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Starry Hollow Witches #5
Magic & Mercy
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
Ember Rose has her work cut out for her when a butler is murdered at the annual Estate Manager Conference. The former New Jersey resident and descendant of the One True Witch must keep Aunt Hyacinth from marching on the war path in defense of Simon, her butler and right hand. Ember also inadvertently makes herself a target of her aunt's ire when she attends the Nash wolf pack picnic--as Sheriff Granger Nash's date.
Did the butler do it or can Ember keep Simon from trading a life behind Aunt Hyacinth's bar for a life behind bars?
Magic & Mercy is the fifth book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.
This is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery novel.
Books in the series include:
Magic & Murder, Book 1
Magic & Mystery, Book 2
Magic & Mischief, Book 3
Magic & Mayhem, Book 4
Magic & Mercy, Book 5
Annabel Chase is also the author of the Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery series. Check out Curse the Day, Book 1 in that series.
Ember Rose has her work cut out for her when a butler is murdered at the annual Estate Manager Conference. The former New Jersey resident and descendant of the One True Witch must keep Aunt Hyacinth from marching on the war path in defense of Simon, her butler and right hand. Ember also inadvertently makes herself a target of her aunt's ire when she attends the Nash wolf pack picnic--as Sheriff Granger Nash's date.
Did the butler do it or can Ember keep Simon from trading a life behind Aunt Hyacinth's bar for a life behind bars?
Magic & Mercy is the fifth book in the Starry Hollow Witches paranormal cozy mystery series.
This is a full-length, humorous cozy mystery novel.
Books in the series include:
Magic & Murder, Book 1
Magic & Mystery, Book 2
Magic & Mischief, Book 3
Magic & Mayhem, Book 4
Magic & Mercy, Book 5
Annabel Chase is also the author of the Spellbound Paranormal Cozy Mystery series. Check out Curse the Day, Book 1 in that series.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2018
1065 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Chase
206 books1,489 followersAnnabel Chase is the author of urban fantasy and cozy mystery novels. She would love to live in a magical town where she can shop at Ready-to-Were for the the perfect outfit, flirt with hot angels and vampires, and cook gourmet meals without exerting any effort. Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Annabel-Chas... or on her website at www.annabelchase.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
February 9, 2018
Witches, butlers, and a whodunit.
I really like this series. Especially the love triangle between a witch, a werewolf, and a vampire. I don't know which one I am rooting for.
I enjoyed the point of view from the seen and not heard from background characters, the butlers. They really take their roles seriously.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the story with a character referred to as Tonya then Tanya. This happened multiple times in one scene. I thought from previous books it was one person. Either the author had a slip or my memory is slipping. Maybe it has been twins all along and I need to read slower.. :)
Despite any minor errors I feel there may be this is a fun read. I look forward to the next in the series.
I really like this series. Especially the love triangle between a witch, a werewolf, and a vampire. I don't know which one I am rooting for.
I enjoyed the point of view from the seen and not heard from background characters, the butlers. They really take their roles seriously.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the story with a character referred to as Tonya then Tanya. This happened multiple times in one scene. I thought from previous books it was one person. Either the author had a slip or my memory is slipping. Maybe it has been twins all along and I need to read slower.. :)
Despite any minor errors I feel there may be this is a fun read. I look forward to the next in the series.
November 8, 2020
These books just feel like a little warm hug onna rainy day. I absolutely love diving into them. This book only gets four stars because I wish there was a little more detail in there. About bewitching bites mainly!
Also I just love Alec. I like the sherrif too but he's no sexy vampire is he.
Also I just love Alec. I like the sherrif too but he's no sexy vampire is he.
February 11, 2018
Treasure
This was a story within a story. Pretty good too. So my thoughts, I adore Sheriff Granger .and how great he treats Ember. However, I don't feel he fully appreciates all that she can do for herself. He still wants to protect her and even coddle her a little, maybe.?. Where as Alec, he seems to know who she is and how capable Ember can be. The only thing holding him back is propriety. So I am on team Alec.
This was a story within a story. Pretty good too. So my thoughts, I adore Sheriff Granger .and how great he treats Ember. However, I don't feel he fully appreciates all that she can do for herself. He still wants to protect her and even coddle her a little, maybe.?. Where as Alec, he seems to know who she is and how capable Ember can be. The only thing holding him back is propriety. So I am on team Alec.
February 12, 2018
Unrequited Love
Murder, Treasure Maps, and Unrequited Love.
Butler’s demise at a conference for butlers but he was talking about treasure maps the night before he died. How does he die and how does the treasure map play into his demise.
Unrequited love is a key ingredient in this story but whose love is it? Only by reading the story will you find out. Take a chance and you will find out.
Murder, Treasure Maps, and Unrequited Love.
Butler’s demise at a conference for butlers but he was talking about treasure maps the night before he died. How does he die and how does the treasure map play into his demise.
Unrequited love is a key ingredient in this story but whose love is it? Only by reading the story will you find out. Take a chance and you will find out.
March 4, 2018
Alex and Granger make a great love triangle and I'm glad that Alex ame back into town. I'm not sure about the whole butler convention thing but I enjoyed the book. I'm Team Alex if I get to choose at all
April 23, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ember Rose
Trevor Jenkins
Jeremy Higginbotham
----------------------------------
What happens?
A butler dies during a Butler's conference in Starry Hollow. Ember is of course on the scene covering the conference for the paper. Simon her Aunt's butler is briefly thrown into suspicion when he is found with blood on his shirt from the victim.
The new familiar adds to the comedy of this book by helping to investigate.
Final thoughts
Interesting book but getting a little samey. I still can't stop reading but that is kind of down to trying to decide who she should be with.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Ember Rose
Trevor Jenkins
Jeremy Higginbotham
----------------------------------
What happens?
A butler dies during a Butler's conference in Starry Hollow. Ember is of course on the scene covering the conference for the paper. Simon her Aunt's butler is briefly thrown into suspicion when he is found with blood on his shirt from the victim.
The new familiar adds to the comedy of this book by helping to investigate.
Final thoughts
Interesting book but getting a little samey. I still can't stop reading but that is kind of down to trying to decide who she should be with.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
August 8, 2021
I've really enjoyed all the books up to here, but this one was not up to her standards. Just middle of the road.
July 28, 2022
Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read
December 19, 2022
Can you tell I'm binging this series - I would love a butler named Simon in my life. As Ember's aunt's right hand there is no way the butler did it- right?
June 12, 2019
A bit of a disappointment compared to the previous books. The plot was a little all over the place and, while I give a lot of leeway to cozy mystery protagonists, so much of what she did was just super unethical.
August 16, 2018
Mystery was easy to solve, characters are just becoming tedious and I’m done hoping for a hea for Ember.
February 13, 2018
An amusing tale of murder and treasure hunts
Previous books
Book 1 Magic and Murder
Book 2 Magic and Mystery
Book 3 Magic and Mischief
Book 4 Magic and Mayhem
This book is the 5th in the Starry Hollow series, Magic and Mercy.
This can stand alone as the case is resolved within the story but it is more enjoyable to read them from the start as characters and their relationships are developing throughout the books.
Alec is Ember's immediate boss. Gone on a holiday, so her nemesis in the office is her temporary boss. He assigns Ember to the Butler conference. Ember is a reporter for the paper her aunt owns but is trying to prove her worth by working hard. Somehow no matter where she is assigned trouble follows which makes for a bigger story for the paper.
One consolation is that Simon her aunt's Butler will be in attendance and Ember is hoping for his help. Unfortunately a body interrupts the proceedings, this opens up a whole new world of experiences including ghosts, treasure maps, pirates and a thief.
On top of this a new family member that Marley is in awe of and more training for the newest member of Starry Hollow.
Raoul adds top comedy moments and a sweet ending.
The story is fast moving, engaging and hard to put down. Each book has been fantastic with the characters coming into their own and more new and interesting places to discover. This book adds a real gem to the collection. I enjoyed it tremendously.
Can't wait for the next one.
Previous books
Book 1 Magic and Murder
Book 2 Magic and Mystery
Book 3 Magic and Mischief
Book 4 Magic and Mayhem
This book is the 5th in the Starry Hollow series, Magic and Mercy.
This can stand alone as the case is resolved within the story but it is more enjoyable to read them from the start as characters and their relationships are developing throughout the books.
Alec is Ember's immediate boss. Gone on a holiday, so her nemesis in the office is her temporary boss. He assigns Ember to the Butler conference. Ember is a reporter for the paper her aunt owns but is trying to prove her worth by working hard. Somehow no matter where she is assigned trouble follows which makes for a bigger story for the paper.
One consolation is that Simon her aunt's Butler will be in attendance and Ember is hoping for his help. Unfortunately a body interrupts the proceedings, this opens up a whole new world of experiences including ghosts, treasure maps, pirates and a thief.
On top of this a new family member that Marley is in awe of and more training for the newest member of Starry Hollow.
Raoul adds top comedy moments and a sweet ending.
The story is fast moving, engaging and hard to put down. Each book has been fantastic with the characters coming into their own and more new and interesting places to discover. This book adds a real gem to the collection. I enjoyed it tremendously.
Can't wait for the next one.
May 7, 2018
This is a review for the Starry Hollow Witchs books 1 through 6, as I read them all one ofter the other so feel a series review is in place.
This series had a different feel to the Spellbound books. For a start Starry Hollow takes it's place in the world at large and time has continued to move forwards. The magic appears to be different dependant on the users and has a slightly different feel to it. Ember (like Emma in Spellbound) does arrive though from the human world and finds out she is a witch from a rather special family. There she discovers a matriarchal aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews and a whole cast of weird and wonderful townsfolk, including some rather handsome new suitors. Ember and her daughter discover the delights of a new world, along with solving some murder and mayhem on the side. The world is delightful and I recommend these books highly for a spot of light reading that will surely distract from the day to day of reality. Fun and engaging.
This series had a different feel to the Spellbound books. For a start Starry Hollow takes it's place in the world at large and time has continued to move forwards. The magic appears to be different dependant on the users and has a slightly different feel to it. Ember (like Emma in Spellbound) does arrive though from the human world and finds out she is a witch from a rather special family. There she discovers a matriarchal aunt, cousins, nieces and nephews and a whole cast of weird and wonderful townsfolk, including some rather handsome new suitors. Ember and her daughter discover the delights of a new world, along with solving some murder and mayhem on the side. The world is delightful and I recommend these books highly for a spot of light reading that will surely distract from the day to day of reality. Fun and engaging.
March 26, 2025
There is an Estate Manager (butler) conference in town and Ember is covering for the newspaper. As the conference starts, a butler staggers in and dies. Another murder to investigate.
As well as investigating the murder, Ember is also working on getting her broomstick license although she’s not too worried about it. Flying is something she is loving.
Working with Sheriff Granger Nash, who is also her romantic interest, this mystery has a few twists and turns. Magical candy store, treasure map from vampire pirates, an inn run by ghosts, this book has a bit of everything. Raoul, the raccoon familiar, is good for a few laughs as well.
Again, it is a light, quick, fun read. I’m really enjoying these books.
As well as investigating the murder, Ember is also working on getting her broomstick license although she’s not too worried about it. Flying is something she is loving.
Working with Sheriff Granger Nash, who is also her romantic interest, this mystery has a few twists and turns. Magical candy store, treasure map from vampire pirates, an inn run by ghosts, this book has a bit of everything. Raoul, the raccoon familiar, is good for a few laughs as well.
Again, it is a light, quick, fun read. I’m really enjoying these books.
July 4, 2018
Most enjoyable. Ember continues to get into trouble and finds romance with Sheriff Granger while Alec bails and disappears for a while, returning with Holly. Aster's perfect life is cracking as her husband spends more and more time "at work", while Linnea is cultivating a relationship with a very hot minotaur shifter. During a Butler convention a butler is murdered and Ember gets involved trying to solve the with the sheriff. During the investigation they discover a candy shop with a secret treasure hidden in the cellar. Could it be the famous lost treasure of Inia, Captain Blackfang's first mate and jilted lover?
August 24, 2022
Marly is getting her own unicorn. There's a butler's conference and a murder, There's a really funny explosion of a meatloaf. Ember now has her own familiar and it's not exactly what one would expect.
There's a Council of Elders, of course. It seems every book along these lines at all has some kind of supreme Council of rule makers.
There's a neat place called Casper's Revenge and a legend about a map that leads to a great treasure.
It's a good variety of things going on with the characters still remaining interesting.
There's a Council of Elders, of course. It seems every book along these lines at all has some kind of supreme Council of rule makers.
There's a neat place called Casper's Revenge and a legend about a map that leads to a great treasure.
It's a good variety of things going on with the characters still remaining interesting.
May 22, 2018
Very entertaining series
A very entertaining series. A cozy mystery series set in a supernatural/human world where there are pockets of supernatural towns and areas. Great cozy mystery series where young mother from New Jersey discovers that she is a witch and then move to a small supernatural town with family she did not know she had. Follow the adventures mysteries and adventures. A fun and entertaining read check them out
A very entertaining series. A cozy mystery series set in a supernatural/human world where there are pockets of supernatural towns and areas. Great cozy mystery series where young mother from New Jersey discovers that she is a witch and then move to a small supernatural town with family she did not know she had. Follow the adventures mysteries and adventures. A fun and entertaining read check them out
September 6, 2018
Did the butler do it?
A Butler is murdered at a Household Management convention, and Aunt Hyacinth's Butler is a suspect. A treasure map, an enchanted candy store, a werewolf barbecue, broomstick lessons figure in. And Raoul, her raccoon familiar, is as refreshingly outspoken as Ember. Another delight.
I read book one last week and am quickly working my way through the series so far.
A Butler is murdered at a Household Management convention, and Aunt Hyacinth's Butler is a suspect. A treasure map, an enchanted candy store, a werewolf barbecue, broomstick lessons figure in. And Raoul, her raccoon familiar, is as refreshingly outspoken as Ember. Another delight.
I read book one last week and am quickly working my way through the series so far.
October 6, 2019
Ember Rose Continues to grow into everything she has to learn is a new ParaNorman
In a mystery to solve, who in the world is targeting a butler at the very own conference and why. In the meantime Embers Training in magic continues. So much to learn. Her daughter Marley Continues on her journey Of magical opportunities. It will be interesting to see how that comes out when she reaches your birthday. Stay tuned and find out!
In a mystery to solve, who in the world is targeting a butler at the very own conference and why. In the meantime Embers Training in magic continues. So much to learn. Her daughter Marley Continues on her journey Of magical opportunities. It will be interesting to see how that comes out when she reaches your birthday. Stay tuned and find out!
December 18, 2019
Great series!
This series gets more and more interesting as it goes along. The author is so skilled at developing this magical world that is still believable and relatable. The characters have personality, depth, and are truly enjoyable for the most part. There are also elements of romance, including a bit of a triangle. If you enjoy paranormal cozy type mysteries you will love this series!
This series gets more and more interesting as it goes along. The author is so skilled at developing this magical world that is still believable and relatable. The characters have personality, depth, and are truly enjoyable for the most part. There are also elements of romance, including a bit of a triangle. If you enjoy paranormal cozy type mysteries you will love this series!
October 12, 2020
A convention of butlers..
.. buried treasure, hidden relationships and Ember is as always right in the middle of it all.
When Higgins is murdered at the Estate Management Convention and Aunt Hyacinths butler Simon has a speck of blood on his shirt. Ember is determined to find the the truth, Simon couldn't possibly have committed the crime but who did? Ember is going to have to put her newest skills to the test to discover the killer.
.. buried treasure, hidden relationships and Ember is as always right in the middle of it all.
When Higgins is murdered at the Estate Management Convention and Aunt Hyacinths butler Simon has a speck of blood on his shirt. Ember is determined to find the the truth, Simon couldn't possibly have committed the crime but who did? Ember is going to have to put her newest skills to the test to discover the killer.
June 17, 2021
Really Great Book!
When the Sheriff investigates a murder, Rose is right there with him whether he likes it or not. Seems he does like it but he's very concerned for her safety. Although she's learning new spells, she keeps messing them up causing interesting and sometimes humorus situations. The Sheriff is smitten with her so that's an invitation to get involved. You should read it!
When the Sheriff investigates a murder, Rose is right there with him whether he likes it or not. Seems he does like it but he's very concerned for her safety. Although she's learning new spells, she keeps messing them up causing interesting and sometimes humorus situations. The Sheriff is smitten with her so that's an invitation to get involved. You should read it!
June 11, 2022
I am finally doing a review
To the author. Sorry I took so long to write a review. I got so caught up in the books I couldn't take time to write a review. Lol. I love this series. I don't always read every word in a book but I have I have in these 5.
Fun. Romance. Mystery. Wonderful paranormal characters. Going to go read the rest of the series. Then hopefully there are some more series by this author.
To the author. Sorry I took so long to write a review. I got so caught up in the books I couldn't take time to write a review. Lol. I love this series. I don't always read every word in a book but I have I have in these 5.
Fun. Romance. Mystery. Wonderful paranormal characters. Going to go read the rest of the series. Then hopefully there are some more series by this author.
March 16, 2024
Good series
I am enjoying the series so far.
However, I can not stand how she acts towards her teachers. Especially Hazel. She was forced to make time in her schedule to private tutor Ember. And all Ember does is act like a bratty child. I don't find it amusing at all. If it was taken down a few notches it would be ok but at every step she fights her teachers who had no choice in the matter. It is immature and annoying!
I am enjoying the series so far.
However, I can not stand how she acts towards her teachers. Especially Hazel. She was forced to make time in her schedule to private tutor Ember. And all Ember does is act like a bratty child. I don't find it amusing at all. If it was taken down a few notches it would be ok but at every step she fights her teachers who had no choice in the matter. It is immature and annoying!
February 10, 2018
Five stars
I loved Harry Potter. I read it along with my adolescent Daughter. This series is magical. The author's constantly referring to Harry Potter throughout this series tells me she loved everything Potter also. Sure hope Alex loosens up and goes with his heart. I am hoping for the best.
Well written / well edited.
I loved Harry Potter. I read it along with my adolescent Daughter. This series is magical. The author's constantly referring to Harry Potter throughout this series tells me she loved everything Potter also. Sure hope Alex loosens up and goes with his heart. I am hoping for the best.
Well written / well edited.
February 15, 2018
Another great story
Thank you so much for creating this parallel paranormal society to your Spellbound characters & setting. It is different & the same in all of the best ways and your continuing storylines make it feel like a world to escape to. Very fun to read. I'll look forward to the next, and next.....
Thank you so much for creating this parallel paranormal society to your Spellbound characters & setting. It is different & the same in all of the best ways and your continuing storylines make it feel like a world to escape to. Very fun to read. I'll look forward to the next, and next.....
November 3, 2018
Ember is at it again with investigative reporting. The butler convention is in town, while there one of the butlers runs in the room bleeding and dies on the spot. Now Ember along with Granger have to figure out who killed him. On top of that Ember is taking a class on the history of the town, and to her surprise Florian decides to participate.
July 22, 2019
Starry Hollow is hosting a Estate Managers Association Conference. When Ember shows up to cover the conference, one of the attendees stumbles in and dies at Ember's feet. Between her newspaper job, broomstick flying lessons, magic lessons and now looking for a murderer, Ember has her hands full. How can she handle it all?
Read
September 1, 2019Gets better and better
I love the way this series is developing. The world building is incredible. The characters are fun, engaging, complex, and sexy. The storylines are fun, interesting, and well thought out. This is a series that is worth reading for adults and older children alike.
I love the way this series is developing. The world building is incredible. The characters are fun, engaging, complex, and sexy. The storylines are fun, interesting, and well thought out. This is a series that is worth reading for adults and older children alike.
October 15, 2019
Another exciting mystery for Ember! We learn more about how the upper crust of the paranormal world live through the secrets disclosed by the butler conference in town, and are also introduced to both some new characters, as well as some new paranormals in the world of Starry Hollow. I've also really been enjoying Raoul's additions to the story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews