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Brimstone Witch Mystery #3
The Centaur's Last Breath
Listening Length: 4 hours, 45 minutes
Cassia Winter is a witch. With the help of her cat, Stanley, she investigates crime in the magical town of Brimstone.
A centaur has died while out on a run. His death is confirmed as heart failure by a doctor. But the centaur’s father is adamant that his son was murdered and asks for Cassia’s help.
Cassia starts to investigate the centaur’s death and is soon convinced it was murder. Furthermore, she discovers the centaur had made many enemies in the lead-up to his death.
As Cassia and Stanley get deeper into the investigation, a stranger comes into their lives. This stranger is welcome, but things quickly take a turn for the worse and Cassia realises someone is out to cause her a great deal of harm.
Cassia Winter is a witch. With the help of her cat, Stanley, she investigates crime in the magical town of Brimstone.
A centaur has died while out on a run. His death is confirmed as heart failure by a doctor. But the centaur’s father is adamant that his son was murdered and asks for Cassia’s help.
Cassia starts to investigate the centaur’s death and is soon convinced it was murder. Furthermore, she discovers the centaur had made many enemies in the lead-up to his death.
As Cassia and Stanley get deeper into the investigation, a stranger comes into their lives. This stranger is welcome, but things quickly take a turn for the worse and Cassia realises someone is out to cause her a great deal of harm.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 3, 2017
138 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
April Fernsby
46 books78 followersSign up to April's newsletter to get her new releases when they are free: www.aprilfernsby.com
April Fernsby lives in the north of England in a county called Yorkshire. Yorkshire has its fair share of hauntings and supernatural events, including a witch called Mary Bateman, aka The Yorkshire Witch, whose skeleton now hangs in a local museum.
April loves all things supernatural and mysterious. Her favourite book as a child was ‘The Faraway Tree’ as it took the reader into a different world where unusual creatures lived. April looked for a similar tree near her house but never found it.
Her Brimstone Witch series involves the main character, Cassia Winter, going through a cellar door and into another world where magical creatures live, and mysteries abound.
April Fernsby lives in the north of England in a county called Yorkshire. Yorkshire has its fair share of hauntings and supernatural events, including a witch called Mary Bateman, aka The Yorkshire Witch, whose skeleton now hangs in a local museum.
April loves all things supernatural and mysterious. Her favourite book as a child was ‘The Faraway Tree’ as it took the reader into a different world where unusual creatures lived. April looked for a similar tree near her house but never found it.
Her Brimstone Witch series involves the main character, Cassia Winter, going through a cellar door and into another world where magical creatures live, and mysteries abound.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 7, 2017
The Centaur's Last Breath (A Brimstone Witch Mystery Book 3) by April Fernsby is another good witch detective story. This story has a centaur found dead of with an apparent heart attack but his father thinks it is murder. It has lots of twists, side issues, personal craziness, and gnome and kitten problems. It is a cute story and I really like this series. It is a fun, clean, fantasy, cozy, mystery series that is creative and a joy to read.
September 12, 2018
Another magic story from Brimstone, with garden gnomes, athlete centaurs and flying cats. Love it!
February 15, 2019
I’ve always been a fan of witch stories and murder mysteries, and as it turns out, when the two combine, it creates pure magic. In this enchanted mystery, we follow the path of Justice witch Cassia as she tries to figure out who the murderer is after a healthy Centaur is found dead of supposed heart failure.
This one will keep you guessing because each character was created with their own set of motives that made me think that just about every one was guilty at some point in the story. Each character is written to display both good traits and bad, and to me, that made them all the more real whether it was their greed or jealousy or something else entirely that contributed to the story. When the truth was finally revealed, I couldn’t believe who the killer actually was, and the ending left me wanting to read more.
This is the first book in this series and by this author that I’ve come across, but after this, I want to read the rest of the series to see what other adventures are in store for Cassia.
The audiobook includes some smooth narration that worked well for the characters in the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.
This one will keep you guessing because each character was created with their own set of motives that made me think that just about every one was guilty at some point in the story. Each character is written to display both good traits and bad, and to me, that made them all the more real whether it was their greed or jealousy or something else entirely that contributed to the story. When the truth was finally revealed, I couldn’t believe who the killer actually was, and the ending left me wanting to read more.
This is the first book in this series and by this author that I’ve come across, but after this, I want to read the rest of the series to see what other adventures are in store for Cassia.
The audiobook includes some smooth narration that worked well for the characters in the story.
This book was given to me for free at my request, and I provided this voluntary review.
February 18, 2019
My first experience with Cassia Winter was a fun and exciting one. I loved the setting and the characters. The gnomes feud was an especially fun side story. I also loved the flying kitten story but it did often feel as though it took away from the main story line more than it should have. Overall, I thought it was a great story. I would love to read the others in the series.
I listened to the audiobook and I thought Rebecca McKernan did an excellent job with the narration. Her characters were distinct and the pacing was perfect.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audiobook and I thought Rebecca McKernan did an excellent job with the narration. Her characters were distinct and the pacing was perfect.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
March 25, 2024
This was probably my favorite in the series so far!
From the start, I've loved that there is something deeper going on than just random murders. I love cozy mysteries, but I can't always get behind the random murders in a small town where everyone dies, with no explanation. The Brimstone Witch series has been a breath of fresh air in the genre.
The Centaur's Last Breath really gets into the world of Brimstone and makes the murders make sense. The central characters from Murder of a Werewolf and As Dead As A Vampire get fleshed out a lot more, and I have so many suspicions about Astrid's involvement. It's a really good way to flesh out the town and the stories.
There was a lot going on in this one. I love how it all ties together, but it's hard to tell how. Cassia and Stanley are a little oblivious to connections, but some of that is forced, and I have no doubt Astrid is playing a further role in this than just a jealous girlfriend. I liked that she was introduced in the previous book but we weren't sure until this book, and she was absent from the first book. It creates a complex and important villain at exactly the right point.
I like the way these books end with enough push to make you keep going. I am very grateful that I found the whole series for free as an omnibus. It encourages me to keep going, and I'm really glad I can. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing more about how everything unfolds. If I could pick one long cozy mystery series I really do want to see all the way through, it would definitely be the Brimstone Witch series.
From the start, I've loved that there is something deeper going on than just random murders. I love cozy mysteries, but I can't always get behind the random murders in a small town where everyone dies, with no explanation. The Brimstone Witch series has been a breath of fresh air in the genre.
The Centaur's Last Breath really gets into the world of Brimstone and makes the murders make sense. The central characters from Murder of a Werewolf and As Dead As A Vampire get fleshed out a lot more, and I have so many suspicions about Astrid's involvement. It's a really good way to flesh out the town and the stories.
There was a lot going on in this one. I love how it all ties together, but it's hard to tell how. Cassia and Stanley are a little oblivious to connections, but some of that is forced, and I have no doubt Astrid is playing a further role in this than just a jealous girlfriend. I liked that she was introduced in the previous book but we weren't sure until this book, and she was absent from the first book. It creates a complex and important villain at exactly the right point.
I like the way these books end with enough push to make you keep going. I am very grateful that I found the whole series for free as an omnibus. It encourages me to keep going, and I'm really glad I can. I'm looking forward to reading the next book and seeing more about how everything unfolds. If I could pick one long cozy mystery series I really do want to see all the way through, it would definitely be the Brimstone Witch series.
February 13, 2021
This is the third book in the "Brimstone Witch" mystery series, starring justice witch, Cassia Winter.
Cassia is summoned to the location where a centaur died while out for a run. Preliminary reports indicate he died of natural causes, but his father refuses to believe it. He is certain that Selo was murdered. Tasked with investigating, Cassia quickly learns that Selo had little regard for anyone but himself, which meant he'd made a lot of enemies. Among them are Teto, a centaur from another family, and Selo's own brother, Lifin.
As if investigating a murder isn't taxing enough, Cassia is inundated with complaints from a village of gnomes, demanding she investigate who has been ruining their gardens. In addition, Cassia and her familiar, Stanley, discover a frightened young kitten who only wants her mum. Cassia's childhood friend, Luca, volunteers to look into the gnomes' complaints, but his coming to Cassia's aid only angers his girlfriend, Astrid. Cassia is left juggling several plates in the air. It's a good thing she's a witch.
The story was fun, although I could have choked that bitch, Astrid. It's mind-boggling how anyone as nice as Luca ended up with her. Black magic, maybe? Time will tell. As to the mystery, the author dropped tantalizing clues and hints, leading me to waffle between a couple different suspects...only to hit me out of left field with the true perpetrator. Surprises can be fun, but give the readers a chance to solve the mystery along with the main character! As always, I enjoyed Cassia's interactions with Stanley. I wish the characters were more developed.
It was a cute story, but it lacked substance and polish. Average score.
Cassia is summoned to the location where a centaur died while out for a run. Preliminary reports indicate he died of natural causes, but his father refuses to believe it. He is certain that Selo was murdered. Tasked with investigating, Cassia quickly learns that Selo had little regard for anyone but himself, which meant he'd made a lot of enemies. Among them are Teto, a centaur from another family, and Selo's own brother, Lifin.
As if investigating a murder isn't taxing enough, Cassia is inundated with complaints from a village of gnomes, demanding she investigate who has been ruining their gardens. In addition, Cassia and her familiar, Stanley, discover a frightened young kitten who only wants her mum. Cassia's childhood friend, Luca, volunteers to look into the gnomes' complaints, but his coming to Cassia's aid only angers his girlfriend, Astrid. Cassia is left juggling several plates in the air. It's a good thing she's a witch.
The story was fun, although I could have choked that bitch, Astrid. It's mind-boggling how anyone as nice as Luca ended up with her. Black magic, maybe? Time will tell. As to the mystery, the author dropped tantalizing clues and hints, leading me to waffle between a couple different suspects...only to hit me out of left field with the true perpetrator. Surprises can be fun, but give the readers a chance to solve the mystery along with the main character! As always, I enjoyed Cassia's interactions with Stanley. I wish the characters were more developed.
It was a cute story, but it lacked substance and polish. Average score.
August 21, 2018
Cassia Winter is new to being a justice witch and is aided in her quest by trusty helper Stanley the cat. Once peaceful Brimstone is now the site of a yet another murder. Selo, a centaur (half man/half horse), has been assassinated and Cassia must figure out who hired the hitman and why. Selo was a very willful creature that didn’t care the havoc he made when running through the town and he had many enemies within the centaur community along with the residents of Brimstone. Just when Cassia and Stanley think they have things figured out, another murder occurs and makes them look in a totally different direction.
This series just seems to get better the more the author writes. The character of Cassia is coming into her own in the role of justice witch and starting to learn new skills such as flying a broom. While she is still very trusting of others and a bit naive, she is starting to grow a backbone and isn’t taking “no” for an answer. Cassia is still struggling with her feelings for Lucas and has somehow made an enemy out of his girlfriend. One can only wonder what will happen next. This cozy mystery is filled with quirky characters, whit, whimsy, lots of paranormal beings, and a great plotline.
This series just seems to get better the more the author writes. The character of Cassia is coming into her own in the role of justice witch and starting to learn new skills such as flying a broom. While she is still very trusting of others and a bit naive, she is starting to grow a backbone and isn’t taking “no” for an answer. Cassia is still struggling with her feelings for Lucas and has somehow made an enemy out of his girlfriend. One can only wonder what will happen next. This cozy mystery is filled with quirky characters, whit, whimsy, lots of paranormal beings, and a great plotline.
September 7, 2018
Cassie celebrated her solving the murder of the werewolf. She;s sleeping in when Blythe shows up the next morning and awakens her with the news that another murder has been commited. This time a centaur has been murdered. So Cassie goes out to investigate. In the investigation she returns home with a cute little kitten hidden in her broomstick. Her and Stanley her cat are taken with the little miss. Then off they go to investigate more. Eventually her gran learns about Kitty and tells Cassie that the little creature is an Aitvaras, a flying cat that can turn into a dragon who brings good luck to whomever has her and bad luck to those around them. Now along with the death of the centaur, someone is trying to cause a lot of trouble to Cassie. Then Cassie gets thrown into a tizzy when she discovers there is an assassin guild not far away plus an evil creature in the woods. Too many things happening and something is causing people to become opposite to what they are.
Another fantastic witchey story that deals with finding justice and reconnecting with her magic.
Fantastic story!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another fantastic witchey story that deals with finding justice and reconnecting with her magic.
Fantastic story!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2018
Grab your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy this fun witchy mystery.
Cassie is a Justice Witch, it's her job to ensure proper justice in Brimstone. Now, something is wrong in Brimstone. People seem to be getting angry for no reason. Murders are happening, one gets solved and another happens, not Brimstone's usual problem. Add in that someone is trying to get rid of Cassie; not a very peacefull and happy town right now. Will Cassie and her familiar and friend Stanley be able to figure out what's happening in time?
Five stars for a well-written, fun and entertaing read. Now, can Cassie and Stanley save Brimstone and its residents from the next calamity? Gotta read the next installment to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassie is a Justice Witch, it's her job to ensure proper justice in Brimstone. Now, something is wrong in Brimstone. People seem to be getting angry for no reason. Murders are happening, one gets solved and another happens, not Brimstone's usual problem. Add in that someone is trying to get rid of Cassie; not a very peacefull and happy town right now. Will Cassie and her familiar and friend Stanley be able to figure out what's happening in time?
Five stars for a well-written, fun and entertaing read. Now, can Cassie and Stanley save Brimstone and its residents from the next calamity? Gotta read the next installment to find out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2018
This is the first book in the series I have read and I will be going back to read the other 2 now! Cassia is just so sweet not wanting to rock the boat between Luca and Astrid even though Astrid is well just nasty. Fortunately Cassia doesn't let Astrid get in the way of Luca helping her with her investigation as well as spending a bit of time with him. I liked how we really didn't know what was going on at first with who murdered Selo, but also with how the other Centaurs when Cassia and Stanley visited them. There were some great twists and lovable characters (ie Kitty) that make you want to visit brimstone ....well maybe not visit just yet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 11, 2025
This series is awesome.
So, this 3rd installment of Brimstone Witches is wonderful. Cassia and Stanley take on another murder. This one is a proud centaur, one with an incredibly huge ego. He feels he can do no wrong, and the havoc he caused was just fun. While trying to figure out the crime, she gets to meet more of the fabulous inhabitants of Brimstone. While not trying to show that she's overwhelmed, she finds most of the Brimstone residents are extremely helpful. But now her life is in danger. Her Gran is so concerned that she gets Luca to demand that she return to her home. The murder is solved, but Brimstone is far from safe. So what's next for them, I'm going to read the next one and find out.
So, this 3rd installment of Brimstone Witches is wonderful. Cassia and Stanley take on another murder. This one is a proud centaur, one with an incredibly huge ego. He feels he can do no wrong, and the havoc he caused was just fun. While trying to figure out the crime, she gets to meet more of the fabulous inhabitants of Brimstone. While not trying to show that she's overwhelmed, she finds most of the Brimstone residents are extremely helpful. But now her life is in danger. Her Gran is so concerned that she gets Luca to demand that she return to her home. The murder is solved, but Brimstone is far from safe. So what's next for them, I'm going to read the next one and find out.
August 23, 2018
This is a very clever, well-written cozy about a town filled with paranormals and the main character is the justice witch who must solve a murder. Cassie is a very likable character as is her familiar - a cat named Stanley. Very well written, it was fun to read and I enjoyed finding out who did the crime, someone I never suspected. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger, something which I do not care for but I'm sure some folks do like it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2021
Love the town of Brimstone
There are so many different species of Supernaturals in it. To top it off, there's a murder mystery in each book. And a talking cat. What more can you want?
Well, I want longer books. I want better character depth and development. I want a real romance thrown in. Less stilted dialogue would also be a plus. But alas, we don't always get what we want. So , I'll just deal with short witchy murder mysteries. Not a bad thing...but the town has potential, so the series could be so much more.
There are so many different species of Supernaturals in it. To top it off, there's a murder mystery in each book. And a talking cat. What more can you want?
Well, I want longer books. I want better character depth and development. I want a real romance thrown in. Less stilted dialogue would also be a plus. But alas, we don't always get what we want. So , I'll just deal with short witchy murder mysteries. Not a bad thing...but the town has potential, so the series could be so much more.
May 23, 2023
Meh, this book was good enough. I don't like how it got resolved at the end. They explain to you what happened but it looks so out of place... Not in the way Agatha Christie builds the resolution, or how Nancy Drew luckily finds the answer... These books are 98% of Cassia and Stanley trying to resolve the mystery, 1% of context about stuff that happened in a previous book, and 1% of both the resolution of the murder mystery and something happening to extend the series. The writing is okay, the world-building is okay, and the mystery is okay, just the ending doesn't feel right... 2.5 out of 5 stars.
June 12, 2018
Another delightful read, Cassia and her cat Stanley are after another murderer in the magical town of Brimstone. The normaly peaceful town has had its share of murders lately. Black magic is making its way in to the town and making people angry, and not as tolerant or happy go lucky as they usually are. I’m glad Cassie is on the job, because I never solved this crime either. April certainly knows how to write a good who dunnit.
August 26, 2018
Cassia and Stanley are at it again this time they are investigating a suspected murder of a centaur named selo well suspected because his father believes his son was murdered and not heart failure like the cops think. Cassia is still pretty new but with Stanley her CST she cannot go wrong. Another great book in this series and I can't wait to read more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2019
This is a relaxing mystery with paranormal twist as it's in a magic city. I kept track of the clues and what Cassia learns along the way and it feels to work out in the end. If you looked at the audiobook length, it's just shy of 5 hours. This book is written in a fashion that the story moves forward with each scene. There is no wasted time here. I love this, no wasted words.
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
****FULL REVIEW TO FOLLOW****
October 11, 2019
A lot of cute elements to the story, but it just didn't grab me the way other cozy paranormals do. Maybe if it was a bit longer and had a little more depth? I don't know. The narrator, though, did not do a good job, which could be part of the reason I didn't care for the story. The narrator had 2 voices, one for men and one for women. It got a little confusing when the same sex was having a conversation. Doubt I will listen to more of this author.
October 31, 2017
Whodunit
This episode wasn't truly solved until the very end. The author is getting good at her craft. The murderer was not on my list of suspects. That doesn't happen often. Two murders: a healthy, young centaur in his prime and a hired assassin. Is the same person responsible for trying to get rid of Cassia, too?
This episode wasn't truly solved until the very end. The author is getting good at her craft. The murderer was not on my list of suspects. That doesn't happen often. Two murders: a healthy, young centaur in his prime and a hired assassin. Is the same person responsible for trying to get rid of Cassia, too?
June 13, 2018
Running wild is just asking for trouble.
Terrific. A dead centaur, werewolves, talking cats, magic and more are woven into an engaging little read. Okay it isn't serious stuff but it is an entertaining read with great characters and enough suspects to keep you guessing. Great to see how she gains confidence in not only herself but also her magic. Great read.
Terrific. A dead centaur, werewolves, talking cats, magic and more are woven into an engaging little read. Okay it isn't serious stuff but it is an entertaining read with great characters and enough suspects to keep you guessing. Great to see how she gains confidence in not only herself but also her magic. Great read.
September 1, 2018
This is a fun series and this is a wonderful addition to it. Fantastic characters, a well-developed backstory that keeps the series flowing, an exciting murder mystery with many twists and turns, whimsical and quirky characters, mythical creatures, and a clean romance make this one that readers of any age will enjoy.
March 1, 2019
Cassia and Stanley investigate the sudden death of a centaur and discover a multitude of wrongs in Brimstone in this cozy mystery with a touch of magic. It was a fun read with charming characters and a story that kept me thoroughly enchanted.
With cats and gnomes, dragons and centaurs and a host of mysteries to unravel how could you not love this one?
With cats and gnomes, dragons and centaurs and a host of mysteries to unravel how could you not love this one?
March 21, 2021
Really good.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I cannot believe I read this in a single seating. I was completely hooked. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I cannot believe I read this in a single seating. I was completely hooked. I look forward to reading more about these characters and their further adventures. This book is definitely worth reading.
December 30, 2025
Good mystery.
A centaur and an assassin are murdered. Cassie and her cat Stanley investigate. Cassie deals with centaur, gnomes , and meets dragons. I like the pace of the story and the characters. There are surprises. This is a good series. I recommend this book to readers of paranormal mysteries.
A centaur and an assassin are murdered. Cassie and her cat Stanley investigate. Cassie deals with centaur, gnomes , and meets dragons. I like the pace of the story and the characters. There are surprises. This is a good series. I recommend this book to readers of paranormal mysteries.
July 20, 2017
Good of its kind
April Fernsby, as always, writes a good solid mystery, as she has under another pen name. She has adapted well to the paranormal world, and her tales of Brimstone are well thought out. This is an enjoyable story.
April Fernsby, as always, writes a good solid mystery, as she has under another pen name. She has adapted well to the paranormal world, and her tales of Brimstone are well thought out. This is an enjoyable story.
September 4, 2017
Hellfire in brimstone???
This is one of those books you can read n 1 or 2 days. Interesting enough to keep you from putting it down, but not the kind that will stay with you long after it's finished. Recommend it as a good way to cleanse the stress after a long day. Enjoy!
This is one of those books you can read n 1 or 2 days. Interesting enough to keep you from putting it down, but not the kind that will stay with you long after it's finished. Recommend it as a good way to cleanse the stress after a long day. Enjoy!
June 12, 2018
An arrogant century is murdered!
So many disliked him, the suspect list is long! But who would do such a thing? Someone has it in for Cassia! As the black magic settles like pollution on the town of Brimstone, Cassia and Stanley head for home. A delight!
So many disliked him, the suspect list is long! But who would do such a thing? Someone has it in for Cassia! As the black magic settles like pollution on the town of Brimstone, Cassia and Stanley head for home. A delight!
August 27, 2018
The dentist was not the most popular one around so when he was found murdered, she has to find out who did it and why? There will be many twists and turns. There is another body found and she wonders if she will ever find out who did?.See if she can
August 27, 2018
The third book in A Brimstone Witch Mystery series is a well-written book that kept my interest until the end. There is murder, drama, danger, suspense, and black magic. Looking forward to reading the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2024
Still loving learning more about Brimstone and all the different creatures. The ending definitely has me intrigued to find out out what’s going to happen next. Absolutely loved the introduction of Kitty.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews