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Witch's Cat Mystery #2
By Familiar Means
After discovering her mystical heritage-and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair-artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years. But being a witch doesn't magically put money in the bank. When she's hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening. Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers' tunnels beneath the shop-and a dead body-Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer . . .
Audio CD
First published September 20, 2016
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About the author
Delia James
6 books244 followersBorn in California and raised in Michigan, Delia James writes her tales of magic, cats, and mystery from her hundred-year-old bungalow home. She is the author of the Witch’s Cat mysteries, which began with A Familiar Tail. When not writing, she hikes, swims, gardens, cooks, reads, and raises her rapidly growing son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
September 14, 2016
By Familiar Means by Delia James is a book I really enjoyed. Book one A Familiar Tail was really good and I was so looking forward to this one that I ordered it months ago. I still have it on order and got the Shipping notice that is on it's way from The Book Depository. I loved book number two. As a fan of witchcraft mysteries this one is fast becoming one of my go to witchy series! Main Character Annabelle Britton is trying to start her life over in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, new home, new friends not to mention she recently found out she is a hereditary witch! Filled with questions and angst in book two her Grandma BB arrives to help her learn about herself, her abilities and get mixed up in another mystery. Great story, strong characters, lovely setting, fun familiars as well as a great mystery and a ghost or two....I hope you will love this one as much as I did!
November 7, 2016
A wonderful engrossing story that enchanted me throughout my reading of this book. I am always really surprised when the second book in a series is so good, especially when I loved the first book. Usually I feel a bit let down, but this wasn't the case here.
I really loved Grandma B.B. and hope she remains in the story in the comming books. Her interaction with Annabelle was great!
I really loved Grandma B.B. and hope she remains in the story in the comming books. Her interaction with Annabelle was great!
January 19, 2018
Annabelle Britton is training to be a witch by her coven friends and her cat familiar, Alistair. When her grandmother announces that she is coming to visit Annabelle and her old coven members, Annabelle knows that trouble is lurking somewhere. When she gets a commission to paint murals in an old building that is being renovated into a new location for an established coffee shop business, she gets into trouble with the local police. Ghostly happenings are going on at the construction site and Annabelle starts exploring. She ends up discovering hidden rooms, smuggler's tunnels and a dead body. With the help of the coven and her grandmother, Annabelle knows they will discover the truth and the real murderer.
This paranormal cozy mystery series is even better in this second book. The characters are growing and the background is expanding. A fun adventure for any cozy fan. Don't let the paranormal aspect keep from checking it out.
This paranormal cozy mystery series is even better in this second book. The characters are growing and the background is expanding. A fun adventure for any cozy fan. Don't let the paranormal aspect keep from checking it out.
October 4, 2016
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By Familiar Means
A Witch’s Cat Mystery, Book #2
By Delia James
ISBN#9780451476586
Author’s website: http://www.deliajamesmysteries.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.
But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.
Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer.
Review:
By Familiar Means is the well written second book in the Witch’s Cat Mystery series, and readers will surely find themselves under its spell.
Anna decides to stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and is exploring her newly found witchy heritage. Though she has joined the local coven and established some other friendships (and potential romantic relationships), she worries that her “free” living arrangements will come to an end at any moment. Being a witch is all well and good, but she needs paying artist jobs to pay the bill for rent that she is sure is coming. Luckily, local hippies and coffee shop proprietors Jake and Miranda are moving locations to expand their business and hire Anna to paint murals in the new space. However, they think the old building is haunted and want Anna to rid it of its ghosts. This is not exactly her area of expertise, but she agrees to give it a shot. Instead of finding the lingering deceased, she discovers old smugglers’ tunnels beneath the building and a not so old dead body. Jake and Miranda (and Anna) immediately become the prime suspects in the local hotel’s sous chef Jimmy Upton’s death. Obviously, it is in Anna’s best interest to investigate and find the real killer. Meanwhile, Anna’s Grandma B.B. returns to town after a decades’ long feud with the other guardian witches of Portsmouth seeking to mend some fences and help her granddaughter learn about her family legacy.
I really like the concept of the Witch’s Cat Mystery series, and Delia James gets it all right with By Familiar Means. The coastal town with a long history of witches, a curious and slightly awkward protagonist, a great cat familiar, nonthreatening magic, a glimpse of the town’s smuggling past, potential romance, and, of course, a murder. I am so glad that James brought Grandma B.B. to town. She is quirky and provides an interesting perspective of the coven and Portsmouth’s past. Plus, she is simply easy to like. The supporting characters are well developed and appealing, all providing layers of personalities and lots of plot potential. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Anna’s cat familiar Alistair. He always appears when needed to help save the day. The only thing that would make him even better is if he could talk.
There is actually quite a bit going on in this book. Aside from the murder, there are threads concerning conservation and preservation vs. development and independent businesses threatened by big business. These all contribute to make the murder mystery sufficiently complex. I would have liked for the Prohibition era smuggling tunnels thread to have been further flushed out. I think it would make for fascinating reading. Perhaps, James will revisit them in a future installment. There are a plethora of possible suspects and scenarios that could lead to Jimmy’s death, and, though the end did not come as a complete surprise, the revelation provides a satisfactory conclusion.
I greatly enjoy my time with Anna, Alistair, and Grandma B.B. and hope to have many more adventures with them. I recommend By Familiar Means to fans of paranormal cozies that are pretty lighthearted about the magic.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
By Familiar Means
A Witch’s Cat Mystery, Book #2
By Delia James
ISBN#9780451476586
Author’s website: http://www.deliajamesmysteries.com/
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele
Synopsis:
After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.
But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.
Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer.
Review:
By Familiar Means is the well written second book in the Witch’s Cat Mystery series, and readers will surely find themselves under its spell.
Anna decides to stay in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and is exploring her newly found witchy heritage. Though she has joined the local coven and established some other friendships (and potential romantic relationships), she worries that her “free” living arrangements will come to an end at any moment. Being a witch is all well and good, but she needs paying artist jobs to pay the bill for rent that she is sure is coming. Luckily, local hippies and coffee shop proprietors Jake and Miranda are moving locations to expand their business and hire Anna to paint murals in the new space. However, they think the old building is haunted and want Anna to rid it of its ghosts. This is not exactly her area of expertise, but she agrees to give it a shot. Instead of finding the lingering deceased, she discovers old smugglers’ tunnels beneath the building and a not so old dead body. Jake and Miranda (and Anna) immediately become the prime suspects in the local hotel’s sous chef Jimmy Upton’s death. Obviously, it is in Anna’s best interest to investigate and find the real killer. Meanwhile, Anna’s Grandma B.B. returns to town after a decades’ long feud with the other guardian witches of Portsmouth seeking to mend some fences and help her granddaughter learn about her family legacy.
I really like the concept of the Witch’s Cat Mystery series, and Delia James gets it all right with By Familiar Means. The coastal town with a long history of witches, a curious and slightly awkward protagonist, a great cat familiar, nonthreatening magic, a glimpse of the town’s smuggling past, potential romance, and, of course, a murder. I am so glad that James brought Grandma B.B. to town. She is quirky and provides an interesting perspective of the coven and Portsmouth’s past. Plus, she is simply easy to like. The supporting characters are well developed and appealing, all providing layers of personalities and lots of plot potential. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Anna’s cat familiar Alistair. He always appears when needed to help save the day. The only thing that would make him even better is if he could talk.
There is actually quite a bit going on in this book. Aside from the murder, there are threads concerning conservation and preservation vs. development and independent businesses threatened by big business. These all contribute to make the murder mystery sufficiently complex. I would have liked for the Prohibition era smuggling tunnels thread to have been further flushed out. I think it would make for fascinating reading. Perhaps, James will revisit them in a future installment. There are a plethora of possible suspects and scenarios that could lead to Jimmy’s death, and, though the end did not come as a complete surprise, the revelation provides a satisfactory conclusion.
I greatly enjoy my time with Anna, Alistair, and Grandma B.B. and hope to have many more adventures with them. I recommend By Familiar Means to fans of paranormal cozies that are pretty lighthearted about the magic.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
November 3, 2017
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 5
SO much going on in this story! Anna has decided to stay in Portsmouth, as she’s made some friends, met some of the women from her grandmother’s coven, discovered that she and Alistair the cat have rapport, and finds the city to her liking. But, she’s got to find a way to make some money, and an offer appears in forform of a series of murals for a new coffee shop location, if she’ll also exorcise the ghosts from the building. Anna’s kind of up for anything, even as she doesn’t know how to remove ghosts, or even where to start, but needs must and her investigations at the building turn up Bootlegger’s smuggling tunnels, and a newly dead body.
And then the fun really begins! Anna’s Grandma BB arrives back in town after a falling out with her coven, and she’s helping Anna understand her own abilities, sorting out her own issues with the coven, and dabbling in the mystery as it unfolds. Of course, Anna as the discoverer of the body is a suspect, as are the coffee shop owners who hired her, and the twists and turns are real. When you add in some very real concerns in terms of maintaining historic elements and small business in lieu of tried and true national big box stores, the history of smuggling and Portsmouth’s proximity to open water, Anna’s newly found ‘skill’ and Alistair the cat’s multiple inputs into her life, the mystery and as general adorable-ness, the story is clever, twisty and the reveal is wonderful.
Picking up from A Familiar Tail, Elise Arsenault again narrates this installment, and her presentation of the different characters, and the continuity with Anna’s portrayal is wonderfully skilled: each new character is imbued with the ‘descriptive adjectives’ that James introduced them with: the coffee house owners, a touch of hippie-dippy is clearly presented, Grandma BB sounds older, but also has her own quirks and reveals – each bringing about an easy understanding of who is speaking, what they are feeling and even adding to the visual image the listener has in their head. Easily followed out of order, I still think the best way here is to go in order – mostly to get the sense of place that newcomer Annabelle brings, and the charm that convinces her to stay in Portsmouth, as well as the clever mysteries to solve using some magic, some guesswork and lots of dead ends.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 5
SO much going on in this story! Anna has decided to stay in Portsmouth, as she’s made some friends, met some of the women from her grandmother’s coven, discovered that she and Alistair the cat have rapport, and finds the city to her liking. But, she’s got to find a way to make some money, and an offer appears in forform of a series of murals for a new coffee shop location, if she’ll also exorcise the ghosts from the building. Anna’s kind of up for anything, even as she doesn’t know how to remove ghosts, or even where to start, but needs must and her investigations at the building turn up Bootlegger’s smuggling tunnels, and a newly dead body.
And then the fun really begins! Anna’s Grandma BB arrives back in town after a falling out with her coven, and she’s helping Anna understand her own abilities, sorting out her own issues with the coven, and dabbling in the mystery as it unfolds. Of course, Anna as the discoverer of the body is a suspect, as are the coffee shop owners who hired her, and the twists and turns are real. When you add in some very real concerns in terms of maintaining historic elements and small business in lieu of tried and true national big box stores, the history of smuggling and Portsmouth’s proximity to open water, Anna’s newly found ‘skill’ and Alistair the cat’s multiple inputs into her life, the mystery and as general adorable-ness, the story is clever, twisty and the reveal is wonderful.
Picking up from A Familiar Tail, Elise Arsenault again narrates this installment, and her presentation of the different characters, and the continuity with Anna’s portrayal is wonderfully skilled: each new character is imbued with the ‘descriptive adjectives’ that James introduced them with: the coffee house owners, a touch of hippie-dippy is clearly presented, Grandma BB sounds older, but also has her own quirks and reveals – each bringing about an easy understanding of who is speaking, what they are feeling and even adding to the visual image the listener has in their head. Easily followed out of order, I still think the best way here is to go in order – mostly to get the sense of place that newcomer Annabelle brings, and the charm that convinces her to stay in Portsmouth, as well as the clever mysteries to solve using some magic, some guesswork and lots of dead ends.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
May 11, 2018
In the second book of this series, Annabelle Britton continues to learn about her witches' heritage. She is helping her friends at their new store when strange noises are heard. Checking out the building they find a tunnel leading to a door that is locked and appears to go nowhere Trying to open it Annabelle stumbles upon a body. The investigation into the death leads to an old secret. The story is enlivened by the arrival of Annabelle's Grandmother, Alistair and Leo and Max add much to the adventure. The Coven continues to be involved and lends their assistance. An excellent paranormal story. I am ready for the next book.
May 16, 2021
Anna has settled into Portsmouth. She has friends and has made it a home. She has embraced her abilities and is learning more about controlling and using them. She's also a freelance artist so work can be harder to find at times.
When Miranda and Jake, owners of her favorite coffee shop, announce they want her to paint some murals in the new, larger place they bought, she jumps at the opportunity. This leads to hidden tunnels and a body. Problem is, the police chief wants to finger Jake for the murder. It is up to Anna and friends to find out what really happened.
Overall, this was a satisfying read. No romance, but maybe in book 3 (with Sean- the younger). I liked Grandma BB and am glad she is sticking around.
When Miranda and Jake, owners of her favorite coffee shop, announce they want her to paint some murals in the new, larger place they bought, she jumps at the opportunity. This leads to hidden tunnels and a body. Problem is, the police chief wants to finger Jake for the murder. It is up to Anna and friends to find out what really happened.
Overall, this was a satisfying read. No romance, but maybe in book 3 (with Sean- the younger). I liked Grandma BB and am glad she is sticking around.
February 4, 2017
Second book in the series does not disappoint! There's no sophomore slump for Delia James!
June 14, 2025
LOVE THIS SERIES, JUST WISH I WASN'T UP TO THE LAST BOOK.
PREMISE: After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.
But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.
THOUGHTS: I love this series. Alistair is arguably my favorite cat in cozies. Anabelle is a fun character to follow and it brought me a lot of joy having her Grandmother in town. Fantastic read and looking forward to the next one.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years.
But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening.
THOUGHTS: I love this series. Alistair is arguably my favorite cat in cozies. Anabelle is a fun character to follow and it brought me a lot of joy having her Grandmother in town. Fantastic read and looking forward to the next one.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
February 4, 2018
I definitely enjoyed this more than book 1! Having met all the wonderful characters in this series, I was excited to start this second installment: and it was as fun a read as I hoped: it was mysterious, albeit I feel like the mystery was lost midway through, yet my gosh that ending: I did not see that coming, I tell you! I really loved the interaction between Annabelle and her grandmother, she was a great character - I'm hoping she'll be in book 3! Alistair, Anna's familiar, was my favourite part of the book, I love how Delia James wrote him! She characterises cats perfectly ;)
October 2, 2020
Anna is having her Grandmother over for a visit, she has not been back to Portsmouth in 40 years and there are some some hurt feelings with old friends to smooth over. But Grandma and friends quickly get together to help solve a crime when the local coffee brewers find a dead body in a tunnel in the basement of their new building. Although she is an apprentice witch, Anna is forced to use some of her witchy magic when she gets into trouble, and of course, her familiar, Alistair the cat is there to help her out.
November 9, 2020
So much fun and snark and sweetness, with a slow burn romance and a lot of lovely side characters - Grandma B.B. is delightful! Loved the Portsmouth, NH setting too and I hope to check out some of the real places she mentions next time I’m there.
February 7, 2020
Another great book by Ms. James.
December 30, 2018
I'm enjoying this series. The characters are fun and there's lots of action.
March 14, 2017
Exciting story
This was an excellent story filled with murder, mystery and magic. A secret tunnel, chef gone wild and so much more in this great installation by Delia James.
This was an excellent story filled with murder, mystery and magic. A secret tunnel, chef gone wild and so much more in this great installation by Delia James.
September 29, 2016
BY FAMILIAR MEANS is a nice followup to A FAMILIAR TALE. I like the Portsmouth atmosphere. Anna is finding her way through her abilities, Alistair the cat is great, and I love the addition of Anna's grandmother. The murder mystery is solid and well developed. The paranormal aspects are balanced well with the real world.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinions expressed here.**
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinions expressed here.**
April 18, 2017
By Familiar Means: A Witch’s Cat Mystery
Author: Delia James
Publisher: Berkley
Annabelle Britton found out that she has a mystical heritage and has become the companion to a familiar, Alistair who can come and go as he pleases in an instant. Annabelle has come back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to settle down and spend her days doing what she loves, creating art. She never expected murder to be a part of her new life. Her new found powers, however, are still in their infancy. Her Grandma BB is visiting with her old coven, for the first time in thirty years, and Annabelle is learning hidden family secrets she never knew existed.
When Annabella is hired to paint murals for a friend's new coffee house, it is a wish come true and just in the nick of time. However, the new building is riddled with eerie sounds and strange happenings that have convinced at least one of the new owners that the new shop is haunted. They want Annabelle to find out by whom and get rid of them if she can. After a search using her powers shows that there are multiple secrets hidden in the new shop, they follow a trail that leads them to a body in an old tunnel under the shop.
Her friends Miranda and Jake are suspected of being the killers, but Annabelle doesn't believe it until she begins to hear stories from the couple's past. Not certain who to trust or believe, Annabelle, jumps into the investigation to clear her friends of the suspicions, and possibly herself.
--
Annabella is a lively character whose quirks are enhanced by those around her. She is bright, attractive and endowed with a unique magical ability, to feel the energies of places and those who passed through them. Sometimes the power gets the better of her, and she is exhausted by the need to control it. As an apprentice to a powerful Wiccan, Annabelle is learning control but sometimes she doesn’t want to control her power, she wants to let it out and allow it freedom. Her Grandma BB is lovable if a bit distressed and somewhat resentful of the past, yet she always tries not to allow the past to interfere with the future except where her granddaughter is concerned. She is perceived as a bit scatter-brained at times, but she is truly a grandmother to be loved and listened to and one that adores her granddaughter. Together with the help of their coven, they unmask the murderer.
Delia James is a fantastic writer; her characters come alive enabling the reader to picture them in their mind's eye with little to no trouble. The settings are charming and filled with the sights one expects from a New Hampshire destination. The pace of the story is fast enough that the reader will lose track of time and before they know it, they will have reached the last page. The ending is very satisfying; the killer unmasked with a flourish and action packed. This book and series are a must read for anyone that enjoys magic, paranormal or ghost stories. Highly recommended. www.thecozyreview.com
Author: Delia James
Publisher: Berkley
Annabelle Britton found out that she has a mystical heritage and has become the companion to a familiar, Alistair who can come and go as he pleases in an instant. Annabelle has come back to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to settle down and spend her days doing what she loves, creating art. She never expected murder to be a part of her new life. Her new found powers, however, are still in their infancy. Her Grandma BB is visiting with her old coven, for the first time in thirty years, and Annabelle is learning hidden family secrets she never knew existed.
When Annabella is hired to paint murals for a friend's new coffee house, it is a wish come true and just in the nick of time. However, the new building is riddled with eerie sounds and strange happenings that have convinced at least one of the new owners that the new shop is haunted. They want Annabelle to find out by whom and get rid of them if she can. After a search using her powers shows that there are multiple secrets hidden in the new shop, they follow a trail that leads them to a body in an old tunnel under the shop.
Her friends Miranda and Jake are suspected of being the killers, but Annabelle doesn't believe it until she begins to hear stories from the couple's past. Not certain who to trust or believe, Annabelle, jumps into the investigation to clear her friends of the suspicions, and possibly herself.
--
Annabella is a lively character whose quirks are enhanced by those around her. She is bright, attractive and endowed with a unique magical ability, to feel the energies of places and those who passed through them. Sometimes the power gets the better of her, and she is exhausted by the need to control it. As an apprentice to a powerful Wiccan, Annabelle is learning control but sometimes she doesn’t want to control her power, she wants to let it out and allow it freedom. Her Grandma BB is lovable if a bit distressed and somewhat resentful of the past, yet she always tries not to allow the past to interfere with the future except where her granddaughter is concerned. She is perceived as a bit scatter-brained at times, but she is truly a grandmother to be loved and listened to and one that adores her granddaughter. Together with the help of their coven, they unmask the murderer.
Delia James is a fantastic writer; her characters come alive enabling the reader to picture them in their mind's eye with little to no trouble. The settings are charming and filled with the sights one expects from a New Hampshire destination. The pace of the story is fast enough that the reader will lose track of time and before they know it, they will have reached the last page. The ending is very satisfying; the killer unmasked with a flourish and action packed. This book and series are a must read for anyone that enjoys magic, paranormal or ghost stories. Highly recommended. www.thecozyreview.com
October 24, 2016
By Familiar Means finds Annabelle “Anna” Britton embracing her special witchy powers. She’s truly happy in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, renting the nice cozy house she lives in, and making more friends. When her grandmother, Annabelle Mercy Blessingsound Britton, affectionately known as Grandma B.B. comes for a visit to the town she left over 30 years previously, Anna is beyond happy. The only thing missing is her having a job to support herself. She’s offered the opportunity to paint a mural for the new Northeast Java coffee shop, by owners Jake and Miranda Luce. But things are too good to be true.
Jake and Miranda do want to renovate the building they purchased for their new location, but that’s not the only reason they want Anna. They’re sure the building is haunted and they want Anna to get rid of the ghost. First problem, Anna doesn’t believe in ghosts. Second problem, Anna isn’t that kind of witch. She can’t just cast a spell or use some hocus pocus to make a non-existent ghost disappear. Anna’s witchy power is being able to walk into a place and get a vibe from it. Anna believes in the Threefold law of: “Whatever you send out into the world comes back to you threefold.” She doesn’t want to make the Luces anymore scared or nervous, so she agrees to read the building. The biggest problem of all comes when Anna and the Luces start searching the basement and discover a dead body. Now, the police are listing Anna, Jake, and Miranda as suspects. It’s going to take Anna, her familiar, her coven, and her grandmother to get to the bottom of things.
Readers are treated to an in-depth look into exactly what Anna is capable of with her powers. It was fun to watch Anna, Alistar, her coven, and Grandma B.B. come together to help discover who killed the man found in the basement and what exactly happened to him. There are a couple of surprises in store. By Familiar Means will definitely have you smiling a time or two.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley Prime Crime and voluntarily reviewed the book.**
Jake and Miranda do want to renovate the building they purchased for their new location, but that’s not the only reason they want Anna. They’re sure the building is haunted and they want Anna to get rid of the ghost. First problem, Anna doesn’t believe in ghosts. Second problem, Anna isn’t that kind of witch. She can’t just cast a spell or use some hocus pocus to make a non-existent ghost disappear. Anna’s witchy power is being able to walk into a place and get a vibe from it. Anna believes in the Threefold law of: “Whatever you send out into the world comes back to you threefold.” She doesn’t want to make the Luces anymore scared or nervous, so she agrees to read the building. The biggest problem of all comes when Anna and the Luces start searching the basement and discover a dead body. Now, the police are listing Anna, Jake, and Miranda as suspects. It’s going to take Anna, her familiar, her coven, and her grandmother to get to the bottom of things.
Readers are treated to an in-depth look into exactly what Anna is capable of with her powers. It was fun to watch Anna, Alistar, her coven, and Grandma B.B. come together to help discover who killed the man found in the basement and what exactly happened to him. There are a couple of surprises in store. By Familiar Means will definitely have you smiling a time or two.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley Prime Crime and voluntarily reviewed the book.**
August 27, 2016
By Familiar Means is a solid, well written paranormal cozy with likable characters. While it isn't groundbreaking, it is an entertaining read perfect for a relaxing afternoon. What more could a reader want?
In By Familiar Means, coffee shop owners Jake and Mirabelle ask Annabelle to uncover whether there is a ghost haunting the location of their planned expansion. Despite not believing in ghosts (magic is already new to Annabelle) she gives it a try - what she discovers is a hidden tunnel and a not so well hidden body. The police believe Jake and Mirabelle are responsible, and aren't looking any further. Naturally Annabelle, her visiting grandmother (the source of her magic) and her friends start their own investigation. With a bit of luck, magic, and the help of a certain cat, they are bound to find the truth.
Annabelle's uncertainty about staying in Portsmouth and spending time with Young Sean is a bit overdone. Her Grandma BB's enthusiasm and straightforward manner helps balance things out. She is a nice addition to the cast. Of course Alistair, Annabelle's pudgy feline familiar manages to capture his share of applause and more than a few chuckles. Between Annabelle learning it is better not to give catnip to a cat who can appear and disappear at will to Annabelle agreeing to buy more tuna if he helps her find clues his antics are certain to bring a smile.
I would have liked to see a bit more ghostly action - the prohibition era tunnels and hidden passages offered a lot of story potential. Perhaps they will come into play in a future mystery. On the whole By Familiar Means gives cozy lovers what they want - a well plotted mystery, a small amount of danger, a likable set of characters including a fabulous feline, and a happy ending where the villain gets his just desserts.
4/5
I received a copy of By Familiar Means from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
In By Familiar Means, coffee shop owners Jake and Mirabelle ask Annabelle to uncover whether there is a ghost haunting the location of their planned expansion. Despite not believing in ghosts (magic is already new to Annabelle) she gives it a try - what she discovers is a hidden tunnel and a not so well hidden body. The police believe Jake and Mirabelle are responsible, and aren't looking any further. Naturally Annabelle, her visiting grandmother (the source of her magic) and her friends start their own investigation. With a bit of luck, magic, and the help of a certain cat, they are bound to find the truth.
Annabelle's uncertainty about staying in Portsmouth and spending time with Young Sean is a bit overdone. Her Grandma BB's enthusiasm and straightforward manner helps balance things out. She is a nice addition to the cast. Of course Alistair, Annabelle's pudgy feline familiar manages to capture his share of applause and more than a few chuckles. Between Annabelle learning it is better not to give catnip to a cat who can appear and disappear at will to Annabelle agreeing to buy more tuna if he helps her find clues his antics are certain to bring a smile.
I would have liked to see a bit more ghostly action - the prohibition era tunnels and hidden passages offered a lot of story potential. Perhaps they will come into play in a future mystery. On the whole By Familiar Means gives cozy lovers what they want - a well plotted mystery, a small amount of danger, a likable set of characters including a fabulous feline, and a happy ending where the villain gets his just desserts.
4/5
I received a copy of By Familiar Means from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
October 17, 2017
This is the second book in the Witch's Cat Mystery and was just as enjoyable as the first. The author has created a story set in a charming historic New England small town and combines it with magic, mystery and a start of a romance for an enchanting read. In my opinion, the author has also assemble a wonderful cast of diverse characters that are strong with depth and dimension. The addition of Anna's grandmother, Grandma B.B., is mots welcome. I liked that we were able to see some growth in Anna as she comes to terms with her magic and leaning how to use it properly. Also, with Grandma B.B. back in town it provides the reader with a bit of the history and early friendship of the coven members as well as glimpse into why there was a split among the old families in town. The mystery is well done. There are plenty of twists, turns, suspect, and red herrings that kept this reader guessing the identity of the killer until the very end.
I think this is a very promising new series that will capture the readers attention with its charming location, realistic and likable characters, magic, romance and mystery. I am hoping for many more installments as this series is becoming one that is an automatic buy for me.
I think this is a very promising new series that will capture the readers attention with its charming location, realistic and likable characters, magic, romance and mystery. I am hoping for many more installments as this series is becoming one that is an automatic buy for me.
October 4, 2016
The witch is back in this second installment in the Witch’s Cat Mysteries!
Having enjoyed book one in this series, A FAMIIAR TAIL, I was more than happy to get my hands on book two, BY FAMILIAR MEANS. It was worth the wait!
Being back in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Annabelle Britton and her kitty familiar, Alistair, was a welcome visit for me. I once again spent time with the delightfully memorable characters of this series sharing in their lives. This magical tale was even more fun and enchanting thanks to Annabelle’s Grandma B. B. paying a visit. That lady was a whirlwind!
In BY FAMILIAR MEANS, author Delia James gives readers everything we could wish for in a para-cozy . . . mystery, murder, and magic. If that isn’t enough for you, how about old smuggler’s tunnels, and ghostly happenings? I thought that would get your attention. ;-)
Wonderfully written, with a superbly tricky plot, author James pulled me in with chapter one as though under a spell. That enchantment held me until the last magically penned page.
Add BY FAMILIAR MEANS to your TBR and prepare to enjoy the magic!
Having enjoyed book one in this series, A FAMIIAR TAIL, I was more than happy to get my hands on book two, BY FAMILIAR MEANS. It was worth the wait!
Being back in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with Annabelle Britton and her kitty familiar, Alistair, was a welcome visit for me. I once again spent time with the delightfully memorable characters of this series sharing in their lives. This magical tale was even more fun and enchanting thanks to Annabelle’s Grandma B. B. paying a visit. That lady was a whirlwind!
In BY FAMILIAR MEANS, author Delia James gives readers everything we could wish for in a para-cozy . . . mystery, murder, and magic. If that isn’t enough for you, how about old smuggler’s tunnels, and ghostly happenings? I thought that would get your attention. ;-)
Wonderfully written, with a superbly tricky plot, author James pulled me in with chapter one as though under a spell. That enchantment held me until the last magically penned page.
Add BY FAMILIAR MEANS to your TBR and prepare to enjoy the magic!
February 26, 2017
2.5 stars.
I'm sad because I know I enjoyed the first one much more. I can't decide whether I didn't give this the attention it deserved or it simply didn't grab my attention to hold in the first place. The premise is great, the oceanside town sounds quite idyllic, Alistair is a terrific cat, and the storyline was quite good, but it simply didn't capture me and it took me much longer than it should have to finish it.
I was entirely unconvinced by Anna as a character this time around (I don't even remember what she looks like), and don't remember the Seans McNally, never mind the fact that Young Sean is supposed to be the love interest. There was no spark between Anna & Sean to suggest a potential, explosive relationship (or even an interesting one), other than some smirking and comments from other characters. It's one of the flattest relationship potentials I've ever come across.
I'm still not entirely convinced that it was the story that didn't grab me, however, and will be keeping an eye out for the third installment. I like the series enough to stick with it, so am hopeful that third time is, indeed, the charm.
I'm sad because I know I enjoyed the first one much more. I can't decide whether I didn't give this the attention it deserved or it simply didn't grab my attention to hold in the first place. The premise is great, the oceanside town sounds quite idyllic, Alistair is a terrific cat, and the storyline was quite good, but it simply didn't capture me and it took me much longer than it should have to finish it.
I was entirely unconvinced by Anna as a character this time around (I don't even remember what she looks like), and don't remember the Seans McNally, never mind the fact that Young Sean is supposed to be the love interest. There was no spark between Anna & Sean to suggest a potential, explosive relationship (or even an interesting one), other than some smirking and comments from other characters. It's one of the flattest relationship potentials I've ever come across.
I'm still not entirely convinced that it was the story that didn't grab me, however, and will be keeping an eye out for the third installment. I like the series enough to stick with it, so am hopeful that third time is, indeed, the charm.
January 3, 2018
I like these characters and their "witchy" ways. Especially like Alistair, Annabelle's familiar. The setting in NH is a good one, too. In this one Annabelle finds a body in a forgotten tunnel while helping out some friends who have hired her to paint murals in their new coffee shop. Really liked Annabelle's visiting Grandma! Recommend!
February 5, 2020
The second book in the series was as enjoyable as the first, which always makes me happy. The characters are still engrossing, and the relationship between the coven members is great. It was a good mystery, with twists and turns aplenty, and while I thought I had it solved many times, I was wrong. Hopefully I won't wait as long before reading book 3.
January 19, 2017
Love this new series . . . second one is a smash hit in my book! No pun intended. The plot moved a bit slower in this sophomore book but it was, nevertheless, a good solid mystery that built upon solid characters created in the first book, "A Familiar Tail."
October 12, 2016
4,5 / 5
December 28, 2017
By Familiar Means: Witch's Cat Mystery 2
start with book one
In A Nutshell: Annabelle has just discovered her witch ancestry and recently solved a murder. Her hocus pocus has not gone unnoticed and coffeeshop owners ask her to investigate ghostly sounds. Then they find a recently dead body hidden in smugglers’ tunnels.
The Plot: Left field coffee shop owners Jake and Miranda ask Annabelle to investigate the possibility of a ghost in the new coffee shop. That turns into a murder investigation. To say who might spoil the plot but it's business wars!
The Protagonist(s):Annabelle has returned to the family roots in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She is beginning again. I like her because she is a creative and sensible. And her willingness to question is real. And like all sensible people recovering from heartache, she is justifiable weary but remains warm of spirit.
There is much to love in this easy to read cosy mystery. The basics are in place, it is grammatically correct. I start with that because too many cosied are published without sufficient copy edit.
It then has a cast of characters that you root for. Annabelle notwithstanding, I liked the flawed loving Grandma BB and her relationship with friends old and new. I am also a sucker for intergenerational stories, coming from such a family myself. The male characters are not all-consuming, but quietly confident and in the case of young Sean, left field. And the familiars are whacky. The sense of community is palpable and the story moves on along on a warm breeze.
It's what a cosy mystery should be. Go for it.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
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 great read. A prominent example of the genre.
start with book one
In A Nutshell: Annabelle has just discovered her witch ancestry and recently solved a murder. Her hocus pocus has not gone unnoticed and coffeeshop owners ask her to investigate ghostly sounds. Then they find a recently dead body hidden in smugglers’ tunnels.
The Plot: Left field coffee shop owners Jake and Miranda ask Annabelle to investigate the possibility of a ghost in the new coffee shop. That turns into a murder investigation. To say who might spoil the plot but it's business wars!
The Protagonist(s):Annabelle has returned to the family roots in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She is beginning again. I like her because she is a creative and sensible. And her willingness to question is real. And like all sensible people recovering from heartache, she is justifiable weary but remains warm of spirit.
There is much to love in this easy to read cosy mystery. The basics are in place, it is grammatically correct. I start with that because too many cosied are published without sufficient copy edit.
It then has a cast of characters that you root for. Annabelle notwithstanding, I liked the flawed loving Grandma BB and her relationship with friends old and new. I am also a sucker for intergenerational stories, coming from such a family myself. The male characters are not all-consuming, but quietly confident and in the case of young Sean, left field. And the familiars are whacky. The sense of community is palpable and the story moves on along on a warm breeze.
It's what a cosy mystery should be. Go for it.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
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 great read. A prominent example of the genre.
September 24, 2025
This series is one of the better cozies out there. The mysteries are complex, they make sense, and the solutions don’t come out of the blue. This was no exception.
I liked the characters. I haven’t been thrilled with the love interest but he’s growing on me and I like that he’s quirky and different. I’m tired of the old trope of a police officer alternating angrily insisting the heroine stop investigating and getting scared when she doesn’t. This guy is funky and new. (I’m worried there’s going to be a love triangle though. I hate that even more.)
The rest of the characters are wonderful, too. A lot of them are into healthy eating and saving the environment. For example, they only eat organically grown foods and buy sustainable and humanely sourced clothing and furnishings. It was funny and yet it didn’t feel like the author was mocking them. It felt like she was finely describing a group of people avidly living their truths. (My parents are similar even though they are far from hippies. It’s just how it’s done in Seattle. :) )
I like that the MC, Annabelle, asked people around her for opinions and didn’t sneak around. She rescued herself when necessary. The end game was interesting.
The witchcraft was fun and made sense. I love that she’s not allowed to use magic on her own yet, that the practitioners took care of mentoring and training her rather than throwing her out into the fray. And the cat was great. The dogs, too. They were hilarious.
I really look forward to reading the next entry in the series.
The reader, Elise Arsenault, is pretty good. Her tone and timbre and even onomatopoeia were very good as are the voices she has. She just doesn’t have a very good variety. There were scenes where I didn’t know who was talking. I also didn’t know when the MC was talking to herself which she did a lot. Sometimes I thought she was and then the person she was with would answer.
I liked the characters. I haven’t been thrilled with the love interest but he’s growing on me and I like that he’s quirky and different. I’m tired of the old trope of a police officer alternating angrily insisting the heroine stop investigating and getting scared when she doesn’t. This guy is funky and new. (I’m worried there’s going to be a love triangle though. I hate that even more.)
The rest of the characters are wonderful, too. A lot of them are into healthy eating and saving the environment. For example, they only eat organically grown foods and buy sustainable and humanely sourced clothing and furnishings. It was funny and yet it didn’t feel like the author was mocking them. It felt like she was finely describing a group of people avidly living their truths. (My parents are similar even though they are far from hippies. It’s just how it’s done in Seattle. :) )
I like that the MC, Annabelle, asked people around her for opinions and didn’t sneak around. She rescued herself when necessary. The end game was interesting.
The witchcraft was fun and made sense. I love that she’s not allowed to use magic on her own yet, that the practitioners took care of mentoring and training her rather than throwing her out into the fray. And the cat was great. The dogs, too. They were hilarious.
I really look forward to reading the next entry in the series.
The reader, Elise Arsenault, is pretty good. Her tone and timbre and even onomatopoeia were very good as are the voices she has. She just doesn’t have a very good variety. There were scenes where I didn’t know who was talking. I also didn’t know when the MC was talking to herself which she did a lot. Sometimes I thought she was and then the person she was with would answer.
February 9, 2019
I really enjoyed the first book in the Witch’s Cat Mystery, A Familiar Tail, and have been anxious to read this sequel. I’m happy to say I enjoyed it just as much. What makes this paranormal cozy fun is that cute little cat on the cover. That’s Alistair. He’s not a normal house pet. Nope, he’s also the MC’s familiar. He can vanish into thin air and pop up in the most unlikely places making him the perfect side kick to our young witchy sleuth.
In this story, Anna is settling into her new life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She has been commissioned to paint some murals in a new coffee shop, but runs into some eerie vibes when the tenants keep hearing strange noises coming from the basement. Upon further investigation, they discover an old smuggler’s tunnel and quickly get involved in a murder case when they stumble across a dead body.
The mystery part of this book was done so well and definitely kept me guessing until the big reveal. There were a lot of believable suspects and clues to gather and sort through. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first book. Love the strong women in this town and I’m quite fond of the bartender and his sweet dad. Grandma BB was a wonderful addition to the cast!!
Overall, it’s a great story full or mystery, magic and reconciliation. I look forward to reading book 3, Familiar Motives.
In this story, Anna is settling into her new life in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. She has been commissioned to paint some murals in a new coffee shop, but runs into some eerie vibes when the tenants keep hearing strange noises coming from the basement. Upon further investigation, they discover an old smuggler’s tunnel and quickly get involved in a murder case when they stumble across a dead body.
The mystery part of this book was done so well and definitely kept me guessing until the big reveal. There were a lot of believable suspects and clues to gather and sort through. I enjoyed catching up with characters from the first book. Love the strong women in this town and I’m quite fond of the bartender and his sweet dad. Grandma BB was a wonderful addition to the cast!!
Overall, it’s a great story full or mystery, magic and reconciliation. I look forward to reading book 3, Familiar Motives.
July 2, 2017
From the cover: After discovering her mystical heritage—and being adopted by furry feline familiar Alistair—artist Annabelle Britton has decided to make picturesque Portsmouth, New Hampshire, her new home. Now, she can take the time to figure out her new abilities and welcome her grandmother, who is visiting Portsmouth, and her old coven, for the first time in thirty years. But being a witch doesn’t magically put money in the bank. When she’s hired to paint the murals for a new coffee house, it seems like a wish come true. But then a series of spooky sounds and strange happenings convince the owners that their new shop is haunted. They want Anna and her coven to evict the restless spirit before the grand opening. Annabelle is certain the haunted happenings at the shop are just hocus pocus. But when her search reveals hidden smugglers’ tunnels beneath the shop—and a dead body—Annabelle, Alastair, and the coven suddenly find themselves in a cat and mouse game with a killer...
I did not read the first book in this series. This is a great story and I love the setting (small town with a history of witches). There are really strong characters in this book and the ‘familiars’ add a great flavor to the story.
I did not read the first book in this series. This is a great story and I love the setting (small town with a history of witches). There are really strong characters in this book and the ‘familiars’ add a great flavor to the story.
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