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Witches and Wine #3
Witches' Charms
Romantic cozy mystery - with witches, vampires, and Shifters! When Pepper finds the local internet provider representative washed up on the beach and sporting suspicious injures, another Cleaner arrives in town. Is Pepper in his sights? As Lucas does his best to keep Pepper out of harm's way, she and the aunts sift though the suspects. The trouble is, there are too many-in a town full of poor internet connectivity, no one had a good word for the victim. Pepper is in for a wild ride as Lighthouse Bay exposes its long-held secrets.
240 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2017
259 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Morgana Best
200 books430 followersUSA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
May 24, 2018
Trouble strikes again at Mugwort Manor just a few days after the previous book takes place. Pepper is still recuperating from the last altercation when she finds a mangled body on the beach. Was it an animal attack? Could it have been a shark? Or was it something else, something like a shifter?
During the second book we readers were told about a serial killer going on a spree down south along the coast. This disturbing new discovery of Pepper's brings in the attention of the Task Force who come to check things out. They don't appear to be the only ones who have decided to investigate the case though. An imposing fellow by the name of Scorpius Everyman seems to have taken an interest in the ongoings of what has happened on the grounds lately. The question is why?
Like in the other two books, Pepper's right eye has started to twitch so you know things are going to go real bad real quick, and they sure do! When our heroine mention meeting Scorpius to Lucas that causes the Cleaner to go white. He's visibly shaken and unnerved by the mans presence and tells Pepper to stay away from him, as well as the aunts.
Danger is brewing in the coastal town and no one knows who to trust anymore. Due to the grim attack on Joseph Maxwell, the dead man who was found on the beach, it could mean that the killer has migrated upward or that a rogue shifter is copying the attacks. Which wouldn't be far fetched, considering what happened in the first installment and how we got a good look at how loony shifters can turn.
However this new terrible situation puts Linda in the hot spot because she is a shifter who was around during the time of the mans mauling. This revelation seems to draws the unwanted and unsettling attention of one Scorpius Everyman. It matters not that Mr. Maxwell wasn't well liked by the other inhabitants of the town. Scorpius seems to be fixated on Linda.
Pepper is determined to help her friend in anyway that she can. She must prove that Linda didn't kill anyone, all the while trying to figure out who did. There are three suspects the duo need to question so they can figure everything out and get Linda cleared. At the same time, the ladies safety is constantly in jeopardy as there is a threatening presence throughout the book. Time is of the essence!
Now I will say that this isn't a complex story. It's a fun, decent read that keeps you guessing. The mystery isn't too intricate but I liked it nonetheless. The characters are diverse and amusing. I really like how the aunts bicker with each other all the time. Just like real sisters do! And the moments between Lucas and Pepper are very sweet and heartwarming.
This is a great cozy mystery series. It's not graphic or explicit which I find to be absolutely refreshing! It's hard to find good clean books nowadays. The next novel should be quite interesting as this one leaves off with a few important things unanswered. The plot and mystery has now thickened in a most intriguing way! I want to know more!
I imagine that there will be a lot of action in the fourth book and am rather excited for the mystery puzzle pieces to start coming together. I'm fairly certain the story will be steeped in romance as well! Which I am pretty happy about because I think Lucas and Pepper are so cute together. I can't wait to see what happens! I guess I'll happily be spending my summer at Mugwort Manor.
During the second book we readers were told about a serial killer going on a spree down south along the coast. This disturbing new discovery of Pepper's brings in the attention of the Task Force who come to check things out. They don't appear to be the only ones who have decided to investigate the case though. An imposing fellow by the name of Scorpius Everyman seems to have taken an interest in the ongoings of what has happened on the grounds lately. The question is why?
Like in the other two books, Pepper's right eye has started to twitch so you know things are going to go real bad real quick, and they sure do! When our heroine mention meeting Scorpius to Lucas that causes the Cleaner to go white. He's visibly shaken and unnerved by the mans presence and tells Pepper to stay away from him, as well as the aunts.
Danger is brewing in the coastal town and no one knows who to trust anymore. Due to the grim attack on Joseph Maxwell, the dead man who was found on the beach, it could mean that the killer has migrated upward or that a rogue shifter is copying the attacks. Which wouldn't be far fetched, considering what happened in the first installment and how we got a good look at how loony shifters can turn.
However this new terrible situation puts Linda in the hot spot because she is a shifter who was around during the time of the mans mauling. This revelation seems to draws the unwanted and unsettling attention of one Scorpius Everyman. It matters not that Mr. Maxwell wasn't well liked by the other inhabitants of the town. Scorpius seems to be fixated on Linda.
Pepper is determined to help her friend in anyway that she can. She must prove that Linda didn't kill anyone, all the while trying to figure out who did. There are three suspects the duo need to question so they can figure everything out and get Linda cleared. At the same time, the ladies safety is constantly in jeopardy as there is a threatening presence throughout the book. Time is of the essence!
Now I will say that this isn't a complex story. It's a fun, decent read that keeps you guessing. The mystery isn't too intricate but I liked it nonetheless. The characters are diverse and amusing. I really like how the aunts bicker with each other all the time. Just like real sisters do! And the moments between Lucas and Pepper are very sweet and heartwarming.
This is a great cozy mystery series. It's not graphic or explicit which I find to be absolutely refreshing! It's hard to find good clean books nowadays. The next novel should be quite interesting as this one leaves off with a few important things unanswered. The plot and mystery has now thickened in a most intriguing way! I want to know more!
I imagine that there will be a lot of action in the fourth book and am rather excited for the mystery puzzle pieces to start coming together. I'm fairly certain the story will be steeped in romance as well! Which I am pretty happy about because I think Lucas and Pepper are so cute together. I can't wait to see what happens! I guess I'll happily be spending my summer at Mugwort Manor.
May 17, 2017
The third book of the Vampires and Wine series takes place as Pepper is recovering from being run off the road in the last book. Perhaps it is a good thing the Aunts have made her stay at the manor when their guest Scorpius Everyman checks in, Pepper is totally creeped out. When she meets up with Lucas later on he tells her that Scorpius is a dangerous cleaner-a vampire that "cleans up" shifter and vampire "messes." He is evil and wastes no time in trying to get Pepper to turn on her shifter friend, Linda. He is trying to pin a murder on the beach to a pack of shifters and thinks Linda was involved. Once again Pepper and her Aunts must try to solve a murder in order to keep an innocent friend from being blamed.
I am not one who normally enjoys vampire books, but Ms Best's books are not the "normal" vampire book! The interesting abilities of the vampire-witches are focused on and there is no turning or drinking blood or similar gruesome details. Instead you have three witches who disguise themselves as elderly aunts and their young niece who just discovered she is a vampire as well as a witch. While running their Inn (Mugwort Manor) they try to educate Pepper in the ways of witchcraft and Vampires while keeping anyone from finding out what they really are.
The Aunts are funny in their old-lady personas. Unfortunately we don't get to meet them in their natural state of much younger and vivacious women. There are many secrets lurking in the manor and with the aunts, but Pepper is coming to love them and understand their ways. Of course it doesn't hurt that she has the eye of a handsome young vampire who lives in the cottages of the manor!
Interesting outlook on vampires and shifters, good mysteries, lots of twists and surprises all add up to another enjoyable and entertaining book.
I am not one who normally enjoys vampire books, but Ms Best's books are not the "normal" vampire book! The interesting abilities of the vampire-witches are focused on and there is no turning or drinking blood or similar gruesome details. Instead you have three witches who disguise themselves as elderly aunts and their young niece who just discovered she is a vampire as well as a witch. While running their Inn (Mugwort Manor) they try to educate Pepper in the ways of witchcraft and Vampires while keeping anyone from finding out what they really are.
The Aunts are funny in their old-lady personas. Unfortunately we don't get to meet them in their natural state of much younger and vivacious women. There are many secrets lurking in the manor and with the aunts, but Pepper is coming to love them and understand their ways. Of course it doesn't hurt that she has the eye of a handsome young vampire who lives in the cottages of the manor!
Interesting outlook on vampires and shifters, good mysteries, lots of twists and surprises all add up to another enjoyable and entertaining book.
May 16, 2017
This is a great book; this is the third book in the Vampires and Wine series written by Morgana Best. When Pepper finds the local internet provider representative washed up on the beach and sporting suspicious injures, another Cleaner arrives in town. Is Pepper in his sights? As Lucas does his best to keep Pepper out of harm’s way, she and the aunts sift though the suspects. The trouble is, there are too many—in a town full of poor internet connectivity, no one had a good word for the victim. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
December 24, 2017
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.
November 12, 2023
Still going strong with the third entry to the series. Set in Australia. Pepper has relocated to help her "elderly" aunts run their beach property. She will be the manager. One of the first things she finds is that her family are pretty much witches, but vampires as well. Then strange noises lead her to "werewolves" called Shifter Wolves in her reality. All kind of quirky happenings keep the reader well entertained. In this volume, there is a hint that her parents lost and presumed dead for five years are mentioned so there is hope for a reunion. And a mysterious figure called a Cleaner comes in to clean up misbehaving members of the community. Highly entertaining. I have been reading the series on Hoopla. Witches' Charms - Vampires and Wines #3.
May 29, 2019
Mystery was good, like the series
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are interesting. The heroine is determined to solve a murder and keep her friend from beIng blamed. I am in book 3 and invested in this series. But there has been no real romance (or communication) so I am wondering where this relationship is going.. It was never explained the real reason the internet rep showed up at the hotel. It felt like a plot device to introduce the character. Also, the hiring of the wine and the bickering between the aunt's seemed like filler. I also don't know what the dinner date had to do with anything but maybe that character will be back.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters are interesting. The heroine is determined to solve a murder and keep her friend from beIng blamed. I am in book 3 and invested in this series. But there has been no real romance (or communication) so I am wondering where this relationship is going.. It was never explained the real reason the internet rep showed up at the hotel. It felt like a plot device to introduce the character. Also, the hiring of the wine and the bickering between the aunt's seemed like filler. I also don't know what the dinner date had to do with anything but maybe that character will be back.
September 2, 2021
Pepper has called the local internet provider for help as the internet is not working and guests are complaining. Unfortunately, she’s not aware that Mugwort Manor isn’t served by the internet but by a witchy net serviced by her aunts. Amazing a sales person from the internet shows up that day at the Manor to announce that they don’t provide service and don’t plan to do for the next several years. Pepper decides to go for a walk that evening and finds a body by the sea. A strange guest comes to her rescue and waits for the police. This guest seems to be a “super” cleaner and gives all at Mugwort Manor bad feelings.
This is another great book in this series. Lots of fun and a good mystery.
This is another great book in this series. Lots of fun and a good mystery.
August 27, 2020
A Unique and Extra Suspenseful Mystery!
This book is the best out of the series so far. It isn't the normal murder mystery, and Pepper and friends are not up against the usual type of suspects. Things get super crazy here, and terrifying. Also, there are loads of humorous moments readers won't want to miss, and an ending with intriguing questions that lead into the next books to come.
Rating is due to the same issues I had with books 1 and 2: scenes repeated many times in conversations rather than glossed over, detail discrepancies. Other than that, the series is great and worth reading.
This book is the best out of the series so far. It isn't the normal murder mystery, and Pepper and friends are not up against the usual type of suspects. Things get super crazy here, and terrifying. Also, there are loads of humorous moments readers won't want to miss, and an ending with intriguing questions that lead into the next books to come.
Rating is due to the same issues I had with books 1 and 2: scenes repeated many times in conversations rather than glossed over, detail discrepancies. Other than that, the series is great and worth reading.
August 23, 2021
Mere days after the last murder is solved, and Pepper is trying to recuperate, another mangled body washes ashore~ Linda is once again under the microscope as the prime suspect. An evil cleaner comes to help “clean up” the mess. Other outsiders are coming because of the murder. Is the serial killer present and guilty? Lucas will do his best to protect Pepper and the aunts from the “evil cleaner”. More secrets are uncovered for Pepper. Pepper will once again become the sleuth to solve the murder and protect Linda. Let laughter and mayhem once again rule!
May 20, 2017
Vampires and Wine...great series
I love paranormal cozy mysteries that read so quickly I can't stop until I reach the end. I enjoy all of Ms Best's series but Vampires and Wine is especially fast paced. There is murder, danger, investigating and magic in each book. This time Pepper learns more about her background as she helps to solve the murder. Looking forward to book 4.
I love paranormal cozy mysteries that read so quickly I can't stop until I reach the end. I enjoy all of Ms Best's series but Vampires and Wine is especially fast paced. There is murder, danger, investigating and magic in each book. This time Pepper learns more about her background as she helps to solve the murder. Looking forward to book 4.
August 1, 2020
Witches Charms is book 3 in the Witches and Wine mystery series. This book was exciting! I read it in only two sittings. There is a new "cleaner" in town and he is dangerous. Someone that works for the internet company is killed and Linda is a prime suspect. Pepper and Lucas are getting closer and there are some secrets revealed that shocked me. I really love this series. The characters are quirky and hilarious . The aunts crack me up every time!
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 22, 2020
Good read
Book 3 was funny, very dangerous for Pepper and Linda, a huge mystery, no sex, and a bit of a cliff hanger at the end. Pepper is just learning about vampires and shifters and "Cleaners", but she always seems to get herself out of jams. The story is well written and keeps you guessing. If you like paranormal that almost seems normal, this series is for you. Highly recommend.
Book 3 was funny, very dangerous for Pepper and Linda, a huge mystery, no sex, and a bit of a cliff hanger at the end. Pepper is just learning about vampires and shifters and "Cleaners", but she always seems to get herself out of jams. The story is well written and keeps you guessing. If you like paranormal that almost seems normal, this series is for you. Highly recommend.
October 17, 2020
This is the third book in the series and I enjoyed that it was a quick fun read. There were a few good creepy moments but the series is getting repetitive fast. Every plot has the same formula right down to the heroine getting kidnapped or attacked at the end leading her to piece everything together.
The writer has a great voice and has created an interesting world, but the paint by numbers plot is making it harder to enjoy.
The writer has a great voice and has created an interesting world, but the paint by numbers plot is making it harder to enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2017
Who is killing ,vampires,witches,shifters?
Pepper finds a body on the beach that looks like it is bitten by a shark. Was it or was it bitten by a shifter? Scorpions is a cleaner but unlike Lucas, he is scary. Lucas is worried about Pepper and so the story continues. Mystery with a little romance.
Pepper finds a body on the beach that looks like it is bitten by a shark. Was it or was it bitten by a shifter? Scorpions is a cleaner but unlike Lucas, he is scary. Lucas is worried about Pepper and so the story continues. Mystery with a little romance.
January 10, 2020
I love every book by this author and this series is no exception. If you like cozy mysteries, you will like this series, too. It has all of the requirements for a good paranormal mystery....witches, murders, romance. Do yourself a favor and read every thing Ms. Best has written. You won't be sorry.
July 5, 2020
Pepper finds a body in the ocean along with a new guest at the manor.
The only problem is the new guest is a "Cleaner", and he's looking at Pepper as well as her friend, Linda, who is also a wolf shifter. And he is predisposed to dislike the wolf shifters.
This is another fun story from Morgana Best. There is a strong plot, a bit of humor, and well defined characters.
The only problem is the new guest is a "Cleaner", and he's looking at Pepper as well as her friend, Linda, who is also a wolf shifter. And he is predisposed to dislike the wolf shifters.
This is another fun story from Morgana Best. There is a strong plot, a bit of humor, and well defined characters.
November 8, 2020
Still enjoying these easy read paranormal cosy crimes set in Australia. I like how Pepper and Linda are friends. Still super annoyed by:
1. how Pepper & her aunts call themselves vampire witches when they are clearly NOT vampires at all.
2. Pepper never challenging her Aunts on all the MANY MANY lies and secrets.
1. how Pepper & her aunts call themselves vampire witches when they are clearly NOT vampires at all.
2. Pepper never challenging her Aunts on all the MANY MANY lies and secrets.
January 12, 2022
I finished this in just a few hours!! These books are lighthearted and very cozy. The grammar is good, the characters are nicely developed, and the mystery is thought provoking. I did not guess the ending for this one, and the story seemed to be designed to set up future stories - giving info about Pepper's parents. I highly recommend this book!
November 8, 2017
It was a decent story up until Scorpius Everyman kidnaps Pepper. Why would he kidnap her, asks a few questions and then flee? Leaving her behind for Lucas and another man to find. It left the story hanging in the air without resolve and questions without answers.
December 6, 2018
A fast read
Twists and turns every which way. A little bit repetitive. A little bit of jealousy. A little bit of misdirection. A little bit of racism?(if it can be targeted at the supernatural beings). Oh yeah, what about mom and dad? Definitely more to come.
Twists and turns every which way. A little bit repetitive. A little bit of jealousy. A little bit of misdirection. A little bit of racism?(if it can be targeted at the supernatural beings). Oh yeah, what about mom and dad? Definitely more to come.
March 31, 2019
I tried. This is the same as other two books. No real development of characters or anything else. Just that having all these murders, you would think more people would know etc. Just same story over and over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2021
I didn’t find this as fun and frothy as the first two. It was trying to be more serious/dramatic and I’m not sure it landed.
I still enjoyed it and I’m still going to continue the series, but let’s see how much further I will go.
I still enjoyed it and I’m still going to continue the series, but let’s see how much further I will go.
August 2, 2025
Ugh Scorpius gave me the creeps! The whole time I was so anxious cause he was almost always there, popping up everywhere and so keen on getting to Linda. I could tell something was wrong with him since he was eerie and awful, and I was right! I am sure this is not the last we see of him!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2017
3rd in the series and loved this one the most! Fun, laugh out loud, cozy mystery that keeps you guessing. Easy to be read out of sequence.
January 16, 2018
Another fun book
I’m enjoying all the books in this series. Plenty of laughs along with a fast-paced plot full of fascinating characters. Highly recommended.
I’m enjoying all the books in this series. Plenty of laughs along with a fast-paced plot full of fascinating characters. Highly recommended.
August 16, 2018
Very good
The story is very good and interesting. The characters are likable. The Aunts are fun. I can wait to start the next
The story is very good and interesting. The characters are likable. The Aunts are fun. I can wait to start the next
September 23, 2020
I’m really enjoying this series. The books are easy to read & the characters are fun
January 25, 2021
E book
Another who dun it. Even tho the topic is witches, there's nothing scary about this series of books. Actually, with the characters continuing from books 1&2, you feel right at home.
Another who dun it. Even tho the topic is witches, there's nothing scary about this series of books. Actually, with the characters continuing from books 1&2, you feel right at home.
March 1, 2021
Witches charms
This story was good, the only problem I found was the abrupt ending, I just felt like a chapter has been left out. On to book four.
This story was good, the only problem I found was the abrupt ending, I just felt like a chapter has been left out. On to book four.
January 16, 2023
Witches’ charm
Another interesting story. Read it quite quickly. Could not stop until I found out how it ended. Recommendation for easy triller read with spiced with paranormal details.
Another interesting story. Read it quite quickly. Could not stop until I found out how it ended. Recommendation for easy triller read with spiced with paranormal details.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews