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Southern Single Mom Paranormal Mystery #1
The Witch's Handbook to Hunting Vampires
All Andie Taylor wants is a quiet life.
Andie Taylor is your average single mom. She's got a beautiful toddler, a great job at the local preschool, a neurotic best friend and one huge secret—she used to hunt vampires. Now retired, Andie would much rather be wiping kid snot off her clothes than stalking the undead.
But after a meteor rips through her small town, strange things start happening—like the school janitor is found dead with fang marks in his neck.
Andie's retired, it's not her problem.
Until vampires attack Andie on her front lawn. Now she has to figure out who the head bloodsucker is and stop him from taking any more victims—all while juggling single motherhood, a crazy great aunt and Andie's own lust for a fallen angel. Can she solve the mystery before the vampires claim someone else? Or will she become the next target of the bloodsuckers?
Don't miss this first book in a brand new series by the author of the Bless Your Witch series.
Other books by Amy Boyles:
Bless Your Witch Series:
SCARED WITCHLESS: http://amzn.to/2tL9ySM
KISS MY WITCH: http://amzn.to/2tqskj6
QUEEN WITCH: http://amzn.to/2tLcxeb
QUIT YOUR WITCHIN': http://amzn.to/2so2a1L
FOR WITCH'S SAKE: http://amzn.to/2tqDww2
DON'T GIVE A WITCH: http://amzn.to/2v1UPH1
Andie Taylor is your average single mom. She's got a beautiful toddler, a great job at the local preschool, a neurotic best friend and one huge secret—she used to hunt vampires. Now retired, Andie would much rather be wiping kid snot off her clothes than stalking the undead.
But after a meteor rips through her small town, strange things start happening—like the school janitor is found dead with fang marks in his neck.
Andie's retired, it's not her problem.
Until vampires attack Andie on her front lawn. Now she has to figure out who the head bloodsucker is and stop him from taking any more victims—all while juggling single motherhood, a crazy great aunt and Andie's own lust for a fallen angel. Can she solve the mystery before the vampires claim someone else? Or will she become the next target of the bloodsuckers?
Don't miss this first book in a brand new series by the author of the Bless Your Witch series.
Other books by Amy Boyles:
Bless Your Witch Series:
SCARED WITCHLESS: http://amzn.to/2tL9ySM
KISS MY WITCH: http://amzn.to/2tqskj6
QUEEN WITCH: http://amzn.to/2tLcxeb
QUIT YOUR WITCHIN': http://amzn.to/2so2a1L
FOR WITCH'S SAKE: http://amzn.to/2tqDww2
DON'T GIVE A WITCH: http://amzn.to/2v1UPH1
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2017
435 people are currently reading
831 people want to read
About the author
Amy Boyles
156 books1,530 followersHey, I’m Amy,
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life.
And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World.
If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me.
—In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office.
—I worked at Carnegie Hall.
—I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one.
If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com.
Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
April 12, 2018
Andie has clamped down on all things paranormal, and is trying to live a normal life. Until a meteor crash kicks up the crazy, and she is dragged back into the world of vampire-hunting.
I received a free copy in an exchange for an honest review.
So Andie used to be a witch, and used to hunt vampires. But after the death of her husband, and having a young child depending on her, she turned her back on it all.
She's moved to a little town, where nobody knows her past. She's just an average single mum, who works at the local school, and never does anything exciting.
The story really starts when a meteor crashes nearby, and the body of a young man is found in school grounds.
Even Andie, who is keen to stick her head in the ground and ignore everything paranormal, realises something is happening. Something big.
Luckily, she has new friend Stone to help her out. And provide some delicious man-candy to stare at, even if he is off-limits.
This book was fun. It was light, and a proper cosy, paranormal mystery. It never took itself seriously, and was entertaining.
That said, I initially struggled to get into it. This is very much midway through the drama that is Andie's life, and the way the book was written, it felt like it was alluding to a previous story. I kept having to double-check this wasn't a sequel.
The whole story, plot and romance were nice. It ticks every box, and there are no surprises.
Overall, this was a 3.5 for me. I wasn't particularly gripped, but I would be interested in reading the rest of the series, to see where it goes.
I received a free copy in an exchange for an honest review.
So Andie used to be a witch, and used to hunt vampires. But after the death of her husband, and having a young child depending on her, she turned her back on it all.
She's moved to a little town, where nobody knows her past. She's just an average single mum, who works at the local school, and never does anything exciting.
The story really starts when a meteor crashes nearby, and the body of a young man is found in school grounds.
Even Andie, who is keen to stick her head in the ground and ignore everything paranormal, realises something is happening. Something big.
Luckily, she has new friend Stone to help her out. And provide some delicious man-candy to stare at, even if he is off-limits.
This book was fun. It was light, and a proper cosy, paranormal mystery. It never took itself seriously, and was entertaining.
That said, I initially struggled to get into it. This is very much midway through the drama that is Andie's life, and the way the book was written, it felt like it was alluding to a previous story. I kept having to double-check this wasn't a sequel.
The whole story, plot and romance were nice. It ticks every box, and there are no surprises.
Overall, this was a 3.5 for me. I wasn't particularly gripped, but I would be interested in reading the rest of the series, to see where it goes.
March 15, 2021
Both fun and funny
A retired vampire hunter is forced back into the job when her town is suddenly overrun with the paranormal. Now she has to deal with a two year old daughter coming into her powers, a wacky aunt, and a fallen angel. Fun first book in the series.
A retired vampire hunter is forced back into the job when her town is suddenly overrun with the paranormal. Now she has to deal with a two year old daughter coming into her powers, a wacky aunt, and a fallen angel. Fun first book in the series.
October 25, 2022
This handbook is a guide to delight!
I've been reading a lot of cozy Mysteries lately, and books like this are a big reason why! In stressful, crazy times, an escape from The Real World is what many of us need, and this book delivers.The Witches Handbook to Hunting Vampires is filled with warm, believable characters on a gripping and fast-paced adventure. The book has Mystery, romance, and laugh out loud humor!
I highly recommend this story, and I will be reading more!
I've been reading a lot of cozy Mysteries lately, and books like this are a big reason why! In stressful, crazy times, an escape from The Real World is what many of us need, and this book delivers.The Witches Handbook to Hunting Vampires is filled with warm, believable characters on a gripping and fast-paced adventure. The book has Mystery, romance, and laugh out loud humor!
I highly recommend this story, and I will be reading more!
Read
July 9, 2024Didn't care for it. Read 30% and stopped. And - way too much sexual tension and innuendos.
Amazon synopsis:
Andie Taylor is your average single mom. She's got a beautiful toddler, a great job at the local preschool, a neurotic best friend and one huge secret—she used to hunt vampires. Now retired, Andie would much rather be wiping kid snot off her clothes than stalking the undead.
But after a meteor rips through her small town, strange things start happening—like the school janitor is found dead with fang marks in his neck.
Andie's retired, it's not her problem.
Until vampires attack Andie on her front lawn. Now she has to figure out who the head bloodsucker is and stop him from taking any more victims—all while juggling single motherhood, a crazy great aunt and Andie's own lust for a fallen angel. Can she solve the mystery before the vampires claim someone else? Or will she become the next target of the bloodsuckers?
Amazon synopsis:
Andie Taylor is your average single mom. She's got a beautiful toddler, a great job at the local preschool, a neurotic best friend and one huge secret—she used to hunt vampires. Now retired, Andie would much rather be wiping kid snot off her clothes than stalking the undead.
But after a meteor rips through her small town, strange things start happening—like the school janitor is found dead with fang marks in his neck.
Andie's retired, it's not her problem.
Until vampires attack Andie on her front lawn. Now she has to figure out who the head bloodsucker is and stop him from taking any more victims—all while juggling single motherhood, a crazy great aunt and Andie's own lust for a fallen angel. Can she solve the mystery before the vampires claim someone else? Or will she become the next target of the bloodsuckers?
July 7, 2018
A return to her old job of hunter has been forced onto her to keep her small family safe.
Terrific. When a crashing meteorite falls to earth it changes everything in her life. Causing her two year old to suddenly come into her witchy power, exposing a plot for vampires to take over the earth, a spate of dead bodies and her return to being a vampire hunter (something she vowed never to do again after the death of her husband). Throw in more witches, angels, a Magic 8 ball haunted by her mentor, and host of other supernaturals for a fast paced read that will have you flying through the book. Can the plot be overthrown? By the way there is some surprising news about here dead husband at the end. Great characters, love Dot (she has the flavour of Endora from Bewitched about her). Will be interesting to see how things develop. ...
Terrific. When a crashing meteorite falls to earth it changes everything in her life. Causing her two year old to suddenly come into her witchy power, exposing a plot for vampires to take over the earth, a spate of dead bodies and her return to being a vampire hunter (something she vowed never to do again after the death of her husband). Throw in more witches, angels, a Magic 8 ball haunted by her mentor, and host of other supernaturals for a fast paced read that will have you flying through the book. Can the plot be overthrown? By the way there is some surprising news about here dead husband at the end. Great characters, love Dot (she has the flavour of Endora from Bewitched about her). Will be interesting to see how things develop. ...
September 5, 2017
Highly entertaining
Andie is a witch who used to specialize in vampire hunting. But since losing her husband she doesn´t do magic anymore. Something supernatural seems to happen in her hometown, and she SOOOOOOOOOO doesn´t want to get involved. But of course something happens that changes her mind.
I LOVED IT! It´s kind of ´Charmed´ meets ´Buffy´ with some new elements added. So maybe not 100% original, but very entertaining. Fast-paced, action-packed in a fun way. With quirky characters! I loved Aunt Dot with her pink hair and her naughty witchy ways.
A surprising twist at the end, one I didn’t see coming. Although there was one other thing that I did predict correctly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
Andie is a witch who used to specialize in vampire hunting. But since losing her husband she doesn´t do magic anymore. Something supernatural seems to happen in her hometown, and she SOOOOOOOOOO doesn´t want to get involved. But of course something happens that changes her mind.
I LOVED IT! It´s kind of ´Charmed´ meets ´Buffy´ with some new elements added. So maybe not 100% original, but very entertaining. Fast-paced, action-packed in a fun way. With quirky characters! I loved Aunt Dot with her pink hair and her naughty witchy ways.
A surprising twist at the end, one I didn’t see coming. Although there was one other thing that I did predict correctly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and voluntarily posted an honest review.
May 20, 2018
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.
September 6, 2017
I just love Ms. Boyles' style of writing. It's like we talk in the South! It is descriptive, detailed, authentic, super funny and very Southern! This new series is great. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I was going to like a book that was about vampires, but the story is addictive and the vamps are a minor part. (No blood & guts) Ms. Boyles' quirky sense of humor keeps you giggling. She describes the characters and settings so well that you want to escape into the story! This new series kept me interested until the very end! Seriously, I couldn't put it down! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, magic, a great story and lots of sass!
April 27, 2018
Southern Charm
The Witches Handbook is an interesting take on a good-guy Warrior witch storyline. A damaged, widowed, single mom is forced to try to save the world at great risk to herself. The cast of characters is both diverse and interesting, and I'm looking forward to fleshing them out in coming books. I have to admit, I'm hoping the friend Katie gains some depth. Right now, I just want to shake her and tell her to get a grip. LOL. I wasn't expecting to like this book or to want to read the next one, and sweet books usually leave me cold. But I did. So I'm going right now to download book 2.
The Witches Handbook is an interesting take on a good-guy Warrior witch storyline. A damaged, widowed, single mom is forced to try to save the world at great risk to herself. The cast of characters is both diverse and interesting, and I'm looking forward to fleshing them out in coming books. I have to admit, I'm hoping the friend Katie gains some depth. Right now, I just want to shake her and tell her to get a grip. LOL. I wasn't expecting to like this book or to want to read the next one, and sweet books usually leave me cold. But I did. So I'm going right now to download book 2.
September 9, 2025
After reading most of the author's other works, I thought I would take a try at this older trilogy. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as the Sweet Tea Witches or the Southern Belles and Spells series, both of which I love. In this series, even though I'm a mother myself, I still found it hard to connect with the FMC, a mother of a 2 year old, and the story itself was a bit less cozy and funny than the other series. I will likely still finish the trilogy, as the town of Normal is a great setting, and I'm interested to see what else is going to happen, but I was surprised at the lack of cozy feelings I had with this one.
December 17, 2017
As if being a Single Mom isn’t hard enough on its own.
Andie’s character is complex and has a variety of things going on in her present as well as some things from the past that are causing her life to run a muck.
Amy Boyle’s writing style is very direct. There is no skirting around things. Characters and plot are both well developed.
I loved the humor laced throughout this novel. I liked how Boyle’s balance of the humor, mystery, paranormal, and romance all led to a wonderfully exciting read.
Andie’s character is complex and has a variety of things going on in her present as well as some things from the past that are causing her life to run a muck.
Amy Boyle’s writing style is very direct. There is no skirting around things. Characters and plot are both well developed.
I loved the humor laced throughout this novel. I liked how Boyle’s balance of the humor, mystery, paranormal, and romance all led to a wonderfully exciting read.
April 26, 2020
Great supernatural urban fantasy series
A great supernatural urban fantasy adventure series. The vampire Hunter retired in a small normal town in the south. Until something happens that awakens supernatural things around her. She is a witch witch hunts vampires. Her two-year-old daughter lives with her in the human world. Now everything is turned upside down and she must go back to hunting vampires. With the help of her best friend her great aunt and an angel she will strive to save humanity. Very entertaining check it out
A great supernatural urban fantasy adventure series. The vampire Hunter retired in a small normal town in the south. Until something happens that awakens supernatural things around her. She is a witch witch hunts vampires. Her two-year-old daughter lives with her in the human world. Now everything is turned upside down and she must go back to hunting vampires. With the help of her best friend her great aunt and an angel she will strive to save humanity. Very entertaining check it out
September 7, 2017
Andie is trying to live a normal life in Normal but when a comet lands and vampires come out of the woodwork, she must use her witchy powers to defeat them. A fun read which reminded me a little of Bewitched with the crazy aunt and the main character trying to appear normal. I think PNR fans would love it. I would recommend it.
October 1, 2017
Another great Paranormal Mystery from Amy Boyle!
I love Amy's writing style. She pens quirky and fun leads who don't mess around. Andie is no different.
I loved the mystery element to this novel. I felt like it kept me on my toes.
Characters and plot are both well developed.
Overall a great addition to the Paranormal bookshelf!
I love Amy's writing style. She pens quirky and fun leads who don't mess around. Andie is no different.
I loved the mystery element to this novel. I felt like it kept me on my toes.
Characters and plot are both well developed.
Overall a great addition to the Paranormal bookshelf!
October 27, 2017
Great Read
Andie is amazing. I highly recommend The Witch's Handbook. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Dot's antics had me laughing out loud and I can not wait to see where Gabby and Kate are headed. I have a feeling Andie's life is about to get even more out of control, I can't wait to read about it.
Andie is amazing. I highly recommend The Witch's Handbook. The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Dot's antics had me laughing out loud and I can not wait to see where Gabby and Kate are headed. I have a feeling Andie's life is about to get even more out of control, I can't wait to read about it.
August 27, 2018
Paras by the score.
What a great series. Witches, vampires, weres, angels and one special little witch. Andie left her life as a vampire hunter, to raise her daughter after her husband was killed. Moving to Normal and life as a teacher. Problem is Normal didn't stay that way for very long.
What a great series. Witches, vampires, weres, angels and one special little witch. Andie left her life as a vampire hunter, to raise her daughter after her husband was killed. Moving to Normal and life as a teacher. Problem is Normal didn't stay that way for very long.
April 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this. A few of the plot twists I figured out early on, but there were a couple surprises. Mostly I loves the characters. The mom was ok, but I just adored the aunt and the magic 8 ball. Mostly I'm excited to see what's going to happy with Gabby. I would definitely like to read the next book in the series.
May 19, 2022
The vampire hunter and the angel
Amy Boyles is an awesome author. In this book Andie was a retired vampire hunter until her town, Normal, has a few deaths that looks like vampires. Then her daughter gets her powers and a guardian angel. Andie must figure out how to save an angel and her daughter. She finds out information about her deaf husband. I loved this book.
Amy Boyles is an awesome author. In this book Andie was a retired vampire hunter until her town, Normal, has a few deaths that looks like vampires. Then her daughter gets her powers and a guardian angel. Andie must figure out how to save an angel and her daughter. She finds out information about her deaf husband. I loved this book.
September 20, 2023
Angels, witches and vamps
I enjoyed reading this book as it is fun reading even though it had bad vamps in it. The characters were fun, light hearted, totally believable, and they are unbelievable at the same time. Auntie’s antics, the Angel’s itches and the single paranormal mom in a Normal town. Sit down, get comfy and enjoy.
I enjoyed reading this book as it is fun reading even though it had bad vamps in it. The characters were fun, light hearted, totally believable, and they are unbelievable at the same time. Auntie’s antics, the Angel’s itches and the single paranormal mom in a Normal town. Sit down, get comfy and enjoy.
July 5, 2025
Good paranormal story about Andie Taylor who is a single Mom, she used to hunt vampires but is retired but things happen to bring her back into her old job. The virtual voice narration was hard to listen to at times because it made me stop listening a lot and took me longer to finish this short audiobook.
October 15, 2017
A Very Good Read!
This was a very cute paranormal mystery/romance!
Just enough angst between the male and female leads to make you hope they find a way to make it work. Enough action to have me cheering the 'heroes' on!! And then that surprise hook at the end!! Perfect!
This was a very cute paranormal mystery/romance!
Just enough angst between the male and female leads to make you hope they find a way to make it work. Enough action to have me cheering the 'heroes' on!! And then that surprise hook at the end!! Perfect!
October 23, 2017
Another great series by this author
I love her other series and was super excited to start this one. Andie is somewhat like Dylan, she even has a crazy aunt but it’s a completely different set up and it works. I love Stone, Kate and Vordrid, the trapped mentor in a magic 8 ball!
I love her other series and was super excited to start this one. Andie is somewhat like Dylan, she even has a crazy aunt but it’s a completely different set up and it works. I love Stone, Kate and Vordrid, the trapped mentor in a magic 8 ball!
November 18, 2017
the story and characters are good, however I think it has the potential for more. The action scenes were very quick. I would read the rest of the series to find out what happens to the characters, however I am not sure if I am going to as the end hadn't quite left me intrigued enough.
December 6, 2017
Didn't know
How I would feel about this series. It's a little different from Amy's other series...which I absolutely love!
I have to say I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading more of the stories, if only to find out what happens in her personal life ;) ;)
How I would feel about this series. It's a little different from Amy's other series...which I absolutely love!
I have to say I enjoyed reading it and I am looking forward to reading more of the stories, if only to find out what happens in her personal life ;) ;)
November 11, 2018
Interesting and entertaining read
This was a little slow to get into, but proved to be a good read in the end. Following Andie and her family through the arrivals of all sorts of supernatural beings, and how she deals with them... especially since it happens on Halloween!
This was a little slow to get into, but proved to be a good read in the end. Following Andie and her family through the arrivals of all sorts of supernatural beings, and how she deals with them... especially since it happens on Halloween!
Read
March 9, 2021The paranormal world is at your door.
A meteor is blazing thru the sky and barely misses your town. Things begin to happen. Mysterious deaths, A huge change in a toddlers life. The best looking man you've ever seen shows up in your life. Magic happens. Beware vampires
A meteor is blazing thru the sky and barely misses your town. Things begin to happen. Mysterious deaths, A huge change in a toddlers life. The best looking man you've ever seen shows up in your life. Magic happens. Beware vampires
May 3, 2022
vampire hunting witches
She was a vampire hunter and a witch but gave it all up when she lost her husband and had a baby.. first book of the hunter was interesting and their is even an angel.. cool book
She was a vampire hunter and a witch but gave it all up when she lost her husband and had a baby.. first book of the hunter was interesting and their is even an angel.. cool book
August 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book. The main and supporting characters were fun, interesting, and grow close to the reader, quickly. The plot is easily followed and the ending was mostly great. I can definitely recommend this book.
October 5, 2022
help
A fun wacky family of witches, an angel, a beautiful baby witch, and a town named Normal who is anything but normal. Leads to unpredictable surprises, and an unexpected ending! Good and evil collide, who will win?
A fun wacky family of witches, an angel, a beautiful baby witch, and a town named Normal who is anything but normal. Leads to unpredictable surprises, and an unexpected ending! Good and evil collide, who will win?
January 18, 2023
Amy Boyles tells a good story
Andie is a witch, a single mom and a teacher. Before she had Gabby, she was a vampire hunter. This unusual collection of skills makes her very necessary to deal with the supernatural events coming to a head in her little town. A fun read.
Andie is a witch, a single mom and a teacher. Before she had Gabby, she was a vampire hunter. This unusual collection of skills makes her very necessary to deal with the supernatural events coming to a head in her little town. A fun read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews