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ToadWitch #4
Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie We're Canning Demons
Get ready for a wild and wacky adventure, bursting with supernatural surprises! As Mara's pregnancy nears its ninth month, she and Gus get swept into a whirlwind of mystical mayhem when they answer a frantic call for help from the enigmatic Mama Lua.
Mama Lua, with her unique brand of magic and mysticism, must rush to New Orleans for a family emergency. But she’s in a dire predicament--The Crooked Pantry--her magical emporium and Los Angeles' ultimate paranormal supply store--is under a relentless assault and she can’t leave it unattended. She needs Mara and Gus to come to her rescue.
Their To step into Mama Lua's quirky world, take charge of her eccentric clientele, and uncover the mysterious culprits trying to shut down her store.
But things take an unexpected turn when they land in Los Angeles. Mama Lua has vanished and Mara and Gus discover they have an annoyingly familiar, paranormal hitchhiker. The opinionated, bossy and secretive Aunt Tillie has her own reasons for wanting to be in the City of Angels.
Buckle up because the fun is just beginning! The paranormal weirdness soon kicks into high gear. From wannabe vampires lurking among the customers to a flesh-eating demon with a serious appetite for destruction, and a mischievous, horny homunculus wreaking havoc, Mara and Gus are in for a supernatural showdown!
Can they bring order to the chaos, put a stop to the rampaging demon, and save the day before Mara goes into labor? With her extraordinary baby about to make its grand entrance into their world, the clock is ticking in this exhilarating paranormal rollercoaster ride!
Mama Lua, with her unique brand of magic and mysticism, must rush to New Orleans for a family emergency. But she’s in a dire predicament--The Crooked Pantry--her magical emporium and Los Angeles' ultimate paranormal supply store--is under a relentless assault and she can’t leave it unattended. She needs Mara and Gus to come to her rescue.
Their To step into Mama Lua's quirky world, take charge of her eccentric clientele, and uncover the mysterious culprits trying to shut down her store.
But things take an unexpected turn when they land in Los Angeles. Mama Lua has vanished and Mara and Gus discover they have an annoyingly familiar, paranormal hitchhiker. The opinionated, bossy and secretive Aunt Tillie has her own reasons for wanting to be in the City of Angels.
Buckle up because the fun is just beginning! The paranormal weirdness soon kicks into high gear. From wannabe vampires lurking among the customers to a flesh-eating demon with a serious appetite for destruction, and a mischievous, horny homunculus wreaking havoc, Mara and Gus are in for a supernatural showdown!
Can they bring order to the chaos, put a stop to the rampaging demon, and save the day before Mara goes into labor? With her extraordinary baby about to make its grand entrance into their world, the clock is ticking in this exhilarating paranormal rollercoaster ride!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 9, 2018
97 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 14, 2021
I feel personally attacked by the fact that the next book is not out yet. RUDE. There I was, an addict searching for another fix, and IT ISN'T THERE. Men have needs, Ms Miller!!!
October 11, 2021
Fourth in the Toad Witch Mysteries cozy paranormal mystery series revolving around Mara Stephens and her gay housemate, Gus — both witches.
My Take
It's all about being alone . . . without family. It probably explains why Mara has latched onto Paul. And I do love what Nick tells Mara. 'Cause I just don't understand what Mara sees in Paul. He's so self-oriented. She's gotta be desperate for him, since we learn all about him from Mara's perspective in first person protagonist point-of-view.
Hmm, it seems even the baby has radar for the bad guys!
Gus is a fun guy with a very loose set of morals. It ticks me off that he's the one who dragged Mara into this rescue mission and then he abandons her to feather his own nest. As for those thefts from his brother . . . oy.
That Silvio . . . Ick. I know, I know, there really are people like this. I just don't have to like it. Gotta wonder if Emily knows what he's really like.
I want the cottage!! What a fun treat that self-protecting home has for Mara!
It's an action-packed plot with escapes, chases, and more with some definite characters with a reasonable pace. It is a fun read, but I gotta say there is some crazy writing in here that could use some hooking up. Yep. That includes a few loose threads.
I think Miller is too concerned with creating quirky characters that she's forgotten to focus on connecting events and making sense of the whacky goings-on.
The story is a good start . . . and tells us why witches don't fly in planes . . .
The Story
Mama Lua's store is under attack — and she has a family emergency in New Orleans!
They owe her! And with a heaping helping of guilt, Gus talks Mara — plus a skull — into flying out to Los Angeles.
The Characters
The very pregnant Mara Stephens is struggling to find a job while her flamboyant housemate and best friend, Gus Andrakis, keeps her on a very healthy diet. Apollo and Aramis are Mara's two Dobes. The deceased Aunt Tillie who lives in a skull on the mantlepiece refers to the two as the Witchy Menace. Lord Grundleshanks is the spirit of Gus' toad who'll become Grundle-Z. Adelaide "Adele" was Mara's mother.
Devil's Point, Wisconsin, is . . .
. . . situated on a portal to the Otherworld. And, yep, it's still winter — as Gus has ticked off the Winter Queen. Ruby's Diner makes the best sundaes. Daryl is Ruby's sweetheart of a husband. J.J., a stoner, has been planting weed in Mara's garden. Paul is the nincompoop, Mara's off-again/on-again boyfriend who's an idiot. Yeah, I'm tellin' ya how I really feel *grin*.
Los Angeles
Mama Lua, the Voodoo Queen, runs the Crooked Pantry. The voodoo gods include Chango, Child Alegba, and Orisha. Pip Squeak is the horny homunculus.
Gus' family includes his parents (Arturo and Eleni), grandmother, younger sister Lorelei, and brother, Sergeant Nick Andrakis, who's on the LAPD — his gift is finding things. Mara used to date Nick. Gran was born in England, met Gerald Gardner (the father of Wicca) in Madeira, and married a Greek witch her second time around. Gran's tackling life again as Hotlove692 — with StudMuffin , a.k.a. Walter. Julie is Nick's crime scene photographer.
Francisco "Frank" is a homeless guy who hangs around the Crooked Pantry. Lenny was the landlord of the apartment building where Mara used to live. Mrs Lasio had been the narrow-minded, intolerant building manager. The Reverend Richard Carson is quite the intolerant preacher. Gavin "Vin" Vestry appears to be Mara's half-brother whom Aunt Tillie doesn't want her to find. Morte d'Evil is part of Vin's posse. In 1968, Lisa Huebner had been the official L.A. witch. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a special event planned. Lily Montrose is the new full owner of Demon Hollow, after Ophelia sold her, her half. The Great Goddess is run by Cornelia and Fred.
Emily is a client of Mama Lua's with a critter problem. Silvio is her boyfriend. The Empusa is a nasty demon.
Lisette and Lucien had possessed Mara and Paul in Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead , 1.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a night scene with the sky a gradation from black to a turquoise outline around the black silhouettes of a lit-up house with a belfry, tombstones, and a few trees up on the hill. The curly-haired Mara is wearing a fuchsia tank top and knee-length yoga pants — and she's not pregnant! She's standing on the left in a semi-profile with her hands on her hips and a knee cocked. Lord Grundleshanks is wearing a purple witch's hat and sits atop a yellow-lidded jar full of red, ick, something. Nope. Don't wanna go there. Between His Lordship and Mara is a sad-looking skull with flames for eyes and a mist of stars twinkling upwards. The title is at the top and split into five lines: the top line is a pale blue; the second line is white, and the last three lines are yellow. At the bottom, beneath Mara's shoes and Grundleshanks' jar is the author's name in white All the text has a black outline.
The title is a good tip on how to deal with them Empusas when Somebody Tell[s] Aunt Tillie We're Canning Demons!
My Take
It's all about being alone . . . without family. It probably explains why Mara has latched onto Paul. And I do love what Nick tells Mara. 'Cause I just don't understand what Mara sees in Paul. He's so self-oriented. She's gotta be desperate for him, since we learn all about him from Mara's perspective in first person protagonist point-of-view.
Hmm, it seems even the baby has radar for the bad guys!
Gus is a fun guy with a very loose set of morals. It ticks me off that he's the one who dragged Mara into this rescue mission and then he abandons her to feather his own nest. As for those thefts from his brother . . . oy.
That Silvio . . . Ick. I know, I know, there really are people like this. I just don't have to like it. Gotta wonder if Emily knows what he's really like.
I want the cottage!! What a fun treat that self-protecting home has for Mara!
It's an action-packed plot with escapes, chases, and more with some definite characters with a reasonable pace. It is a fun read, but I gotta say there is some crazy writing in here that could use some hooking up. Yep. That includes a few loose threads.
I think Miller is too concerned with creating quirky characters that she's forgotten to focus on connecting events and making sense of the whacky goings-on.
The story is a good start . . . and tells us why witches don't fly in planes . . .
The Story
Mama Lua's store is under attack — and she has a family emergency in New Orleans!
They owe her! And with a heaping helping of guilt, Gus talks Mara — plus a skull — into flying out to Los Angeles.
The Characters
The very pregnant Mara Stephens is struggling to find a job while her flamboyant housemate and best friend, Gus Andrakis, keeps her on a very healthy diet. Apollo and Aramis are Mara's two Dobes. The deceased Aunt Tillie who lives in a skull on the mantlepiece refers to the two as the Witchy Menace. Lord Grundleshanks is the spirit of Gus' toad who'll become Grundle-Z. Adelaide "Adele" was Mara's mother.
Devil's Point, Wisconsin, is . . .
. . . situated on a portal to the Otherworld. And, yep, it's still winter — as Gus has ticked off the Winter Queen. Ruby's Diner makes the best sundaes. Daryl is Ruby's sweetheart of a husband. J.J., a stoner, has been planting weed in Mara's garden. Paul is the nincompoop, Mara's off-again/on-again boyfriend who's an idiot. Yeah, I'm tellin' ya how I really feel *grin*.
Los Angeles
Mama Lua, the Voodoo Queen, runs the Crooked Pantry. The voodoo gods include Chango, Child Alegba, and Orisha. Pip Squeak is the horny homunculus.
Gus' family includes his parents (Arturo and Eleni), grandmother, younger sister Lorelei, and brother, Sergeant Nick Andrakis, who's on the LAPD — his gift is finding things. Mara used to date Nick. Gran was born in England, met Gerald Gardner (the father of Wicca) in Madeira, and married a Greek witch her second time around. Gran's tackling life again as Hotlove692 — with StudMuffin , a.k.a. Walter. Julie is Nick's crime scene photographer.
Francisco "Frank" is a homeless guy who hangs around the Crooked Pantry. Lenny was the landlord of the apartment building where Mara used to live. Mrs Lasio had been the narrow-minded, intolerant building manager. The Reverend Richard Carson is quite the intolerant preacher. Gavin "Vin" Vestry appears to be Mara's half-brother whom Aunt Tillie doesn't want her to find. Morte d'Evil is part of Vin's posse. In 1968, Lisa Huebner had been the official L.A. witch. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a special event planned. Lily Montrose is the new full owner of Demon Hollow, after Ophelia sold her, her half. The Great Goddess is run by Cornelia and Fred.
Emily is a client of Mama Lua's with a critter problem. Silvio is her boyfriend. The Empusa is a nasty demon.
Lisette and Lucien had possessed Mara and Paul in Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead , 1.
The Cover and Title
The cover is a night scene with the sky a gradation from black to a turquoise outline around the black silhouettes of a lit-up house with a belfry, tombstones, and a few trees up on the hill. The curly-haired Mara is wearing a fuchsia tank top and knee-length yoga pants — and she's not pregnant! She's standing on the left in a semi-profile with her hands on her hips and a knee cocked. Lord Grundleshanks is wearing a purple witch's hat and sits atop a yellow-lidded jar full of red, ick, something. Nope. Don't wanna go there. Between His Lordship and Mara is a sad-looking skull with flames for eyes and a mist of stars twinkling upwards. The title is at the top and split into five lines: the top line is a pale blue; the second line is white, and the last three lines are yellow. At the bottom, beneath Mara's shoes and Grundleshanks' jar is the author's name in white All the text has a black outline.
The title is a good tip on how to deal with them Empusas when Somebody Tell[s] Aunt Tillie We're Canning Demons!
March 27, 2019
Gus & Mara make a trip to LA to help run a wicken shop for a friend while she's on "vacation". Only they find upon arrival, that the friend has already gone, but her shop is in a total disaster, with some kind of sigel written in blood on one of the walls, & it stinks so bad, they could only tolerate being inside for a short time until it's all cleaned up. Soooooo, does Mama Lua always live like this? did something happen to her? or did her place gets trashed out after she left? and since they're in LA, Mara might as well take advantage of being there to hunt her half sibling down, who everyone thinks is a bad idea. Maybe because he's not a nice guy? or maybe it's something to do with his being not quite human. The book is a good romp with mysteries around every corner, including the one she's carrying inside of her, who though has yet to be born, is already showing signs of being aware & with strong powers.
January 12, 2018
Laughs & Thrills Abound!
I really enjoy this series! So many paranormal characters - Witches, vampires, ghosts, demons, even a homunculus (Google it!). Witches Mara & Gus leave home & travel to L.A. to help out a friend. Poor Mara is about to give birth & frequently is at the receiving end of jokes & snotty comments. However, she does not let the pregnancy keep her down, as she & Gus furiously try to track down a demon before it hurts/eats someone. Along the way there is excitement, laughs, & a few nerve wrenching moments.
I really enjoy this series! So many paranormal characters - Witches, vampires, ghosts, demons, even a homunculus (Google it!). Witches Mara & Gus leave home & travel to L.A. to help out a friend. Poor Mara is about to give birth & frequently is at the receiving end of jokes & snotty comments. However, she does not let the pregnancy keep her down, as she & Gus furiously try to track down a demon before it hurts/eats someone. Along the way there is excitement, laughs, & a few nerve wrenching moments.
January 28, 2018
I adore Mara and Gus and was thrilled that they have a new adventure. They get called back to LA to house and store sit for Mama Lua and they run into way more trouble than they bargained for but then they always do. Demons!
We meet some new people including a vampire and a homunculous, both of whom help our heroes get rid of the nasty demon. And of course, Aunt Tillie goes along too.
These are very funny and actually quite graphic in some ways too.
I look forward to more.
We meet some new people including a vampire and a homunculous, both of whom help our heroes get rid of the nasty demon. And of course, Aunt Tillie goes along too.
These are very funny and actually quite graphic in some ways too.
I look forward to more.
April 12, 2021
Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie We're Canning Demons is a fun, quirky, witchy tale guaranteed to keep you perched on the edge of your seat. Filled with magick and mayhem, twists and turns, adventure, intrigue, subterfuge, and danger the storyline is fast-paced and well written. The characters are well developed and engaging. Aunt Tillie and Lord Gundle Z are a hoot, while the baby brings a nice touch of magick to the story. I can't wait to see what trouble the gang gets into next!
January 27, 2018
Demons and Vampires.
Mara and Gus head back to LA to help a friend with a demon problem. While there they catch up with Nick, Gus's brother and an ex of Maras. Mara meets her half brother who everyone tells her to becareful of. The big ending is wonderful and all readers of the Aunt Tilly stories will love.
Mara and Gus head back to LA to help a friend with a demon problem. While there they catch up with Nick, Gus's brother and an ex of Maras. Mara meets her half brother who everyone tells her to becareful of. The big ending is wonderful and all readers of the Aunt Tilly stories will love.
May 28, 2018
Gus and Mara get a call for help and they grab Aunt Tillie and leave for Los Angeles. We run into witches, vampires, a homunculus and a flesh-eating demon. That was more than enough to scare me! On top of this, Mara is about to give birth. Will the baby be human or demon? I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
May 20, 2019
This is the 4th book in the series and it has everything to keep you glued to the pages. Besides all the zany characters, the story keeps you interested. Mara, Gus, and Aunt Tillie go back to LA to help Mama Lua. There are demon, vampires, assorted other paranormal entities, and family members for both families to meet, This is a very well written story and I cannot wait for the next story.
September 1, 2019
Wow!
Best book over all! Truly enjoyed every page and every supernatural happening! Especially the baby's insight. I'm sure she will be an even better witch than her mom. A huge thanks to Ms Miller for continuing on even though her mom passed. Sorry to hear about it but it sounds like you are grieving in a healthy way.
Best book over all! Truly enjoyed every page and every supernatural happening! Especially the baby's insight. I'm sure she will be an even better witch than her mom. A huge thanks to Ms Miller for continuing on even though her mom passed. Sorry to hear about it but it sounds like you are grieving in a healthy way.
August 2, 2023
The first book in the series was the best one. The middle two were just okay. This last one was almost as good as the first one. She wrapped lose ends up nicely and I appreciate that. This author was a bit predictable. It seems like the main characters never learned from their mistakes and just kept repeating stupid decisions which is a bit annoying.
January 15, 2018
I enjoyed this. Gus isn't quite so annoying, Aunt Tillie is just as cranky as ever and we finally get to meet the mysterious half-brother. It's nonsense, of course, but it's entertaining nonsense, and I'm perfectly ok with that!
January 31, 2018
Another amazing read!!
Love this series. I cannot Wait for the next book! My only complaint about this book is that it ends lol. The characters are funny, and it is always sad to say goodbye until the next book.
Love this series. I cannot Wait for the next book! My only complaint about this book is that it ends lol. The characters are funny, and it is always sad to say goodbye until the next book.
March 1, 2018
I cannot wait for more. Much to my surprise, these books are a fun joy to read without a lot of tripe.
If you like magick, mayhem and chaotic learning, you have met the right blend of characters. My there be more.
If you like magick, mayhem and chaotic learning, you have met the right blend of characters. My there be more.
March 24, 2018
So much fun!
These books provide a much needed comic relief! Love the creative and interesting storylines. The characters are quirky and so much fun. This one was no exception. If you want a relaxing and clever reads this one fits the bill!
These books provide a much needed comic relief! Love the creative and interesting storylines. The characters are quirky and so much fun. This one was no exception. If you want a relaxing and clever reads this one fits the bill!
June 14, 2018
On gosh, oh golly, oh my!
Gus, Mara, Aunt Tilly, Mama Lua, and even Paul are soooooo back! When Mama Lua has an emergency, she calls on The and Mara to help her with her store... And what an adventure ensues!
Gus, Mara, Aunt Tilly, Mama Lua, and even Paul are soooooo back! When Mama Lua has an emergency, she calls on The and Mara to help her with her store... And what an adventure ensues!
July 24, 2018
Loved the Story
This one was seriously awesome. And somewhat suspenseful in places. I still dislike Paul. Hope Mara finds someone worthy of her. Ending of the book was fantastic! And I loved Vin, hope to read more with him in the story.
This one was seriously awesome. And somewhat suspenseful in places. I still dislike Paul. Hope Mara finds someone worthy of her. Ending of the book was fantastic! And I loved Vin, hope to read more with him in the story.
January 6, 2021
A little much rambling from too many characters
I'm used to the main character rambling on a somewhat regular, but it seemed new characters that were supposed to be feared did, too. But, it didn't take away from the story line. Still loved it!
I'm used to the main character rambling on a somewhat regular, but it seemed new characters that were supposed to be feared did, too. But, it didn't take away from the story line. Still loved it!
April 21, 2021
Loved these books!
I loved Mara and Gus and their quirky realationship, especially with Aunt Tillie. Wow scary adventures, and I was worried about them they are so real and along came baby! Brilliant adventures couldn't put it down!
I loved Mara and Gus and their quirky realationship, especially with Aunt Tillie. Wow scary adventures, and I was worried about them they are so real and along came baby! Brilliant adventures couldn't put it down!
July 21, 2021
Better and better
Loving how this series is going. This book includes Mara’s pregnancy, a friend in need, a visit back home, a new relative, and why Aunt Tillie wants to take a trip.
I cannot make it sound as cool, funny and heartwarming as it is. Just read it!
Loving how this series is going. This book includes Mara’s pregnancy, a friend in need, a visit back home, a new relative, and why Aunt Tillie wants to take a trip.
I cannot make it sound as cool, funny and heartwarming as it is. Just read it!
October 16, 2022
Enjoyable
This book was one I could really relate to in several ways.
If you ever get the chance to attend a movie or TV Show airing at the “Hollywood Forever Cemetery”, do it! It will be an experience you’ll never forget.
This book was one I could really relate to in several ways.
If you ever get the chance to attend a movie or TV Show airing at the “Hollywood Forever Cemetery”, do it! It will be an experience you’ll never forget.
February 15, 2018
Cute series
Looking for a cute east read then this is your series! I hope it continues as I'm hooked. I do recommend it.
Looking for a cute east read then this is your series! I hope it continues as I'm hooked. I do recommend it.
March 15, 2018
I read the series of books one after the other and enjoyed them immensely. I love to laugh out loud when I read.
September 2, 2018
Love this book.
I really am glad that this book was finally completed. I love your writing Christina. The Aunt Tillie series is my favourite.
I really am glad that this book was finally completed. I love your writing Christina. The Aunt Tillie series is my favourite.
May 12, 2018
Fun reads
These are fun, quick reads. The adventures of Mara, dead Aunt Tillie, and Gus are a hoot and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
These are fun, quick reads. The adventures of Mara, dead Aunt Tillie, and Gus are a hoot and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
August 20, 2018
As with the other books in those series, it’s cheesy fun. I’ve enjoyed each of them thoroughly.
September 2, 2018
Funny, action packed, and comes with a psychic baby.
October 3, 2018
Wow
Another great book in this series, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I would definitely recommend this book.
Another great book in this series, I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I would definitely recommend this book.
April 1, 2019
Loved
I really enjoyed this one. Had so !ugh going on and she finally had the baby. I just love these books.
I really enjoyed this one. Had so !ugh going on and she finally had the baby. I just love these books.
May 1, 2020
Loved it!
Always enjoy an Aunt Tillie story. Looking forward to a new one soon. Thanks to Christiana Miller for taking us along for the ride
Always enjoy an Aunt Tillie story. Looking forward to a new one soon. Thanks to Christiana Miller for taking us along for the ride
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews