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Torrent Witches #6

Shadow Witch

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Harlow Torrent, Slip Witch, is just trying to hold everything together. All she wants to do is keep the missing-presumed-snarky Aunt Cass' business running, help the moms with their new bakery and maybe spend a minute or two with her boyfriend, Jack. She's trying not to think about the possibility she has a spell cast upon her, one that may be more powerful than any of them can understand. She can't help but to be pulled into a new mystery when someone comes to her with a personal plea for aid: elderly residents of Sunny Days Manor are going wandering, leaping fences, stealing cars and then forgetting everything before they die... or are murdered. Is this the work of slippery all-around bad guy Sylvester Coldwell or something supernatural and far more deadly? Whatever it is, Harlow is going to need help if she is to survive... Book #6 of the Torrent Witches Cozy Mysteries series.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 21, 2017

136 people are currently reading
392 people want to read

About the author

Tess Lake

25 books220 followers
I'm all about Cozy Witches! Mystery, murder, magic! Author of the bestselling Torrent Witches Cozy Magic series.

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5 stars
620 (25%)
4 stars
1,070 (44%)
3 stars
659 (27%)
2 stars
51 (2%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
2,120 reviews
March 1, 2023
On par with the other books in the series, but with some notable improvements. 

There are fewer crazy antics in this book (the main instigator is mostly out of commission), and that contributed to my liking the book more than the other ones so far.
The other character whose appearance I usually dread in these books (the journalistic rival) is also behaving more like a real, occasionally decent person in this book, which added even more to the book's appeal.

I didn't particularly like the "magical crime" in this one, but the above-mentioned benefits outweigh this minor dislike.
Profile Image for Barb.
915 reviews22 followers
July 22, 2024
This is my favorite in the series so far. The magic has become stronger (unfortunately, not for the Torrent witches), and Harlow seems to be the target of a mysterious witch with some very old and powerful spells.

The Torrents are unable to use Aunt Cass’ vast knowledge as she is currently in the basement with Grandma, also frozen. This hampers Harlow’s investigation, but at the same time clears the story of the most obnoxious and disruptive character in the series. It also opens the story up to more input from Hattie Stern, Aunt Cass’ rival. Hattie becomes a more interesting character as we get some background on her family and see things from her perspective.

The plot is action packed and kept me on the edge of my reading chair seat. There are four more books in this series and I can’t wait to read more.
Profile Image for Chantelle Marshall.
574 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2025
3.4 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). I'm really enjoying this series + the author's writing style.
Profile Image for Austin Van.
86 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2025
Some of the ending I was disappointed with. It felt unfinished.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ThundaBunz.
119 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2022
This installment in the series so far was darker than the previous installments I think. However, it was really good! I enjoyed the misadventures of Harlow and the gang. I love how they went deeper into Harlows character and really gave her some development. I'm super glad we found out what happened to Aunt Cass. She is kinda my favorite just from her super sarcasm and just how funny she can be. But also she is really deep down sweet and caring but doesn't show it. The only criticism that I have is Harlow giving up journalism. I thought maybe meeting one of her readers would give her the motivation to keep at it or even the possibility (but probably never) join forces with Carter from the paper. I like how they really made the ending every action and suspenseful. But as a cozy did end on a very sweet note. I hope we can find out more about this spell that's on Harlow but also get more character development from Hattie Stern in the next book. I got to see she was more than just strict witch but also has a sweet side and she does care. As for Harlow's love interest Jack. It was nice to see that this story sort of brought Harlow and Jack closer. Any who, I really enjoyed this installment, and I listened to this book via Audible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Imjussayin.
567 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2017
2.5 🌟

There are a few nice touches to this story. Such as Harlow’s career development. And the idea of a shadow witch. But overall it’s an okay read. Passes the time well enough, even the silly bits.

As one of the series, and because nothing is outstanding in this story, here is my book rating as a guide.

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Book Rating
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Would I read the next one or reread?: Please don't ask.

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.
2,789 reviews9 followers
January 29, 2023
Harlow Torrent is struggling to keep Aunt Cass' chilli challenge business going as she is frozen under a spell, help the mothers with their new Big Pie bakery venture, trying to make money and also spend time with Jack.
But when a lady called Eve calls asking for her help she is plunged right into the heart of another mystery.
The Sunny Days old folks village is going through some serious weirdness, going walkabout, stealing card, leaping fences and jumping off cliffs then they die or are murdered.
Harlow suspects her arch enemy Sylvestor Coldwell, the guy at the heart of previous mysteries but there is also talk of a shadow witch about.
Is the truth just a regular bad guy or something else supernatural?
So enjoying this series, every book is just as good as the last, will be sorry to finish them.
Profile Image for Kyla Sixkiller.
745 reviews14 followers
July 20, 2024
Harlow Torrent is back in sizzling form! Juggling a frozen aunt, a new bakery venture, and her relationship with Jack, Harlow finds herself drawn into another spellbinding mystery.

This time, the residents of Sunny Days old folks' village are exhibiting bizarre behavior - disappearing, stealing, and even attempting dangerous stunts. As suspicion falls on her nemesis Sylvestor Coldwell, whispers of a shadow witch add another layer of intrigue.

Is a regular villain at play, or are there supernatural forces at work? Harlow dives headfirst into the case, determined to unravel the truth.

Enjoying this series so much! This book captures the fast-paced nature of the story and Harlow's busy life. It also introduces more of the central mystery and the potential suspects or witches involved.
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,064 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2025
Oh what titillating fun! This is the 6th in the series, and I have 4 to go. The rules of witchcraft are different than the standard, and I suppose it makes for more variety. It's not a particularly difficult engrossing book, but I have been enjoying reading these during my time off- between fighting with Medicare (why can't I just say I need new wheelchair, not send the doctor and me and therapist through hoops!? I've had ms diagnosed for 40 years! it's not going anywhere, and it's not getting better!) (Rant over)
Anyway enough about the government and inappropriate rules! I have been enjoying the Torrent Witches :-)
Profile Image for Meaghan Hummel.
22 reviews
October 23, 2023
I like the storyline in this series, but the significant amount of British English used when this is supposedly set on the East Coast of the US is incongruous and off putting. Torch (flashlight), rang (called), lounge room (family room, living room, parlor), meant to (supposed to), walk in cool room (walk in cooler/walk-in refrigerator), medical plaster patch (bandages/bandaid), and so many more. I’m from the Midwest, but read extensively from authors with East Coast roots and have never found any of these used in their writing, so I don’t think it’s a US dialect thing. There’s also a weird obsession with drink cold water that I’m not understanding.
530 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2026
As these books i finally getting to the thing hanging over Harlow the plot and pace have improved. I did think it was a little odd to use a lot of long set up small things from earlier for a mystery that wrapped up fairly easily though but there are still a lot of questions waiting to be answered. The absence of aunt Cass was a good thing as it forced them all to fo something I feel they should have done before which is realize how little they know about their own magic. I hope Hatlow learns more instead of relying on aunt Cass and the Moms.
1,703 reviews35 followers
June 24, 2023
Harlow Torrent is trying to run her Aunt Cass' business while she has disappeared and is relieved that the inventory is dwindling.
A stranger comes to her office with a plea for help pulling her into a new mystery.
Elderly residents are acting weird.
Taking off at night, stealing cars, and even jumping over walls.
When all the pieces start falling together, it appears that a witch is trying to steal someone's body.
Profile Image for Monique.
1,125 reviews47 followers
October 30, 2025
when i started reading this series i had no idea how much i would grow to love being in this fictional world of magic and mystery!! 🥰

this installment had me entertained, laughing out loud, and truly loving the family dynamics of the Torrent witches. the magic in this one is stronger, the mystery kept me guessing, and it’s just so much fun to follow as the main mystery that ties these books together is moving closer to the resolution.✨💞
Profile Image for Rhona.
527 reviews
January 11, 2026
Shadow Witch is the sixth book in this charming cozy mystery series, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. The story kept me interested from start to finish, with just the right balance of mystery and lighthearted moments. It’s a quick, easy read that fits perfectly into the cozy genre—comforting, engaging, and fun without being overly complicated. A lovely installment that will appeal to fans of the series and anyone looking for a cute, relaxing mystery.
1,231 reviews4 followers
February 5, 2017
Wow!

I just read all of the books in this series to date, and I love them all. The magic and close family ties, as well as the plots create a fantastic realm of love, laughter, and mystery. These books draw you into this realm and arouse the curiosity. I hope the next book is coming out soon!
Profile Image for Christian.
742 reviews
December 21, 2023
I was very pleasantly surprised to see the series taking a turn towards overall more darker themes, and raising the stakes. Suddenly it appears Harlow’s money problems are going to become only her second biggest issue.
There is a lot of groundwork laid here for future events, and Tess Lake begins finally with the pay offs to some earlier foreshadowing.
Profile Image for Shana Flores.
158 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2025
This book brings to light more of the ongoing plot line that Harlow is part of something bigger in the magical world. Though the solving of the crime in this book was ridiculously minimal, it was good to revisit the magical problem more. That's really the only reason I kept going to the next book in the series. That, and Aunt Cass. She's my favorite character!
Profile Image for Neely Powell.
Author 9 books38 followers
August 14, 2022
These books continue to get better. Harlow is asked to investigate the strange happenings at a local retirement home. The bakery is near to owning. There’s a repair needed on the cousins’ coffee machine. Problems everywhere, and Harlow feels a constant fatigue that may be rooted in a spell.
752 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2022
I love these books because they are just interesting an imaginative. Sometimes when you get far along in a series, they start to just make up some very strange things that doesn’t fit and confused as you are in ruins, your enjoyment of the series. This has not happened with this series.
Profile Image for Kelsey Keating.
Author 7 books83 followers
June 23, 2023
Most lackluster ending. Felt like almost nothing. That’s a bummer, as I know the author is building up whatever the big finale will be, but this ending fell flatter than I would have liked.
Other than the ending, though, I enjoyed this one!
Profile Image for Malissa.
733 reviews8 followers
October 4, 2023
Love this series, better with every book in the series. The Torrent witches are fun and endearing and the adventure and mystery surrounding the build up is fantastic. Very cute romances wrapped up into the storylines. Highly recommend these.
Profile Image for Jandee.
873 reviews3 followers
December 12, 2023
So good!

This book was intense and exciting! I love Harlow so danged much! She's a total badass. Her and Jack are perfect together. ❤️
I love listening to the Shadow Witch audiobook. Natalie Duke is awesome!
Profile Image for Cassie Carter.
Author 1 book11 followers
February 19, 2024
I absolutely adore this book. It felt so original to me, very intriguing and full of adventures. I enjoy the character development, the closeness, the relationships. The storyline was in-depth and fun to follow.
370 reviews
July 1, 2025
Sensational

Ok I am so happy they unfroze Aunt Cass in time to help with the Shadow Witch and finally John Smith has forgotten Harlow although this is sad but the plot thickens because someone has put a curse on Harlow and something big is happening in Harlot Bay!
Profile Image for Katarina Penfold.
93 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2025
I am enjoying where this series is going, a lot more of the past lore has been answered. Action-packed with more magical mishaps but also stronger magic shown. Everyone seems to be finding themselves, and relationships are growing strong between friends, family, and love interests.
Profile Image for Kendra Jones.
255 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
I got this as all 10 books on Audible for FREE! It was a 65 hour read. Since I listen to books at work I was so excited for this. I loved all 10 books! They were so much fun. I'm so grateful I got all 10 books and they were great!
Profile Image for Bookblobs.
677 reviews13 followers
October 15, 2025
3 - 3.25 stars (audiobooks) - I am having so much fun binging this series. Last night I even dreamt of casting a spell against something evil and then I jolted awake. Bravo! Cozy witch mysteries with actual magic!
Profile Image for Lakota Schultz.
401 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2025
The Torrent mystery deepens

Random people start doing random things across Harlot, and it turns out there is a "bad witch" in town.
Fun read, with Adam the talking black cat making himself ever present!
Profile Image for Donna Brown.
Author 3 books72 followers
November 18, 2025
I am listening to these books on audible and I like all of them.
The author does a good job of reintroducing every character and reminds us of what happened in the last book. I've never seen anyone do this so well.
Profile Image for Jamie Rice.
942 reviews
November 28, 2025
shadow witch by tess lake. I had high hopes about this one. it started off awesome but then went down hill in the middle and never got back up there for the ending. yes i liked the themes and the future story arcs it identified but still want enough
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews

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