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The Celtic Witch Mysteries #1
What the Cat Dragged In
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here
Magic, mystery and mayhem abound in this new series from Welsh writer Molly Milligan.
The body that turns up in Bron’s garden has been there for decades, and he died of natural causes. Just rebury him and carry on as normal, right?
But it’s kinda hard to be normal when the ghost of the dead man has been disturbed, and now he wants … well, just what does he want?
It’s down to Bron, a traditional hedge witch, to find out. If she doesn’t, that ghost is going to be lingering in corners and upsetting kitchen chairs for the rest of her life. Creepy, tedious and noisy, all at the same time.
She’s helped by the unexpected arrival of her cousin Maddie from America, who is seeking connection and history in this uncertain age. And there’s another mystery – why is this vivacious, friendly young woman so evasive and afraid?
Soon they are up to their knees in faery folk (don’t trust em), druids (keen on trees), wild animals (Bron’s a healer), the obligatory smouldering blacksmith (sorry, he prefers men), and the maddest Mad Great Aunt of all.
Magic, mystery and mayhem abound in this new series from Welsh writer Molly Milligan.
The body that turns up in Bron’s garden has been there for decades, and he died of natural causes. Just rebury him and carry on as normal, right?
But it’s kinda hard to be normal when the ghost of the dead man has been disturbed, and now he wants … well, just what does he want?
It’s down to Bron, a traditional hedge witch, to find out. If she doesn’t, that ghost is going to be lingering in corners and upsetting kitchen chairs for the rest of her life. Creepy, tedious and noisy, all at the same time.
She’s helped by the unexpected arrival of her cousin Maddie from America, who is seeking connection and history in this uncertain age. And there’s another mystery – why is this vivacious, friendly young woman so evasive and afraid?
Soon they are up to their knees in faery folk (don’t trust em), druids (keen on trees), wild animals (Bron’s a healer), the obligatory smouldering blacksmith (sorry, he prefers men), and the maddest Mad Great Aunt of all.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
September 30, 2022
This charming story is narrated in the first person by Bronwen Talog, a hedge witch who lives with her great-aunt Dilys in the Welsh village of Llanfair and comes from a long line of traditional hedge witches. I was eager to read it because I had always wondered what made hedge witches special among other kinds of witches.
So dealing with boundaries makes Bron sensitive to ghosts who can't cross over that boundary, and here's someone who died in the sixties. Like most ghosts, he has a terrible time communicating. Bron's a hedge witch, not a medium. She sees him and talks to him, but he can only respond with (ghostly) body language. He seems terribly concerned about something, and she presumes it's whatever is keeping him from crossing over.
So she tries to help him just as she helps to heal the sick and wounded animals that her unusual cat Harkin brings home--not as tasty gifts but because he wants to help his fellow creatures too. Harkin is one of those telepathic animals I like so much, but it's much more realistic with him--he communicates with Bron just as he would with another cat; he doesn't talk like a human. But he enters her mind with wordless warnings, even from a distance, that save her from danger.
Along the way, as the blurb says, Bron meets up with a young druid, a very old and crusty druid, and some mysterious but colorful Fair Folk (fae), and some interesting mundane villagers as well. Now I've told you pretty much all the things I really enjoyed in this novel (great aunt Dilys is a hoot and a half), and it's time to bring up what didn't work so well for me. That would be Bron's American cousin Maddie.
Maddie has set out from California to find herself, and her first stop is to move in with Bron and Dilys for a bit in the village of Llanfair. That in itself involves a taxi, a bus, and a train because Bron doesn't drive a car--her hedge witch vibes make all sorts of equipment malfunction. For example, she has to use an old dial phone on a land line because she ruins anything more modern. And riding in other people's vehicles is iffy, but they get from the airport (in England) to Llanfair all right.
So Maddie has to get used to life with sharply reduced technology. She's very pleasant, eager to help and to fit in, and she gets along well with Dilys, but there's an undercurrent of worry in her; while she's in Llanfair, she says she's finding her path at last. I won't spoil what that is, just that she's still very much at the beginning stages at the end of this novel. Perhaps a spiritual journey for the whole series? It was disappointingly inconclusive for me here, though. Very little gets resolved around Maddie, likable as she is.
There's one thing I would have edited out or else integrated somehow into the main story. Cousin Maddie looks different from everyone in Llanfair because her mother, Bron's aunt, married an African-American, and Bron worries about her reception among the villagers. It's no problem at all, as it turns out, and their conversation turns up an interesting insight into social categories--in the U.K. Maddie is "mixed race" whereas in the U.S. it only takes a distant ancestor for a person to count as "black." Or African-American. But it would have made no difference at all to the story in any way if Maddie had been just as fair-skinned and blond as Bronwen. It seems quite extraneous to me.
In spite of that quibble, Maddie's unresolved life, and the tendency of Bron's narrative to jump this way and that as she picks up vibes and runs into unusual people, I did really enjoy reading this book!
I had a small willow structure, like a woven cave...half in the garden and half out on the wild moorland that bordered this side of the garden.It turns out that a hedge witch draws power from boundaries of all kinds and wields it in creative ways, making her story go this way and that in a delightfully unpredictable way. The back cover summary, reprinted above on this Goodreads page, is unusually good (for a welcome change!) and tells us the heart of the plot, if this tale can be said to have one. Do go and read it now if you haven't already, and I'll toss in a few notes.
This was, to me, the epitome of hedge-riding. I didn't deal in the fully wild places. I was no shaman. But nor was I a kitchen witch, or any other of the more well-known kinds with rituals and scripts.
I was all about the edges, and borders, and boundaries of things.
Being neither one thing nor the other, one foot here and one foot there, made it hard to explain who I was and what I did. ...I sought out, and rode, the ever-changing waves of energy. I dealt with earth energy, animal energy, plant energy, and the powers of the realms just adjacent to our own. I didn't delve into the deeper kingdoms or ascend up the world tree. My place was partly here, partly there, working for the good of those around me.
So dealing with boundaries makes Bron sensitive to ghosts who can't cross over that boundary, and here's someone who died in the sixties. Like most ghosts, he has a terrible time communicating. Bron's a hedge witch, not a medium. She sees him and talks to him, but he can only respond with (ghostly) body language. He seems terribly concerned about something, and she presumes it's whatever is keeping him from crossing over.
So she tries to help him just as she helps to heal the sick and wounded animals that her unusual cat Harkin brings home--not as tasty gifts but because he wants to help his fellow creatures too. Harkin is one of those telepathic animals I like so much, but it's much more realistic with him--he communicates with Bron just as he would with another cat; he doesn't talk like a human. But he enters her mind with wordless warnings, even from a distance, that save her from danger.
Along the way, as the blurb says, Bron meets up with a young druid, a very old and crusty druid, and some mysterious but colorful Fair Folk (fae), and some interesting mundane villagers as well. Now I've told you pretty much all the things I really enjoyed in this novel (great aunt Dilys is a hoot and a half), and it's time to bring up what didn't work so well for me. That would be Bron's American cousin Maddie.
Maddie has set out from California to find herself, and her first stop is to move in with Bron and Dilys for a bit in the village of Llanfair. That in itself involves a taxi, a bus, and a train because Bron doesn't drive a car--her hedge witch vibes make all sorts of equipment malfunction. For example, she has to use an old dial phone on a land line because she ruins anything more modern. And riding in other people's vehicles is iffy, but they get from the airport (in England) to Llanfair all right.
So Maddie has to get used to life with sharply reduced technology. She's very pleasant, eager to help and to fit in, and she gets along well with Dilys, but there's an undercurrent of worry in her; while she's in Llanfair, she says she's finding her path at last. I won't spoil what that is, just that she's still very much at the beginning stages at the end of this novel. Perhaps a spiritual journey for the whole series? It was disappointingly inconclusive for me here, though. Very little gets resolved around Maddie, likable as she is.
There's one thing I would have edited out or else integrated somehow into the main story. Cousin Maddie looks different from everyone in Llanfair because her mother, Bron's aunt, married an African-American, and Bron worries about her reception among the villagers. It's no problem at all, as it turns out, and their conversation turns up an interesting insight into social categories--in the U.K. Maddie is "mixed race" whereas in the U.S. it only takes a distant ancestor for a person to count as "black." Or African-American. But it would have made no difference at all to the story in any way if Maddie had been just as fair-skinned and blond as Bronwen. It seems quite extraneous to me.
In spite of that quibble, Maddie's unresolved life, and the tendency of Bron's narrative to jump this way and that as she picks up vibes and runs into unusual people, I did really enjoy reading this book!
December 11, 2024
I wanted to like the book. I should have liked the book. But I realized I couldn't finish it at about 75%. It just was missing something. The sudden PC statements were weird and made the main character look like a jerk out of a badly written HR video. The whole character set up was unnatural and uncomfortable.
December 3, 2018
I got about 80% of the way through before realizing that I really didn't care enough to finish reading. This book should have been exactly up my ally, but it never quite managed to get there. All the parts, the witchy vibe, mystery, cozy small town, were there but it never managed to come together in an appealing way.
I might have stuck with it if it weren't for the few small bits that annoyed me and pulled me out of the book. There were a few brief asides scattered in the book where the main character is thinking about (or having a conversation about) racial issues, or other progressive issues, and you can see the attempt to be progressive and open minded, but the end result is "oh no, we're all the same and everyone feels some kind of isolation. I mean I as a practicing witch in a small town who makes my living because people accept I'm magic is TOTALLY the same as my half-black American cousin feeling out of place in my small little town of Wales". Pulled me out of the story and annoyed me so much that I stopped reading after the "oh yes, the white dude who grew up in Africa is totally exactly like the half-black cousin who grew up in Southern California" bit. No thank you.
OH AND that's not even getting into my annoyance with the author not understanding how to write conversations. I get that Welsh is a language that has odd pronunciations and spellings, so the desire is there to tell your reader how to pronounce things. This is fine. It is NOT fine to have on character tell (as in verbally speak this) another character how to pronounce things using the same method you would use if you were describing it on the page. Someone who is speaking to you cannot SEE the 'u' in the word you just spoke so saying that the 'u' is pronounced in one way means NOTHING to them, and is solely for the reader. It's poor writing, and shows a lack of understanding of how to write a conversation.
I might have stuck with it if it weren't for the few small bits that annoyed me and pulled me out of the book. There were a few brief asides scattered in the book where the main character is thinking about (or having a conversation about) racial issues, or other progressive issues, and you can see the attempt to be progressive and open minded, but the end result is "oh no, we're all the same and everyone feels some kind of isolation. I mean I as a practicing witch in a small town who makes my living because people accept I'm magic is TOTALLY the same as my half-black American cousin feeling out of place in my small little town of Wales". Pulled me out of the story and annoyed me so much that I stopped reading after the "oh yes, the white dude who grew up in Africa is totally exactly like the half-black cousin who grew up in Southern California" bit. No thank you.
OH AND that's not even getting into my annoyance with the author not understanding how to write conversations. I get that Welsh is a language that has odd pronunciations and spellings, so the desire is there to tell your reader how to pronounce things. This is fine. It is NOT fine to have on character tell (as in verbally speak this) another character how to pronounce things using the same method you would use if you were describing it on the page. Someone who is speaking to you cannot SEE the 'u' in the word you just spoke so saying that the 'u' is pronounced in one way means NOTHING to them, and is solely for the reader. It's poor writing, and shows a lack of understanding of how to write a conversation.
June 30, 2018
Title: What The Cat Dragged In (The Celtic Witch Mysteries – Book 1)
Author: Molly Milligan
Genre: Adult Supernatural Cozy
Rating: Five Stars!
The body that turns up in Bron's garden has been there for decades, and he died of natural causes, so she should just rebury him and carry on as normal, right? But resuming the status quo isn’t easy when the ghost of the dead man wants attention — and he’s going about it in the most comical of ways!
It's down to Bron, a traditional hedge witch, to find out what the ghosts wants, which is all well and good since she’s currently teaching Maddie, her cousin from America, the ropes about their family history and all of the magical fun that it entails. Soon, the girls are up to their knees in faery folk (don't trust 'em), druids (keen on trees), wild animals (Bron's a healer), the obligatory smoldering blacksmith (sorry, he prefers men), and the maddest Mad Great Aunt of all.
Trust me; it’s well worth the read, my friends, and if you’re inclined to learn about new cultures and traditions then this is the book for you. Not only is it hilarious — seriously, I lost count of how often I laughed out loud, but the author also managed to weave in the elements of witchcraft and the Celtic tradition so seamlessly that I felt as though I was in Llanfair. It was a genuinely fun and educational read, and I can’t wait to laugh and learn more about the book series in the next installment!
Author: Molly Milligan
Genre: Adult Supernatural Cozy
Rating: Five Stars!
The body that turns up in Bron's garden has been there for decades, and he died of natural causes, so she should just rebury him and carry on as normal, right? But resuming the status quo isn’t easy when the ghost of the dead man wants attention — and he’s going about it in the most comical of ways!
It's down to Bron, a traditional hedge witch, to find out what the ghosts wants, which is all well and good since she’s currently teaching Maddie, her cousin from America, the ropes about their family history and all of the magical fun that it entails. Soon, the girls are up to their knees in faery folk (don't trust 'em), druids (keen on trees), wild animals (Bron's a healer), the obligatory smoldering blacksmith (sorry, he prefers men), and the maddest Mad Great Aunt of all.
Trust me; it’s well worth the read, my friends, and if you’re inclined to learn about new cultures and traditions then this is the book for you. Not only is it hilarious — seriously, I lost count of how often I laughed out loud, but the author also managed to weave in the elements of witchcraft and the Celtic tradition so seamlessly that I felt as though I was in Llanfair. It was a genuinely fun and educational read, and I can’t wait to laugh and learn more about the book series in the next installment!
October 23, 2023
An enjoyable, cozy,Welsh witch mystery. It has an interesting magic system, interesting characters, and a small town feel. I'll probably read another in the series.
December 2, 2018
First, her blurb, would lead you to believe there’s a bit of fun in here - nope (blurb says "Magic, mystery and mayhem"). It’s a cozy, but not a humorous cozy.
::editing to add:: I did continue with this series and each book did get better.
A lot of small disconnects in the story added up. The main character has anxiety, so she doesn’t interact much or well with people and that creates enough distance that I didn’t really care what happened to her. People spend too long not talking with one another or discussing things. The ending/mystery - all this for that - yikes, fell a bit short. And at times I was too aware of the author lecturing us.
However, she did much better with her magic and fae aspects. It’s Kindle Unlimited, so debating whether to give the 2nd book a go (perhaps the characters grow on you, develop?).
::editing to add:: I did continue with this series and each book did get better.
A lot of small disconnects in the story added up. The main character has anxiety, so she doesn’t interact much or well with people and that creates enough distance that I didn’t really care what happened to her. People spend too long not talking with one another or discussing things. The ending/mystery - all this for that - yikes, fell a bit short. And at times I was too aware of the author lecturing us.
However, she did much better with her magic and fae aspects. It’s Kindle Unlimited, so debating whether to give the 2nd book a go (perhaps the characters grow on you, develop?).
November 4, 2018
This was recommended on a Goodreads cozy reads thread. Initially wasn't quite sure if it was totally for me - well written but I was feeling more three star about it. By the end I decided 4 star - I particularly didn't see the ending coming.
This is rural/urban fantasy - as in contemporary time and set in a Welsh village, Bronwen is a hedge witch - and this means she gets her powers from boundaries, whether they are physical such as the hedge around her garden or a time of day such as sunset or midnight. Not an idea I've encountered before and it worked really well for me. The whole feel of the book is domestic - not house perfect domestic but homely.
Bronwen the hedge witch lives with her slightly bonkers Great Aunt Dilys in a cottage next to the churchyard. She has a rather unusual cat who brings home injured creatures for her to help. The cat is not injuring them, he is finding them and herding them home where they are cured by Bronwen in the little animal hospital in her utility room. Bronwen looks after the health of the village with various magical and herbal potions - for which she is paid in kind - food, bit of carpentry and the like. The story kicks off with her cousin Maddie coming to visit from the USA and then Bronwen digging the garden and finding a dead body.
The village really comes to life in the book - and it completely avoids being twee. I would have liked a little more of the cat in the story (especially since the cat is in the title) but this was good, so I have the sequel on order.
This is rural/urban fantasy - as in contemporary time and set in a Welsh village, Bronwen is a hedge witch - and this means she gets her powers from boundaries, whether they are physical such as the hedge around her garden or a time of day such as sunset or midnight. Not an idea I've encountered before and it worked really well for me. The whole feel of the book is domestic - not house perfect domestic but homely.
Bronwen the hedge witch lives with her slightly bonkers Great Aunt Dilys in a cottage next to the churchyard. She has a rather unusual cat who brings home injured creatures for her to help. The cat is not injuring them, he is finding them and herding them home where they are cured by Bronwen in the little animal hospital in her utility room. Bronwen looks after the health of the village with various magical and herbal potions - for which she is paid in kind - food, bit of carpentry and the like. The story kicks off with her cousin Maddie coming to visit from the USA and then Bronwen digging the garden and finding a dead body.
The village really comes to life in the book - and it completely avoids being twee. I would have liked a little more of the cat in the story (especially since the cat is in the title) but this was good, so I have the sequel on order.
November 15, 2022
An enjoyable witchy mystery. Not a bad debut that’s about a 3.5 stars. Bronwen is a hedge witch living with her great aunt in a Welsh village. Bronwen is able to communicate with ghosts who can’t cross over and she also helps heal animals. A cousin from across the pond, Maddie, comes to visit and discovers that she has powers as well connected to the Fae.
When a body is found in her garden and the man’s ghost contacts Bronwen, the family sets out to find out his identity, why he was buried in the hedges, and why the sudden rash of “accidents” suddenly start plaguing Bronwen.
When a body is found in her garden and the man’s ghost contacts Bronwen, the family sets out to find out his identity, why he was buried in the hedges, and why the sudden rash of “accidents” suddenly start plaguing Bronwen.
March 4, 2018
A cut above the average cozy
Witches and druids and a ghost that won't go to his rest. Wales and things Welsh. An absorbing tale that appeals to the need in all of us to believe that there is magic in the world. Well written with memorable characters. I found the main character's nature-based magical gifts to be quite plausible. A good read.
Witches and druids and a ghost that won't go to his rest. Wales and things Welsh. An absorbing tale that appeals to the need in all of us to believe that there is magic in the world. Well written with memorable characters. I found the main character's nature-based magical gifts to be quite plausible. A good read.
February 27, 2018
A warm and cozy paranormal mystery
A fun read about witches in Wales who need to solve the mystery of why one ghost from the 1960s won't cross over. Set in a small and quirky town there are plenty of strange humans residing right next door to druids, shape shifters and of course some fae. The author, Molly Milligan, is very familiar with the country and people of Wales and it shines through.
A fun read about witches in Wales who need to solve the mystery of why one ghost from the 1960s won't cross over. Set in a small and quirky town there are plenty of strange humans residing right next door to druids, shape shifters and of course some fae. The author, Molly Milligan, is very familiar with the country and people of Wales and it shines through.
February 2, 2018
What the Cat Dragged In: The Celtic Witch Mysteries 1
In A Nutshell: The blurb said 'Magic, mystery and mayhem abound' and I found two of out three. That's not bad. Bronwen a blond white witch finds a decomposed corpse in her garden. And as the ghost of the corpse is haunting her, it's best she finds out why he is still here. An interesting read, especially, the Welsh mythology but it is not side-splitting.
The Protagonists: Bron is a full figured blonde witch. I am not sure why either is relevant perhaps the latter makes her too self-conscious while the former is meant to automatically make her beautiful. Anyway, they are a feature of the book. As both are a repeated theme. She is also a natural healer.
The Plot:Kiplins 6 little men are in play when Bron finds a body in her garden. What and Why and When and How and Where and Who.
An enjoyable Welsh story that is more weighty, but not mind-bogglingly so, than the usual throwaway cosy mystery. The Welsh mythology, folklore and paganism are written in an informative and enjoyable style.
It's not a murder mystery in the traditional sense, which was different. I welcome the diversity (intergenerational and racial) and would like to have seen more of Aunt Dily. There are some unique characters her familiar, a cat who brings home injured animals, druid, hedgewitch, shape-shifter and Fae. And Maddie from America gives the story a lift. However, I think the book could have been edited down by a few chapters.
A heavyweight cosy that has its roots in Welsh mythology. That can make it a little flat for those who want a Disney style mystery.
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Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
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 magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
In A Nutshell: The blurb said 'Magic, mystery and mayhem abound' and I found two of out three. That's not bad. Bronwen a blond white witch finds a decomposed corpse in her garden. And as the ghost of the corpse is haunting her, it's best she finds out why he is still here. An interesting read, especially, the Welsh mythology but it is not side-splitting.
The Protagonists: Bron is a full figured blonde witch. I am not sure why either is relevant perhaps the latter makes her too self-conscious while the former is meant to automatically make her beautiful. Anyway, they are a feature of the book. As both are a repeated theme. She is also a natural healer.
The Plot:Kiplins 6 little men are in play when Bron finds a body in her garden. What and Why and When and How and Where and Who.
An enjoyable Welsh story that is more weighty, but not mind-bogglingly so, than the usual throwaway cosy mystery. The Welsh mythology, folklore and paganism are written in an informative and enjoyable style.
It's not a murder mystery in the traditional sense, which was different. I welcome the diversity (intergenerational and racial) and would like to have seen more of Aunt Dily. There are some unique characters her familiar, a cat who brings home injured animals, druid, hedgewitch, shape-shifter and Fae. And Maddie from America gives the story a lift. However, I think the book could have been edited down by a few chapters.
A heavyweight cosy that has its roots in Welsh mythology. That can make it a little flat for those who want a Disney style mystery.
Connect with me on Twitter
Follow my blog on Bloglovin’
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
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 magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
April 12, 2020
Bronwen is a local healer, helping humans and animals alike. Often, it's her cat, Harkin, who alerts her to someone, or some animal, in need. Bron lives with her great aunt Dilys in a cottage in the Welsh village of Llanfair. When her cousin, Madison, comes from America to visit, Bron's orderly life is turned on its head. She's excited to meet Maddie in real life, but she feels that her cousin is holding something back. Bron's life becomes even more complicated when she uncovers a long-dead body in an unused corner of her garden. Soon, the man's ghost is haunting her, but Bronwen doesn't know how to help him. In the meantime, she is juggling her kinda-sorta relationship with police officer Adam, while trying to dodge the town's most successful business woman, who seems to have it in for Bronwen. Combined with trying to help Maddie sort out her own form of magic, Bronwen has a lot on her plate. Fortunately, she has allies, from her druidic friend, Dean, to the local blacksmith, Gryffud, and, of course, Dilys. She'll need all the help she can get to lay a ghost to rest.
Charming and fascinating. I loved all of the Welsh lore, characters were relatable, and the plot moved along at a smooth pace. There was a touch of creepiness and a touch of humor, and through it all, Bronwen strove to be reasonable and pragmatic. I would like to sit down to tea with her!
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five stars!
Charming and fascinating. I loved all of the Welsh lore, characters were relatable, and the plot moved along at a smooth pace. There was a touch of creepiness and a touch of humor, and through it all, Bronwen strove to be reasonable and pragmatic. I would like to sit down to tea with her!
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Five stars!
January 11, 2025
4.5 stars
This isn’t a cozy mystery; it’s definitely an urban fantasy that’s has a lot of humorous moments but a serious story. There is some great imagery in this original world the author has built. It contains a lot of the stereotypical UF tropes such as the Fae, druids, witches, and the like. Even werewolves are mentioned. But they are addressed in new ways.
The mystery isn’t exactly a mystery other than trying to figure out what the ghost wants. But how it goes about it and what it really wants are well done. Seeing the world through the cousin’s American eyes helped me to understand by showing, not telling. The other characters help too and are very interesting. I’m glad there are more books in the series as there is so much room for more here.
There was a lot in the book about ageism and some about racism. The topics weren’t heavily addressed but the ageism in particularly guided the whole book.
And I love that the MC is overweight.
I’m eager to read the next one.
The reader, Gemma Dawson, does such a good American accent, I’m not sure which is her natural accent. Her English accent is so superb I was convinced she was from Britain. Then I realized she’s not speaking in a Welsh accent which would be harder for an American. Oh which is it? Everything else was fabulous as well, the varying voices, the timber and intonations both male and female. It was just wonderful. She is one of the best readers I’ve ever heard.
This isn’t a cozy mystery; it’s definitely an urban fantasy that’s has a lot of humorous moments but a serious story. There is some great imagery in this original world the author has built. It contains a lot of the stereotypical UF tropes such as the Fae, druids, witches, and the like. Even werewolves are mentioned. But they are addressed in new ways.
The mystery isn’t exactly a mystery other than trying to figure out what the ghost wants. But how it goes about it and what it really wants are well done. Seeing the world through the cousin’s American eyes helped me to understand by showing, not telling. The other characters help too and are very interesting. I’m glad there are more books in the series as there is so much room for more here.
There was a lot in the book about ageism and some about racism. The topics weren’t heavily addressed but the ageism in particularly guided the whole book.
And I love that the MC is overweight.
I’m eager to read the next one.
The reader, Gemma Dawson, does such a good American accent, I’m not sure which is her natural accent. Her English accent is so superb I was convinced she was from Britain. Then I realized she’s not speaking in a Welsh accent which would be harder for an American. Oh which is it? Everything else was fabulous as well, the varying voices, the timber and intonations both male and female. It was just wonderful. She is one of the best readers I’ve ever heard.
July 8, 2025
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. Set in a small Welsh village steeped in folklore and whispered magic, the story followed Bronwen, a local healer with a grounded, no-nonsense energy I immediately loved. She treated animals, tended to villagers, and kept the peace between the mundane and the mystical—until a ghost turned up, dragging an old mystery back into the present. There wasn’t a traditional murder to solve, but there was a deeper unravelling of secrets, loss, and unresolved business from beyond the veil. The plot unfolded at a steady pace, with just the right balance of tension, humour, and emotional pull.
What really worked for me was the atmosphere—rainy lanes, tea in mismatched cups, strange cats acting stranger than usual—and the mix of folklore with the everyday. The supernatural elements felt baked into the setting, not tacked on. Bronwen's pragmatic charm made every encounter with druids, fae, or ghosts feel oddly believable. I also really enjoyed the perspective of her American cousin, whose outsider viewpoint added a layer of clarity and occasional comic relief. The writing was sharp and immersive, with a quiet sort of wit that kept me smiling. I’m definitely picking up the next one, because there’s still so much of this magical world I want to explore.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
What really worked for me was the atmosphere—rainy lanes, tea in mismatched cups, strange cats acting stranger than usual—and the mix of folklore with the everyday. The supernatural elements felt baked into the setting, not tacked on. Bronwen's pragmatic charm made every encounter with druids, fae, or ghosts feel oddly believable. I also really enjoyed the perspective of her American cousin, whose outsider viewpoint added a layer of clarity and occasional comic relief. The writing was sharp and immersive, with a quiet sort of wit that kept me smiling. I’m definitely picking up the next one, because there’s still so much of this magical world I want to explore.
Read more here: https://annietheinkdrinker.wordpress....
January 2, 2021
I've been looking for this book for a while and was excited to learn that it was available on Kindle Unlimited. I did indeed enjoy it, but would't say it was worth having it in my to-read list for two years. I don't tend to like books that put forth the attitude of "things were better before technology and we'd all be better off if we went back to nature" because they seem to have pretty shallow arguments. This book had a little bit of that flavor of superiority of attitude for back to nature, but ultimately I wasn't sure where it intended to land.
I enjoyed the description of magic in the real world - really just continuing to exist from ancient times. But I wish there had been more depth to the description. I realized that there was such a thing as a "cozy mystery" when I got the Kindle Unlimited description because it recommended several books in that genre after I downloaded What the Cat Dragged In. This book is definitely better written than any of the others that I've checked out. But I have now learned that I am not a fan of cozy mysteries. Apparently they're too fluffy, not enough tension, shallow characters, very basic plots, and the "climax" is ultimately a let down. I enjoyed reading it, but don't think I need to check any more of this genre out.
I enjoyed the description of magic in the real world - really just continuing to exist from ancient times. But I wish there had been more depth to the description. I realized that there was such a thing as a "cozy mystery" when I got the Kindle Unlimited description because it recommended several books in that genre after I downloaded What the Cat Dragged In. This book is definitely better written than any of the others that I've checked out. But I have now learned that I am not a fan of cozy mysteries. Apparently they're too fluffy, not enough tension, shallow characters, very basic plots, and the "climax" is ultimately a let down. I enjoyed reading it, but don't think I need to check any more of this genre out.
February 12, 2017
I needed a break from heavy books and wanted something to simply enjoy and this book ticked all the boxes nicely. Like a nice warm cup of tea it came with a thick slice of Bara brith which had a good amount of fruit and a bit of unexpected but fun spice.
This book was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next one already.
I enjoyed the pagan twist and it made me smile and laugh along with the characters, yet also nod in sympathy in places. I could often relate to the main character even if she sometimes made me want to shake her a little (which tells me how engaged with the story I got).
I really liked the druids, young and old, the vicar and aunt Dilys and I look forward to learning more about them in the future. Maddie's character floated a little bit alongside for me and I did not get that attached to her but I am hoping to get the chance to understand more about her background and life wherever the stories go from here. Overall there are a lot of interesting characters in this wonderful place and this was a nice introduction.
This book was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next one already.
I enjoyed the pagan twist and it made me smile and laugh along with the characters, yet also nod in sympathy in places. I could often relate to the main character even if she sometimes made me want to shake her a little (which tells me how engaged with the story I got).
I really liked the druids, young and old, the vicar and aunt Dilys and I look forward to learning more about them in the future. Maddie's character floated a little bit alongside for me and I did not get that attached to her but I am hoping to get the chance to understand more about her background and life wherever the stories go from here. Overall there are a lot of interesting characters in this wonderful place and this was a nice introduction.
August 5, 2017
Other than stumbling over pronouncing Welsh words (even though the author kindly explains how to pronounce letters in the beginning of each book, it's difficult to get to a word and try to remember how that "w" or "y" or "ll" is supposed to roll off the tongue)..... ah, well, the story is lovely, so I just stumble along and do the best I can. Enjoy reading about Bron's adventures, but kind of disappointed that Molly doesn't give more of a physical description to the "heroine" of the story. One is left to assume that Bron is attractive -- especially when we find out that the "cute" policeman, Adam, is enamored with her. But all we know is that she has blonde hair and doesn't think much of her own looks. Hmmmm BUT, then, perhaps that would detract from the story? This witchy murder mystery is a good read, and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I do think Aunt Dilys needs a bigger role in the story, so I'm hoping to see that next.
October 31, 2018
The lost and the frightened
A good start to the series, although the ending was a bit weak. Loved the way mythology is mixed into the witchcraft lore. The characters are getting really developed but it will be good to see how they evolve.
She and her elderly aunt live a secluded life. As most aspects of modern life don't work around her. She has an adverse effect on electricity. However she has just been told that she has to pick up her cousin from the airport. This means using public transport as cars and her don't mix and so she has never learnt to drive. Slightly uneasy about picking her up as she has never met her. They settle into an easy relationship until she finds the body in the garden. A body that should have been in it's grave in the churchyard and now he is haunting the cottage. What does he want? How can they put him to rest? What has her cousin come to England for? What is she seeking?
A good start to the series, although the ending was a bit weak. Loved the way mythology is mixed into the witchcraft lore. The characters are getting really developed but it will be good to see how they evolve.
She and her elderly aunt live a secluded life. As most aspects of modern life don't work around her. She has an adverse effect on electricity. However she has just been told that she has to pick up her cousin from the airport. This means using public transport as cars and her don't mix and so she has never learnt to drive. Slightly uneasy about picking her up as she has never met her. They settle into an easy relationship until she finds the body in the garden. A body that should have been in it's grave in the churchyard and now he is haunting the cottage. What does he want? How can they put him to rest? What has her cousin come to England for? What is she seeking?
August 12, 2022
Good
Welsh Hedgewitch Bronwen Talog is a little surprised when her American cousin Maddie comes to stay with her and their aunt Dilys, but it’s only the beginning of their adventures.
When Bron runs across a body in her garden, she has to find out who he was, and why his ghost might be haunting her. Then there are the issues plaguing her cousin…
This is a cute cosy paranormal mystery, with an enjoyable Welsh Hedgewitch as the main character. Her cat has his own special abilities, and the entire family is one long line of witches.
While Maddie is trying to find her path, Bron is already dead set on hers, even despite all the issues that come with it!
It’s an entertaining read, with relatively small magics (and a few otherworldly entities). There’s a hint of romance, but it’s very slow-burn, and a few quirky side characters to keep everything exciting.
Magical fun for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
Welsh Hedgewitch Bronwen Talog is a little surprised when her American cousin Maddie comes to stay with her and their aunt Dilys, but it’s only the beginning of their adventures.
When Bron runs across a body in her garden, she has to find out who he was, and why his ghost might be haunting her. Then there are the issues plaguing her cousin…
This is a cute cosy paranormal mystery, with an enjoyable Welsh Hedgewitch as the main character. Her cat has his own special abilities, and the entire family is one long line of witches.
While Maddie is trying to find her path, Bron is already dead set on hers, even despite all the issues that come with it!
It’s an entertaining read, with relatively small magics (and a few otherworldly entities). There’s a hint of romance, but it’s very slow-burn, and a few quirky side characters to keep everything exciting.
Magical fun for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
August 7, 2017
This witchy murder mystery, or not truly a murder, is set in Llanfair, Wales. The story entails use of Welsh mythology, folklore, and local belief systems.
Bronwen is a witch who is a natural healer. Her cat brings injured animals, even 'lost' persons to Bron to aid. Bron, by necessity, must live in the old ways...electricity shorts etc.
A body decades old is found in Bronwen's garden. Who? Why? What? are questions that present themselves as well as the ghost of the man found. Now, it becomes crucial to find out how to put the spirit to rest.
Along for the adventure is, Maddie, Bron's American cousin. Maddie is on a quest of her own and the answers are so interesting.
This book was suggested and then given to me from a dear friend, Jenny. I'm so glad she introduced me to this series. I look forward to future tales from Ms. Milligan.
Bronwen is a witch who is a natural healer. Her cat brings injured animals, even 'lost' persons to Bron to aid. Bron, by necessity, must live in the old ways...electricity shorts etc.
A body decades old is found in Bronwen's garden. Who? Why? What? are questions that present themselves as well as the ghost of the man found. Now, it becomes crucial to find out how to put the spirit to rest.
Along for the adventure is, Maddie, Bron's American cousin. Maddie is on a quest of her own and the answers are so interesting.
This book was suggested and then given to me from a dear friend, Jenny. I'm so glad she introduced me to this series. I look forward to future tales from Ms. Milligan.
June 14, 2018
You might ask what's occurring? I would replay that I was really intrigued by this series. The first book does a great job introducing a diverse array of characters that live in the small Welsh town. It's great to see Welsh culture and language mixed into the book, and being married to a Cymruphile, I get to constantly amaze my partner with the basic words that I picked up through the text. It is also nice to see Pagan culture used to positively as being a natural part of the main character's life. Adding a biracial Californian cousin also added to the number of conversations that Milligan worked into this series and makes it more approachable for yanks like me to read.
I listened to this set on audiobook, read by Gemma Dawson, who also does an amazing job with the accents and words for the various characters. I highly recommend reading and/or listening to these books!
I listened to this set on audiobook, read by Gemma Dawson, who also does an amazing job with the accents and words for the various characters. I highly recommend reading and/or listening to these books!
March 14, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
October 7, 2019
Celtic Intreage
Molly Milligan threads a Celtic tail beside the best of bards. Extraordinary caracters mixed with the fabled creatures of the paranormal world of land of old. Ms.Milligan is a true artist the way she has woven this intreageing mystery that pulls you into the world of magic and mayhem in the life of Bronwen Tolag a witch living with her great aunt in thier ancestral home within a small but active Welsh village .If you enjoy your cozey mystery with stellar caracters ,witches and a resident gohst you will be greatly pleased and those of you's who haven't tried this genre now is the time. I can promise an interesting, intreageing and engaging read. ☺🤔🙄😏😊 Kat
Molly Milligan threads a Celtic tail beside the best of bards. Extraordinary caracters mixed with the fabled creatures of the paranormal world of land of old. Ms.Milligan is a true artist the way she has woven this intreageing mystery that pulls you into the world of magic and mayhem in the life of Bronwen Tolag a witch living with her great aunt in thier ancestral home within a small but active Welsh village .If you enjoy your cozey mystery with stellar caracters ,witches and a resident gohst you will be greatly pleased and those of you's who haven't tried this genre now is the time. I can promise an interesting, intreageing and engaging read. ☺🤔🙄😏😊 Kat
June 20, 2017
Exceptional
This is not your average cutesy witch cozy. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you; it's just that this is neither average nor cutesy. The author shows good knowledge of the non Christian and traditional communities and weaves it into a mystery surrounding a ghost. I've never been to Wales but I assume her information about Wales is as accurate as her descriptions of the Fair Folk. The hook is well written, and her characters are developing nicely.
This is unique and a good read. Book two is downloading as I write, and if you enjoy a good paranormal read, then I recommend you start here.
This is not your average cutesy witch cozy. There's nothing wrong with that, mind you; it's just that this is neither average nor cutesy. The author shows good knowledge of the non Christian and traditional communities and weaves it into a mystery surrounding a ghost. I've never been to Wales but I assume her information about Wales is as accurate as her descriptions of the Fair Folk. The hook is well written, and her characters are developing nicely.
This is unique and a good read. Book two is downloading as I write, and if you enjoy a good paranormal read, then I recommend you start here.
March 8, 2018
Fun read
The only reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five, is because of the short paragraph at the start of the book, trying to explain how to say the Welsh words. It was off putting and I think it would have been better, especially since a person, new to Welsh...everything, had been introduced. It would have been better to explain the words and have the character sounding them out or having the words spelled phonetically, like another character explaining how to say them. Great read otherwise!
The only reason I'm giving this four stars instead of five, is because of the short paragraph at the start of the book, trying to explain how to say the Welsh words. It was off putting and I think it would have been better, especially since a person, new to Welsh...everything, had been introduced. It would have been better to explain the words and have the character sounding them out or having the words spelled phonetically, like another character explaining how to say them. Great read otherwise!
March 2, 2020
Slow read for me
I did like the Welsh setting. I liked the small town and the main character's healing ability. I thought Dilly and cat familiar were cool.
But this book was a little boring. The characters lacked enough depth to be appealing. The ghost (mystery?) and the American cousin just seemed to be underdeveloped subplots, and the ending wasn't very satisfying. I'm not sure if I'll bother to continue us this series, since this first book didn't impress me all that much.
I did like the Welsh setting. I liked the small town and the main character's healing ability. I thought Dilly and cat familiar were cool.
But this book was a little boring. The characters lacked enough depth to be appealing. The ghost (mystery?) and the American cousin just seemed to be underdeveloped subplots, and the ending wasn't very satisfying. I'm not sure if I'll bother to continue us this series, since this first book didn't impress me all that much.
March 9, 2018
I don't often venture into the paranormal realm for my reading but I'm very glad I gave this book a shot. It's engaging and different from anything I've read before. I stumbled over the Welsh a bit, but then I always have and probably always will. That said, it didn't take away anything from the story for me which in my world says a lot.
I loved getting to know Bronwen, rooted for her and Adam. Chuckled at Aunt Dylis, and embraced cousin Maddie. Looking forward to reading more.
I loved getting to know Bronwen, rooted for her and Adam. Chuckled at Aunt Dylis, and embraced cousin Maddie. Looking forward to reading more.
July 14, 2018
A Fantastical Read!
I very much enjoyed Bronwin and Co.! I love how the author touches upon so many different aspects of life that mean a great deal to me; being in touch with nature and the care of animals, integrity, looking out for the people around her.. I like the hedge witch aspects as well!
Now, trying to pronounce, or even get proper definitions to those words, is going to take a good bit more effort on my part.. LOL
Read the books! They're well worth it!
I very much enjoyed Bronwin and Co.! I love how the author touches upon so many different aspects of life that mean a great deal to me; being in touch with nature and the care of animals, integrity, looking out for the people around her.. I like the hedge witch aspects as well!
Now, trying to pronounce, or even get proper definitions to those words, is going to take a good bit more effort on my part.. LOL
Read the books! They're well worth it!
December 19, 2018
A fun, light read. I enjoyed the author's sense of humor, and the magic system was interesting. I liked that there were different "paths" that witches could follow. I did find certain bits frustrating; there were times I wanted to yell at everyone involved for not being more perceptive/communicative. Still, I'll probably go on to read more in the series. It makes a nice pallet-cleanser between heavier reads.
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