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Witches and Wine #4
Witches' Magic
Since her arrival in Lighthouse Bay, Pepper has faced one adversary after another and come out winning. Yet what happens now will test her faith in everything she thought she knew and someone she trusted.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2017
188 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Morgana Best
203 books430 followersUSA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 12, 2018
This book was a such a delight! It's one of those novels that isn't particularly action packed or super intense, yet it still has a certain charm to it that makes it quite endearing. The mystery is fun and may be a bit predictable but I don't feel that it lessened my enjoyment at all!
What would normally take me two days to read only took me 3hrs and 3min to finish. That should tell you something! The pages always fly when a reader is really into the material at hand. So the adventure begins once again at Mugwort Manor. Pepper notices her kitty, Hecate, acting strangely and starts to follow her around the grounds, only to shockingly discover a body!
Honestly Pepper should have known better at this point what she would find as her right eye had begun to twitched. That always means something bad is going to happen! What's even worse is that there is a note left on the body, pinned there by the fatal dagger wound that reads Agnes is next. Yikes!
Someone is now gunning for Aunt Agnes, but the question is why? And how can they be stopped? That is the main meat of the story. Due to the the fact that the victim was a Vamp, the Aunts and Pepper take it unto themselves and try to find out who the culprit is and stop them. The only problem is, they aren't sure where to start. Then when another murder happens things get thrown into disarray and poor Pepper isn't sure who she can trust anymore.
Lucas is acting strange and just flat out nasty. What has gotten in to him? Because of his uncharacteristic behavior our heroine keeps her distance from the questionable Cleaner while trying to help her Aunts crack the case. Which proves to be rather difficult when there are no leads and they have to keep dodging the nosy but well meaning police.
After some action, mystery, and adventure scenes the story unravels in a most amusing way. An 'Ah-ha!' way if you will because even though the mystery isn't terribly hard to solve, it's still fun to theorize and come to your own conclusions. Fortunately I was right on the money this time with my guess! Naturally Pepper gets caught in the thick of it but since she is the heroine she manages to escape a seriously dangerous situation. While wearing skimpy black lingerie no less -- Thanks Aunt Dorothy!
Coming to terms with that happened and how it came to be and what it could potentially mean for the future, both Pepper and Lucas patch things up and the novel ends on a delightful note. It's a bit cheesy but it's a very sweet cheese topped with a cute pinky promise. And birthday cake!
I really adore this series. It's not just mindless cozy fluff because it does have some depth to it, which I like very much. There are some terrible topics in the books such as murder and abuse but Miss Best never goes into great detail how all of it happens. It's such a breath of fresh air to find some stories that don't rely on nasty details and shock factor to keep people reading. How refreshing!
I also really like the fact that this is a 'clean' series. There is no cursing, sex, or gore. It's awesome! I swear nearly all the books I read nowadays are smothered with those topics but not these novels. It's quite lovely actually and really shows that there are authors that can still write good stuff without all that nonsense. Kudos to Miss Best!
The only downer I can point out at the moment is that the next story has not been released. Oh the horror! It's been over a year since the last one came out so I hope there is not publishing issue. I adore The Vampires and Wine series so I hope the next one gets released soon. Fingers crossed!
What would normally take me two days to read only took me 3hrs and 3min to finish. That should tell you something! The pages always fly when a reader is really into the material at hand. So the adventure begins once again at Mugwort Manor. Pepper notices her kitty, Hecate, acting strangely and starts to follow her around the grounds, only to shockingly discover a body!
Honestly Pepper should have known better at this point what she would find as her right eye had begun to twitched. That always means something bad is going to happen! What's even worse is that there is a note left on the body, pinned there by the fatal dagger wound that reads Agnes is next. Yikes!
Someone is now gunning for Aunt Agnes, but the question is why? And how can they be stopped? That is the main meat of the story. Due to the the fact that the victim was a Vamp, the Aunts and Pepper take it unto themselves and try to find out who the culprit is and stop them. The only problem is, they aren't sure where to start. Then when another murder happens things get thrown into disarray and poor Pepper isn't sure who she can trust anymore.
Lucas is acting strange and just flat out nasty. What has gotten in to him? Because of his uncharacteristic behavior our heroine keeps her distance from the questionable Cleaner while trying to help her Aunts crack the case. Which proves to be rather difficult when there are no leads and they have to keep dodging the nosy but well meaning police.
After some action, mystery, and adventure scenes the story unravels in a most amusing way. An 'Ah-ha!' way if you will because even though the mystery isn't terribly hard to solve, it's still fun to theorize and come to your own conclusions. Fortunately I was right on the money this time with my guess! Naturally Pepper gets caught in the thick of it but since she is the heroine she manages to escape a seriously dangerous situation. While wearing skimpy black lingerie no less -- Thanks Aunt Dorothy!
Coming to terms with that happened and how it came to be and what it could potentially mean for the future, both Pepper and Lucas patch things up and the novel ends on a delightful note. It's a bit cheesy but it's a very sweet cheese topped with a cute pinky promise. And birthday cake!
I really adore this series. It's not just mindless cozy fluff because it does have some depth to it, which I like very much. There are some terrible topics in the books such as murder and abuse but Miss Best never goes into great detail how all of it happens. It's such a breath of fresh air to find some stories that don't rely on nasty details and shock factor to keep people reading. How refreshing!
I also really like the fact that this is a 'clean' series. There is no cursing, sex, or gore. It's awesome! I swear nearly all the books I read nowadays are smothered with those topics but not these novels. It's quite lovely actually and really shows that there are authors that can still write good stuff without all that nonsense. Kudos to Miss Best!
The only downer I can point out at the moment is that the next story has not been released. Oh the horror! It's been over a year since the last one came out so I hope there is not publishing issue. I adore The Vampires and Wine series so I hope the next one gets released soon. Fingers crossed!
August 26, 2017
This is book four in the Vampires and Wine series. Once again Pepper discovers a dead body at Mugwort Manor. Out of reflex she calls the police before telling the Aunts...and they wish she hadn't. It seems the man was a former boyfriend of Aunt Agnes, and a member of the secret vampire council. A cleaner (Lucas) should have been called. But it is too late, so things progress through normal legal channels. Before long, Pepper and her aunts are trying to solve his murder. In the process of that, they invite a suspect to lunch to try and interrogate him. When he dies after drinking from the water bottle he brought with him, it becomes apparent to them that this victim must be connected to the first victim. The investigation efforts are increased in order to find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt.
Unfortunately, Pepper gets hurt anyway. Her heart is broken as she witnesses Lucas kissing another woman, carrying on with call girls, and acting distant and suspicious. He doesn't even talk to Pepper, and when he does he calls her by her formal name of Valkyrie.
What is wrong with Lucas? Who killed those men and who tried to poison Aunt Agnes? When will Pepper get to go back to her own cottage and be safe? So many questions to be answered by reading this fun and somewhat wacky episode of Mugwort Manor and inhabitants. Pepper gets a chance to learn more about magic spells from her aunts, as well as learning to appreciate her family and friends. Prepare for a surprise you never suspected, and I don't mean birthday dinner with the Aunts!
One special bonus is the glossary the author includes for those of us who don't live down under. Unusual spellings and Australian terms add to the interesting book. When the art exhibit featured information on indigenous art to Australia, I appreciated the short history lesson and things I learned.
Unfortunately, Pepper gets hurt anyway. Her heart is broken as she witnesses Lucas kissing another woman, carrying on with call girls, and acting distant and suspicious. He doesn't even talk to Pepper, and when he does he calls her by her formal name of Valkyrie.
What is wrong with Lucas? Who killed those men and who tried to poison Aunt Agnes? When will Pepper get to go back to her own cottage and be safe? So many questions to be answered by reading this fun and somewhat wacky episode of Mugwort Manor and inhabitants. Pepper gets a chance to learn more about magic spells from her aunts, as well as learning to appreciate her family and friends. Prepare for a surprise you never suspected, and I don't mean birthday dinner with the Aunts!
One special bonus is the glossary the author includes for those of us who don't live down under. Unusual spellings and Australian terms add to the interesting book. When the art exhibit featured information on indigenous art to Australia, I appreciated the short history lesson and things I learned.
December 24, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
December 26, 2019
Witches' Magic. (Witches and Wine Book 4) by Morgana Best.
I said it before. This is one of my favorite series.
This time Pepper finds a dead body at the Manor and calls the police, not knowing the dead man was a ex-boyfriend of aunt Agnes.
This is when the story starts to twists and turn with dead secret vampire council members, strange behaviour occurring, trips searching for the dead mans' lawyer and another death by poison.
I will just say that the way the story developed was great and at the end you can see a well cohesive bond of family and close friends.
I said it before. This is one of my favorite series.
This time Pepper finds a dead body at the Manor and calls the police, not knowing the dead man was a ex-boyfriend of aunt Agnes.
This is when the story starts to twists and turn with dead secret vampire council members, strange behaviour occurring, trips searching for the dead mans' lawyer and another death by poison.
I will just say that the way the story developed was great and at the end you can see a well cohesive bond of family and close friends.
August 23, 2021
A new body a new murder to solve! This time note attached indicates Pepper’s Aunt Agnes is next! Lucas is showing a nasty side of himself that puts him and Pepper on the outs~ Pepper and her aunts do not know what to look for as far as clues go. They have no reasoning as to why this may be occurring…until another body shows up murdered! The hilarious things that occur during this mystery will have you ROFL~ Another great mystery to solve by Pepper and Company~
October 8, 2021
Pepper once again almost trips over a dead body. She calls the police which upsets her aunts. It turns out the body is an ancient boyfriend of one of her aunts. There’s a note on the body saying “Agnes is next”. Pepper tries to figure out the issue and tries to enlist Lucas’s help. Unfortunately, not only is Lucas not helpful but it seems he has quite a few new girlfriends.
I really enjoy this series. It’s a little crazy, has endearing characters, and little Aussie nature in it.
I really enjoy this series. It’s a little crazy, has endearing characters, and little Aussie nature in it.
August 27, 2017
Great book 4. Is book 5 finished yet?
I really enjoy the Vampires and Wine series. I love the characters. The mysteries are intriguing. There are spells and herbal lore shared. There's discussions on how to solve the latest crisis. There's excitement and romance. There is also Australian history added to the mix. Something for everyone in a really good series.
I really enjoy the Vampires and Wine series. I love the characters. The mysteries are intriguing. There are spells and herbal lore shared. There's discussions on how to solve the latest crisis. There's excitement and romance. There is also Australian history added to the mix. Something for everyone in a really good series.
August 30, 2017
Another murder at the cosy little in on the coast of Australia! Plus there are attempted murders, stolen poisons, red herrings, a lesson in arachnology, some peculiar plot twists, and a real confusion in a budding romance. This series is always intriguing and compelling, and the characters certainly are. I'm always looking for more by this author. She never disappoints!
August 11, 2020
When Pepper (Valkyrie) finds man dying on the front steps of the B&B she's managing from a stab wound with evidence that points to her aunt. She's off on another investigation.
This time it's more difficult because she has reason to believe that Lucas is not as interested in a relationship with her as she is with him.
This time it's more difficult because she has reason to believe that Lucas is not as interested in a relationship with her as she is with him.
November 21, 2020
Disappointing
I enjoyed the previous books in this series. This one was disappointing and not at the same level as the previous ones. The reader could tell almost instantly what was going on and who the “bad guy” was. This book felt rushed and lazy. I’m hoping this was a fluke and the author goes back to writing good books with the next one.
I enjoyed the previous books in this series. This one was disappointing and not at the same level as the previous ones. The reader could tell almost instantly what was going on and who the “bad guy” was. This book felt rushed and lazy. I’m hoping this was a fluke and the author goes back to writing good books with the next one.
April 11, 2023
This was light and fluffy and fun. I cringed pretty hard with secondhand embarrassment during some parts since the main character was rather exceptionally dense. The mystery wasn’t resolved in a particularly satisfying way but the romance progressed nicely and enough that it intrigued me to continue onto the next book soon.
January 16, 2018
Yet more fun
This book was as much fun as all the others. I love the setting in Australia and read with Google maps open so I can (sort of) look at the beautiful scenery. Again, highly recommended.
This book was as much fun as all the others. I love the setting in Australia and read with Google maps open so I can (sort of) look at the beautiful scenery. Again, highly recommended.
December 8, 2018
Where is everyone
Moving quickly on to the storyline, there was a lot of people being out of place, constantly changing where they were. Seemed very energetic without wearing out. Happy birthday.
Moving quickly on to the storyline, there was a lot of people being out of place, constantly changing where they were. Seemed very energetic without wearing out. Happy birthday.
August 4, 2020
Witches Magic is Book 4 in the Witches and Wine Cozy Series. I love this series.
This book was so good. Lucas is acting so strangely and its upsetting Pepper something fierce. All is not as it seems.
Someone is poisoned and Pepper and her aunt are on the case. Such a great story! Developed characters with a mystery that will keep you guessing!
This book was so good. Lucas is acting so strangely and its upsetting Pepper something fierce. All is not as it seems.
Someone is poisoned and Pepper and her aunt are on the case. Such a great story! Developed characters with a mystery that will keep you guessing!
August 23, 2020
Good read
Book 4 has humor, mystery, a couple of murders, a few attempted murders, and no sex, although Pepper and Lucas are getting a little bit closer. She gets kidnapped again, but has help getting saved this time. The killer is a surprise, so be prepared. Highly recommend.
Book 4 has humor, mystery, a couple of murders, a few attempted murders, and no sex, although Pepper and Lucas are getting a little bit closer. She gets kidnapped again, but has help getting saved this time. The killer is a surprise, so be prepared. Highly recommend.
August 5, 2021
mix optimism and a creatively resourceful lady and you get a female version of macguyver! Peppers mind, always working, adds unexpected turns that are amazing. things are not always what they seem to be, hiding behind a curtain of magic misdirect. this one will not disappoint any one!
September 2, 2018
Keeps getting better
I am enjoying this series of books. The main characters are becoming well developed. The Aunts are still my favorites
I am enjoying this series of books. The main characters are becoming well developed. The Aunts are still my favorites
February 21, 2019
Another fun read by this author. Can’t wait to see what trouble Pepper and get shots will get into. As well as seeing how Pepper and Lucas’ romance develops.
March 5, 2019
I really enjoy Morgana Best's writing. I love me a cozy mystery and add in the super natural and I'm hooked.
October 27, 2020
A fun easy read
January 30, 2021
Loved this funny, romantic mystery!
March 2, 2021
Witch magic
I am really liking this series the characters are great and the story moves right along. The main character could be just a little smarter but that is how it goes
I am really liking this series the characters are great and the story moves right along. The main character could be just a little smarter but that is how it goes
October 5, 2023
A Fun Addition to the Series!
Loads of secrets are revealed in this fourth installment of Witches and Wine, and there is a massive conspiracy to along with them. That isn't all, though. There are two murders at the manor, an aunt is in danger, and Lucas is acting very strange. Pepper and friends really have their work cut out for them this time around.
I wish this makes rating easy, but unfortunately I find myself conflicted. You see, there is a major problem I can't get over despite how much I enjoy the story. That problem is Lucas. I don't want to give anything away, although I am sure many will see what I am hinting at right off the bat, but I don't even think there really is too much of a way around this. So saying that... Pepper is not stupid or oblivious. I can't even imagine Linda and the aunts being that stupid or oblivious. Yet all the female characters are very dumb in recognizing the issue with Lucas. Even Lucas takes time to realize why Pepper is so angry, which makes everything even more ridiculous as he is closer to the situation. So throughout the time I spent reading this book, I was super frustrated beyond belief.
Now let me tell you how EASY it is to figure out the dilemma faced by the characters regarding Lucas, which is supposed to be part of the mystery as it fills 90% of the book. I sorted out the rest of Collier's last words on page 40. Page 40 out of 160 and just before any clues are dropped. I WILL say this to make things better... It is actually rather funny how I stumbled across the answer because it was a guess -- one of my crazy, way out there, theories that is quite laughable when first spoken. I did a lot of giggling as I made the note about my idea. Then the clues started popping up, and they literally screamed off the page that my theory was correct. From there I couldn't fathom how, after all the lies and surprises and secrets, that none of the characters (particularly Pepper and Lucas) realized what I knew from the beginning.
Aside from that major issue, however, there is what I state above: Astonishing new secrets are revealed, there is a conspiracy unfolding, two murders occure at the manor, someone close to Pepper is in danger. This is a good book. It is fun, suspenseful, a cozy read. A great addition to the series that will help carry it along. But the Lucas issue just doesn't fit with the characters and their relationships, what they know of each other and how they feel around each other. So I think, despite wanting to give this 4 or 5 stars, I have to give 3.
Loads of secrets are revealed in this fourth installment of Witches and Wine, and there is a massive conspiracy to along with them. That isn't all, though. There are two murders at the manor, an aunt is in danger, and Lucas is acting very strange. Pepper and friends really have their work cut out for them this time around.
I wish this makes rating easy, but unfortunately I find myself conflicted. You see, there is a major problem I can't get over despite how much I enjoy the story. That problem is Lucas. I don't want to give anything away, although I am sure many will see what I am hinting at right off the bat, but I don't even think there really is too much of a way around this. So saying that... Pepper is not stupid or oblivious. I can't even imagine Linda and the aunts being that stupid or oblivious. Yet all the female characters are very dumb in recognizing the issue with Lucas. Even Lucas takes time to realize why Pepper is so angry, which makes everything even more ridiculous as he is closer to the situation. So throughout the time I spent reading this book, I was super frustrated beyond belief.
Now let me tell you how EASY it is to figure out the dilemma faced by the characters regarding Lucas, which is supposed to be part of the mystery as it fills 90% of the book. I sorted out the rest of Collier's last words on page 40. Page 40 out of 160 and just before any clues are dropped. I WILL say this to make things better... It is actually rather funny how I stumbled across the answer because it was a guess -- one of my crazy, way out there, theories that is quite laughable when first spoken. I did a lot of giggling as I made the note about my idea. Then the clues started popping up, and they literally screamed off the page that my theory was correct. From there I couldn't fathom how, after all the lies and surprises and secrets, that none of the characters (particularly Pepper and Lucas) realized what I knew from the beginning.
Aside from that major issue, however, there is what I state above: Astonishing new secrets are revealed, there is a conspiracy unfolding, two murders occure at the manor, someone close to Pepper is in danger. This is a good book. It is fun, suspenseful, a cozy read. A great addition to the series that will help carry it along. But the Lucas issue just doesn't fit with the characters and their relationships, what they know of each other and how they feel around each other. So I think, despite wanting to give this 4 or 5 stars, I have to give 3.
September 6, 2025
This series, like all from this author, is such a fun ride! Even though here I have to say Pepper wasn’t at her sleuthing best, since from the start I had the feeling
But despite it all, I still had a great time!
But despite it all, I still had a great time!
January 2, 2025
Bon moment de lecture, même si le dénouement est un peu répétitif.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews