Just when Pepper Dunn starts accepting her ability to communicate with animals she’s thrown for a loop—an egg containing a baby dragon winds up on her doorstep. Convinced the creature will grow up to become a destructive force of nature, Pepper gives the dragon to the first person interested in buying—a traveling magician named Mysterio, who claims he can communicate with the dead. Relieved to be free of the creature, Pepper’s world turns upside down when Mysterio reveals that he has a message for Pepper—from her dead mother. Pepper can’t wait to discover what it is. But before she has a chance to find out, Mysterio is murdered. Left with a set of clues, Pepper is determined to discover the information her mother wanted her to know. But will untangling the mess of clues lead Pepper on the right path, or will it lead her straight into the hands of the murderer? Find out now!
Hey, I’m Amy, I write books for folks who crave laugh-out-loud paranormal mysteries. I help bring humor into readers’ lives. I’ve got a Pharm D in pharmacy, a BA in Creative Writing and a Masters in Life. And when I’m not writing or chasing around two small children (one of which is four going on thirteen), I can be found antique shopping for a great deal, getting my roots touched up (because that’s an every four week job) and figuring out when I can get back to Disney World. If you’re dying to know more about my wacky life, here are three things you don’t know about me. —In college I spent a semester at Marvel Comics working in the X-Men office. —I worked at Carnegie Hall. —I grew up in a barbecue restaurant—literally. My parents owned one. If you want to reach out to me—and I love to hear from readers—you can email me at amyboylesauthor@gmail.com. Happy reading!
While the first two were just enough silly to be fun, this one started to get old. The inconsistency in the main character (it was a good plan...it was a bad plan...I like the dragon....the dragon is scary...) are starting to get old. Unfortunately this one ended on a cliff hanger so I guess I will give at least one more in the series a shot.
I know this is a cozy mystery and is expected to be simple and cute, but if Pepper loses one more IQ point she’ll be a plant. This girl swallows any line of rubbish that’s dropped in front of her. She gave me whiplash with her constant changes of opinion. Her on again/off again relationship with her boyfriend is frustrating and annoying.
I really can’t get behind any of the other characters either. Pepper’s grandmother is a liar and scammer, her cousins are bits of fluff with no distinguishing features, and all three girls follow crazy grannie without question.
I have the whole series on kindle and this book left us hanging off a tall cliff, so I guess I’m committed to at least one more. Wish me luck.
This series continues to entertain! I laugh so much when I listen to these. I'm always so wrapped up in the mysteries that I finish these all in one sitting. They're just so much fun. I love the addition of Hugo the dragon and can't wait to see what they get up to in the next one. These are perfect, quick reads for the beach or on a long ride.
I skipped book 2 because I read it some time ago for a challenge, but after just having read book 1 earlier today I think this one made it more fun. I got to learn more about some of her cousins. She had met a man in book 1 named Axel and their relationship really grows in this book. In this book Pepper has grown more fond of Magnolia Cove and her pet shop; however, she finds an egg containing a dragon on her doorstep and she doesn't want it. Obviously, she is worried about how big it will grow and the damage it can do, but she ends up naming it Hugo, a name the dragon loves. The descriptions of Hugo and his colors and personality are fun to read.
Mysterio is a traveling magician who claims to communicate with the dead, so when he comes to Magnolia Cove Pepper goes to watch his show and sees her dead mother on stage. Mysterio tells her he has a message from her mother but before she can meet with him to get the message he is murdered. But Pepper is bound and determined to find out what that message from her mother is.
The mystery needs to be solved, so Betty devises a plan that involves herself, Cordelia, Amelia, and Pepper and it's crazy. These witches are so much fun and characters such as Jenny (the live and protective vine in front of Betty's house) is just an extra fun addition to the story.
It has been nearly 2 years since I read the previous book in this series. Not on purpose, just because I don't really binge read cozies and--in all honesty--I had forgotten about this one. Recently I went through all of my old reads and reviews and after seeing that I enjoyed (nee really enjoyed!) these Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries, I figured I needed to pick these back up after renewing my Kindle Unlimited. And here I am. And this book did not disappoint! So personal details aside, here are my thoughts:
After not reading the series for two years, details surrounding Pepper and her new, witchy life in Magnolia Cove came back to me pretty quick. Pepper is a sturdy main character with a good head on her shoulders but in my opinion, it is her relationship with hunky boyfriend Axel (I am picturing Jason Momoa in my head) and her shenanigans with her crazy grandmother Betty (Betty White on a skillet, anyone??) and cousins that really make the book. The cherry on top? HUGO. Yes folks, baby dragon! It was so fun to read about Pepper bonding with her familiar (however reluctantly, which was honestly sort of sad for a while) both literally and magically.
Oh, and last thing about this book. Watch out for that cliff!
An egg has been delivered to the shop. Pepper and Axel watch it hatch. A baby Dragon which Pepper has no intention of keeping. A traveling magician named Mysterio takes it off her hands.
Mysterio’s show has Pepper seeing her dead mom with a mysterious message. Before she can hear what it was Mysterio’s cape kills him.
Left with the baby dragon and a murder to solve can things go any better?
Pepper is always finding trouble and Axel is there to help along the way. Hugo, the baby dragon was given to her by her dead uncle. It is nice to see these two getting to know each other. Axel and Pepper are getting closer ad it scares her. Funny moments keep you turning the pages to find out if she will know what the message says and if she can keep Hugo out of trouble. Loving this series.
4 Stars... Pepper Dunn gets a dragon... Yep, you heard correctly, Pepper gets a dragon, names him Hugo, attempts to bond with him, and then of course murder and mayhem ensue... Another rollicking adventure with Pepper, Axel, and a coven of crazy witches... There are some hints in this one that lend to potential catastrophe in the future, and more on the extent of Pepper's abilities... We also see some growth in the relationship between Pepper and Axel learning to trust one another despite Axel's secrets... Amidst the mayhem there are some foundation pieces being set for future reads... Looking forward to it:)
Another wonderful read from the Sweet Tea Witches. As usual, it gave lots of laughs, Pepper and her Grandmother Betty were hilariously funny, and yes they were up to many more schemes, well Pepper was always dragged along ofc. Highly recommended as usual.
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.
Bummer. This one was not quite up to par with Books 1&2.
First of all, the Dragon sidekick was adorable. That was about it for this book.
Unfortunately there was some unfortunate cliches in this book
(Spoilers beyond this point)
Axel suddenly breaking up with Pepper? It was just such a convenient and poorly contrived plotpoint. Also reitterates the fact that they are so bad at communication. Just be adults about it. "Hey Pepper, my brother is coming into town, for your safety we need to maintain our distance." See ADULT. The breakup was unecessary drama.
THEN the really bad cliche.... Axel is a TWIN! OMG..... *eyeroll* I really really really hate this trope! WHY is it always good twin versus bad twin! Such a poorly contrived twist.
Then we get to the end and all is well and perfect? Nah, idc how sexy Mr Sexy is, his poor communication skills and need to hide things is emotionally immature. You wanna be together? Then be up front and communicate. This book had me really disliking Axel.
Also, Pepper's constant change of attitudes towards the baby dragon AND her need to sell him right away? She acts like she is enjoying her job at the familiar shop but still hating animals. Then you get the ultra rare baby dragon and you hate it too? Despite it calling you mama? How heartless.
Hoping book 4 improves.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ok, so I am an animal lover. My pets are like my children. I am so ticked off at Pepper. How could she give away a baby dragon newly hatched to a complete stranger. She did not even check to see if the stranger and the dragon were compatible as a familiar wizard combination. Then when she does get the baby dragon back, she allows it to be used as bait to catch a murderer???? I Love the murder mysteries in this series, but I do not like the main character. Yes, she does get better with the dragon and other animals. Still don't like her. Yes, I bought the next book.
Just when Pepper starts to show improvement... Against all advice, common sense, and good business sense Pepper decides to offload a baby dragon to the first stranger she comes across. After this stranger's murder, she allows another stranger with an interest in dragons to become her dragon trainer. She's got all the faith in the world for strangers, but none for the person she is supposedly developing feelings for? Really?! While the mystery and its solution are satisfying, Pepper and her cousins were such airheads I can't even regret the ending.
Still a fun series. Jellybean fetish may be getting to be a bit much for me but I can get over it. Betty, Peppers grandmother is a hoot. Mystery is a simple fun one. I will say, Come on train her in some magic already. Warning this book ends a bit more cliffhanger-ish then previous books.
Book Three in the Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries starts off exactly where the previous book left off: with a baby dragon getting ready to hatch. As soon as that dragon sees Pepper and calls her momma, I knew this story would be unhinged and wild. I am listening to this on audiobook, Hollis McCarthy is the narrator. She makes this series 100 times better with her interpretation. She is brilliant. I do highly recommend the audio version for this series. I am not sure I would like this series just as much if it wasn't in audiobook format. Her voice creates this southern feel that is both wild and cozy. There is not much to say about this book. The narration is simple, the story follows easy beats. There are a few say not show moments, a bit too much exposition. I would rather have a bit more activity and less talking around sweet tea. Pepper and Axel's relationship has very cringe moments. They do feel a bit insta-loving and is one of the reasons I don't really care about them. I care more bout Pepper's relationship with her cousins, it feels like it is growing naturally. Pepper is a fun character to be around, as she is the type of person that was rarely in the spotlight and now, as she is a witch running the familiar store, she is front and center. Her ramblings are fun and the way she talks makes me laugh. Her grandmother is such a nutcase I adore every second of her. Amy Boyles really created incredibly fun and outrageous female characters. I am staying in this series just for her characters. If you are looking for an easy - not a lot of brain power needed to understand the story - book to listen on audiobook I do highly recommend this series. This series is meant to be entertaining and funny. It checks both boxes easily.
I have to say, I didn't like this book as much as the first two because Pepper was being really annoying about the little dragon. Like she got a dragon and she just sold it??? within the first five minutes she had it?? And also she was really mean to Hugo, the dragon, like he's a little baby be nicer to him! Also he can literally understand what you're saying about him, soooo. Also, Pepper not being able to make her mind up about things is getting annoying (I like the dragon, I don't like the dragon, etc). I've also noticed a pattern- so each book, a few new characters are introduced, and usually the nicest/the one Pepper interacts with the most is the murderer. The mayor, who "helped" Pepper talk through her case clues and stuff even though he was the murderer, and now Gillian or Gilda or whatever. Another thing- can they please teach her some magic already? I know that these books have only taken place over a span of about a month (meaning a tiny town has had three murders in one month, by the way), but like I think it's time Pepper learned how to use her magic, given she's "one of the most powerful types of witches". One more thing about Pepper, this jelly bean thing is kind of very very odd. Like ok, you like sweet things, just add sugar to your coffee and teas, no need to add JELLY BEANS.
Following her uncle’s death, Pepper has just taken over ownership of the familiar placement store. She and Axel are hitting it off when a mysterious package arrives. It contains an egg. When that egg hatches, Pepper is shocked to discover that it contains a dragon. She names it Hugo. Uncertain about what she should do with it, she turns it over to Mysterio. When he is suddenly murdered, well, what can a girl do?
This was a wonderful Southern paranormal tale of mystery, romance, and family. The writing was wonderful, tinging the book with humor and emotion. The narrator offered an amazing performance. She provides the perfect voice for Pepper, a no-nonsense woman, Hugo, and the other characters.
Well-written, delightfully plotted, and sprinkled with humor, I highly recommend this audio book. This is the first book in this series that I've read, and I had no problem in following the story or figuring out the characters. Everything I needed to know was included.
I received a copy of this audio book for free from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had not effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to listening to this audio book.
This book in the series was fabulous. I have to warn you that the book ends on a cliffhanger. You don't expect it so it leaves you speechless. I cannot wait to read the next book to find out what happens and if pepper gets out of the predicament she is in now. The book starts where the previous book ended which was the hatching of the Dragon egg. Pepper is scared to keep the Dragon and sells it to Mysterio who professes to be a speak to the dead. Pepper attends his show and her mother appears and discovers she has a message for pepper. Pepper decides she wants the Dragon back and goes with Betty to retrieve it. when they arrive they discover mysterio is dead. Pepper wants to find out what message her mother wanted her to know. Will pepper discover answers to her questions and will she uncover the culprit that causes the murder? In this book we discover more of Axel's family. some events that occur make pepper question her relationship with him. Will all these problems get resolved and will pepper get the answer she is searching for?
So, what do you do when you have a dragon egg? Worse yet, what do you do when that egg hatches? Pepper has to figure this out. She decides to sell it to Mysterio, a guy that claims he can contact the dead and make them appear. He even seems to make her mother's ghost appears and says he has a message to deliver to her in private.
Which would be rather interesting except that he ends up quite dead. So, what can she do now? Her boyfriend , Axel, now seems to be growing distant from her. Turns out he was hiding yet another secret from her.
To top this off she has decided she really would like the dragon back and try to somehow bond with it. (It even has called her 'mama'.)
So all she has to do is solve the mystery of Mysterio's death, somehow get the dragon back and learn to how to bond with it, figure out what Axel is up to and, if that wasn't enough, survive the killer that is more than willing to kill her to.
And for the third book in this amazing series we got a little dark! I keep eating up these installments, but honestly what’s not to love? In this third book Pepper’s Dragons Egg hatches, we meet Axel’s twin brother, and a message is delivered from the other side! It’s almost as if these books continue on they get even more charming! For a moment in this book Axel and Pepper part ways and honestly it breaks my little heart. It’s like you’re counting the seconds down until they can figure it out. I also love the recipe in which these books are laid out. We get cute relatable situations, lighthearted silly murder, a touch of romance, and then total resolution. There’s something so comforting about these books and the way they are written. It’s always a good time to read about The Sweet Tea Witches. I find that when I’m bummed out these books really bring your spirits up. It’s kind of like a warm hug from a long lost friend, I really can’t recommend these books enough.
Pepper's uncle Donovan who left her the Familiar Shop also had a surprise package for Pepper that he had delivered after he had died. It's an egg and it contains something very special. Unfortunately, Pepper is led to believe that the gift could cause a lot of trouble so she sells it to the traveling ghost caller who visits every year. When Pepper finds out exactly why the egg was sent to her, she wants it back. But the traveling mystic (appropriately named Mysterio) refuses to sell it. As she is trying to talk to him, he is murdered which leads to Pepper and her Grandma Betty (Yes, Grandma was there with Pepper)being the prime suspects. Meyhem, fun, and games ensue as Pepper and her family seek to uncover the murderer.
The characters in this series are well-defined and each has their own part to play. The writing is simple but enjoyable and the plots are well-thought-out. All in all, I think I might actually read the entire series. :)
When a baby Dragon arrives at the pet store, Pepper is in shock and wants nothing but to get rid of it. Having been raised in the human world, all she knows about dragons is that they are huge and breath fire and destroy things. It never occurs to her that she is living in the witch world and that having a dragon might be a good thing.
Too bad that Mysterio, the magician that she sold the dragon to turns up dead just as she is getting him back, and now she is on the suspect list once again. Good thing she has her cousins, Axel and Grandma Betty to help her figure out what is going on, as well as teach her a little about the dragon that is to be her familiar.
This is the third book in this series and I cam enjoying the cute nature of the book, the fun feeling of the story and the place. Magnolia Cove is where I want to live!
This time around, the Sweet Tea Witches are juggling more than just spells and sass—they’re unraveling a new murder mystery and dealing with the sudden arrival of a dragon at the familiar shop. Yes, a dragon! Between the small-town gossip, magical mishaps, and suspicious clues, there’s never a dull moment in this charming series. The mystery is layered with just enough intrigue to keep you flipping pages while still holding onto that comforting, Southern supernatural charm.
As always, the chaos is tempered with warmth, friendship, and just a hint of mayhem. The characters continue to grow, and the new magical twist brings some fresh energy into the cozy world we’ve come to love. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the magic, or the witchy camaraderie, this latest installment feels like a warm cup of tea on a stormy day—comforting, cozy, and just a little wild around the edges.
Aaaand I'm done. I made it nearly 50% of the book and I struggled through every single page of it. Turns out I was giving too much credit when I thought she was acting like a 16 year old. 12 year old would be more like it. The one thing that was still kinda sweet was her and Axel, only for him to decide they need to "cool it off", but then wanting to have it both ways... again. Makes me sick to my stomach, shit like that. Slow burn is one thing, but this back and forth, hot and cold. NOpe. can't do it. Even if it turns out to be some misguided notion of trying to protect her. I don't need you to protect me, I need you to be honest with me and if you can't hack that, you better get a-packing...
Southern Myths is book number 3 in the Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries series. More kissing between Axel and Pepper. More speaking with animals by Pepper. A magician comes to town and has a message from beyond for Pepper from her mom. A dragon egg arrives for Pepper from her Uncle Donovan, who died and left her the shop "Familiar Place." Oh, and someone is murdered, of course, making it difficult for Pepper to find out what her mother wanted her to know, since the victim is Mysterio, the traveling magician! This is a 10-book series and I am enjoying them enough to move on to the end! They really are fun stories and Pepper really does help solve the crime. Did I mention they fly on skillets? Fun pop culture references throughout.
I really enjoyed this book as well. I love the whole new baby dragon storyline and Hugo is the cutest little dangerous thing ever! I also really love the dynamic between Pepper and her cousins and their grandma Betty, it’s so chaotic and funny all at the same time.
For people wondering about how appropriate the book is for younger readers or for readers who don’t like to read anything spicy or graphic:
Spice level: 🔥 (1/5) There is no spice in this book. There a few kisses but nothing is ever graphic.
Language level: (0.5/5) I honestly can’t remember if there was any cursing so I’ll just add the half point for just in case.
Violence/gore level: (1/5) There is very violence. A murder does take place but it’s not graphic at all.
An egg, an escaped prisoner, a death and the whole town up in arms are all mixed into a plot that will amuse and entertain you. Alright part of the answer was obvious from the start. Can she build a bond between herself and her new familiar? Why did the murder occurs? Why is her boyfriend acting weird? A fun plot but please be warned that this does end on a cliffhanger, so you might want to wait for the next book. The characters are as wacky as ever and the love interest of the cousins is starting to heat up. For a quirky, zany read - this is perfect.