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Harper Grant Mystery #1

A Witchy Business

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The small town of Abbott Cove holds a secret…
It’s home to the Grant family of witches!
Harper Grant is happy working at Archie’s Diner as she tries her best to avoid the attentions of the town’s gossips.
However, when a body turns up during Abbott Cove’s annual festival, she begins to understand her family isn’t the only one hiding secrets.
With the help of the new swoon-worthy police officer, Joe McGrady, Harper finds herself on the trail of the perpetrator. Will Harper uncover the killer’s identity before it’s too late?

A Witchy Business is the first book in the Harper Grant Mystery series.

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 17, 2016

423 people are currently reading
408 people want to read

About the author

D.S. Butler

35 books903 followers
Author of the Karen Hart series. Ex-biochemist turned crime-writer. Huge Queen fan. Loves to read crime fiction.

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5 stars
301 (38%)
4 stars
272 (35%)
3 stars
160 (20%)
2 stars
33 (4%)
1 star
11 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,096 reviews3,023 followers
October 24, 2019
Harper Grant, her sister Jess and their grandmother were all witches, residing in the small town of Abbott Cove. Harper worked at Archie’s Diner where she’d been for the past five years, but when one of the town’s well known identities turned up dead at the festival, Harper, for reasons she could tell no one but her family, was compelled to search for the killer.

Clashing with the police chief as well as the town’s new officer, Harper found herself in a spot of bother. Would she be able to locate the murderer before she became a victim herself?

A Witchy Business is the 1st in the Harper Grant Mystery series by D.S. Butler and it was lots of fun. Light, entertaining – a great start to a new cozy series. The three MCs – Harper, Jess and their gran were great characters. Recommended.
Profile Image for A.M..
Author 7 books57 followers
August 8, 2017
Okay… I have read this exact same setup in so many other witch cosy mysteries. It’s getting very stale.
Witch with a police love interest, a quirky family, and a small town.
The dialogue is… not good. The stuff where they have obviously tried to take out contractions and it doesn’t sound right. They also constantly say the other person’s name.
“Elizabeth, I am not grouchy.”
“Yes, you are, Harper. You haven’t spoken to me all day.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Elizabeth, I can’t talk to you because if I did, people would think I was crazy. Surely you can see that?” (p. 132).

ugh
The writing is kind of basic. For example she asks various people about the murder and they helpfully tell her (and the reader) all the relevant info. Then she rehashes it for her family when readers already know it. It’s ‘on the nose’ as Jerry Jenkins would say.
The main character steals something from a scene for no obvious reason and it later becomes key evidence.
Very repetitive. If she told Elizabeth one more time to shut-up I was going to dnf it.
She walks everywhere rather than deal with how to get a ghost in a car. [I guess]
She also has a paragraph of thought process before a reaction. That’s hard to explain. The deputy flirts with her and her jaw drops two paragraphs later. [I know I didn’t explain that well]
I supposed I shouldn’t really have been surprised to see him since he did work there. (p. 82).

You think? Sighs…
The story? Meh
It doesn’t help that the witch’s skill is being able to talk to ghosts and the murder victim is a horrible local that nobody likes called Elizabeth Naggington. Nagging? Really? And she’s a whole lot annoying so I’m not inspired to want to know who killed her. She goes on and on and on about her husband cooking curry in the house the day after she dies. The fact that he’s not mourning much seems to escape her notice. I also didn’t get that her son was a grown man and was thrown out of the story when his father passed him a beer.
The sheriff shouldn’t be upset they want to call in the state cops, murder isn’t his jurisdiction.
The murder gets solved with the ‘who’ part, but not the ‘how’.
1 star
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,232 reviews44 followers
December 12, 2016
A funny, entertaining supernatural cozy mystery.
I loved the storyline, the twists, mystery and adventure.
Great small town characters I'm looking forward to more witchyness
Profile Image for Kylie.
72 reviews
January 10, 2018
A Witchy Business was a cute, cozy mystery that was a blast to read on the side. Harper Grant is an easy main character to connect with and the cast of characters she meets make this story entertaining. The mystery was tied up neatly and there was even a splash of romance. I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, romances, and other short, easy reads on my kindle before bed and this really fit the bill. I found myself actually thinking about the book outside of my reading times and was excited to see how the mystery would be solved and what shenanigans Harper would find herself in.

I will most likely be picking up the other books in this series, I liked Harper and I liked the little bit of magic that was in the book.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
August 17, 2018
I'm not certain which name to use since I've read books under both names: Danica Britton and D. S. Butler. Either name will give the reader something clean and entertaining to read.

A Witchy Boxed Set - This set contains the first two books of the Harper Grant Mystery series: A Witchy Business and A Witchy Mystery. Both books are well written, quickly read and entertaining. The mysteries are well handled, but even with the twists and kinks, I figured out the baddies. I had fun with Harper and her adventures; she's a likable character and she continues to develop with each book. Her family, friends and community are just interesting and likable, too, and grow more on their own through their involvements.

The story lines of both books keeps the reader immersed in the pages. There's no stupidity, just naivety here and there. The stories are clean, but there's well done touches of sexual interest, not tension yet, between Harper and the Deputy. I'm interested in reading the rest of the series, since they're my kind of relaxing to read witches. 4*

A Witchy Business #1 - Fun to read. This book is well written, quickly read and entertaining; good humor. I had fun with Harper; she's a likable character and she does develop with each book. Her family and community are interesting, likable and steady growing, too. The story line kept me immersed in the pages; really the stuff Harper puts herself in and what happens to her keeps you reading. There's no stupidity on her part, things just happen. The mystery was well done and many twists are thrown at the reader, but I still figured the correct baddie. This is a clean story. 4*

A Witchy Mystery #2 - More humor. This book is well written, quickly read and entertaining with more humor. I still had fun with Harper; she's a likable character and she does keep developing. Her family, friends and community are interesting, likable and steady growing, too. This story line kept me immersed in the pages; Harper doesn't fail to put and find herself in situations, which just keeps you reading. There's no stupidity on her part, things just happen. The mystery was well done and many twists are thrown at the reader, but I still figured the correct baddie. The story is clean, but there's well done touches of sexual interest, not tension yet, between Harper and the Deputy. 4*

Harper Grant and the Poisoned Pumpkin Pie #5: This is a short story filled with humor, magic and laughs. This time there isn't a murder, but there's an investigation that gets stopped when a big investigation happens. Harper uses a little magic and wonders if her magic caused the poisoning. Good for a coffee break or a little down time; very relaxing. Still clean. This short can also be found in Witch or Treat, a collection of paranormal stories. 4*

Witch or Treat: A Collection of Paranormal Cozy Shorts
D. S. Butler has a Harper Grant short in this collection. I've also read books and shorts by Regina Welling and Erin Lynn, Joynell Schultz, and Ruby Blaylock, and found all these ladies write entertaining stories. If you like any of the above, you'll like them all. I didn't have time to read more before I had to post this review, but I'm interested in reading all of these shorts. 4*
Profile Image for Seraphia Bunny.
2,114 reviews34 followers
October 14, 2018
What’s a witch to do when the local pain ends up dead in a barrel and you’re the only who can see and speak to her ghost? Well, for Harper Grant, her mission is to help Elizabeth Naggington discover who murdered her, why and help Elizabeth move on. It won’t be an easy task especially in a town full of people who aren’t exactly sad that the local nag is dead. Harper will have to tread carefully so that she doesn’t draw the negative eye of the local police force…and a certain handsome new recruit due to her unique gift of being able to talk to ghosts. Because let’s be honest…being the only one who can see and speak to ghosts can make you look a little crazy in a town full of “normals.”
A Witchy Business by Danica Britton is the first book in her Harper Grant Mystery series. This book is told in the first person. Harper Grant is an interesting character. I like that the author gives the reader some background on Harper from the beginning and a bit of a surprise with a side character as well. This story has some fun twists and a couple of surprises. I enjoy a good “who done it” and this book definitely gives the reader that as Harper goes around trying to figure out who killed Elizabeth. Honestly, the list could be as long as the number of residents in the town, but the author does a good job keeping the reader guessing.
There isn’t anything that I don’t like about this book. The author does a good job weaving an engaging story from start to finish. We get a nice little hint of romance in the story as well. There is humor, a hint of romance, and mystery.
I am rating this book this book 5 out of 5 stars. This is a good mystery novel. This is the first book that I have read by this author and one that I enjoyed reading. If you are a fan of cozy mystery novels with witches with less than perfect powers/skills then I recommend this book. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy.
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,155 reviews132 followers
April 28, 2020
"Sometimes things aren't what they seem Harper"

Harper and Jess Grant live in Abbot Cove where the Grant family have been stirring up trouble for many generations. Jess is a librarian, Harper works at Archie's Diner, and Grandma Grant runs a nursery. Jess and Grandma are pretty good at potions and spells. Harper, not so much, but she sees and speaks with ghosts, something that can be a good thing or a bad thing, dependant on the situation.

Then the town busy-body dies, and Elizabeth Naggington's ghost is hanging around Harper begging her to find out who killed her. Harper finds out just how much is being hidden in plain site while trying to prove herself and her friends are not suspects before the killer tries to cut down another.

I have had this book on my collection for too long (2018!), and it was about time I was introduced to my backlog TBR again. This is a sweet easy read that has a fun mystery and obviously introduces another paranormal-trying-to-pass-as-"normal"to the genre. I finished it in a day. Recommended 4/5
Profile Image for Sue.
596 reviews19 followers
September 7, 2018
Harper Grant comes from a long line of witches. Her special powers (sometimes a curse) is being able to see and talk to the dearly departed. She loves working at Archie’s Diner and tries to keep herself away from the town gossip. They already think her family is strange, why add more kindling to the fire?

However, a murder occurs during the Abbott Cove annual festival and Harper finds herself smack dab in the middle of things. The deceased is an annoying woman that has had squabbles with just about everyone in town and is driving Harper crazy with her eye-rolling opinions.

I found this book absolutely delightful. It was written with great wit and I found the characters were quirky and charming. Grandma Grant, her hijinks, and her “magical” garden added to the humor. This is the perfect humorous paranormal cozy mystery to keep you entertained on a rainy fall day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen.
503 reviews65 followers
August 6, 2017
finished A Witchy Business by D.S. Butler last night , this was a free book I got on Amazon.ca which is free at time of this review. I do love a witch cozy mystery and they are hard to resist. I found I really enjoyed this cozy. I love a story with a great family and the Grant sisters and their grandmother make for an interesting read. Not the most skilled witches, but delightful and funny. Harper can't do spells (though it is debateable if her sister and grandmother can as well) her witchy power comes in talking with ghosts. This small town, diner working, ghost talking witch knows how to find herself in hot water for sure. I enjoyed the mystery, did not quite have it figured out and think that witchy cozy mystery readers would enjoy this story as much as I did.
I am not a huge fan of the cover but it did get my attention.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,731 reviews29 followers
September 16, 2018
Harper and her sister live with their Grandma Grant after being whisked away by her due to their witch powers starting to show up after jumping their parents generation. While Jess can spell well Harper can't she gets the great gift of seeing ghosts so when the town Bea Arch turns up dead Harper has to help work out who killed her while not looking like a loone herself for appearing to talk to know one. This she can handle, but the new police officer Joe is another story as he keeps popping up when she is trying to get clues leaving her making a bit of a fool of herself each and every time. WE get to know everyone a bit more as the story progresses an I must say I will never let Grandma near my garden!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2018
Note: my book says author is Danica Britton. Website says this s also her name.

Lovely new witch cozy series. Just up my alley for light fun reading.

I thought witches did magic, spells, talk with ghosts, basically all of it. Our heroine seems to only talk to
ghosts though. Her other family members do have other talents. I am hoping she will have more as the series goes on and that they lay dormant for now.
I also love how she seems to be more human, works a regular job and feels jealousy when a hot new guy is around. I love how she 'flirts with him.

My favorite is how she finds the who done it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a honest and freely given review.
Profile Image for Darcysmom.
1,513 reviews
August 11, 2017
Harper Grant lives in Abbott Cove, works at the local diner, lives with her sister, and she is a witch who can talk to ghosts. Talking to ghosts is not the witchy talent Harper would have chosen, it is hard to pass for normal when people see you having conversations with yourself. Fortunately, Harper isn't the lone witch in town - she has her grandmother and sister to lean on for support.
After Elizabeth Naggington, the town busybody, is found dead, it is up to Harper to "help" the police solve her murder so that the Elizabeth's ghost can move on.
This is the first book in the Harper Grant series. I am definitely looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,626 reviews33 followers
April 2, 2018
Cover/Title: Catchy covers and titles like these are what really catches my attention. I was drawn in quickly by both.

Characters: I loved how driven Harper was. She was determined to solve the murder.

Plot: Harper is a witch that can see and talk to ghosts. When one of the townspeople is murdered, she is determined to solve the mystery and help the ghost cross over.

Overall: I loved this charming little mystery. Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres and this author threw in another favorite genre (paranormal). Add some witches and some ghosts and I am a happy reader. I will definitely be reading more of this series.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,530 reviews
September 13, 2018
This is a really cute, quick read. Harper lives in a very small town in Maine. She is also a witch but she tries to hide that from the town. Her sister and Grandmother are also witches. Harper has been working in the local diner for the past 5 years. As a new Deputy comes to town a murder happens. Harper tries her best to help with the case even when she is flustered near the new Deputy. This took me about 2 hours to read. I started the next book right after I finished this one because its a quick, fun read.



*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
June 15, 2018
Keeping a ghost quiet is harder than it looks

A great read. Being from a family of witches is all well and good but when your only skill is being able to communicate with ghosts it can be demoralising. However when a body turns up it is the one thing that might be able to track done the killer. Can she keep her secret when the ghost is determined to keep her talking especially as the new hunk on the police force seems to be keeping a close eye on her? Lively banter and great characters who grow as the book progresses all wrapped up in a well crafted work.
1,992 reviews16 followers
September 14, 2018
A ghost whisperer - also a witch - tries to find a ghost's murderer. That the murdered woman had been disliked by almost everyone in town did not help matters. Throw in a grandmother who is not only a witch, but also likes to experiment with spells, Harper's days are being kept busy.
A good cozy mystery with original characters, fun to read and highly entertaining.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
587 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2019
A Witchy Business: Harper Grant (1)

I do like what I put under "Cosy Mystery" in my collections. They have lots going on and at times people die but! they aren't gory. They are sweet, loveable, relaxing. Which when I've been reading books that are very intense, is when I really need these books. They provide a really good read and a chill out at the same time. This is definitely one of those and I have enjoyed book 1, am now looking forward to seeing where this series goes. Did I mention these series usually have an on going story too
Sue P
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
May 22, 2017
A good cozy mystery

I enjoy a good mystery that's fun and light hearted. Harper is not very good at being a witch but sees ghosts, which makes her look crazy sometimes. The town's meanest lady is killed and Harper is determined to help her ghost find the killer. I could do with less of the bumbling klutz routine when it comes to the attractive cop but it's not enough to turn me off the series.
Profile Image for Donna.
1,386 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2018
This first book in the Harper Grant cozy mystery series is a good read, full of funny characters, and a simple murder-mystery. The murder victim's name was a bit silly - Mrs Naggington, very spot on for such a horrible lady! - but otherwise it's well-written and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes their cozy mysteries with a twist of magic.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Profile Image for Lyn Moffett.
62 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2018
Loved it

This is a book for all ages. Witty fun and completely unputdownable.. If that's even a word lol... I loved the characters and the story line. I won't give anything away but you'd be mad to miss it. I can't wait to get the other four books in the series. Totally brilliant book that I enjoyed immensely and if you too like little witchy books you'll absolutely love Harper Jess Grandma n Co plus the little love interest Joe
Profile Image for Elaine.
139 reviews
September 11, 2018
This cozy mystery was very good. I love the characters and I really like the author's writing style. There is a lot of conversation between characters, which I like. I looked up other books in the series and discovered that the author is now listed as Danica Britton, so you may find the books under either name. I just know that I need to get the rest of the series!
1,372 reviews8 followers
September 15, 2018
Harper is working at Archie's diner trying to fly under the proverbial radar of the gossips and then a person ends up dead. Can Harper and the new hot cop find out who murdered him and find out what secrets lie beneath.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,030 reviews16 followers
September 21, 2018
I loved this one for many reasons, one of which was that I felt comfortable letting my teenage daughter read it. She loved it just as much as I did. The main character, Harper, is a teen herself so it made it easy for my daughter to relate. The mystery was very well written with plenty of twists and turns and lots of humor. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series.
70 reviews
October 19, 2018
Good story

I really enjoyed the story. Quick and fun read. But, where does this author come from? She uses British terms that we do not use here. We don't say "ever so." We don't use " garden" for "yard." And we don't say " cooie" to get somone's attention. Please save your British vocabulary for your British stories.
408 reviews7 followers
July 11, 2019
Surprisingly good

The plat is interesting, the ghost are hilarious, and I really love the personality of the grandmother, the one thing I’m not a fan of or I found slightly annoying was the use of ever so, there is one other but I can’t remember it now but it was just so juvenile and reminded me of Nancy drew it was just not necessary
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
3,007 reviews36 followers
July 20, 2019
As cosy paranormal mysteries go I suppose wasn’t too bad, but it wasn’t very original. Unfortunately it also had Joe, the new handsome deputy sheriff, who caused Harper to keep getting tingles through her skin. I really could have done without this attempt at a romance.
I’m afraid I won’t be trying the next book.
Profile Image for Ruthann Mccoy.
106 reviews
August 10, 2017
Harper trA Witchy Business

Trying to help ghosts crops over can be challenging! Harper takes on the challenge, and hopes to help. This was a challenge- I'm sure future ones are as well. A good read
725 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2017
Good start

This is a pretty well written cozy type mystery with the usual clueless girl who has new powers as the detective. While there is nothing particularly unique about it, it's a good afternoon read.
Profile Image for Janet Angela beardsley.
109 reviews
March 23, 2018
Couldnt put this book down until i had read it all!

I loved this book. the characters and the story was interesting from the beginning and I just couldn't put it down until I finished, brilliant will read more by this author.
57 reviews
June 6, 2018
Easy read

Good cozy book about a bumbling witch who can see and talk to ghosts. Though you never get a good read on all the characters there are a few plot twists. The killer did not turn out to be obvious. But a good evenings distraction from too many gory spy books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews

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