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Essex Witch Museum Mystery #2
Strange Sight
The La Fleur restaurant has a slew of unusual phenomena. Bonnet-clad apparitions pass through walls, blood leaks from ceilings and rats besiege the dining room. Experts from the Great Essex Witch Museum are called in to quell these strange sights. But before Rosie Strange and Sam Stone can do their thing, events turn darker. For La Fleur's chef has been strung up and slaughtered like a pig. More oddly, the only witness, the owner's daughter Mary, swears blind a ghost did it. Rosie and Sam must find out what's happening before Mary takes the fall. But intuitions and tip-offs lead them stumbling into the dark waters of the past, exposing secrets of a wider conspiracy, as well as secrets all of Rosie's own.
384 pages, Paperback
Published November 14, 2017
47 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Syd Moore
16 books201 followersBefore embarking on a career in education, Syd worked extensively in the publishing industry, fronting Channel 4’s book programme, Pulp. She was the founding editor of Level 4, an arts and culture magazine, and is co-creator of Super Strumps, the game that reclaims female stereotypes.
Syd has also been a go go dancer, backing singer, subbuteo maker, children’s entertainer and performance poet, She now works for Metal Culture, an arts organisation, promoting arts and cultural events and developing literature programmes.
Syd is an out and proud Essex Girl and is lucky enough to live in that county where she spends her free time excavating old myths and listening out for things that go bump in the night.
Syd has also been a go go dancer, backing singer, subbuteo maker, children’s entertainer and performance poet, She now works for Metal Culture, an arts organisation, promoting arts and cultural events and developing literature programmes.
Syd is an out and proud Essex Girl and is lucky enough to live in that county where she spends her free time excavating old myths and listening out for things that go bump in the night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 14, 2017
DNF at 14%
I know it's early, but the main character Rosie is just annoying. She constanly mentioning how gorgeous Sam is, what kind of clothes she's wearing, and shaming other women. It's also too descriptive that it become info dumpy. Not for me.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
I know it's early, but the main character Rosie is just annoying. She constanly mentioning how gorgeous Sam is, what kind of clothes she's wearing, and shaming other women. It's also too descriptive that it become info dumpy. Not for me.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for honest review
March 17, 2018
“Strange Sight” is the second instalment in Syd Moore’s projected “Essex Witch Museum” trilogy. I hadn’t read the first novel in the series (Strange Magic), but this did not detract from my enjoyment of this book, not least because as we go along the author deftly fills us newbies in with the facts we need to know. The back story can be briefly summed up. Rosie Strange unexpectedly inherits a “witch museum” set up by her grandfather Septimus, whom she hardly knew. Rosie is a down-to-earth, thirty-something “Essex girl” and scepticism runs in her blood (she’s a benefits fraud inspector, so one would hardly expect otherwise). She is bent on a quick sale of the museum, but finds herself oddly attracted to it. And to its resident curator, Sam Stone. She soon also becomes embroiled in enquiries of an otherworldly bent. In the case of “Strange Sight”, Strange and Stone are called to investigate ghostly manifestations in a high-end London restaurant, only to discover that the chef has been killed in what seems to be a ritual murder. The ghostbusters turn sleuths as they try to crack the link between this terrible crime and the ongoing hauntings.
Of course, crime and supernatural genres have been combined before. One thinks of William Hope Hodgson’s Carnacki series or, closer to us, John Connolly’s Charlie Parker novels. What I liked about Moore is that the supernatural aspect does not drown out the “crime novel” elements. Indeed, the mystery is well-plotted, satisfactorily concluded and could stand its ground even without the otherwordly baggage. The ghostly sub-plots however add an element of frisson and there are hints that there is an overarching mystery directly involving Rosie Strange which will only be unravelled in the final book. What makes this novel a success is the endearing investigative duo, and especially the funny, charismatic Rosie, who doubles as narrator. Part Mulder and Scully, part Holmes and Watson, with some Bridget Jones thrown into the mix, it is the unlikely chemistry between the two which drives this book. That and the witty dialogue.
This is an entertaining novel, a perfect read for summer (or make that a spooky autumn afternoon), and one which I wouldn’t mind seeing adapted for the screen.
An electronic copy of this novel was provided through NetGalley in return for an honest review
Of course, crime and supernatural genres have been combined before. One thinks of William Hope Hodgson’s Carnacki series or, closer to us, John Connolly’s Charlie Parker novels. What I liked about Moore is that the supernatural aspect does not drown out the “crime novel” elements. Indeed, the mystery is well-plotted, satisfactorily concluded and could stand its ground even without the otherwordly baggage. The ghostly sub-plots however add an element of frisson and there are hints that there is an overarching mystery directly involving Rosie Strange which will only be unravelled in the final book. What makes this novel a success is the endearing investigative duo, and especially the funny, charismatic Rosie, who doubles as narrator. Part Mulder and Scully, part Holmes and Watson, with some Bridget Jones thrown into the mix, it is the unlikely chemistry between the two which drives this book. That and the witty dialogue.
This is an entertaining novel, a perfect read for summer (or make that a spooky autumn afternoon), and one which I wouldn’t mind seeing adapted for the screen.
An electronic copy of this novel was provided through NetGalley in return for an honest review
October 28, 2017
Looks like I will be adding Syd Moore to my list of authors to read.
Rosie Strange has inherited the Essex Witch Museum from her grandfather, Septimus Strange, who established it to preserve the history of the witches in Essex. Sam Stone, the curator, is also part of the deal and Rosie finds him to be a bit interesting...in a possible romantic way.
Rosie has a day job, and figures to maybe just sell the place, but there is something that keeps her drawn to it. She finds there is more than just a building and land...something more.
This is the second book of the set and in this one, Rosie and Sam are asked to investigate the ghost sightings and strange happenings that are going on at La Fleur restaurant. Ghostbusting turns into investigating a murder when La Fleur's chef is found strung up and brutally murdered in the basement of the building. The method of murder and the way it is found have eerie resemblances to events that happened in the Victorian era.
Are there spirits that are causing sightings and upset because of the evilness that was so prevalent in the past? Or is all this upheaval from human doings in an effort to cause La Fleur to fail? And why is any of it happening?
Even though Rosie and Sam are hired by the restaurant owner to solve the reasons behind the paranormal activity, the two find that the actual murder needs to be solved too. They feel that there is a connection between the two.
Along with the mystery there is some hesitant flirtation that goes on between the two. Neither will commit or acknowledge that there could be a relationship in the brewing. Rosie is a self-sufficient woman and Sam is a nice looking, bit nerdy academic. Not exactly the perfect match, but who knows.
The pace is steady and pulls you along. There seems to be a good amount of information to sort through to try and solve the mystery, yet not hand it to you on a silver platter.
Rosie Strange has inherited the Essex Witch Museum from her grandfather, Septimus Strange, who established it to preserve the history of the witches in Essex. Sam Stone, the curator, is also part of the deal and Rosie finds him to be a bit interesting...in a possible romantic way.
Rosie has a day job, and figures to maybe just sell the place, but there is something that keeps her drawn to it. She finds there is more than just a building and land...something more.
This is the second book of the set and in this one, Rosie and Sam are asked to investigate the ghost sightings and strange happenings that are going on at La Fleur restaurant. Ghostbusting turns into investigating a murder when La Fleur's chef is found strung up and brutally murdered in the basement of the building. The method of murder and the way it is found have eerie resemblances to events that happened in the Victorian era.
Are there spirits that are causing sightings and upset because of the evilness that was so prevalent in the past? Or is all this upheaval from human doings in an effort to cause La Fleur to fail? And why is any of it happening?
Even though Rosie and Sam are hired by the restaurant owner to solve the reasons behind the paranormal activity, the two find that the actual murder needs to be solved too. They feel that there is a connection between the two.
Along with the mystery there is some hesitant flirtation that goes on between the two. Neither will commit or acknowledge that there could be a relationship in the brewing. Rosie is a self-sufficient woman and Sam is a nice looking, bit nerdy academic. Not exactly the perfect match, but who knows.
The pace is steady and pulls you along. There seems to be a good amount of information to sort through to try and solve the mystery, yet not hand it to you on a silver platter.
October 11, 2017
Thanks Edelweiss for this ARC.
Loved this second Witch Museum book. Can't wait to see what new adventure comes next. Great combination of history, mystery, and sass
Loved this second Witch Museum book. Can't wait to see what new adventure comes next. Great combination of history, mystery, and sass
November 13, 2017
Strange sight by syd moore.
The La Fleur restaurant has a slew of unusual phenomena. Bonnet-clad apparitions pass through walls, blood leaks from ceilings and rats besiege the dining room. Experts from the Great Essex Witch Museum are called in to quell these strange sights. But before Rosie Strange and Sam Stone can do their thing evk did it.
A absolutely fantastic read. Love rosie and Sam.. I was unsure on mary. I didn't trust her. I do hope there is more to come. 5*. Tbc on fb.
The La Fleur restaurant has a slew of unusual phenomena. Bonnet-clad apparitions pass through walls, blood leaks from ceilings and rats besiege the dining room. Experts from the Great Essex Witch Museum are called in to quell these strange sights. But before Rosie Strange and Sam Stone can do their thing evk did it.
A absolutely fantastic read. Love rosie and Sam.. I was unsure on mary. I didn't trust her. I do hope there is more to come. 5*. Tbc on fb.
October 15, 2017
Well, it was definitely better than the first one - mainly because there was a little less driving across the country and a bit more real interaction between the main characters. I enjoyed the story more as well, though the determination of Rosie to be a nonbeliever pushed the bounds of my determination to read - as did her pathetic dislike of any woman she perceives as more attractive than herself. I will look out for the third in the series, particularly because I am now interested in her family history, and particularly in the background of Sam Stone.
April 26, 2019
This series has gotten stronger in the second book. I'm fully planning to keep reading them. After all, a book about a woman who inherits a witch museum and a sexy curator could not be more *for me* if it tried. There are a few things I'd like to see in these books, mostly that Rosie could be a little more powerful/smart but, on the whole, it's just a delightful series to read on my lunch break.
October 6, 2017
'm grateful to the publisher for an advance copy of this book.
This is the second in Syd's new series about "witches, magic and Essex Girls".
Another adventure for museum owner and Benefit Fraud investigator Rosie Strange and her curator and sidekick, Sam Stone. Barely having drawn breath from the events of Strange Magic, they're contacted by erstwhile hardman Ray Boundersby who's having a spot of bother at his restaurant.
Psychic bother.
Ray's not a man you say no to - at least, not if you're fond of your kneecaps - so Rosie and Sam pack up their (well, his) spookhunting equipment, leave the Essex Witch Museum, and begin to ask questions. Of course, by the time they do this we know - from the rather gripping prologue - that there is rather more than a few ghostly knockings in play here. Murder has been committed, murder of a specially gruesome kind, and Ray's daughter Mary is in the frame...
Moore's pair of investigators - not, please, "ghostbusters" as they keep telling everyone - are well placed here, in pursuing their own enquiries, to also unravel the murder mystery - a perennial difficulty for modern-day amateur and private investigators in crime stories. And make no mistake, this is a crime story - whether or not the perpetrator turns out to be living flesh and blood. But it has other aspects too, of course and indeed one of the things I enjoyed about this book was the sharp way that the investigation bobs to and fro between criminal and psychical investigations, with information often relevant to both sides.
Another was the personalities of Moore's two main characters. I have to be honest and say they might not appeal to everyone - neither is exactly likeable: Strange is, well, a strange combination: excellent good at reading others (except for Stone) and ultra confident, but often almost clunkingly un self-aware. As a result her narration is very funny at times, but you might well not warm to her (I did!)
Stone is more enigmatic, but then we don't get his viewpoint, only Strange's perception and this is - I think - distorted by the fact that she fancies him but doesn't ever quite come out and admit to herself. Yes, I think I see where this going but I hope Moore keeps them apart for a few more books because it's more fun that way.
The story takes Strange and Stone out of Essex into London, where the restaurant "La Fleur" stands, just off Fetter lane, north of Fleet Street. (Weirdly I was walking past that corner only yesterday). The spooky goings on require them to delve into the nastier side of London't past and, indeed, present. While that was very interesting I felt the book slightly lost its distinctiveness there - a LOT of UF has been written in the vein of "London's past comes back to haunt us" and one of the things I liked about Strange Magic was that it wasn't drawing on London.
Nevertheless, Moore does an excellent job here of highlighting a real historical scandal with echoes in the present day and this also means the story is a bit more grounded than Strange Magic was so I think the visit to London pays off - I just hope our heroes are back in Essex soon. I think they will be, because alongside the main plot, Rosie's been learning more about her family background and that, also, screams MYSTERY in 36pt flashing neon gothic. So while there was perhaps less in this book concerning the Museum, and Essex, we have some pointers that more is to be learned about both.
Overall, then, a good followup to the earlier book, keeping things moving nicely, baffling the reader as to just how much of what's going is supernatural, and setting up an intriguing mystery for the future. Not all the loose ends from the crime were tied up (why the flour?) but I can live with that as long as I've got plenty of Rosie and Sam to distract me.
This is the second in Syd's new series about "witches, magic and Essex Girls".
Another adventure for museum owner and Benefit Fraud investigator Rosie Strange and her curator and sidekick, Sam Stone. Barely having drawn breath from the events of Strange Magic, they're contacted by erstwhile hardman Ray Boundersby who's having a spot of bother at his restaurant.
Psychic bother.
Ray's not a man you say no to - at least, not if you're fond of your kneecaps - so Rosie and Sam pack up their (well, his) spookhunting equipment, leave the Essex Witch Museum, and begin to ask questions. Of course, by the time they do this we know - from the rather gripping prologue - that there is rather more than a few ghostly knockings in play here. Murder has been committed, murder of a specially gruesome kind, and Ray's daughter Mary is in the frame...
Moore's pair of investigators - not, please, "ghostbusters" as they keep telling everyone - are well placed here, in pursuing their own enquiries, to also unravel the murder mystery - a perennial difficulty for modern-day amateur and private investigators in crime stories. And make no mistake, this is a crime story - whether or not the perpetrator turns out to be living flesh and blood. But it has other aspects too, of course and indeed one of the things I enjoyed about this book was the sharp way that the investigation bobs to and fro between criminal and psychical investigations, with information often relevant to both sides.
Another was the personalities of Moore's two main characters. I have to be honest and say they might not appeal to everyone - neither is exactly likeable: Strange is, well, a strange combination: excellent good at reading others (except for Stone) and ultra confident, but often almost clunkingly un self-aware. As a result her narration is very funny at times, but you might well not warm to her (I did!)
Stone is more enigmatic, but then we don't get his viewpoint, only Strange's perception and this is - I think - distorted by the fact that she fancies him but doesn't ever quite come out and admit to herself. Yes, I think I see where this going but I hope Moore keeps them apart for a few more books because it's more fun that way.
The story takes Strange and Stone out of Essex into London, where the restaurant "La Fleur" stands, just off Fetter lane, north of Fleet Street. (Weirdly I was walking past that corner only yesterday). The spooky goings on require them to delve into the nastier side of London't past and, indeed, present. While that was very interesting I felt the book slightly lost its distinctiveness there - a LOT of UF has been written in the vein of "London's past comes back to haunt us" and one of the things I liked about Strange Magic was that it wasn't drawing on London.
Nevertheless, Moore does an excellent job here of highlighting a real historical scandal with echoes in the present day and this also means the story is a bit more grounded than Strange Magic was so I think the visit to London pays off - I just hope our heroes are back in Essex soon. I think they will be, because alongside the main plot, Rosie's been learning more about her family background and that, also, screams MYSTERY in 36pt flashing neon gothic. So while there was perhaps less in this book concerning the Museum, and Essex, we have some pointers that more is to be learned about both.
Overall, then, a good followup to the earlier book, keeping things moving nicely, baffling the reader as to just how much of what's going is supernatural, and setting up an intriguing mystery for the future. Not all the loose ends from the crime were tied up (why the flour?) but I can live with that as long as I've got plenty of Rosie and Sam to distract me.
April 20, 2019
"Strange Sight" is a slightly disappointing sequel.
"Strange Sight" follows on immediately after "Strange Magic" which introduced us to Rosie Strange just as she inherited a museum to Essex witches. This time, Rosie is investigating a rather spectacular haunting of a posh restaurant in the City which seems to have resulted in a brutal killing.
For me, this book didn't live up to the promise of the first book. It was a light cosy read with a dash of Carrie-style supernatural (albeit reported rather than seen) but it was slow to start with nothing much happening in the first quarter of the book.
The main problem I had with it is that Rosie Strange seems to have lost her edge and is sometimes barely recognisable as the proudly independent, sceptical woman from Essex who made her living tracking down Benefits Fraudsters and tending not to believe in anything that needed a supernatural explanation. In this book, she often obsesses about how things look. She is constantly stealing lusty glances at her we're-just-friends partner, or dissecting the makeup and clothes of other women or contemplating her own sartorial skill. I'm sure this is meant to be amusing but it felt like something shoved into the narrative from time to time for appearance's sake.
The second half of the book is much stronger. There's a real plot, with plausible sub-plots, lots of action, some comedy, some drama, some sociopolitical commentary and some great dialogue. There's also a promising set up for the future story arc as Rosie discovers more about her families past and her own links to Essex witches.
On the whole, I'm glad I read this but it hasn't left me hungry for more. I'll take a break from Rosie for a while and hope that the next book is stronger and that Rosie stops pressing her bimbo button.
"Strange Sight" follows on immediately after "Strange Magic" which introduced us to Rosie Strange just as she inherited a museum to Essex witches. This time, Rosie is investigating a rather spectacular haunting of a posh restaurant in the City which seems to have resulted in a brutal killing.
For me, this book didn't live up to the promise of the first book. It was a light cosy read with a dash of Carrie-style supernatural (albeit reported rather than seen) but it was slow to start with nothing much happening in the first quarter of the book.
The main problem I had with it is that Rosie Strange seems to have lost her edge and is sometimes barely recognisable as the proudly independent, sceptical woman from Essex who made her living tracking down Benefits Fraudsters and tending not to believe in anything that needed a supernatural explanation. In this book, she often obsesses about how things look. She is constantly stealing lusty glances at her we're-just-friends partner, or dissecting the makeup and clothes of other women or contemplating her own sartorial skill. I'm sure this is meant to be amusing but it felt like something shoved into the narrative from time to time for appearance's sake.
The second half of the book is much stronger. There's a real plot, with plausible sub-plots, lots of action, some comedy, some drama, some sociopolitical commentary and some great dialogue. There's also a promising set up for the future story arc as Rosie discovers more about her families past and her own links to Essex witches.
On the whole, I'm glad I read this but it hasn't left me hungry for more. I'll take a break from Rosie for a while and hope that the next book is stronger and that Rosie stops pressing her bimbo button.
December 5, 2017
I had oodles of fun reading this, ‘Strange Sight’ is entertaining and for the most part, light hearted. Rosie Strange and Sam Stone are hired to look into some mysterious activity which has turned into murder at a London restaurant, La Fleur. These two don’t really know what their doing, if they are honest with themselves. Most of their paranormal investigations are based on guess work and luck, but that’s what makes this book so endearing. This is book two in the Essex Witch Museum series, I haven’t read book one, but this book can happily be read on its own. Although I will be reading book one, if only to see the beginnings of Rosie and Sam’s partnership.
Strange and Stone make a good team – thrown together in unusual circumstances when Rosie’s grandfather leaves her the Essex Witch Museum. Alongside the museum, she also ‘inherits’ Sam a ‘PhD student-cum-curator/manager’. These two could not be more different from each other. Sam is bookish, full of weird and wonderful knowledge on the history of witches and Rosie is outgoing, trendy and confident. However, like all bizarre pairings this one works and it was my favourite element of the story.
Syd Moore has blended crime, history and ghost story perfectly. I love a book that melds genres together and ‘Strange Sight’ certainly ticks that box. There are some moments that really gave me a shiver and there are some moments that are criminally dark. The addition of all the historical tales and facts made this book a winner for me. I particularly enjoyed the séance denouement – it reminded me of something from Murder, She Wrote or Agatha Christie. An elaborate way of getting the guilty party to admit to his or her crimes – fantastic.
Entertaining, witty and full of great characters.
Strange and Stone make a good team – thrown together in unusual circumstances when Rosie’s grandfather leaves her the Essex Witch Museum. Alongside the museum, she also ‘inherits’ Sam a ‘PhD student-cum-curator/manager’. These two could not be more different from each other. Sam is bookish, full of weird and wonderful knowledge on the history of witches and Rosie is outgoing, trendy and confident. However, like all bizarre pairings this one works and it was my favourite element of the story.
Syd Moore has blended crime, history and ghost story perfectly. I love a book that melds genres together and ‘Strange Sight’ certainly ticks that box. There are some moments that really gave me a shiver and there are some moments that are criminally dark. The addition of all the historical tales and facts made this book a winner for me. I particularly enjoyed the séance denouement – it reminded me of something from Murder, She Wrote or Agatha Christie. An elaborate way of getting the guilty party to admit to his or her crimes – fantastic.
Entertaining, witty and full of great characters.
November 18, 2017
Another fun read from Syd Moore. This is the second in the Essex Witch Museum mystery series. A chef is found brutally murdered in a London restaurant where there have been some odd ghostly sightings. Rosie Strange and Sam Stone have been asked to investigate by the owner.
Although this is mostly a light hearted and amusing story, it is also definitely quite dark in places, beginning with a particularly nasty killing. I thought the plot was an intriguing and nicely paced one. I liked that the ghost is actually based on a person who did exist. The ‘will they won’t they’ romance between Rosie and Sam continues. I have to say that Rosie comes across a little like a lovelorn teenager, she still grated on me, and I’m starting to feel sorry for Sam. It will be interesting to read how the relationship develops in future books. It’s a murder mystery with a difference, containing some spookiness and sinister goings on but told in a jaunty and lively way.
An entertaining and enjoyable tale to be read in the spirit in which it is written. No pun intended! Things are not always what they seem. 👻
October 20, 2017
Thank you to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
This book follows on from the events of the first book in the series, which I would recommend reading before starting this book.
The series focuses on Rosie Strange and Sam Stone. Rosie has inherited the Essex Witch Museum from her estranged Grandfather, and, as in the first book, it seems that there are secrets to uncover relating to her family and the museum.
The pair are employed by Ray Boundersby to investigate the reported haunting at his restaurant and the violent death of one of his employees that the police are pinning on his daughter Mary. Once again the author has researched a real life villain from the past and weaved her life into the story.
There are unexplained spooky happenings and some genuinely vile characters encountered as the story progresses. The frisson between Rosie and Sam is great and their relationship slowly develops. They work well together and Rosie's slightly annoying habits are tempered by Sam and vice versa.
A really enjoyable quick read, perfect for this time of year and I'll be waiting for the next book in the series.
This book follows on from the events of the first book in the series, which I would recommend reading before starting this book.
The series focuses on Rosie Strange and Sam Stone. Rosie has inherited the Essex Witch Museum from her estranged Grandfather, and, as in the first book, it seems that there are secrets to uncover relating to her family and the museum.
The pair are employed by Ray Boundersby to investigate the reported haunting at his restaurant and the violent death of one of his employees that the police are pinning on his daughter Mary. Once again the author has researched a real life villain from the past and weaved her life into the story.
There are unexplained spooky happenings and some genuinely vile characters encountered as the story progresses. The frisson between Rosie and Sam is great and their relationship slowly develops. They work well together and Rosie's slightly annoying habits are tempered by Sam and vice versa.
A really enjoyable quick read, perfect for this time of year and I'll be waiting for the next book in the series.
November 6, 2023
It is definitely different for me to have discovered a "romance" series that is enjoyable to me! But this is one of those!! Few and far between for me. It is, I think, much due to the fact that I find Rosie's self-reflections, self-coaching, and wry observations to be realistic and yet usually quite humorous. Sam's character is a good foil for her... And yet feminism as well, as demonstrated by the following quote:
I waited for Sam to answer. There was so much testosterone in the room, I knew if I were to jump in first it might emasculate my colleague. Nuance you see. I was getting there.
I guess Rosie and I have some character traits in common. Perhaps that is one big reason why I enjoy this series.
I waited for Sam to answer. There was so much testosterone in the room, I knew if I were to jump in first it might emasculate my colleague. Nuance you see. I was getting there.
I guess Rosie and I have some character traits in common. Perhaps that is one big reason why I enjoy this series.
November 12, 2017
I loved the first book "Strange Magic" and this one did not disappoint! From the opening pages the book pulls you in and keeps you gripped until the end, an amalgamation of Murder, Mystery and Magic, what more could you want. The relationship between Rose and Sam is one that you want to see
develop and Syd Moore gives enough to keep you hoping in the "will they, won't they" conundrum. I love the back-story of Rose's relations that is also slowly developing and can't wait to find out more about this. An enthralling, fascinating and compelling read.
develop and Syd Moore gives enough to keep you hoping in the "will they, won't they" conundrum. I love the back-story of Rose's relations that is also slowly developing and can't wait to find out more about this. An enthralling, fascinating and compelling read.
November 28, 2021
Inte något litterärt storverk, men så kul läsning. Jag älskar den snackiga, roliga tonen och att huvudpersonens Essexgirl är en sorts anti-hjältinna. Kommer läsa alla delarna i serien och bara mysa.
March 3, 2018
3.5 stars.
This is certainly an interesting story. I hadn’t read Book One in this series so the main characters, Sam and Rosie, were new to me. I found the book entertaining and quite funny at times. Sam is an enigma - a gentleman, a geek, shy but still an admirer of the female form. Rosie, well what can I say?! She obviously cares about her family. But she hides all other emotions behind a cloak of dry wit, sarcasm and scathing remarks. The exchanges between him and Rosie are usually awkward and sometimes amusing. The plot played along nicely as the two of them somehow managed to work together. I was just in the mood for this kind of read.
This is certainly an interesting story. I hadn’t read Book One in this series so the main characters, Sam and Rosie, were new to me. I found the book entertaining and quite funny at times. Sam is an enigma - a gentleman, a geek, shy but still an admirer of the female form. Rosie, well what can I say?! She obviously cares about her family. But she hides all other emotions behind a cloak of dry wit, sarcasm and scathing remarks. The exchanges between him and Rosie are usually awkward and sometimes amusing. The plot played along nicely as the two of them somehow managed to work together. I was just in the mood for this kind of read.
November 8, 2017
*I received this copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review*
I found this book rather hard to get into, but was glad I kept going - for me it took too long to start. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, and that while the paranormal seemed to be involved most was explained.
I didn't particularly like the main character, Rosie. I found her a bit much - however all the other characters were well written.
Whilst this is Book 2 in the Essex Witches, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I found this book rather hard to get into, but was glad I kept going - for me it took too long to start. I enjoyed the murder mystery aspect, and that while the paranormal seemed to be involved most was explained.
I didn't particularly like the main character, Rosie. I found her a bit much - however all the other characters were well written.
Whilst this is Book 2 in the Essex Witches, it can definitely be read as a standalone.
May 19, 2018
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. The pace was too slow and I rarely found myself lost in it. The main characters were weak- especially Rosie. What is she good for seriously? Sam was bearable, but still annoying. There is a chemistry between them- why can’t they start a relationship... it is ridiculous to drag this for pages. And the side stories- irrelevant and painfully long. I didn’t feel much for the victim either and did not see why he had to die... it was just too weak of a plot and mercilessly long for a ghost story.
I did not read the first book, but this could be a standalone book for readers.
I did not read the first book, but this could be a standalone book for readers.
September 3, 2018
After picking up the first book as part of an Audible 3 for 2 deal, I was happy to spend a credit on the second outing for Rosie Strange. The voice used for Rosie is still a bit grating, but the narrator's performance is engaging and the story an interesting mix of the natural and supernatural. I didn't find this book held my attention as well as the last, but it was still entertaining and definitely feels as though the characters are beginning to develop. Much of this book felt like it was just setting the scene for the next one, which I will read.
I'm not sure that this series will hold up to re-listening, as my favourites do.
I'm not sure that this series will hold up to re-listening, as my favourites do.
May 26, 2018
Another pleasant and slightly strange instalment from Syd Moore and her Essex Witch Museum series.
I’d call these quirky cosies. They follow a similar format to your traditional cosy but have an additional element of unusualness - paranormal quirk.
It works well.
I just wish Rosie wasn’t so... blunt, crass...I don’t really know how to explain what’s wrong with her. She’s just not my kinda gal. I don’t think we’d be friends.
However, I am looking forward to the next instalment.
I’d call these quirky cosies. They follow a similar format to your traditional cosy but have an additional element of unusualness - paranormal quirk.
It works well.
I just wish Rosie wasn’t so... blunt, crass...I don’t really know how to explain what’s wrong with her. She’s just not my kinda gal. I don’t think we’d be friends.
However, I am looking forward to the next instalment.
January 15, 2019
I listened to this on audiobook. This was probably 3 and a half really. It was really annoyingly slow getting going. There was so much descriptive detail (what people smelled like and every detail of their clothes and style of speech etc etc - too much) but then somehow it caught me and I then whizzed through it and had fun! It’s pretty gruesome in parts, but also amusing and ‘wry’. I will read the next one I think.
October 27, 2020
Great fun, wonderful storytelling with an ability to turn from light to sending shivers down your spine (just a little). And three cheers for the Author's Note. (I've never written that in a review before.)
June 19, 2019
Another fantastically created story based on a Elizabeth Brownrigg. The character Rose Strange is growing. This is more of a murder mystery with a twist of the unexplained. Looking forwards to reading more from this very creative author.
December 24, 2017
I love this series. It is witty and the witch idea is not overdone. Ghosts and witches don’t exist or do they? Most of my family in London eventually moved out to Essex - I wonder why
February 21, 2018
What's not to like? A ghost story - check. A murder - check. An unlikely pairing of protagonists - check? It's a Jonathan Creek kind of mystery, where there's an outwardly obvious magic/spiritual dimension to some dastardly event and the skeptical duo of Sam and Rosie do their utmost to debunk the crime.
You can read the backstory on the blurb, but it's notable that this is no 2 in the series - Syd does a good job of bringing everyone up to speed so, while I've read no 1, I don't think you'd be at much of a disadvantage if you'd skipped it.
The narrator and chief protagonist, Rosie Strange alternates between being likeable and cringeworthy. Her openly skeptical viewpoint and background as a benefit fraud investigator make her appear relatively streetwise, however her vacuous determination to present herself as an 'Essex girl', complete with fascination for make-up, clothes, hair, footwear and men make her appear dafter than she needs to be.
The relationship between her and Sam does that TV-show trope of will-they/won't-they but, for the life of me, seems to be un-needed. There might be as much tension generated on the need to sell or keep the witch museum without the long narratives about Sam's quirky smile and tousled hair.
The other interactions between characters are wryly observed and perhaps slightly sneering or sniffy, but fit perfectly with the character of Rosie who generally takes things at face value. 'Nuance is my middle name' is a statement she utters early in the book, resolving immediately afterward to look it up. If the book's read in that context it's entirely enjoyable.
There's also the story arc of Septimus' museum and the family that runs through this and the preceding novel to add depth to the ensemble and keeps it going throughout.
Having said all that, it was great fun and, if Syd publishes another one of these I'll pick it up as a holiday read.
You can read the backstory on the blurb, but it's notable that this is no 2 in the series - Syd does a good job of bringing everyone up to speed so, while I've read no 1, I don't think you'd be at much of a disadvantage if you'd skipped it.
The narrator and chief protagonist, Rosie Strange alternates between being likeable and cringeworthy. Her openly skeptical viewpoint and background as a benefit fraud investigator make her appear relatively streetwise, however her vacuous determination to present herself as an 'Essex girl', complete with fascination for make-up, clothes, hair, footwear and men make her appear dafter than she needs to be.
The relationship between her and Sam does that TV-show trope of will-they/won't-they but, for the life of me, seems to be un-needed. There might be as much tension generated on the need to sell or keep the witch museum without the long narratives about Sam's quirky smile and tousled hair.
The other interactions between characters are wryly observed and perhaps slightly sneering or sniffy, but fit perfectly with the character of Rosie who generally takes things at face value. 'Nuance is my middle name' is a statement she utters early in the book, resolving immediately afterward to look it up. If the book's read in that context it's entirely enjoyable.
There's also the story arc of Septimus' museum and the family that runs through this and the preceding novel to add depth to the ensemble and keeps it going throughout.
Having said all that, it was great fun and, if Syd publishes another one of these I'll pick it up as a holiday read.
October 25, 2017
Having recently inherited the Essex With Museum, Rosie Strange and her curator Sam Stone have been roped into another strange situation. Owner of The Fleur restaurant, Ray Boundersby has hired the duo to investigate some eerie occurrences at his restaurant. Blood dripping from the walls, cases of patrons turning ill while dining, ominous messages found written on the walls, and the ghostly apparition of a bonnet clad woman has the restaurant on edge. Before the pairs scheduled appointment to check out the happenings, the chef of the restaurant is found dead, and the sole witness claims it was a ghost.
This book is the second in a planned series but written in a way that allows the reader to read them independently or in succession. Moore did a good job of providing some backstory which was pertinent to understanding the characters and some insight to their unique relationship. Rosie was a fun and likable character; witty, skeptical, and sarcastic with a teensy bit of prissiness which made her involvement in, what I imagine is essentially ghost hunting, quite comical at times. Sam was the steady, academic type, the perfect balance to this budding duo.
The book at times felt a tad long winded and dragging but was overall enjoyable. I liked how the author was able to incorporate science and fact based logic while continuing to keep an air of the supernatural. The ending was fulfilling and left just enough questions to keep me engaged and eager for the next in the series.
I think this series has great potential as Rosie discovers and explores more about her familial background and I am certain there is no end to the amount of ghostly business they can drum up in a city so rich in history!
Overall, I would recommend this read and would continue reading along with the series!
This book is the second in a planned series but written in a way that allows the reader to read them independently or in succession. Moore did a good job of providing some backstory which was pertinent to understanding the characters and some insight to their unique relationship. Rosie was a fun and likable character; witty, skeptical, and sarcastic with a teensy bit of prissiness which made her involvement in, what I imagine is essentially ghost hunting, quite comical at times. Sam was the steady, academic type, the perfect balance to this budding duo.
The book at times felt a tad long winded and dragging but was overall enjoyable. I liked how the author was able to incorporate science and fact based logic while continuing to keep an air of the supernatural. The ending was fulfilling and left just enough questions to keep me engaged and eager for the next in the series.
I think this series has great potential as Rosie discovers and explores more about her familial background and I am certain there is no end to the amount of ghostly business they can drum up in a city so rich in history!
Overall, I would recommend this read and would continue reading along with the series!
March 13, 2018
I really enjoyed the first book in this series by Moore and I really couldn't wait to get my hands on the next book. What I really enjoyed about the first book was definitely the characters and the way the book was written and its light hearted feel to it throughout. The second book in the series kept to this and I still really enjoyed the characters. I could feel each character talking in my head with their accents more so than with some books, which is definitely a good thing.
There were only a few things I didn't enjoy in this book as much as the previous one. This book moved slightly away from the witch/magic essence that the first one had and has now moved onto working ghostly mysteries. I didn't enjoy the plot of this book as much as the first one for that reason. It was still a good plot however, and did keep me on my toes in figuring out what was really going on. Rosie and Sam are a great pair and I still don't know how they managed to figure it out. Hopefully from reading my previous posts, you will all know how much I like not knowing 'who dunnit' until we find out at the end.
Overall, this book did keep everything that was good about the first book in it. I would have just liked keeping the mysteries to a more witch stance. I am still definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
There were only a few things I didn't enjoy in this book as much as the previous one. This book moved slightly away from the witch/magic essence that the first one had and has now moved onto working ghostly mysteries. I didn't enjoy the plot of this book as much as the first one for that reason. It was still a good plot however, and did keep me on my toes in figuring out what was really going on. Rosie and Sam are a great pair and I still don't know how they managed to figure it out. Hopefully from reading my previous posts, you will all know how much I like not knowing 'who dunnit' until we find out at the end.
Overall, this book did keep everything that was good about the first book in it. I would have just liked keeping the mysteries to a more witch stance. I am still definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 2, 2021
More fun and ghostly games with Rosie and Sam! They're back investigating cases that are a little out of the ordinary, and this one is no different as a local chef is found murdered at the local restaurant in a rather grizzly scene.
Rosie is still unsure what to do exactly with the Witch Museum in Essex that she has inherited from her grandfather. Her life as a benefit fraud investigator gives her stability, but the more time she spends in Essex at the museum with Sam, the more she finds herself drawn to this 'new' world.
As they investigate the chef murder they uncover a protection symbol in the basement, and this leads to them researching the past of the area so we get a great glimpse into the history of London in the process! And all while she valiantly defends the humble essex girl in style! She is no stereotype and isn't afraid to let everyone know!!
I love the banter between Rosie and Sam, and really enjoyed the adventure we are taken on as they delve into the darker side of life.. or should that be death!
Rosie is still unsure what to do exactly with the Witch Museum in Essex that she has inherited from her grandfather. Her life as a benefit fraud investigator gives her stability, but the more time she spends in Essex at the museum with Sam, the more she finds herself drawn to this 'new' world.
As they investigate the chef murder they uncover a protection symbol in the basement, and this leads to them researching the past of the area so we get a great glimpse into the history of London in the process! And all while she valiantly defends the humble essex girl in style! She is no stereotype and isn't afraid to let everyone know!!
I love the banter between Rosie and Sam, and really enjoyed the adventure we are taken on as they delve into the darker side of life.. or should that be death!
November 12, 2017
Owner of the Essex Witch Museum, Rosie Strange and the museum’s curator, Sam Stone, are tasked with investigating some strange goings on in a city restaurant. The book follows their attempts to get to the bottom of the spooky occurrences and perhaps to solve a grisly murder...
Well paced, the story keeps you guessing throughout, with clever twists and turns and a real ‘whodunnit’ feel. Personally, I dislike the main character, I find her shallow and self-absorbed. But who said we had to like our protagonist? I say well done to the author because to build any feeling about a character, they must be written well and developed in detail, which is exactly the case here.
I really enjoyed the description in this book, the scenes are set really well and I was very much absorbed into the mysterious, and sometimes creepy, storyline. It’s cleverly put together and if you enjoy a good ghost/mystery read, then you will love this book.
Well paced, the story keeps you guessing throughout, with clever twists and turns and a real ‘whodunnit’ feel. Personally, I dislike the main character, I find her shallow and self-absorbed. But who said we had to like our protagonist? I say well done to the author because to build any feeling about a character, they must be written well and developed in detail, which is exactly the case here.
I really enjoyed the description in this book, the scenes are set really well and I was very much absorbed into the mysterious, and sometimes creepy, storyline. It’s cleverly put together and if you enjoy a good ghost/mystery read, then you will love this book.
October 25, 2019
Strange Sight by Syd Moore, the sequel to Strange Magic, follows our main characters Rosie and Sam as they attempt to solve a case involving a vengeful spirit wreaking havoc in an upscale London restaurant. When a young woman working in her father's restaurant starts seeing a woman from the distant past (I'm talking about a ghost, ya'll) the crackerjack team from the Essex Witch Museum is called in to investigate. As with the previous book, this is equal parts supernatural mystery and contemporary fiction with a healthy dose of romantic tension. I will say that I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first but it picked up towards the latter third of the story (and the ending was really good). Rosie is a bit of an abrasive character and probably doesn't appeal to all people (though I find I like her rough edges). If you enjoyed the first in the series or you're looking for a bit of a witchy supernatural story for the Halloween season this one might just fit the bill. 7/10
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