demanding she go to college for it to happen. It's not just any college, it's a college for witches and for the first time Mercy isn't the only one who is different. In fact she is surprised she doesn't need to hide it anymore not even from the people in town who are "normal". This really is a surprise especially when the class have to take a field trip because he local sheriff is requesting help with a murder that has taken place in town. Mercy and her new found friends can't help but feel affected by the death of the young girl. They soon get into.trouble when there powers lead them back into town to investigate. Why was ane killed? And more importantly what happened to her body? Having powers should make solving a murder easier but not if you have no control over your gifts. Can the five new found friends work together and catch the killer before he strikes again? Or like normal girls will they get distracted by boys from the wizard college right next door.
I like me the narrator she was so bubbly it was easy to imagine you were attend college right along with Mercy and her friends.
Mercy has finally found a place she feel like she fits in and it only took the courts demanding she go to college for it to happen. It's not just any college, it's a college for witches and for the first time Mercy isn't the only one who is different. In fact she is surprised she doesn't need to hide it anymore not even from the people in town who are "normal". This really is a surprise especially when the class have to take a field trip because he local sheriff is requesting help with a murder that has taken place in town. Mercy and her new found friends can't help but feel affected by the death of the young girl. They soon get into.trouble when there powers lead them back into town to investigate. Why was ane killed? And more importantly what happened to her body? Having powers should make solving a murder easier but not if you have no control over your gifts. Can the five new found friends work together and catch the killer before he strikes again? Or like normal girls will they get distracted by boys from the wizard college right next door.
I like me the narrator she was so bubbly it was easy to imagine you were attend college right along with Mercy and her friends.
December 24, 2025
This was just so much fun! It felt like a combination of Harry Potter, Winx Club, and Fantasy High all in one.
The story follows Mercy, a young witch who gets sent to a witch boarding school not because she wants to, but because the alternative is a correctional institution. She is the embodiment of ANGST. Girl is nothing if not unpleasant, antisocial, and rude, and I love it. Finally a main character that has CHARACTER and isn't a perfect little princess.
The murder mystery was okay - there were too few instances (in my opinion) that hinted towards what was going on. I love figuring things out myself, but in this book, that's not a major part of the story. The mystery solving just kind of happens. If you're looking for a book to make deductions about, this one may fall a little short. I do love that this cozy book actually has a pretty dark plot!
The only thing I really didn't appreciate in this book is how the characters are described. Too much emphasis is put on their assets, how they look, how thick or thin they are. There's a fuller girl nicknamed Sweets, who keeps eating all day, and her last name is Porter (read: portly). There's a blonde, ditzy girl and Mercy can only stare at her chest and 'badonkadonk' - yeah, that's really in the book. I wish it stopped focussing on the girls' bodies and how much they ate. Because, don't you know it, those descriptions don't get written for the guys.
If I look through that, I had such a good time with this book - I loved it as a cozy experience with an actually good plot and main character. Can't wait to explore more of this world!
The story follows Mercy, a young witch who gets sent to a witch boarding school not because she wants to, but because the alternative is a correctional institution. She is the embodiment of ANGST. Girl is nothing if not unpleasant, antisocial, and rude, and I love it. Finally a main character that has CHARACTER and isn't a perfect little princess.
The murder mystery was okay - there were too few instances (in my opinion) that hinted towards what was going on. I love figuring things out myself, but in this book, that's not a major part of the story. The mystery solving just kind of happens. If you're looking for a book to make deductions about, this one may fall a little short. I do love that this cozy book actually has a pretty dark plot!
The only thing I really didn't appreciate in this book is how the characters are described. Too much emphasis is put on their assets, how they look, how thick or thin they are. There's a fuller girl nicknamed Sweets, who keeps eating all day, and her last name is Porter (read: portly). There's a blonde, ditzy girl and Mercy can only stare at her chest and 'badonkadonk' - yeah, that's really in the book. I wish it stopped focussing on the girls' bodies and how much they ate. Because, don't you know it, those descriptions don't get written for the guys.
If I look through that, I had such a good time with this book - I loved it as a cozy experience with an actually good plot and main character. Can't wait to explore more of this world!
May 5, 2017
"The Witch Squad” is Book one of the “Cozy Mystery” series (about six books, I think; two on Audible). This book is not lesfic, but it’s about witches and it’s narrated by Lisa Cordileone, one of my favorite narrators, and since it’s on Kindle Unlimited with a discounted audiobook I gave it a try.
Mercy, the MC, is 19yo, and is sent off to a Paranormal University for two years as an alternative to a year in prison for freaking out the local police with her witchiness. Mercy meets up with four other girls, and the five of them are dubbed “The Witch Squad” as they investigate a murder.
Despite the setting being college, and the girls being 19-20yo, this is a VERY YA feeling book! The characters talk and act like they’re 14-16yo. They giggle about boys a bit, but there is no real effort at young romance. The mystery wasn’t complex, but there was a surprise twist at the end that I enjoyed.
Overall, the story was fun in a very light-hearted, silly, entertaining way. The narrator did a great job expressing unique personalities for each of the girls. For an early teen, this would probably be a mid-4* book. For adults, I’d rate is as 3.5* with an added bonus because of the narrator, so it rounds to 4*. Yes, recommended, but for light-hearted entertainment, I kind of hate that my 4* list will equate this with some of the much better books that I’ve rated 4*, but that’s the nature of the Goodreads rating system (which is why I began paying more attention to, and writing my own, reviews!).
Mercy, the MC, is 19yo, and is sent off to a Paranormal University for two years as an alternative to a year in prison for freaking out the local police with her witchiness. Mercy meets up with four other girls, and the five of them are dubbed “The Witch Squad” as they investigate a murder.
Despite the setting being college, and the girls being 19-20yo, this is a VERY YA feeling book! The characters talk and act like they’re 14-16yo. They giggle about boys a bit, but there is no real effort at young romance. The mystery wasn’t complex, but there was a surprise twist at the end that I enjoyed.
Overall, the story was fun in a very light-hearted, silly, entertaining way. The narrator did a great job expressing unique personalities for each of the girls. For an early teen, this would probably be a mid-4* book. For adults, I’d rate is as 3.5* with an added bonus because of the narrator, so it rounds to 4*. Yes, recommended, but for light-hearted entertainment, I kind of hate that my 4* list will equate this with some of the much better books that I’ve rated 4*, but that’s the nature of the Goodreads rating system (which is why I began paying more attention to, and writing my own, reviews!).
April 19, 2019
Upon arriving at the Paranormal Institute for Witches, Mercy is hoping to meet others like herself--gloomy and morose and shunned by the rest of society. Instead, most of the girls she encounters are chipper, cheerful, and sweet, including her tiny dynamo of a roommate, Jax. It is Jax who drags Mercy into the beginnings of friendship with three other students: Alba (who's more like Mercy with her aloofness), Sweets (the plump, cheerful girl who stress eats), and Holly (the vivacious blonde bombshell).
On their first official day of classes, the Headmistress, Sorceress Stone, takes the five girls to the scene where a local girl has recently been murdered. The police in Aspen Falls are aware of the special abilities of the students at the Institute, and Sorceress Stone wants the girls to learn how to aid an investigation, There, Mercy encounters the ghost of the dead girl, but she and her classmates are whisked away before she can speak to Morgan.
The girls continue to bandy about solutions to the murder in their spare time, but when one of their own is abducted, they must pool their unique, individual talents to save her and to solve the murder.
This was a fun, light story. Characterizations were done well, including Sorceress Stone, who reminded me of an odd combination of Dumbledore and Umbridge. It was interesting to see Mercy learn to embrace having friends, when she'd spent most of her life keeping others at arm's length.
Likable enough to entice me to read more in the series.
On their first official day of classes, the Headmistress, Sorceress Stone, takes the five girls to the scene where a local girl has recently been murdered. The police in Aspen Falls are aware of the special abilities of the students at the Institute, and Sorceress Stone wants the girls to learn how to aid an investigation, There, Mercy encounters the ghost of the dead girl, but she and her classmates are whisked away before she can speak to Morgan.
The girls continue to bandy about solutions to the murder in their spare time, but when one of their own is abducted, they must pool their unique, individual talents to save her and to solve the murder.
This was a fun, light story. Characterizations were done well, including Sorceress Stone, who reminded me of an odd combination of Dumbledore and Umbridge. It was interesting to see Mercy learn to embrace having friends, when she'd spent most of her life keeping others at arm's length.
Likable enough to entice me to read more in the series.
February 2, 2017
I really liked this book. The characters are well written. The story flows nicely.
The book begins with Mercy Habernackle starting school at The Paranormal Institute in Aspen Falls, PA. For her, it was either go to school or go to jail. She wasn't looking forward to going to school but she didn't want to go to jail either so she was stuck there. She was determined to make no friends and just get her 2 years in and be done with it. She meets her roommate right off who looks like a witch from the purple and black striped tights to the pointy black hat and she is so perky and Mercy is SO not into perky. Jax hugs her right off the bat, she and her mom, and Mercy SO does not do hugging.
So the first day of class they meet their teacher Sorceress Stone who doesn't seem to like Mercy from the get go...anyways, sorceress stone is called off to a murder case right there in class and she takes the whole class with her to scene of the crime.
Not to give too many things away, Mercy and her soon to be friends end up solving the murder after much action between them and sorceress stone and police detective Whitman. Mercy also sees a black cat hanging around her dorm who seems to know what she is saying to the cat and the cat nods back. So they perform a spell and lo and behold Mercy's mother has enchanted the cat and has been keeping her eye on her daughter through the cat.
Mercy never having had a boyfriend also meets a guy next door in the school for wizards who she becomes close to as well.
Very good YA book. Highly recommend for anyone in to the paranormal.
The book begins with Mercy Habernackle starting school at The Paranormal Institute in Aspen Falls, PA. For her, it was either go to school or go to jail. She wasn't looking forward to going to school but she didn't want to go to jail either so she was stuck there. She was determined to make no friends and just get her 2 years in and be done with it. She meets her roommate right off who looks like a witch from the purple and black striped tights to the pointy black hat and she is so perky and Mercy is SO not into perky. Jax hugs her right off the bat, she and her mom, and Mercy SO does not do hugging.
So the first day of class they meet their teacher Sorceress Stone who doesn't seem to like Mercy from the get go...anyways, sorceress stone is called off to a murder case right there in class and she takes the whole class with her to scene of the crime.
Not to give too many things away, Mercy and her soon to be friends end up solving the murder after much action between them and sorceress stone and police detective Whitman. Mercy also sees a black cat hanging around her dorm who seems to know what she is saying to the cat and the cat nods back. So they perform a spell and lo and behold Mercy's mother has enchanted the cat and has been keeping her eye on her daughter through the cat.
Mercy never having had a boyfriend also meets a guy next door in the school for wizards who she becomes close to as well.
Very good YA book. Highly recommend for anyone in to the paranormal.
February 25, 2018
Not a bad read actually. I liked it and all. I just found some parts a tad cliche, but overall the characters were enjoyable. Just not 100% authentic with some of their lines. They come across as High School kids to me, not college adults. But seeing as I read this easily in 1 day, there was a lot going on that kept me interested.
The story is told through the eyes of Mercy Habernackle. She's 19 and this is her first year of 'College'. To be frank here, she's been through some shit. Which ultimately landed her here. All Mercy ever wanted was just to get by. Unnoticed if possible and keep her nose clean. As if things were ever going to be THAT easy for Mercy Habernackle. She soon makes fast friends, though not entirely willingly. There appears to just be that natural draw to her. At least that is the vibe I pick from her friends. They make quite the motley bunch and I found myself laughing out at a few parts.
Of course there's more but that would lead to too many spoilers.
But barely 24 hours since Mercy's arrival, a dead body turns up in a near by town. Mercy, due to her abilities and a certain 'friend' of hers, quickly get dragged into it. And so do her loyal friends.
I will admit this book shows a promising start to a series I would love to explore to in the near future. I do love a paranormal mystery and this pretty much has delivered for me.
Looking forward to see what other shenanigans The Witch Squad will be up to in the near the future!
The story is told through the eyes of Mercy Habernackle. She's 19 and this is her first year of 'College'. To be frank here, she's been through some shit. Which ultimately landed her here. All Mercy ever wanted was just to get by. Unnoticed if possible and keep her nose clean. As if things were ever going to be THAT easy for Mercy Habernackle. She soon makes fast friends, though not entirely willingly. There appears to just be that natural draw to her. At least that is the vibe I pick from her friends. They make quite the motley bunch and I found myself laughing out at a few parts.
Of course there's more but that would lead to too many spoilers.
But barely 24 hours since Mercy's arrival, a dead body turns up in a near by town. Mercy, due to her abilities and a certain 'friend' of hers, quickly get dragged into it. And so do her loyal friends.
I will admit this book shows a promising start to a series I would love to explore to in the near future. I do love a paranormal mystery and this pretty much has delivered for me.
Looking forward to see what other shenanigans The Witch Squad will be up to in the near the future!
March 12, 2019
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
'The Witch Squad' is a great introduction to a new series of 'paranormal' cozy mysteries - it's fast-paced, intriguing and fun, and it has a group of main characters that will bring a smile to your face more than once:)
Mercy, rather an outcast in her home town, starts over in a new school and right from the start nothing is what she expected it to be; she almost unwillingly makes friends with not only her roommate but also other girls in her year and, even more unexpectedly, they all get involved in a murder investigation. Mercy is also forced to use her powers, which so far has only caused problems for her, and suddenly she becomes the leader of the Witch Squad... and all this within the first week of school:)
The plot is great - it keeps you guessing along with the girls, takes you through some good twists in the murder case and involves some really impressive (and useful:)) magic. It also has a talking cat - which is a nice touch:) Both main and secondary characters are memorable, well-portrayed, yet with enough room to be further developed in the next books in the series.
Narration by Ms Cordileone is almost perfect; the voices are very well done, emotions conveyed clearly and convincingly. It's a very good interpretation of the book:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
'The Witch Squad' is a great introduction to a new series of 'paranormal' cozy mysteries - it's fast-paced, intriguing and fun, and it has a group of main characters that will bring a smile to your face more than once:)
Mercy, rather an outcast in her home town, starts over in a new school and right from the start nothing is what she expected it to be; she almost unwillingly makes friends with not only her roommate but also other girls in her year and, even more unexpectedly, they all get involved in a murder investigation. Mercy is also forced to use her powers, which so far has only caused problems for her, and suddenly she becomes the leader of the Witch Squad... and all this within the first week of school:)
The plot is great - it keeps you guessing along with the girls, takes you through some good twists in the murder case and involves some really impressive (and useful:)) magic. It also has a talking cat - which is a nice touch:) Both main and secondary characters are memorable, well-portrayed, yet with enough room to be further developed in the next books in the series.
Narration by Ms Cordileone is almost perfect; the voices are very well done, emotions conveyed clearly and convincingly. It's a very good interpretation of the book:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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March 31, 2021A very unusual group of young witches meet at their new school: The Paranormal Institute. Their first week at school unexpectedly includes a murder investigation.
A young witch who is somewhat of a troublemaker is offered a choice, "enrollment" at a correctional institution or enrollment at The Paranormal Institute. She chooses the latter and things get interesting right away. Her roommate is not what she expected at all and somehow she finds herself part of a group of five young witches with very widely varied personalities and personal styles and a widely varied set of witch skills, both existing and emerging. I was totally charmed and entertained by this book and intend to read every book in this series! This is an unexpected Academy sort of series and I only wish it were a four or five year institution and not just two years. Witches solving murders--I love it and all the attitude and the cat! Yes, there is a black cat! What could be better?
A young witch who is somewhat of a troublemaker is offered a choice, "enrollment" at a correctional institution or enrollment at The Paranormal Institute. She chooses the latter and things get interesting right away. Her roommate is not what she expected at all and somehow she finds herself part of a group of five young witches with very widely varied personalities and personal styles and a widely varied set of witch skills, both existing and emerging. I was totally charmed and entertained by this book and intend to read every book in this series! This is an unexpected Academy sort of series and I only wish it were a four or five year institution and not just two years. Witches solving murders--I love it and all the attitude and the cat! Yes, there is a black cat! What could be better?
July 18, 2022
This was an amazing book, it combined the two things I love most, fantasy and murder mystery. A girl is found dead outside a witches boarding school, and a group of witches set off trying to solve the murder, with a witch who sees ghosts and another that has readings and another that is a matchmaker who also sees the future and someone who can make anyone do whatever she wants and a non-witch who is daughter of the headmistress but very open-minded, they have a fair chance, they start off with finding the body missing as they want to consult Morgan’s ghost, they however find her purity ring and the piece everything, the purity rings were given by a MAN named Oliver, which just so happens to be over a century old but doesn’t look a day over 50, meaning he is a wizard, further more, virgins can be used for many spells, they stop Oliver from taking another girl in the nick of time and save their non-witch friend. A truly amazing book.
This book is available on kindle unlimited.
This book is available on kindle unlimited.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2017
This is a fast-paced mystery with a paranormal twist. Mercy Habernacle is an unwilling witch who has tried to reject her gift (seeing and communicating with ghosts), as well as all other things related to being a witch. Her struggle with who she is has led to run-ins with the local law enforcement, so rather than going to a correctional institute, Mercy agrees to go to Witch College in order to learn to control her powers. There she finds acceptance for all, no matter their differences, and good friends who quickly become labeled the Witch Squad. This quirky group of girls work together to help each other and to solve the brutal murder of a "town girl" who was targeted to be a virgin sacrifice in an evil wizard's quest for eternal youth. The book ends with a tie-in to the second in the series in which Mercy meets a brother she never knew she had.
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