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Queen Bee Mystery #5
Beewitched
From the National Bestselling team of Deb Baker and Hannah Reed!
It's apple cider and caramel apple season in Moraine, Wisconsin. When a self-proclaimed witch moves into town, the neighbors are abuzz with questions. Is the newcomer a good witch or a bad one? Then an entire coven shows up for a new-moon ritual, and one of the witches ends up dead in the corn maze. Story must comb through fact and fiction before anyone else is murdered under the cover of magic.
Originally published in 2014 under the name Hannah Reed
It's apple cider and caramel apple season in Moraine, Wisconsin. When a self-proclaimed witch moves into town, the neighbors are abuzz with questions. Is the newcomer a good witch or a bad one? Then an entire coven shows up for a new-moon ritual, and one of the witches ends up dead in the corn maze. Story must comb through fact and fiction before anyone else is murdered under the cover of magic.
Originally published in 2014 under the name Hannah Reed
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
58 people are currently reading
482 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Reed
12 books332 followersBestselling, award-winning author Deb Baker writes the hilarious Gertie Johnson mystery series set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A native Yooper herself, Deb brings her blend of humor and sass to everything she writes, including mysteries written under her pen name Hannah Reed.
In addition to the Yooper mysteries, Deb/Hannah also penned a doll collecting series, beekeeping mysteries, and a Scottish Highland trilogy.
In addition to the Yooper mysteries, Deb/Hannah also penned a doll collecting series, beekeeping mysteries, and a Scottish Highland trilogy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 7, 2014
By Lisa on February 7, 2014
Format: Mass Market Paperback
I'll admit, I'm brand new to the Queen Bee series. I was going to start when the first in the series came out, but always put it off for some reason. My mistake! I loved getting to meet Beekeeper Story Fischer and the cast of characters this story. I have to go back and read all of the other titles now!
In BEEWITCHED Autumn has come to the town of Moraine, Wisconsin. And what goes better with Autumn than apple cider, caramel apples and corn mazes? Witches! A whole coven has moved to town and one ends of dead in the corn maze!
Ms. Reed is a wonderful story teller. This book was fast paced and entertaining, with a mystery that kept me on my toes and guessing until the reveal. I loved my time spent with Story and friends and can't wait for my next visit.
Lisa K.
Lisa Ks Book Reviews
Format: Mass Market Paperback
I'll admit, I'm brand new to the Queen Bee series. I was going to start when the first in the series came out, but always put it off for some reason. My mistake! I loved getting to meet Beekeeper Story Fischer and the cast of characters this story. I have to go back and read all of the other titles now!
In BEEWITCHED Autumn has come to the town of Moraine, Wisconsin. And what goes better with Autumn than apple cider, caramel apples and corn mazes? Witches! A whole coven has moved to town and one ends of dead in the corn maze!
Ms. Reed is a wonderful story teller. This book was fast paced and entertaining, with a mystery that kept me on my toes and guessing until the reveal. I loved my time spent with Story and friends and can't wait for my next visit.
Lisa K.
Lisa Ks Book Reviews
December 30, 2022
This was a great (and final) installment in the series. I am going to miss Story and her crazy fellow townsfolk. The book was thoroughly delightful, quirky, and unique. We didn't get too much of the bees which I missed when I realized it, but technically she was "bedding them down" for the winter so I suppose it's excusable. I also (as I alluded to just now) didn't realize there wasn't much mention of them because there was so much story to be had. The writing was robust and fun.
February 28, 2014
Author Hannah Reed delivers with her latest book in the Queen Bee mystery series, Beewitched. Witches and bees and honey... oh my! Reed has a little magic up her sleeve in this one and readers will love the addition of several witchy secondary characters. It's almost tourist season in Moraine, Wisconsin and Story Fischer is ready for it. Fans of the series with love the over-the-top humor and comical situations and new readers will fall in love with the small town setting. Beewitched might just bespell readers into reading it again and again.
What I liked:
I have always enjoyed the premise of this series. Story is not only the owner of the local market, The Wild Clover, but also keeps bee's and there is always a lot of information about beekeeping, from how to start a hive to details about honey production. I think that behind the scenes look at a hobby than can actually sell, is what makes this series so popular. Along with the realism of the small town setting and the authors great sense of humor it all adds up to great series based on an interesting profession or hobby.
Story is a great heroine as well. She knows what she wants and how to get it. I liked the fact that she isn't skeptical of her new neighbor who is a self-proclaimed witch. She just goes with the flow and gives Dyanna the benefit of the doubt. Of course when one of Dyanna's coven members ends up dead, Story can't help but wonder if it was magic or just plain old revenge. I think Reed does a great job of making Story so easy to relate to. She can be very inquisitive, almost too curious and very forthright and clear about what she thinks, she is a great cozy heroine.
The humor has always been one of the things that drew me to this series. Reed knows what readers will find funny. Story's neighbor Patty provides a ton of comic relief especially in this book. Murder can be a really heavy subject, so a good dose of humor lightens the mood and gives the reader a breather from some of the more gruesome details of a murder. When an author understands humor is makes for a great read and Reed has it in the bag.
I enjoyed the witch angle a lot. It certainly took the series in an unexpected direction with this book and I thought Reed pulled if off well. The misconceptions about Story's new neighbor, had some townspeople paranoid. But when one witch ends up dead, it's up to Story to figure out whodunit. I thought the mystery elements were well written and believable. That's exactly how my neighbors would react to a witch in the neighborhood. Story is so good at getting to the truth.
What I didn't like:
Though I enjoyed all of the details surrounding Story's mother's wedding. I was still a little baffled at why the author chooses to completely leave Story out of the planning. Her sis is the wedding planner, but Story has no real role until the big day. I could feel Story's pain at the slight she was experiencing, but that's one of those things that is the author's perspective. Other's might like that part, me, not so much.
Bottom Line:
I love the bee keeping aspects of the book as well as the magical aspects in this one. Reed certainly knows how to add a little piazz to town, just throw in some witches and no telling what might happen. The humor had me in stitches and readers will love the small town charm of Moraine and the camaraderie of the townsfolk.
What I liked:
I have always enjoyed the premise of this series. Story is not only the owner of the local market, The Wild Clover, but also keeps bee's and there is always a lot of information about beekeeping, from how to start a hive to details about honey production. I think that behind the scenes look at a hobby than can actually sell, is what makes this series so popular. Along with the realism of the small town setting and the authors great sense of humor it all adds up to great series based on an interesting profession or hobby.
Story is a great heroine as well. She knows what she wants and how to get it. I liked the fact that she isn't skeptical of her new neighbor who is a self-proclaimed witch. She just goes with the flow and gives Dyanna the benefit of the doubt. Of course when one of Dyanna's coven members ends up dead, Story can't help but wonder if it was magic or just plain old revenge. I think Reed does a great job of making Story so easy to relate to. She can be very inquisitive, almost too curious and very forthright and clear about what she thinks, she is a great cozy heroine.
The humor has always been one of the things that drew me to this series. Reed knows what readers will find funny. Story's neighbor Patty provides a ton of comic relief especially in this book. Murder can be a really heavy subject, so a good dose of humor lightens the mood and gives the reader a breather from some of the more gruesome details of a murder. When an author understands humor is makes for a great read and Reed has it in the bag.
I enjoyed the witch angle a lot. It certainly took the series in an unexpected direction with this book and I thought Reed pulled if off well. The misconceptions about Story's new neighbor, had some townspeople paranoid. But when one witch ends up dead, it's up to Story to figure out whodunit. I thought the mystery elements were well written and believable. That's exactly how my neighbors would react to a witch in the neighborhood. Story is so good at getting to the truth.
What I didn't like:
Though I enjoyed all of the details surrounding Story's mother's wedding. I was still a little baffled at why the author chooses to completely leave Story out of the planning. Her sis is the wedding planner, but Story has no real role until the big day. I could feel Story's pain at the slight she was experiencing, but that's one of those things that is the author's perspective. Other's might like that part, me, not so much.
Bottom Line:
I love the bee keeping aspects of the book as well as the magical aspects in this one. Reed certainly knows how to add a little piazz to town, just throw in some witches and no telling what might happen. The humor had me in stitches and readers will love the small town charm of Moraine and the camaraderie of the townsfolk.
February 8, 2014
This was my first Queen Bee Mystery and now I am hooked!! I'm now going back to the beginning to read the books in order! In BEEWITCHED - an honest to goodness witch has moved in next door to Story and an entire coven shows up shortly afterward! The characters are fantastic (especially PP Patti -hilarious) and the mystery kept me guessing until the end. I'm very excited to read the rest of the books in this series and try out the included recipes as well!
November 29, 2014
This series is fun to read. Even though I figured out who the prime suspect was quickly, it remained enjoyable as I traveled to the finish line of the solved crime. The characters in this installment are more deeply defined and the town Hannah Reed has developed for her readers has solid ground from which she can project her stories.
February 10, 2014
Great addition to this series. I love Story and even p p Patty. Hannah makes you truly love the characters in her wonderful Queen Bee mysteries! Make you want to slap a few characters too! This was so funny at times I laughed out loud. I highly recommend this series!
March 24, 2019
I enjoyed this series and the characters, hoping for more.
July 10, 2023
I am so sad this is the last book. I really enjoyed the series..
June 18, 2017
It’s fall in Moraine, Wisconsin and Story Fischer is preparing for the tourists that come to enjoy the weather and produce that is available in the area. Her mother Helen is preparing for her upcoming nuptials. Story’s ex-husband’s home has been for sale for so long that the sight of someone moving in is quite a surprise. Patti, her other neighbor, informs Story that the new neighbor is a witch. Story also learns that Patti is terrified of witches. Soon after, Story introduces herself to Dyanna, her new neighbor, and meets a group of her friends who have travelled from Milwaukee. The arrival of the witches is quite an event in the small town. The women will soon find themselves suspects in a vicious crime.
This is another great book in the Queen Bee Mystery series. The new characters are very well developed. It feels as though they have been part of the series from the beginning. The plot moves along at a good pace and it is hard to put down. I’m worried there may not be a sixth book.
This is another great book in the Queen Bee Mystery series. The new characters are very well developed. It feels as though they have been part of the series from the beginning. The plot moves along at a good pace and it is hard to put down. I’m worried there may not be a sixth book.
August 18, 2023
I am bummed, this is the last book in the series. I am a beekeeper and that is how I first got hooked, then I hooked my husband and we had fun discussing the books, seeing if her beekeeping fit our methods and trying to figure out what's next. But sadly,I do not see anymore Queen Bee Mysteries. Thanks for giving us a good read Hannah Reed AKA Deb Baker.
October and witches, what can I say this is definetly my favorite time. We usually start putting our bees to bed, late October, early November. Of course there is a murder to work out and some weird goings on with Patty, Lori, Johnny and witches. FUn book.
October and witches, what can I say this is definetly my favorite time. We usually start putting our bees to bed, late October, early November. Of course there is a murder to work out and some weird goings on with Patty, Lori, Johnny and witches. FUn book.
September 4, 2017
Women scorned!!!!!!!!
15 stars!
Boy, did Story get mixed up in a bunch of messes even without P. P. Patty , nutty neighbor.
When Lori, the crazy Realtor got someone to buy Story's ex-husbands house it turned out to be more than the town bargained for.
Potions, spells, curses, rituals and murder in Moraine.
Story in the middle, as Holly her sister is helping their mother plan her wedding, and Story's main nemesis is going to finally get what is coming to her.
You have to read all the craziness going on.
15 stars!
Boy, did Story get mixed up in a bunch of messes even without P. P. Patty , nutty neighbor.
When Lori, the crazy Realtor got someone to buy Story's ex-husbands house it turned out to be more than the town bargained for.
Potions, spells, curses, rituals and murder in Moraine.
Story in the middle, as Holly her sister is helping their mother plan her wedding, and Story's main nemesis is going to finally get what is coming to her.
You have to read all the craziness going on.
March 6, 2018
I wish Goodreads had half stars, because this was a 3.5 and possibly my favorite of the series. Solid plot, fun characters, less annoying situations than the first two books. I think the author (is it Deb or Hannah? I don’t quite understand the cryptic note at the end!) has hit her stride and I hope the series continues.
August 23, 2017
Story Fischer gets involved with the witches that come to town after meeting the witch Dyanna Crane who moved into her ex husbands house next door. Not much on Bees this time because she has closed the hives up for the cold weather, but plenty of excitement through out the book!
July 26, 2018
This was great as a stand alone book, but as the fifth book in a series it left much to be desired. For instance, in book 4 Johnny Jay opened up to Story in their shared life and death situation, but instead of exploring that further, book 5 moved on as if it had never happened. Also, I find it hard to believe that any daughter could be as completely uninvolved in her mother’s wedding as Story was in Helen’s. Overall, though, this was a decent mystery and very funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2019
I have loved the 5th installment of this series. I had lost hope after the last two but everything has come together in Beewitched. I have loved the new characters and the personal storyline of Story.
May 7, 2017
very good
July 7, 2017
Good witch or bad witch... you won't find out until the end. These ladies really keep you on your toes. Loved it.
July 30, 2017
What a nail biter!!!
It had me engrossed from the beginning!! Had a hard time putting it down. Thank you Deb for another excellent read!!!
It had me engrossed from the beginning!! Had a hard time putting it down. Thank you Deb for another excellent read!!!
July 12, 2019
Love this series...laughed the whole way through it. I really want more of these characters. Hope this is not the end.
August 14, 2019
Great series
September 27, 2019
Ok
Not enough bee talk in this one, compared to previous books. And omg, what a bunch of typos. Very distracting
Not enough bee talk in this one, compared to previous books. And omg, what a bunch of typos. Very distracting
March 31, 2020
I enjoy these cute homey stories (hahaha, the main character is named Story!)
They are funny, interesting and, I did not guess the culprit till I read it in the last 2 chapters.
Very enjoyable!
They are funny, interesting and, I did not guess the culprit till I read it in the last 2 chapters.
Very enjoyable!
August 26, 2021
Still a cute series but not taxing on the brain.
September 3, 2021
Everything you want in a cozy. Action, adventure, and a little romance. I loved it.
Read
May 14, 2022This book was fun the second time around and it made me think of how interesting it must be to be a bee keeper.
September 9, 2022
Good book
August 1, 2024
Fun small town murder mystery. Filled with a quirky cast of characters up to ridiculous antics.
October 11, 2025
Even though I already had a hunch on who was the killer, it's still a fun read.
February 12, 2014
Welcome to Moraine, Wisconsin. Home of Story Fischer’s market, The Wild Clover, and the Country Delight Farm. Tourists flock to the area for apple cider, caramel apples, Story’s honey products and the Country Delight Farm’s corn maze.
There is also a new resident moving to town. Dyanna Crane has moved in next door to Story and Hunter. She seems nice enough but when the neighbors find out she is a witch and the rest of her coven arrives to work their magic to protect Dyanna’s new home from evil spirits things start to spiral out of control. Police Chief Johnny Jay shows up to shut the ritual down and send the witches on their way not knowing they just happen to be camping out at the Country Delight Farm. In the morning one of the witches is found dead in the corn maze. Evil is definitely lurking and Story is ready to comb through all the clues to catch the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I was totally Beewitched by this story.
There was so much going on. In addition to the witch invasion Story’s mom is getting married and is a total Bridezilla. She has kept Story out of any of the planning. Her other daughter, Holly, is her wedding planner and Story’s only job is show up at the wedding and wear the hideous dress her mother has picked out for the bridesmaids. While this truly has hurt Story’s feeling she has enough on her plate to keep her busy. Business at the store has been good. Her mother has been to busy with wedding plans to create her usual havoc there. Then there all these witches in town. Even one named Tabitha. Both Hunter and Johnny Jay tell Story to keep her nose out of the investigation but she just can’t and she does have a way of getting information out of people.
Hannah Reed has written a wonderful story. The fact that this fictional town is almost in my backyard just sweetens the mystery. References to actual places always makes me smile. The characters could be my neighbors. Even P.P. Patty. Oh my word, she was so over the top in this story. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. You will not believe what she does!!
Reasons to read Hannah Reed Mysteries:
Awesome characters
Wonderful setting
Smart and witty dialogue
Captivating mystery
Fantastic humor
Fun and entertaining
You cannot go wrong with any of her stories. She is the Queen Bee of Cozy Mysteries!!!!
There is also a new resident moving to town. Dyanna Crane has moved in next door to Story and Hunter. She seems nice enough but when the neighbors find out she is a witch and the rest of her coven arrives to work their magic to protect Dyanna’s new home from evil spirits things start to spiral out of control. Police Chief Johnny Jay shows up to shut the ritual down and send the witches on their way not knowing they just happen to be camping out at the Country Delight Farm. In the morning one of the witches is found dead in the corn maze. Evil is definitely lurking and Story is ready to comb through all the clues to catch the killer.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I was totally Beewitched by this story.
There was so much going on. In addition to the witch invasion Story’s mom is getting married and is a total Bridezilla. She has kept Story out of any of the planning. Her other daughter, Holly, is her wedding planner and Story’s only job is show up at the wedding and wear the hideous dress her mother has picked out for the bridesmaids. While this truly has hurt Story’s feeling she has enough on her plate to keep her busy. Business at the store has been good. Her mother has been to busy with wedding plans to create her usual havoc there. Then there all these witches in town. Even one named Tabitha. Both Hunter and Johnny Jay tell Story to keep her nose out of the investigation but she just can’t and she does have a way of getting information out of people.
Hannah Reed has written a wonderful story. The fact that this fictional town is almost in my backyard just sweetens the mystery. References to actual places always makes me smile. The characters could be my neighbors. Even P.P. Patty. Oh my word, she was so over the top in this story. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. You will not believe what she does!!
Reasons to read Hannah Reed Mysteries:
Awesome characters
Wonderful setting
Smart and witty dialogue
Captivating mystery
Fantastic humor
Fun and entertaining
You cannot go wrong with any of her stories. She is the Queen Bee of Cozy Mysteries!!!!
February 20, 2014
A character’s continuing development is one of the interesting aspects of following a series. Protagonist Story Fischer in author Hannah Reed’s Queen Bee Mystery series is one such character.
In BEEWITCHED, the latest installment in the series, Reed continues to evolve Story giving readers new glimpses into her character and psychic not seen before. At the same time, new readers aren’t left in the dark lacking information from prior escapades.
Life is going along fairly smoothly for Story when a new neighbor moves into her ex-husband’s house next door. Story finds Dyanna Crane nice although a bit different since she’s a self-proclaimed witch. Meanwhile Story’s other neighbor, Patty, believes Dyanna already has Story under a spell.
The whole town is abuzz waiting on the produce-crazy tourists to come. Story is all prepared at her grocery store, The Wild Clover, and with her honey stock from her swarm of bees. What the town isn’t ready for is Dyanna’s entire coven showing up for a new moon ritual.
When one of the witches is found dead in the corn maze out at Country Delight Farm, it’s up to Story to find the killer and calm the situation. Story has to discover what the real motive behind the killing was – magic or revenge.
Reed’s characters are well-developed, likable and realistic. The interaction of the friends and family members is typical and portrays real issues readers can relate to. The secondary characters are amusing and add depth to the story.
BEEWITCHED moves at a steady pace holding the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Reed smoothly blends suspense and intrigue with moments of romance while adding just the right amount of humor for a well-balanced story. There are twists and turns with a few surprises along the way.
In addition, the story is filled with vivid and comprehensive information about bees, their activities and honey producing, but doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Reed also expertly portrays the small town atmosphere and the closeness of those living there.
BEEWITCHED is a charming cozy murder mystery that will keep you guessing who the killer really is and have you laughing at the antics of Story and her friends.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
In BEEWITCHED, the latest installment in the series, Reed continues to evolve Story giving readers new glimpses into her character and psychic not seen before. At the same time, new readers aren’t left in the dark lacking information from prior escapades.
Life is going along fairly smoothly for Story when a new neighbor moves into her ex-husband’s house next door. Story finds Dyanna Crane nice although a bit different since she’s a self-proclaimed witch. Meanwhile Story’s other neighbor, Patty, believes Dyanna already has Story under a spell.
The whole town is abuzz waiting on the produce-crazy tourists to come. Story is all prepared at her grocery store, The Wild Clover, and with her honey stock from her swarm of bees. What the town isn’t ready for is Dyanna’s entire coven showing up for a new moon ritual.
When one of the witches is found dead in the corn maze out at Country Delight Farm, it’s up to Story to find the killer and calm the situation. Story has to discover what the real motive behind the killing was – magic or revenge.
Reed’s characters are well-developed, likable and realistic. The interaction of the friends and family members is typical and portrays real issues readers can relate to. The secondary characters are amusing and add depth to the story.
BEEWITCHED moves at a steady pace holding the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Reed smoothly blends suspense and intrigue with moments of romance while adding just the right amount of humor for a well-balanced story. There are twists and turns with a few surprises along the way.
In addition, the story is filled with vivid and comprehensive information about bees, their activities and honey producing, but doesn’t overwhelm the plot. Reed also expertly portrays the small town atmosphere and the closeness of those living there.
BEEWITCHED is a charming cozy murder mystery that will keep you guessing who the killer really is and have you laughing at the antics of Story and her friends.
FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews