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Jane Gallows Witch P.I. #1
The Case of the Sinister Spirit
Jane Gallows isn’t much of a witch. Her spells only work when she has a mouthful of chocolate, which can be downright awkward at times. That’s why she makes her living as a private investigator.
Of course, being a P.I. has its difficulties too, not the least of which is her lazy, sarcastic cat, who insists he’s the brains behind her sleuthing skills, and the ghost of a 1940s gumshoe that haunts her office and wants in on the case-solving action.
When old-timer Bud Saunders hires her to get rid of a ghost in his barn, she figures it will be a piece of cake. Not so much when he turns up dead that very day. Even worse, the sheriff wants to pin it on Jane.
Add in an unconventional family with a kooky cast of paranormal characters, a nosy neighbor who wants to turn them in for just about anything, and a witchy aunt who has suddenly gone rogue. Before Jane knows it, she’s knee deep in a heap of trouble that even the most perfectly cast chocolate-laced spells can’t solve.
Of course, being a P.I. has its difficulties too, not the least of which is her lazy, sarcastic cat, who insists he’s the brains behind her sleuthing skills, and the ghost of a 1940s gumshoe that haunts her office and wants in on the case-solving action.
When old-timer Bud Saunders hires her to get rid of a ghost in his barn, she figures it will be a piece of cake. Not so much when he turns up dead that very day. Even worse, the sheriff wants to pin it on Jane.
Add in an unconventional family with a kooky cast of paranormal characters, a nosy neighbor who wants to turn them in for just about anything, and a witchy aunt who has suddenly gone rogue. Before Jane knows it, she’s knee deep in a heap of trouble that even the most perfectly cast chocolate-laced spells can’t solve.
231 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2018
281 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Leighann Dobbs
135 books1,861 followersUSA Today bestselling author, Leighann Dobbs, discovered her passion for writing after a twenty year career as a software engineer. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband Bruce, their trusty Chihuahua mix Mojo and beautiful rescue cat, Kitty.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
Her book "Dead Wrong" won the "Best Mystery Romance" award at the 2014 Indie Romance Convention.
Her book "Ghostly Paws" was the 2015 Chanticleer Mystery & Mayhem First Place category winner in the Animal Mystery category.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 24, 2018
Jane Gallows is a witch, well kind of. She flunked out of witch school and can only cast spells when eating chocolate--which isn't that helpful when you come from a long line of witches. So she's become a P.I. and uses her limited powers of spells only when really necessary. Bud Saunders hires Jane to get rid of a ghost haunting his barn, but when she arrives at the barn to meet with Bud and check out the barn she finds him dead. Technically her ghost ridding cast is now closed, but who killed Bud Saunders?
With a little help from Moe Sharpe, technically it's the ghost of Moe Sharpe, who originally occupied her office space back in the 1940's and Jane's cat, Jinx, she goes about trying to find who murdered Bud Saunders.
This new cozy mystery series reminded me of The Munsters and Bewitched because Jane lives with a bunch of her aunts, uncles and cousins in a big house and they're all witches or vampires. Aunt Glad reminded me of Aunt Clara on Bewitched. It's an enjoyable read written in the first person, so it's Jane speaking. Warning: this book may increase your need to eat some chocolate.
With a little help from Moe Sharpe, technically it's the ghost of Moe Sharpe, who originally occupied her office space back in the 1940's and Jane's cat, Jinx, she goes about trying to find who murdered Bud Saunders.
This new cozy mystery series reminded me of The Munsters and Bewitched because Jane lives with a bunch of her aunts, uncles and cousins in a big house and they're all witches or vampires. Aunt Glad reminded me of Aunt Clara on Bewitched. It's an enjoyable read written in the first person, so it's Jane speaking. Warning: this book may increase your need to eat some chocolate.
April 2, 2018
Jane Gallows is a private detective who is also witch who flunked out of witch school and can only cast spells when she eats chocolate. Jane lives with her cast of characters relatives which include witches and vampires. Her partner in crime is Jinx a grumpy cat who she can communicate with but who also has her back. Her office is also occupied by Moe, the ghost of the private investigator that previously occupied Jane's office. Jane is hired by Bud Saunders to investigate a ghost on his property. When Jane shows up instead of finding a ghost, she finds Bud's dead body. Jane has to sort out who the murder is before the town Sherriff pins it on her. This story has great character development, twists and turns until the very end. You will be surprised who the murderer is. Very captivating from the first page to the last. Highly reccoment this first book in a great series by Leighann Dobbs.
June 18, 2018
ok I liked the idea of the book, I love the quirky pets as always and Jane Gallows is the beginnings of a good character if a bit scattered. What I struggled with was how easy it seemed to be to figure out the murderer and even though I picked it early on I kept reading to see how characters developed, I'm not sure I get the whole Mitch moving into Janes building and them both being PI's it's a small town does it really need 2 private investigators and it's been 2yrs since they split because Mitch cheated so why bring him in at all that seemed weird to me. I did like the chocolate guy and would like to know more about him.
Overall I am probably intrigued enough to try another book in this series but it didn't grab me like other books from this author have.
Overall I am probably intrigued enough to try another book in this series but it didn't grab me like other books from this author have.
April 5, 2018
4/6
Jane Gallows is a private investigator that has some ability to use spells if she is eating chocolate. Jane goes to the chocolate store to obtain the chocolate from the hunky chocolatier Joe.
Jane kind of left the witch school before graduating so she can’t ride a broom and her spells are not long lasting.
Jane accepts a case from Bud Saunders to rid his barn of a ghost. There are spooky lights, chains clanking, and moaning.
When Jane goes to Bud’s to investigate she finds Bud in the barn with a pitchfork running through him.
Jane finds several suspects for this case and will get to the arrest of the murderer in the end.
Jane Gallows is a private investigator that has some ability to use spells if she is eating chocolate. Jane goes to the chocolate store to obtain the chocolate from the hunky chocolatier Joe.
Jane kind of left the witch school before graduating so she can’t ride a broom and her spells are not long lasting.
Jane accepts a case from Bud Saunders to rid his barn of a ghost. There are spooky lights, chains clanking, and moaning.
When Jane goes to Bud’s to investigate she finds Bud in the barn with a pitchfork running through him.
Jane finds several suspects for this case and will get to the arrest of the murderer in the end.
April 10, 2018
Jane Gallows is a private detective who is also an unconventional witch who can only cast spells when she eats chocolate. Jane lives with her quirky relatives including witches and vampires in a magical town. Her partner is a grumpy talking cat named Jinx and her otherworldly partner is the ghost of the P.I. who used to run her office, an old gumshoe named Moe. Jane is hired by Bud to investigate a reported ghost on his property. When Jane shows up to begin her investigation, she instead finds Bud dead of a pitchfork stabbing. Her nemesis the town sheriff wants nothing more than to arrest Jane for the murder so Jane is forced to investigate. The suspects include the victim's two derelict sons, a strange neighbor with a shotgun who has an unusual hobby of building murder vignettes and some greedy treasure hunters. Will Jane be able to solve the murder and stay out of jail herself? This book is filled with amusing, quirky characters and is fast paced holding your interest from page 1 to the surprising conclusion. Love this new series by one of my favorite authors, Leighann Dobbs.
April 2, 2018
Jane Gallows comes from a long line of witches, But she is not a very good one. She got kicked out of witches School, she can't ride a broom, and she can't catch this pill unless she's eating chocolate.
Jane works as a private investigator. She's hired to remove a ghost from a barn. When she arrives, she finds the body of the man who hired her.
This is another fun story from leighann Dobbs. It's a fun and entertaining read.
Jane works as a private investigator. She's hired to remove a ghost from a barn. When she arrives, she finds the body of the man who hired her.
This is another fun story from leighann Dobbs. It's a fun and entertaining read.
June 27, 2018
The Case of the Sinister Spirit - Jane Gallows Witch P.I. 1
In A Nutshell:Jane is a witch, and her power manifests when she is eating chocolate. But she refuses to use her witchiness while doing her job as a PI. I thought that was two good reasons to use her powers. I'mjussayin. When she is hired to discover a ghost she finds a dead body instead. And it belongs to her client!
The story is mediocre, but it is the first in a new series. I wanted to like the whacky family and hiss at the nosey neighbours, but I didn't find anyone engaging enough to love or hate.
The author has worked hard to create a strong and quirky supporting cast. There's the obligatory sarcastic cat, the wise(ish) owl, the crazy aunt and even vampire relatives. Then there is the police chief who is not too smart and who has an axe to grind with Jane. I found it too much.
Fans of the author Leighann Dobbs and other light paranormal mysteries may enjoy the light read and humour.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next oneor reread ?: Yes
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book butdidn't like it not fulfilled
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
In A Nutshell:Jane is a witch, and her power manifests when she is eating chocolate. But she refuses to use her witchiness while doing her job as a PI. I thought that was two good reasons to use her powers. I'mjussayin. When she is hired to discover a ghost she finds a dead body instead. And it belongs to her client!
The story is mediocre, but it is the first in a new series. I wanted to like the whacky family and hiss at the nosey neighbours, but I didn't find anyone engaging enough to love or hate.
The author has worked hard to create a strong and quirky supporting cast. There's the obligatory sarcastic cat, the wise(ish) owl, the crazy aunt and even vampire relatives. Then there is the police chief who is not too smart and who has an axe to grind with Jane. I found it too much.
Fans of the author Leighann Dobbs and other light paranormal mysteries may enjoy the light read and humour.
Connect with me on Twitter and FB
See all my reviews
Check out my blog on imjussayin
Book Rating
Sexual Content: U
Language: U
Violent: U
Would I read the next one
My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1*Finished the book but
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A magnificent read. A prominent example of the genre.
April 17, 2018
How can a PI who doesn't have all of her witch powers solve a murder?
This is a great new series with Jane Gallows, a young witch who was kicked out of witch school. Her magic only works when she is eating chocolates. Her family, who are all witches, lives in the old mansion on the hill. The vampires in the family live in the old mausoleum.
She has a new client, Bud Saunders, who wants her to rid his barn of the ghost he has been hearing every night. When Jane and her sidekick, Jinx, her black cat who can talk to Jane and her family arrive at the barn to investigate, they find Bud's dead body with a pitchfork through his back.
Jane also has a ghost in her office who was a gumshoe back in the 40's. Moe has given tips to Jane to try to make her a better investigator.
Can Jane find the killer with all of the suspects -- Bud's neighbor, his sons or his daughter-in-law using only her bag of chocolates?I
Another great series by Leighann Dobbs. This is a must read.
This is a great new series with Jane Gallows, a young witch who was kicked out of witch school. Her magic only works when she is eating chocolates. Her family, who are all witches, lives in the old mansion on the hill. The vampires in the family live in the old mausoleum.
She has a new client, Bud Saunders, who wants her to rid his barn of the ghost he has been hearing every night. When Jane and her sidekick, Jinx, her black cat who can talk to Jane and her family arrive at the barn to investigate, they find Bud's dead body with a pitchfork through his back.
Jane also has a ghost in her office who was a gumshoe back in the 40's. Moe has given tips to Jane to try to make her a better investigator.
Can Jane find the killer with all of the suspects -- Bud's neighbor, his sons or his daughter-in-law using only her bag of chocolates?I
Another great series by Leighann Dobbs. This is a must read.
April 7, 2018
Jane Gallows is a private detective and a witch who has troubles with her spells. She flunked out of witch school and can only casts spells while eating chocolates. She lives with her extended family, which is made up of other witches, vampires, and a very snarky cat, named Jinx. Her office is also inhabited by the ghost of a private eye from the 1940’s. Moe had previously occupied Jane’s office. She was hired by Bud Saunders to look into a ghost in his barn. When she went to meet with Bud about this ghost, she found Bud’s body instead. Jane has to figure out who killed a Bud before the Sheriff charges Jane with the murder. There are many twists and turns in the book and the murderer will surprise you. Very good read in a new series by Leighann Dobbs. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 28, 2018
This is a new series by Leighann Dobbs. Jane Gallows lives in Hallows Crossing, a town of assorted paranormal characters and humans. Jane Gallows is a witch but she can only cast spells if she is eating chocolate. She is a private investigator who works with her cat and the ghost that lives in her office. Bud Saunders hires her to rid his barn of a ghost but before she can even start Bud ends up murdered. This book is a fun read with a large assortment of quirky characters both human and otherwise. Although this wasn’t my favorite of Dobbs’ books I will continue to read the series to see how the characters evolve.
August 13, 2018
I usually enjoy Leighann Dobbs' books, but this one seemed to really drag and never get off the ground for me. The one particular bright spot was Jinx, a very sarcastic cat. He was a hoot. Jane Gallows is a mediocre witch who needs chocolate for her spells to work. Now the chocolate I can relate to, and there are a couple of pretty funny scenes involving Jane, chocolate and Jinx. I do have hopes that book two in the series will be better and book one was just good enough that I will give book two a chance.
May 27, 2022
An Entertaining Mystery
This was a good start to the series. I enjoyed reading most of it. The High School grudges over men was irritating, but I tried not to let that ruin the story for me. The murder was unique and all of the investigating was fun. I love Jinks and his unique way of helping to solve the mysteries. Most of the other characters were entertaining, but will probably be more developed as the series progresses. I'm not sure I'll be reading book 2. I can see more High School drama on the horizon for these adult professionals.
This was a good start to the series. I enjoyed reading most of it. The High School grudges over men was irritating, but I tried not to let that ruin the story for me. The murder was unique and all of the investigating was fun. I love Jinks and his unique way of helping to solve the mysteries. Most of the other characters were entertaining, but will probably be more developed as the series progresses. I'm not sure I'll be reading book 2. I can see more High School drama on the horizon for these adult professionals.
April 14, 2018
Witch, chocolate and murder
Leighann Dobbs has another winner on her hands. Jane Gallows is a private investigator who is a witch but she can only do spells while eating chocolate. She has a quirky family, a cat, an ex- husband and the sheriff cannot stand her. What could go wrong? Her client gets murdered before she can really start working for him. Now she feels the need to get to the bottom of his murder. She has to do this on top of her family obligations.
Leighann Dobbs has another winner on her hands. Jane Gallows is a private investigator who is a witch but she can only do spells while eating chocolate. She has a quirky family, a cat, an ex- husband and the sheriff cannot stand her. What could go wrong? Her client gets murdered before she can really start working for him. Now she feels the need to get to the bottom of his murder. She has to do this on top of her family obligations.
June 11, 2020
I loved this book SO much I emailed the author to ask if this was going to be a series and when the next one would come out!! She was so kind as to email me back and state she is busy with another series at that time. I truly hope she continues this series. I really enjoyed the main character and her cute little quirks.
January 18, 2022
Chocolate Makes the World Go Round
Gumshoe Jane Gallows has a problem: she’s a witch, but her spells only work when she’s eating chocolate. A new client was murdered. Jane vows to find killer: with the help of a lot of chocolate. A thoroughly enjoyable whodunnit, made even more enjoyable by Jane’s quirky family. Highly recommend.
Gumshoe Jane Gallows has a problem: she’s a witch, but her spells only work when she’s eating chocolate. A new client was murdered. Jane vows to find killer: with the help of a lot of chocolate. A thoroughly enjoyable whodunnit, made even more enjoyable by Jane’s quirky family. Highly recommend.
October 27, 2022
I enjoy Leighann Dobbs
But this particular series isn't grabbing me. Jàne Gallows failed as a witch. She can only cast marginally effective spells when eating chocolate. I like other series MS. Dobbs has written better. Maybe as the series goes forward the characters and the stories will flesh out.
But this particular series isn't grabbing me. Jàne Gallows failed as a witch. She can only cast marginally effective spells when eating chocolate. I like other series MS. Dobbs has written better. Maybe as the series goes forward the characters and the stories will flesh out.
April 14, 2018
Cute and zany witches!
This mystery involves a family of witches, vampires, ghosts, a faulty witch that is also a private investigator, and her cat. Very interesting and absorbing story. Makes you anxious for the next book in the series.
This mystery involves a family of witches, vampires, ghosts, a faulty witch that is also a private investigator, and her cat. Very interesting and absorbing story. Makes you anxious for the next book in the series.
April 19, 2018
Fun read
The Case of the Sinister Spirit (Jane Gallows Which Private Investigator Book 1), easy to read. Leighann Dobbs' is funny and full of interesting characters. Aunt Glad, being my favorite.
The Case of the Sinister Spirit (Jane Gallows Which Private Investigator Book 1), easy to read. Leighann Dobbs' is funny and full of interesting characters. Aunt Glad, being my favorite.
July 31, 2018
Great story.........
I'm glad Ms Leighanne Dobbs continues to write such wonderful stories, full of suspense and humor. The mystery of this story makes it exciting to the very end, great job of telling her spooky tale.
I'm glad Ms Leighanne Dobbs continues to write such wonderful stories, full of suspense and humor. The mystery of this story makes it exciting to the very end, great job of telling her spooky tale.
September 9, 2022
Smart kitty
Liked the sarcastic cat. First book read in this series and probably won't read another. Idea about chocolates silly. Also to similar to Mystic Notch. That cat talks but she can't understand it. Both this characters and one in other series have resident ghost/ghosts
Liked the sarcastic cat. First book read in this series and probably won't read another. Idea about chocolates silly. Also to similar to Mystic Notch. That cat talks but she can't understand it. Both this characters and one in other series have resident ghost/ghosts
April 20, 2018
Disappointing.
Love Annan Dobbs books. Typically I cannot put them down. Sadly not the case for this. The character develop was under done.
Love Annan Dobbs books. Typically I cannot put them down. Sadly not the case for this. The character develop was under done.
May 11, 2018
Entertaining
I really enjoyed this first book in the new series. There were great characters and a good mystery. I look forward to the next adventure.
I really enjoyed this first book in the new series. There were great characters and a good mystery. I look forward to the next adventure.
May 18, 2018
Loved it!
I enjoyed this book. It's fun to have a witch with limited powers unless she's eating chocolate. I'll definitely be reading the next book to see where this series goes.
I enjoyed this book. It's fun to have a witch with limited powers unless she's eating chocolate. I'll definitely be reading the next book to see where this series goes.
June 1, 2018
Not my favorite Dobbs book.
Characters weren't developed enough. As a result I didn't care about them. I do enjoy most of Dobbs books though, so I still recommend her stories.
Characters weren't developed enough. As a result I didn't care about them. I do enjoy most of Dobbs books though, so I still recommend her stories.
February 21, 2019
If you think you have problems, meet Jane Galloway :). A nice easy read.
May 22, 2019
Awesome read
Loved it kept you wanting to read it was surprised at who done it though suspenseful and enjoyable love reading books you can picture as you read
Loved it kept you wanting to read it was surprised at who done it though suspenseful and enjoyable love reading books you can picture as you read
September 11, 2019
Will poor Aunt Gladys get her vroom back
Clever detecting on Jane's part. Love how she got the gun away from Chastity. She will beat out Mitch for clients.
Clever detecting on Jane's part. Love how she got the gun away from Chastity. She will beat out Mitch for clients.
May 5, 2020
The Case of the Sinister Spirit
This was a great flowing story. Couldn't figure out who was the killer even at the end of the book.
This was a great flowing story. Couldn't figure out who was the killer even at the end of the book.
June 1, 2022
it’s ok
This one was not one of my favorites by her for sure. It wasn’t bad just didn’t keep my interest like her other series. Liked the talking cat.
This one was not one of my favorites by her for sure. It wasn’t bad just didn’t keep my interest like her other series. Liked the talking cat.
June 16, 2022
Light enjoyable reading.
Casting spells that only work if you are eating chocolate is only one problem this receive has. Read it to learn more.
Casting spells that only work if you are eating chocolate is only one problem this receive has. Read it to learn more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews