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Witch Dust
A red gash of a mouth rimmed with impossibly tiny, razor-sharp teeth yawned wide, then swift as a snake, she bent and struck..
For Sandra, daughter of illusionists, Adam and Ophelia, life’s never been run of the mill! But when Adam’s wandering eye lights on yet another conquest, it proves a chorus girl too far, and Sandra’s caught in the reverberations of her parents acrimonious parting. Coerced into restoring her depressed Mother to the bosom of a family Sandra never knew existed, she’s sucked into a situation that even for her is unnerving.
From being without a single relative, she suddenly acquires several she’d rather do without, and learns a few home truths she’d prefer not to know. Ophelia, it appears, has not been entirely honest about any number of things. There’s no doubt in Sandra’s mind, the sooner she puts as much distance as possible between herself, her newly discovered nearest and dearest, their peculiar tendencies and their failing hotel business, the happier she’s going to be.
Dire straits call for desperate measures and Sandra reluctantly rises to the occasion. A hanged housemaid, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Psychic Society and a quasi co-operative journalist all handled correctly should, she reckons, get the family business up and running, which will allow her to do the same – as fast as she can, and in the opposite direction. Things unfortunately move swiftly from bad to farce and then get a hell of a lot darker. One moment Sandra’s struggling to save the family’s income, the next, she’s battling to save their lives. Turns out, some darknesses, once buried, are best left undisturbed
For Sandra, daughter of illusionists, Adam and Ophelia, life’s never been run of the mill! But when Adam’s wandering eye lights on yet another conquest, it proves a chorus girl too far, and Sandra’s caught in the reverberations of her parents acrimonious parting. Coerced into restoring her depressed Mother to the bosom of a family Sandra never knew existed, she’s sucked into a situation that even for her is unnerving.
From being without a single relative, she suddenly acquires several she’d rather do without, and learns a few home truths she’d prefer not to know. Ophelia, it appears, has not been entirely honest about any number of things. There’s no doubt in Sandra’s mind, the sooner she puts as much distance as possible between herself, her newly discovered nearest and dearest, their peculiar tendencies and their failing hotel business, the happier she’s going to be.
Dire straits call for desperate measures and Sandra reluctantly rises to the occasion. A hanged housemaid, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Psychic Society and a quasi co-operative journalist all handled correctly should, she reckons, get the family business up and running, which will allow her to do the same – as fast as she can, and in the opposite direction. Things unfortunately move swiftly from bad to farce and then get a hell of a lot darker. One moment Sandra’s struggling to save the family’s income, the next, she’s battling to save their lives. Turns out, some darknesses, once buried, are best left undisturbed
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 12, 2017
97 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Marilyn Messik
37 books28 followersMarilyn was a regular feature and fiction writer for national magazines when her children were small. She set up her first business from home, selling toys, books and party goods, before opening first one shop then another. When she sold both shops, she moved into the world of travel, focusing on B & B’s and Country Inns in New England, USA. Her advisory, planning and booking service flourished and she concurrently launched a publishing company, producing annual, full-colour accommodation guides to the areas.
In 2007 she set up a copywriting consultancy, to help businesses shape their messages to optimum effect. She’s blogged for The Telegraph online; published the Vintage Ladies Collection; written four Business Books and four Paranormal Thrillers.
She’s been married to her very patient husband for more years than he deserves, and they have two children, five grandchildren and, somewhat to their surprise, several granddogs.
In 2007 she set up a copywriting consultancy, to help businesses shape their messages to optimum effect. She’s blogged for The Telegraph online; published the Vintage Ladies Collection; written four Business Books and four Paranormal Thrillers.
She’s been married to her very patient husband for more years than he deserves, and they have two children, five grandchildren and, somewhat to their surprise, several granddogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
April 19, 2020
Oh what fun this book was, just when you need a change from the norm and something slightly unusual, a book comes along and does just that! "Witch Dust" by Marilyn Messik is a fab, fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I haven't read anything by this author before but I know that she wrote the 'Strange' series (which also sounds intriguing) and I'm pleased I've been introduced to this fabulous writer as she's witty, orig. inal, fun and wholeheartedly entertaining. Her loveable characters are as diverse as they are mad, even the cat 'Ink' has its own role.
The author portrayed this brilliant story in such a way as to make me almost believe it was true - the way Sandra/Serenissima portrayed her oddball family and their magical abilities you'd think it was quite customary! I love all things to do with witches and their magic and this was just what I like, traditional and very reminiscent of 'Bewitched'.
I'm sure there'll be another book to follow - I'd be first in the line to read it since I truly enjoyed this one - so if you're looking for a light hearted and amusing book that's a pleasure to read you really can't go wrong with "Witch Dust".
A magical 5 stars!!!
The author portrayed this brilliant story in such a way as to make me almost believe it was true - the way Sandra/Serenissima portrayed her oddball family and their magical abilities you'd think it was quite customary! I love all things to do with witches and their magic and this was just what I like, traditional and very reminiscent of 'Bewitched'.
I'm sure there'll be another book to follow - I'd be first in the line to read it since I truly enjoyed this one - so if you're looking for a light hearted and amusing book that's a pleasure to read you really can't go wrong with "Witch Dust".
A magical 5 stars!!!
August 14, 2017
Witch Dust is a really well-written and fast read. Fun and original it reads so easily, page just flows after page. I absolutely loved it!
All the characters are unique with their little quirks and eccentricities and what Sandra calls 'funny stuff', magic to you and me, they are a very interesting bunch.
I love Sandra, bossy and stubborn, wanting all her life for a bit of normal and then life throws her a curve ball and she has all those crazy relatives to deal with and failing business to sort out, and all that's going on between her parents, and all the magical happenings. Life is as far from normal for her as you could imagine.
Murray holds a special place in my heart. The steadfast presence in Sandy's life, the one person to always look out for her, kind and no-nonsense, everybody needs a Murray in their life.
Witch Dust is a brilliant book, so different to what I normally read but I loved it and thoroughly recommend it!
All the characters are unique with their little quirks and eccentricities and what Sandra calls 'funny stuff', magic to you and me, they are a very interesting bunch.
I love Sandra, bossy and stubborn, wanting all her life for a bit of normal and then life throws her a curve ball and she has all those crazy relatives to deal with and failing business to sort out, and all that's going on between her parents, and all the magical happenings. Life is as far from normal for her as you could imagine.
Murray holds a special place in my heart. The steadfast presence in Sandy's life, the one person to always look out for her, kind and no-nonsense, everybody needs a Murray in their life.
Witch Dust is a brilliant book, so different to what I normally read but I loved it and thoroughly recommend it!
July 7, 2017
Sometimes in between all the thrillers and crime books I read I need a change of genre and recharge my batteries and one of my favourite ways is to read a book that is completely different, something either lighthearted, amusing or just bonkers and luckily Marilyn Messik's books are usually all 3.
I absolutely LOVED her first two books Relatively Strange and Even Stranger, so I was delighted to find out she had written a new standalone book. I didn't even bother reading the blurb to be honest as I know that I love her sense of humour and was guaranteed a wacky read.
Witch Dust has all the same ingredients as her first two books, quirky characters, amusing situations and it doesn't take long to love Serenissima/Sandra's view on life and her family and how she deals with the strange situations she finds herself in. Another brilliant book by Marilyn Messik and any book that makes my own dysfunctional family seem normal is guaranteed 5 stars from me.
I absolutely LOVED her first two books Relatively Strange and Even Stranger, so I was delighted to find out she had written a new standalone book. I didn't even bother reading the blurb to be honest as I know that I love her sense of humour and was guaranteed a wacky read.
Witch Dust has all the same ingredients as her first two books, quirky characters, amusing situations and it doesn't take long to love Serenissima/Sandra's view on life and her family and how she deals with the strange situations she finds herself in. Another brilliant book by Marilyn Messik and any book that makes my own dysfunctional family seem normal is guaranteed 5 stars from me.
May 2, 2020
The old saying "You can pick your friends but you can't pick your relations" is given a delicious twist in this jolly tale of witches and warlocks.
30 year old Sandra is the daughter of magicians Adam and Ophelia. Sandra's view of her parents' magic shows was radically altered when, as a young girl, she saw her mother actually disappear during one of their performances. Since then, Sandra has tried to live a "normal" life and be the sensible one in her family. But, all that changes when her father is unfaithful once too often. Ophelia storms out saying the marriage is over. She goes to Sandra, asking her to take her to see her family. This request comes as a shock - as Sandra always believed Ophelia was an orphan. Reluctantly she drives her mother to the family home where she meets a bunch of relations she never knew she had - and then things start to get really weird. Sandra is persuaded to use her organisational abilities to resurrect her new family's fortunes, turning their hotel business into a haunted house experience.
But the harder she tries, the more obstacles are put in her path. There's the chef trying to channel famous TV chefs, but the spirit of Sitting Bull keeps getting in the way. There's a housemaid who hanged herself and a TV documentary crew seeking a sensational story.
I don't want to give away any more of the plot, so I'll just say this was a story that made me smile a lot and even laugh out loud. The action gets bogged down here and there, but overall it's fun read. A book to raise the spirits, if you'll pardon the pun!
30 year old Sandra is the daughter of magicians Adam and Ophelia. Sandra's view of her parents' magic shows was radically altered when, as a young girl, she saw her mother actually disappear during one of their performances. Since then, Sandra has tried to live a "normal" life and be the sensible one in her family. But, all that changes when her father is unfaithful once too often. Ophelia storms out saying the marriage is over. She goes to Sandra, asking her to take her to see her family. This request comes as a shock - as Sandra always believed Ophelia was an orphan. Reluctantly she drives her mother to the family home where she meets a bunch of relations she never knew she had - and then things start to get really weird. Sandra is persuaded to use her organisational abilities to resurrect her new family's fortunes, turning their hotel business into a haunted house experience.
But the harder she tries, the more obstacles are put in her path. There's the chef trying to channel famous TV chefs, but the spirit of Sitting Bull keeps getting in the way. There's a housemaid who hanged herself and a TV documentary crew seeking a sensational story.
I don't want to give away any more of the plot, so I'll just say this was a story that made me smile a lot and even laugh out loud. The action gets bogged down here and there, but overall it's fun read. A book to raise the spirits, if you'll pardon the pun!
September 1, 2017
Having not read any of this authors books before, I wasn’t quite to sure of what to expect. I love to mix up genres every now and again and I don’t think I could have picked something more different than Witch Dust.
Witch Dust is a story that I think will appeal to a mixture of readers varying from young adults to the more mature of readers.
There are so many strong elements to this story. With a mixture of paranormal and crime there is certainly a lot to entertain it’s readers.
You have to feel sorry for Sandra. Everything she thought she knew about her life has been turned upside down and twisted inside out. To go from relatively no family to a bunch of them and strange ones at that, well it’s enough to throw anyone into turmoil.
I loved the setting of the hotel and if it wasn’t for the odd things going on there, I might have been brave enough to stay!
Witch Dust is a really quirky read that I am sure will appeal to a whole range of readers. Whilst I can’t say I loved the book as it is quite different from my usual reads, it was still an enjoyable read and would certainly try more of the authors books.
My thanks to Kate at TAsT Publicity for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Witch Dust is a story that I think will appeal to a mixture of readers varying from young adults to the more mature of readers.
There are so many strong elements to this story. With a mixture of paranormal and crime there is certainly a lot to entertain it’s readers.
You have to feel sorry for Sandra. Everything she thought she knew about her life has been turned upside down and twisted inside out. To go from relatively no family to a bunch of them and strange ones at that, well it’s enough to throw anyone into turmoil.
I loved the setting of the hotel and if it wasn’t for the odd things going on there, I might have been brave enough to stay!
Witch Dust is a really quirky read that I am sure will appeal to a whole range of readers. Whilst I can’t say I loved the book as it is quite different from my usual reads, it was still an enjoyable read and would certainly try more of the authors books.
My thanks to Kate at TAsT Publicity for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
April 29, 2020
Sandra's parents are a world famous magic act, however the magic element is not simply tricks of the eyes. Thanks to her father's wandering eye, Sandra and her mother take a trip to visit family she never knew existed and they just so happen to be witches!
I have really mixed feelings about this one.
The first 50% was really slow for me, so slow that I struggled to even see where the plot was going.
However, I loved the last 50%. There's lots of magic and creepy scenes and I definitely didn't see the twist ending coming.
I loved the eccentric and wacky family but couldn't connect with Sandra the main character. I felt she was very woe is me and unnecessarily negative about fitting in with her family.
Overall, too much was left unexplained for me so I gave this 3 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a copy to read.
I have really mixed feelings about this one.
The first 50% was really slow for me, so slow that I struggled to even see where the plot was going.
However, I loved the last 50%. There's lots of magic and creepy scenes and I definitely didn't see the twist ending coming.
I loved the eccentric and wacky family but couldn't connect with Sandra the main character. I felt she was very woe is me and unnecessarily negative about fitting in with her family.
Overall, too much was left unexplained for me so I gave this 3 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for providing me with a copy to read.
September 1, 2020
If I had to sum up Witch Dust by Marilyn Messick it would be, "Family drama, drama, drama with a side of paranormal."
Serenissma aka Sandra, our MC, has always been in the shadow of her performer parents and their temperments but when things take a turn for the worst, Sandra learns there's no place like home. Never mind the fact that Sandra didn't know this home existed, far less for its occupants who call themselves "family".
As she navigates this new challenge of adapting to her newfound family and their idiosyncrasies while trying to salvage their livelihood, Sandra learns some shocking revelations that turn her world upside down.
Witch Dust is very "different" and as such may not be for every reader out there. The humor is witty and oozing with sarcasm that somehow works. Each kooky character possesses their own eccentricities that somehow cohesively work together without feeling disjointed. While all the characters certainly march to the beat of their own drums, they each add a certain depth and flair to the overall story that was quite enjoyable.
Thank you to Marilyn Messick, Books Go Social, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this book. All views and opinions expressed above are my own.
Serenissma aka Sandra, our MC, has always been in the shadow of her performer parents and their temperments but when things take a turn for the worst, Sandra learns there's no place like home. Never mind the fact that Sandra didn't know this home existed, far less for its occupants who call themselves "family".
As she navigates this new challenge of adapting to her newfound family and their idiosyncrasies while trying to salvage their livelihood, Sandra learns some shocking revelations that turn her world upside down.
Witch Dust is very "different" and as such may not be for every reader out there. The humor is witty and oozing with sarcasm that somehow works. Each kooky character possesses their own eccentricities that somehow cohesively work together without feeling disjointed. While all the characters certainly march to the beat of their own drums, they each add a certain depth and flair to the overall story that was quite enjoyable.
Thank you to Marilyn Messick, Books Go Social, and NetGalley for providing me with an arc for this book. All views and opinions expressed above are my own.
August 31, 2017
Having loved Marilyn Messik’s previous books, I was really looking forward to reading Witch Dust. I love the title. In my view there are two types of dust. The kind that sets my allergies off and the magic kind. I have a fairy tattoo on my arm sprinkling fairy dust. Similar pose to the front cover of this book. I know which version of dust I prefer “Achoo!" ...Anyway, back to the topic of the book, rather than my love hate relationship with dust. I’m pleased to announce Witch Dust was yet another enjoyable read.
This is a story with funny, quirky and eccentric characters. Something I’ve come to expect from this author. I found this particular book entertaining, rather than scary. Think a hint of The Hotel Inspector and Most Haunted meets The Addams Family and you’ll get an idea of what this book is like. When I read a book that makes my family seem normal, I know I’m definitely reading about rather peculiar characters.
The reason for four stars rather than five, is that I didn’t quite fall in love with this book as much as my favourite by this author, which is Relatively Strange. I felt this book had a slower start, and because I love Stella from the previous books so much, it did take me slightly longer to warm to Sandra in this one. However, I did feel a bond with her when she discovered some home truths about her family, and I wondered if she felt similar to me when I was reading another book recently, and discovered I probably have Viking ancestry. Somehow I think I may have been a little more excited about my discovery than Sandra was about hers.
On the last page of this book, there is a section called ‘by the same author’ which has snippets of reviews for Relatively Strange and Even Stranger. Imagine my delight, when I spot part of my own review of Even Stranger at the very bottom of the page. I definitely got to have the last word when it came to this book, ha ha 🙂
This is a story with funny, quirky and eccentric characters. Something I’ve come to expect from this author. I found this particular book entertaining, rather than scary. Think a hint of The Hotel Inspector and Most Haunted meets The Addams Family and you’ll get an idea of what this book is like. When I read a book that makes my family seem normal, I know I’m definitely reading about rather peculiar characters.
The reason for four stars rather than five, is that I didn’t quite fall in love with this book as much as my favourite by this author, which is Relatively Strange. I felt this book had a slower start, and because I love Stella from the previous books so much, it did take me slightly longer to warm to Sandra in this one. However, I did feel a bond with her when she discovered some home truths about her family, and I wondered if she felt similar to me when I was reading another book recently, and discovered I probably have Viking ancestry. Somehow I think I may have been a little more excited about my discovery than Sandra was about hers.
On the last page of this book, there is a section called ‘by the same author’ which has snippets of reviews for Relatively Strange and Even Stranger. Imagine my delight, when I spot part of my own review of Even Stranger at the very bottom of the page. I definitely got to have the last word when it came to this book, ha ha 🙂
June 19, 2017
I am a bit of a fan of this author having absolutely loved the two books so far in her Strange series - Relatively Strange and Even Stranger, especially the main character Stella so, when I started this book, there was already a high bar to reach. To say that was met that would be true, truer still would be to say that this book completely exceeded all my expectations!
In this book we meet Sandra, the daughter of Adam and Ophelia; an illusionist and his assistant. Growing up has not all been a bed of roses for Sandra as her parents are a little bit different to say the least. One day, Ophelia turns up at Sandra's home and promptly declares that she has left Adam, who has clearly gone a step too far with his wandering shenanigans with a chorus girl! Ophelia then goes on to inform Sandra that all she had previously told her about her family is pretty much a lie and that she has a whole host of relatives that she has yet to meet. But not for long as the two set off to visit Ophelia's old family home. What happens next is a mixture of magic and mayhem as Sandra is introduced to the most eclectic mix of relatives. She should turn tail and run but she really can't help herself as she tries to save the family hotel business. Throw in a documentary crew, the local psychic society, a quirky journalist, and a wolf and you got yourself one heck of a scary, thrilling and at times, rather amusing ride.
I already mentioned that I love Stella from the Strange series, well... I now love Sandra equally as much. I connected with her right from the word go. I admire her guts, her tenacity and her ability to take whatever is thrown at her completely in her stride which, in this book is pretty much anything and everything.
As well as her and her parents, we have a brilliantly quirky cast of, shall we just say, interesting characters. All very well described and, even given the quantity, all very individual and easy to get to know properly as the books progressed.
I can't believe I have got this far in my review without using the word "bonkers". I am still on my (probably) one woman campaign to make bonkers a genre in its own right. I'd even settle for it as a sub-genre if I have to - and this book would definitely be included within it. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not (my jury is still on the fence) everything in the book is introduced and handled in a way that it really doesn't matter at all whether you do, there is so much humour, mostly of the black variety, and dead pan tongue in cheek stuff here that even the die hard sceptics would probably have a good time reading about it.
The story itself had me gripped from start to finish. I, like a lot of people, have a massive tbr but I started as soon as I got my hands on it, it basically point blank refused to wait its turn. To be honest, I didn't put up too much of a fight and, after the first page, I was totally powerless... It was OK though as I didn't actually put it down again until I had finished. It pretty much flew off the pages for me. I got totally and utterly immersed in what I was reading. And, once finished, I was completely satisfied.
I believe this was originally a stand alone book but, although I really want/need more Stella, I think I'd love a bit more Sandra too. Or, better still... Stella meets Sandra... oh my - my head really is spinning now...!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
In this book we meet Sandra, the daughter of Adam and Ophelia; an illusionist and his assistant. Growing up has not all been a bed of roses for Sandra as her parents are a little bit different to say the least. One day, Ophelia turns up at Sandra's home and promptly declares that she has left Adam, who has clearly gone a step too far with his wandering shenanigans with a chorus girl! Ophelia then goes on to inform Sandra that all she had previously told her about her family is pretty much a lie and that she has a whole host of relatives that she has yet to meet. But not for long as the two set off to visit Ophelia's old family home. What happens next is a mixture of magic and mayhem as Sandra is introduced to the most eclectic mix of relatives. She should turn tail and run but she really can't help herself as she tries to save the family hotel business. Throw in a documentary crew, the local psychic society, a quirky journalist, and a wolf and you got yourself one heck of a scary, thrilling and at times, rather amusing ride.
I already mentioned that I love Stella from the Strange series, well... I now love Sandra equally as much. I connected with her right from the word go. I admire her guts, her tenacity and her ability to take whatever is thrown at her completely in her stride which, in this book is pretty much anything and everything.
As well as her and her parents, we have a brilliantly quirky cast of, shall we just say, interesting characters. All very well described and, even given the quantity, all very individual and easy to get to know properly as the books progressed.
I can't believe I have got this far in my review without using the word "bonkers". I am still on my (probably) one woman campaign to make bonkers a genre in its own right. I'd even settle for it as a sub-genre if I have to - and this book would definitely be included within it. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not (my jury is still on the fence) everything in the book is introduced and handled in a way that it really doesn't matter at all whether you do, there is so much humour, mostly of the black variety, and dead pan tongue in cheek stuff here that even the die hard sceptics would probably have a good time reading about it.
The story itself had me gripped from start to finish. I, like a lot of people, have a massive tbr but I started as soon as I got my hands on it, it basically point blank refused to wait its turn. To be honest, I didn't put up too much of a fight and, after the first page, I was totally powerless... It was OK though as I didn't actually put it down again until I had finished. It pretty much flew off the pages for me. I got totally and utterly immersed in what I was reading. And, once finished, I was completely satisfied.
I believe this was originally a stand alone book but, although I really want/need more Stella, I think I'd love a bit more Sandra too. Or, better still... Stella meets Sandra... oh my - my head really is spinning now...!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 3, 2017
This is such a lovely good feel and 100% fun book to read with a sprinkle of darkness thrown in too, I just loved it. Every child wants a bit of magic in their lives but when you are surrounded by it I suppose it becomes just every day normal. Adam and Ophelia were illusionists at the top of their game so their daughter Sandra was more than use to seeing dad throw knives at her mum. Sandra, now grown up, noticed that at times odd things happened that no one else seemed to pick up on, a little sort of jump in time, just for a split second when she thought a knife or such was heading towards her mum rather than just missing. If she ever questioned it people always seemed to dodge the answer.
After a fallout between her mum and dad, Ophelia takes Sandra with her to visit relatives that she had been told simply didn’t exist and what starts as a visit to this failing family hotel of the most bizarre people you could meet just made me want to book in. Sandra always yearned for more family but these people are not like, to put it bluntly, normal. What begins as a visit turns into something much more.
What a super book this is. I loved the humour and full on colourful eccentric and magical characters that just filled my mind. Such a lot of people but each one having their own quirkiness and abilities that they were all so easy to remember. The story is told by Sandra, which I loved as when she was shocked, angry or just simply funny then that was what I felt. It was like we were discovering everything together with never a dull moment. What Sandra had found shocking to start with soon becomes her new normal. The chapters are a nice length to give you a chunk of the story but short enough to get a quick chapter in too with a coffee break. It is all a visual reading experience. Just pure magic!
After a fallout between her mum and dad, Ophelia takes Sandra with her to visit relatives that she had been told simply didn’t exist and what starts as a visit to this failing family hotel of the most bizarre people you could meet just made me want to book in. Sandra always yearned for more family but these people are not like, to put it bluntly, normal. What begins as a visit turns into something much more.
What a super book this is. I loved the humour and full on colourful eccentric and magical characters that just filled my mind. Such a lot of people but each one having their own quirkiness and abilities that they were all so easy to remember. The story is told by Sandra, which I loved as when she was shocked, angry or just simply funny then that was what I felt. It was like we were discovering everything together with never a dull moment. What Sandra had found shocking to start with soon becomes her new normal. The chapters are a nice length to give you a chunk of the story but short enough to get a quick chapter in too with a coffee break. It is all a visual reading experience. Just pure magic!
September 15, 2017
Witch dust by Marilyn messik.
A red gash of a mouth rimmed with impossibly tiny, razor-sharp teeth yawned wide, then swift as a snake, she bent and struck..
For Sandra, daughter of illusionists, Adam and Ophelia, life’s never been run of the mill! But when Adam’s wandering eye lights on yet another conquest, it proves a chorus girl too far, and Sandra’s caught in the reverberations of her parents acrimonious parting. Coerced into restoring her depressed Mother to the bosom of a family Sandra never knew existed, she’s sucked into a situation that even for her is unnerving.From being without a single relative, she suddenly acquires several she’d rather do without, and learns a few home truths she’d prefer not to know. Ophelia, it appears, has not been entirely honest about any number of things. There’s no doubt in Sandra’s mind, the sooner she puts as much distance as possible between herself, her newly discovered nearest and dearest, their peculiar tendencies and their failing hotel business, the happier she’s going to be.Dire straits call for desperate measures and Sandra reluctantly rises to the occasion. A hanged housemaid, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Psychic Society and a quasi co-operative journalist all handled correctly should, she reckons, get the family business up and running, which will allow her to do the same – as fast as she can, and in the opposite direction. Things unfortunately move swiftly from bad to farce and then get a hell of a lot darker. One moment Sandra’s struggling to save the family’s income, the next, she’s battling to save their lives. Turns out, some darknesses, once buried, are best left undisturbed.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Sandra. How she was with her parents. I really enjoyed this book. 5*. Tbc on fb.Netgalley and matador.
A red gash of a mouth rimmed with impossibly tiny, razor-sharp teeth yawned wide, then swift as a snake, she bent and struck..
For Sandra, daughter of illusionists, Adam and Ophelia, life’s never been run of the mill! But when Adam’s wandering eye lights on yet another conquest, it proves a chorus girl too far, and Sandra’s caught in the reverberations of her parents acrimonious parting. Coerced into restoring her depressed Mother to the bosom of a family Sandra never knew existed, she’s sucked into a situation that even for her is unnerving.From being without a single relative, she suddenly acquires several she’d rather do without, and learns a few home truths she’d prefer not to know. Ophelia, it appears, has not been entirely honest about any number of things. There’s no doubt in Sandra’s mind, the sooner she puts as much distance as possible between herself, her newly discovered nearest and dearest, their peculiar tendencies and their failing hotel business, the happier she’s going to be.Dire straits call for desperate measures and Sandra reluctantly rises to the occasion. A hanged housemaid, a fly-on-the-wall documentary, The Psychic Society and a quasi co-operative journalist all handled correctly should, she reckons, get the family business up and running, which will allow her to do the same – as fast as she can, and in the opposite direction. Things unfortunately move swiftly from bad to farce and then get a hell of a lot darker. One moment Sandra’s struggling to save the family’s income, the next, she’s battling to save their lives. Turns out, some darknesses, once buried, are best left undisturbed.
A fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Sandra. How she was with her parents. I really enjoyed this book. 5*. Tbc on fb.Netgalley and matador.
February 11, 2020
I received a ARC for the purpose of review, many thanks to the author and TBC.
I reserve 5* for those books that have the "special something" and this book is well deserving of the full 5 stars! Marilyn Messik has a unique writing style, each character has its own tone and the book was a delight from start to finish!
Serenissima (or Sandra as she defiantly insists) is our much put upon protagonist. She grew up in the shadows of her parents limelight, the marvellous Adam Adamovitch and the lovely Ophelia. Even as child, Sandra tries to have a most normal life, something that can be difficult to achieve when your parents are world renowned magicians. Now an adult, with her own flat, career and relationships, Sandra finds herself reluctantly drawn into one of her parents spats, though this one seems to be far more serious than any in the past. Her mother drops the news of a whole new family branch on to Sandra and this is where the fun really begins. Of course, Sandra has known her entire life that her mother was somewhat different, but now that she meets the rest of her long lost family, she has to admit that it is not just her mother who has strange talents and afflictions. Sandra is called upon to save a family she never knew existed, to bring order to chaos and somehow fix her parent's marriage.
The author gives each of her characters distinct personas, from delightfully snarky to eccentrically rude to absentmindedly brilliant.. each and every one of the cast is special and comes to life. If you are looking for a fun, fast read that will have you chuckle out loud, this is a must read. I was delighted to find that Serenissima and all the others will be back for another installment.
I reserve 5* for those books that have the "special something" and this book is well deserving of the full 5 stars! Marilyn Messik has a unique writing style, each character has its own tone and the book was a delight from start to finish!
Serenissima (or Sandra as she defiantly insists) is our much put upon protagonist. She grew up in the shadows of her parents limelight, the marvellous Adam Adamovitch and the lovely Ophelia. Even as child, Sandra tries to have a most normal life, something that can be difficult to achieve when your parents are world renowned magicians. Now an adult, with her own flat, career and relationships, Sandra finds herself reluctantly drawn into one of her parents spats, though this one seems to be far more serious than any in the past. Her mother drops the news of a whole new family branch on to Sandra and this is where the fun really begins. Of course, Sandra has known her entire life that her mother was somewhat different, but now that she meets the rest of her long lost family, she has to admit that it is not just her mother who has strange talents and afflictions. Sandra is called upon to save a family she never knew existed, to bring order to chaos and somehow fix her parent's marriage.
The author gives each of her characters distinct personas, from delightfully snarky to eccentrically rude to absentmindedly brilliant.. each and every one of the cast is special and comes to life. If you are looking for a fun, fast read that will have you chuckle out loud, this is a must read. I was delighted to find that Serenissima and all the others will be back for another installment.
May 14, 2020
This is a really good fun book. I laughed out loud in places. The magician and his wife/partner are as over the top as could be and everyone else takes their character to its extreme.
Loved it. More please.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advancee review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
Loved it. More please.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher I read an advancee review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.
December 8, 2020
I really didn't get into this. After reading other reviews I thought it would be a good book to read but most of it did nothing. I was hoping to be laughing but I didn't. I found the characters to be weird and they didn't really connect well. Although it got really interesting in the end and I couldn't put it down for the last 25%. I really wanted to like it but I just couldn't get it. I have re-read the reviews and wonder if I have read the same book. There were good parts but not enough.
January 21, 2018
Having read two books written by Marilyn Messik and loving them, I was very keen to get stuck into this one.
It was a joy to read, a fun story beautifully written.
I can't wait to read more. This one gets another 5 stars!!
It was a joy to read, a fun story beautifully written.
I can't wait to read more. This one gets another 5 stars!!
July 28, 2017
I was provided this book for an honest review from TBC and I'm glad I requested this book.
Sandra is a woman with very famous parents who're magicians and known everywhere.
In defiance of her upbringing she tried to become as normal as possible, she dismisses things she's seen over the years and ignores anything she doesn't want to think about too much!!
This book is funny with the laughs coming thick and fast!
Upon learning her mothers family are in fact alive and well when told different from her mother they take a trip to visit them and the real fun starts.
Sandra is introduced to her family and situations she's not used to, what comes about is strange happenings and confusion for herself while trying to deal with her star mother and her dramas.
If you enjoy a good chuckle with a little bit of dark adventure you've come to the right place
Sandra is a woman with very famous parents who're magicians and known everywhere.
In defiance of her upbringing she tried to become as normal as possible, she dismisses things she's seen over the years and ignores anything she doesn't want to think about too much!!
This book is funny with the laughs coming thick and fast!
Upon learning her mothers family are in fact alive and well when told different from her mother they take a trip to visit them and the real fun starts.
Sandra is introduced to her family and situations she's not used to, what comes about is strange happenings and confusion for herself while trying to deal with her star mother and her dramas.
If you enjoy a good chuckle with a little bit of dark adventure you've come to the right place
February 19, 2020
Sandra is the daughter of two illusionists Adam and Ophelia who have quite a volatile relationship after the incident with the lion Ophelia has had enough. When she decides to travel and see her family Sandra is astonished to find she has a family as she has always been told they don't exist! much to her annoyance her mother makes no apology for misleading her.They arrive at what can only be described as a run down castle for her to find out not only has she a grandmother but aunts uncles and cousins too although having met them she understands why they have been a secret and she can't wait to leave but finds herself stuck as her mother doesn't want to leave but it seems her appearance has invoked an ancient prophecy and the strangest things start happening and when she finds herself face to face with herself she thinks enough is enough but it seems it isn't going to be easy to leave. This book made me laugh out loud in places and then make the hairs on the back of my neck stand up in others. it was a roller coaster of emotions which made for a very good if different book which you shouldn't underestimate as it will have you gripped.
September 6, 2017
One of my favourite things about blogging is being introduced to new authors and genres and I right now I am devilishly happy that I took a punt (for me) on this one.
Witch Dust is bloody brilliant!
I cannot remember the last book I laughed out loud at but this certainly had me giggling into the night when reading it - in one sitting I might add!!
Sandra is sat in her living room when her mother suddenly appears, at first I thought she was a ghost only Sandra could see, honestly, until Sandra's boyfriend, Martin, walks in and jumps out of his skin at the arrival of his very much alive, mother in law. It's then that we discover Ophelia is real and perhaps not your normal, everyday kind of mother.
What follows is a brilliantly woven yarn about a fragmented family, brought back together when, whether they realise it or not, they need each other the most. But obviously, they are not your average family ...
I quite simply fell in love with the characters, they are certainly a quirky bunch and, although there are a lot of them, they all have a role to play and compliment the plot as opposed to hindering it, as can sometimes happen with a large cast.
I found the tale easy to follow and beautifully written, laugh out loud hilarious in places, emotional and moving in others.
All in all, a read I strongly recommend for fans of reading ... this has it all and it's so well written that you won't help but fall for it!
My absolute thanks to the author, it was a pleasure to read and I really hope we see more of these characters!!
Witch Dust is bloody brilliant!
I cannot remember the last book I laughed out loud at but this certainly had me giggling into the night when reading it - in one sitting I might add!!
Sandra is sat in her living room when her mother suddenly appears, at first I thought she was a ghost only Sandra could see, honestly, until Sandra's boyfriend, Martin, walks in and jumps out of his skin at the arrival of his very much alive, mother in law. It's then that we discover Ophelia is real and perhaps not your normal, everyday kind of mother.
What follows is a brilliantly woven yarn about a fragmented family, brought back together when, whether they realise it or not, they need each other the most. But obviously, they are not your average family ...
I quite simply fell in love with the characters, they are certainly a quirky bunch and, although there are a lot of them, they all have a role to play and compliment the plot as opposed to hindering it, as can sometimes happen with a large cast.
I found the tale easy to follow and beautifully written, laugh out loud hilarious in places, emotional and moving in others.
All in all, a read I strongly recommend for fans of reading ... this has it all and it's so well written that you won't help but fall for it!
My absolute thanks to the author, it was a pleasure to read and I really hope we see more of these characters!!
June 20, 2020
How fun this book was! I got into it a little apprehensively but man was I pleasantly surprised! The story starts off with the introduction of Sandra, daughter of famous illusionists Adam and Ophelia, two artists who never really were there for their daughter. Sandra therefore learned to be independent from an early age. Then Adam starts entertaining an extra-curricular romantic relationship with young Sacha and angry Ophelia walks out the door and takes her daughter for a visit to her side of the family whom Sandra did not know, let alone knew existed. That's where all the fun begins.
The book had a Addams Family feels to it. All characters were endearing despite their quirkiness, and I loved the message behind the book. Sandra said, "You choose your friends, but you're stuck with family. Well, like it or not, this was my family --mad as a box of frogs." It encapsulates the main theme: family is family; we stay together through hugs and fights, and together we are stronger. Family is part of our identity, whether we like it or not. Sandra is who she is and she will have to accept it and learn to live with it.
My favorite characters was Etta Goodkind, the great grandmother. I loved her iciness, her smarts, her strength, and her matriarchal status. She is the kind of person who doesn't speak much, but when she does you listen.
I will definitely be on the lookout for #2 as I cannot wait to see what is next for Sandra and Ophie.
Thank you Net Galley and Satin Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book had a Addams Family feels to it. All characters were endearing despite their quirkiness, and I loved the message behind the book. Sandra said, "You choose your friends, but you're stuck with family. Well, like it or not, this was my family --mad as a box of frogs." It encapsulates the main theme: family is family; we stay together through hugs and fights, and together we are stronger. Family is part of our identity, whether we like it or not. Sandra is who she is and she will have to accept it and learn to live with it.
My favorite characters was Etta Goodkind, the great grandmother. I loved her iciness, her smarts, her strength, and her matriarchal status. She is the kind of person who doesn't speak much, but when she does you listen.
I will definitely be on the lookout for #2 as I cannot wait to see what is next for Sandra and Ophie.
Thank you Net Galley and Satin Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2020
How fun this book was! I got into it a little apprehensively but man was I pleasantly surprised! The story starts off with the introduction of Sandra, daughter of famous illusionists Adam and Ophelia, two artists who never really were there for their daughter. Sandra therefore learned to be independent from an early age. Then Adam starts entertaining an extra-curricular romantic relationship with young Sacha and angry Ophelia walks out the door and takes her daughter for a visit to her side of the family whom Sandra did not know, let alone knew existed. That's where all the fun begins.
The book had a Addams Family feels to it. All characters were endearing despite their quirkiness, and I loved the message behind the book. Sandra said, "You choose your friends, but you're stuck with family. Well, like it or not, this was my family --mad as a box of frogs." It encapsulates the main theme: family is family; we stay together through hugs and fights, and together we are stronger. Family is part of our identity, whether we like it or not. Sandra is who she is and she will have to accept it and learn to live with it.
My favorite characters was Etta Goodkind, the great grandmother. I loved her iciness, her smarts, her strength, and her matriarchal status. She is the kind of person who doesn't speak much, but when she does you listen.
I will definitely be on the lookout for #2 as I cannot wait to see what is next for Sandra and Ophie.
Thank you Net Galley and Satin Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The book had a Addams Family feels to it. All characters were endearing despite their quirkiness, and I loved the message behind the book. Sandra said, "You choose your friends, but you're stuck with family. Well, like it or not, this was my family --mad as a box of frogs." It encapsulates the main theme: family is family; we stay together through hugs and fights, and together we are stronger. Family is part of our identity, whether we like it or not. Sandra is who she is and she will have to accept it and learn to live with it.
My favorite characters was Etta Goodkind, the great grandmother. I loved her iciness, her smarts, her strength, and her matriarchal status. She is the kind of person who doesn't speak much, but when she does you listen.
I will definitely be on the lookout for #2 as I cannot wait to see what is next for Sandra and Ophie.
Thank you Net Galley and Satin Publishing for this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2021
A different take on witches
This is a wonderful book full of quirky characters and odd magic. The story involves a main character facing what she is and who she is, as she deals with the drama of her parents' imploding relationship. She has pointedly ignored her mother's ability to do things for years, but now she has to face that, and a horde of relatives that she never knew existed.
This is a wonderful book full of quirky characters and odd magic. The story involves a main character facing what she is and who she is, as she deals with the drama of her parents' imploding relationship. She has pointedly ignored her mother's ability to do things for years, but now she has to face that, and a horde of relatives that she never knew existed.
August 11, 2017
This is the third book by this author that I've read and she hasn't disappointed. I love her style of writing, it's fabulous!
In Witch Dust we meet Sandra, the daughter of two illusionists/magicians. We first meet Sandra when her mother 'appears' and states she has left her husband for good this time. She persuades Sandra to take her to see her family - a family Sandra was told didn't exist. Cue a cocktail of strange goings on, relatives that are not pleased to see her, magic and something sinister lurking.
In Witch Dust we meet Sandra, the daughter of two illusionists/magicians. We first meet Sandra when her mother 'appears' and states she has left her husband for good this time. She persuades Sandra to take her to see her family - a family Sandra was told didn't exist. Cue a cocktail of strange goings on, relatives that are not pleased to see her, magic and something sinister lurking.
August 12, 2017
The beginning of this story I found was a little slow however I stuck with it and it did get going. after the a good few chapters I started enjoying this and with fantastic character. I would recommend this book.
April 26, 2020
I hope she revisits this family. Such a fun read. Review to come.
August 6, 2017
A glorious cornucopia of plot elements ranging from haunted house to magic via disruptive family and uninformed do-gooder. Luckily, our narrator is an inventive and multi-talented problem-solver who leaps from one crisis to the next taking advantage of every bizarre coincidence, surfing across each mounting situation and dodging looming disaster.
This riotous escapade leaves the reader little time to draw breath as Marilyn Messik throws out new snags at every turn, cleverly keeping lots of plates spinning at once and baffling with her expertise in keeping (just) within the boundaries of her own world logic. Hopefully, Witch Dust is merely our introduction to these characters as there seems plenty of scope to revisit them.
This riotous escapade leaves the reader little time to draw breath as Marilyn Messik throws out new snags at every turn, cleverly keeping lots of plates spinning at once and baffling with her expertise in keeping (just) within the boundaries of her own world logic. Hopefully, Witch Dust is merely our introduction to these characters as there seems plenty of scope to revisit them.
August 12, 2017
I found this book slow to begin with, once I got in to the book i did find i was laughing at parts and started to enjoy this story more and more.
July 19, 2021
I received a complimentary copy of Witch Dust from the author via Voracious Readers.
Sandra is the adult daughter of world famous magicians. She had believed all her life that her mother, Ophelia, had no living family. That's where the fun begins. Suddenly plunged into the midst of a family that she never knew she had. Mix of fantasy and fun - great summer read.
Sandra is the adult daughter of world famous magicians. She had believed all her life that her mother, Ophelia, had no living family. That's where the fun begins. Suddenly plunged into the midst of a family that she never knew she had. Mix of fantasy and fun - great summer read.
August 5, 2017
Witch Dust did not disappoint me at all, a FAB book that had me both laughing and spooked! The story develops at a good pace, introducing intriguing characters that you quickly come to know and love. Throw a haunted hotel, a crazy family, magic, terror and a cook with interesting skills and it all adds up to a great book that you will devour in one sitting. Highly recommended and I for one am really hoping for a sequel.
August 17, 2017
When I saw Marilyns third book was up to be reviewed, I jumped at the chance as I enjoyed the last 2 books.
Witch Dust pulled me in from the first page and it was one of those books that i didn't want to finish.
The story is full of humour and is subtly dark at times. Would suit those into paranormal/fantasy..or if you fancy something different to your usual genre.
Highly recommended and I look forward to reading more from Marilyn.
Witch Dust pulled me in from the first page and it was one of those books that i didn't want to finish.
The story is full of humour and is subtly dark at times. Would suit those into paranormal/fantasy..or if you fancy something different to your usual genre.
Highly recommended and I look forward to reading more from Marilyn.
April 25, 2020
My Mother has a lumpily-packed Louis Vuitton carpet bag clamped under one arm, a stout black cat struggling under the other and a brown envelope, gripped damply between he front teeth. She appeared, without warning, in the middle of the living room. I hated it when she did that.
She had to spit out the envelope before she spoke, "I've just killed your Father," she said.
Actual rating: 2.5
Serenissima Adamovitch, Ophelia and Adam Adamovitch's only daughter, can't help but feel out of place in her less than normal family. Both of her parents are famous magicians that can't seem to leave each other alone, despite their many verbal and physical battles. When Ophelia catches him with yet another mistress, she coerces Serenissima to bring her to her old family home - a family she never knew existed. There, she discovers she'd rather do without a family and a home with a possessed chef, a failing hotel business, and some odd hereditary powers.
First off, the cover of this novel is beautiful, I absolutely loved it. This book started out SO strong with an Addams Family-like feel and an eccentric set of characters. But, as soon as we arrive at Ophelia's family home, things go downhill.
Serenissima is easily one of the most unlikable characters I've ever come across. She's whiny, spiteful, and arrogant - while it is fitting at times, it's mostly just aggravating. Also, I swear if I ever read the word "ruddy" again... Nor did I find the book comedic at all, but instead it was filled with a thick layer of unnecessary sarcasm from Serenissima.
Some of Messik's best writing is in the beginning and in the end of the novel, and there are a couple of horror scenes that she writes with mastery. I wish that same feeling carried on through the whole novel. This book had sooooo much potential, I was disappointed that it had such terrible character development for Serenissima.
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