Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
The dead should stay dead...unless they were alive to begin with.

Life for Pepper Dunn is just beginning to slow down in the magical town of Magnolia Cove, Alabama, when her Uncle Donovan, who is supposed to be deceased, appears on her doorstep very much alive. Turns out Uncle Donovan faked his death to avoid the werewolf mafia, a dangerous group who will stop at nothing to get their hands on him.

But when a hit on Donovan goes wrong and someone else winds up murdered, it’s up to Pepper and her boyfriend Axel to find the killer before another life is taken. Can she do it? Or will Pepper be next in line to face off against a killer?


Find out now!

178 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2018

1299 people are currently reading
514 people want to read

About the author

Amy Boyles

158 books1,531 followers
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!

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,123 (48%)
4 stars
774 (33%)
3 stars
378 (16%)
2 stars
37 (1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 15 books188 followers
November 18, 2018
Just as Pepper is settling down and getting her magic and baby dragon together she hears the back door opening and watches as Uncle Donovan walks on in.
He has faked his death to save himself from the werewolf mafia man, Johnny.

Everyone is happy to see Donavan return so happy they throw him a party where the hit man is killed. Of course everyone thinks it is Donavan but is it really him?

It was nice to see Donovan and Pepper get to know each other and working together. We more of Axel and Pepper’s relationship come together. Another nice story in the series.
Profile Image for Alexis.
412 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2022
I absolutely cannot get enough of The Sweet Tea Witches! Let’s just put it this way, since I started book one I’m reading one Sweet Tea Witch book a day. These stories are so sweet, so entertaining, but above all each installment has so much heart. This story was especially good because it starts out with a very exciting twist, Uncle Donovan is very much alive and back in Magnolia Cove. But, nothing coming that easy for Pepper and the gang! We find out that Uncle Donovan is running away from some serious trouble and the only one that can help him is Pepper and the gang. I also loved this installment because we meet a ton of different characters. Princess who was transformed into a bat, uncle Johnny the werewolf mob boss, and the Carlsburg siblings. I swear every time I finish a Sweet Tea Witch book I’m just itching to start the next one! Like I’ve said a million times before if you love southern comfort, magic, family ties, and mystical creatures there is no better series for you!
Profile Image for Maria.
3,000 reviews96 followers
March 3, 2022
Finally, we learn more about Pepper’s uncle Donovan and what happened to him. The mystery surrounding his death/disappearance and the reason he comes back to town were so much fun. I loved the addition of the bats to the story and the killer was a complete surprise to me (it usually is). There’s something so quaint about this little town that makes each visit so enjoyable. Can’t wait to see what they get up to next.
53 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2025
I so love these audio books, they are voiced so well, the plot is great, and so so funny. Im just worry that im going to run out of books to read. Definitely the most enjoyable witch book series I've ever done.
Profile Image for sonataiscool.
419 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2024
‘We’re the sweet tea witches , we stick together through thick and thin.’
Profile Image for Helen Robare.
813 reviews6 followers
January 25, 2024
Now that I'm home from spending Christmas, New Year's, and my birthday with my daughter and grandsons, I can continue reading this series.

I like this series. The author keeps the characters "normal" except for being magical (witches, familiar, wizards, etc.). The book revolves around Pepper Dunn ( a witch more powerful than she thinks). In this book, we are introduced to "supposed to be dead Uncle Donovan who was the previous owner of the store that Pepper now owns. We are also introduced to the Werewolf Mafia and its leader, who has put a hit out on Uncle Donovan and wants Pepper to find his missing niece who appears to have become vampire food. Add in an assassin and a bounty hunter along with Pepper's Granny as well as Pepper's cousins Cordelia and Amelia and a werewolf boyfriend (Axel) for Pepper and you have a great cast of characters who can hold their own with any characters in any series you can name!

There are plenty of twists and turns, a missing girl named Princess, anti-heroes, villains, and plenty of family drama. Another thoroughly enjoyable book by Amy Boyles!
Profile Image for Sheila.
14 reviews
January 31, 2019
Like this series, actually on book #7 now. Enjoying the crazy antics of her family and the town while waiting for Pepper to discover her full powers and get together with her true love. Just a couple of comments. First, supposedly set down south, but, the only indication of that is when she tells us that's where they are, and the constant (annoying) use of the word "y'all"; use of that one and only southern phrase isn't convincing anyone. The only character that actually talks on a semi regular basis like they're southern is the cat! (There was one other character but they get killed off right away.) Second: The cousins constantly calling each other (in private) the 'sweet tea witches', because, um, they drink tea? Oh, yeah, and it's on the cover. Lastly: We get it, Pepper's last boyfriend was an untrustworthy schmuck, but, the current man in her life has proven himself multiple times. Yeah, I suppose if they got together too soon it wouldn't make for much of a story, but her prolonged angst is getting tedious, just saying.
Profile Image for Michelle Randall.
715 reviews21 followers
September 13, 2018
Pepper is in for a shock when her "dead" Uncle Donavon crawls in through her back door. Turns out Uncle Donavon is alive, but maybe not well. He faked his own death to avoid a hit by the werewolf mafia. Oh man does this keep getting better and batter. Now he needs Pepper's help to discover what happened to Princess, the niece of the werewolf mafia boss.

Once again, such a cute story. I know its a mystery but there is something about the Sweet Tea witches that just make the whole story feel cute and fun. I love the relationships that are building between Pepper and her cousins. The relationship with Axel and the whole town in general, she is finally letting her guard down a little and not so afraid everyone is going to leave her.

Well written and worth the time. A great book to have around, especially on rainy day, It will lift you up.
Profile Image for Vicki.
2,721 reviews112 followers
August 25, 2021
Another great cozy mystery story about the Sweet Tea Witches with some new characters. This time Johnny Utah, a mafia vampire, has come to get help to find his niece. Dead Uncle Donovan has risen from "the dead" and takes a huge part in this plot. We find out why he had gone "dead" and what he's been hiding from.

Johnny, his niece Princess, and his girlfriend Eva are new characters. Princess is on the receiving end of a curse that was actually originally placed on someone else but eventually transferred to her. I won't say what happens but the entire story is based on finding and saving this niece of Johnny's. Some other things come to light and now I'm ready for book #6.

I thought I'd be tired of this series by now, reading one right after the other, but so far I am simply loving it.
Profile Image for Rachel.
473 reviews2 followers
September 20, 2022
Oooh this one was fun. This book expands upon the world of witches, wizards, warlocks, werewolves etc that are featured in the series. In addition to the expected murder, we meet a crime boss werewolf, a band of traveling singers, and the mystery of a missing werewolf niece. Well, along with some illegal animal trade.

I was a bit hesitant after the last book. I thought the author may have been heading towards LL James route, but this book circumvents that path and brings it back to the fun series we started with.


I am a bit sad to see that this is the last book narrated by the original narrator Hollis McCarthy. I think she's part of what has sold me so much on the series. I do hope she'll be brough back for more. Especially after so many of us have found this series via the August Hoopla Bonus Borrows collection.
Profile Image for Alejandra Martin ~ Lexi Likes to Read.
526 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2025
The chaos in Pepper’s world doesn’t slow down one bit when her uncle suddenly reappears—very much alive—with a warning that spells nothing but trouble. It turns out he faked his death after a shady business deal went south, and now the same dangerous people who were after him might have their sights set on Pepper. With threats looming, her family and friends must once again rally together to uncover the truth and survive whatever madness comes their way.

This series continues to be such a delightful surprise. Each book delivers a mix of humor, hijinks, and wild situations that make it the perfect quick and refreshing read. I love using these stories as a palate cleanser between heavier or more intense books, and I’m thrilled that there are so many installments to dive into. It’s lighthearted, fun, and keeps me coming back for more every time.
Profile Image for Mary Lou Webb.
519 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2019
If its not Rufus, its something ... worse?

After banishing Rufus, Claire thought things would settle down. But no. Now there's a vampire in town, and its turned a nice girl in the bat that the vampire was cursed to be. Now, the vampire is running free and the girl is flying with a group of bats with whom she has little in common. Just think! They didn't care about makeup, shopping, or shoes! What kind of girl turned up her nose at those?

With charm and humor, Ms. Boyles creates another story brimming with witches, werewolves, and one unhappy vampire. This series makes a good read when you just want to be taken away from everyday life, so if you enjoy light reading and paranormal, this may be a series you would like to read.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
November 13, 2021
entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. Pepper is a witch in a small southern town where she owns and runs a familiar shop. She misses her grandmother and a couple of cousins. Her boyfriend is a private eye occasionally helps the sheriff out solving mysteries crimes etc. Pepper also has a knack for getting involved in helping solve mysteries. Along with her cousins her baby dragon familiar and her crazy grandma they seem to always find a way to have some involvement in what’s going on and finding out who’s responsible. Read on and find out what’s going on in this issue.
2,870 reviews11 followers
May 11, 2024
Pepper Dunn's uncle, Donovan, returns to Magnolia Cove even though he's supposed to be dead. He's there to warn her about danger and tell her about the hit placed on him. She, Axel, and her family are on the case when a body turns up.

This story is an exceptional Witch & Wizard Mystery with romance. It was exciting to experience the tracking down of the suspect. While some readers might see the clues, it wasn't an obvious solution. The epilogue gives suggestions about the next adventure. Overall, this title is excellent.

Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.

Part of "Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries Books 1-10: Hysterical Southern Cozy Mysteries"
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,036 reviews8 followers
August 24, 2025
Book number five in the Sweet Tea Witch Mysteries has a large cast of characters. There are vampires, the werewolf mafia, and Pepper’s supposedly dead uncle Donovan. The book is full of action. There are several mysteries to be solved and more than one bad guy. There are some great developments in the story. Pepper has grown to love her role as the familiar whisperer, so much so that she worries about what will happen with the shop now that Donovan (the original owner) is back. Pepper and Axel’s relationship is progressing nicely. The book ends in a preview (soft cliffhanger) of what’s next for Pepper and Magnolia Cove. It has totally piqued my interest!

I listened to the audiobook. Narrator Hollis McCarthy did a great job performing all of those characters.
Profile Image for Abbie .
613 reviews3 followers
July 15, 2018
Fun and whimsical

Pepper is smack dab in the middle of magic and mayhem again as she learns about her recently inherited familiar shop and settles into life in Magnolia Cove. Trouble is a magnet to Pepper. Her life since uncle Donovan died and his shop became hers has been a bumpy ride. Learning more about her family, her with powers and her new boyfriend have been a whole lot to grapple with. Then, a noise in the back room at the shop has her wondering what critter got loose only to meet her dead uncle Donovan.

When she learns of the trouble uncle Donovan is in with the werewolf mafia she dives in to help.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
July 14, 2018
You reap what you sow

Another terrific read. To say she was surprised to see her uncle alive and well was an understatement. However the tale he had of a werewolf mob gunning for him, vampires cursed to be bats, a missing mob girl and witch hunters had her in a flap. How could they keep her uncle safe? Who killed the witch hunter? How can they break the curse? Will her uncle want the shop to be his again? A terrific plot that will have falling from one antic to another. Bringing the characters closer to each other as they fully mold into a family
6,202 reviews41 followers
February 12, 2020
Let's see. Someone an uncle that's supposedly dead but shows up. There's a group called Sensational Singers which might or might or might not be evil. There's a werewolf mafia, a witch hunter, a missing girl that seems to have merged with a bat, and Rufus is in trouble.

So, all Pepper needs to do is help Rufus, separate the girl from the bat, figure out who is a murderer and keep her relationship going with Axel.

All in a day's work for her. I like the idea of a werewolf mafia and I am wondering just what is going to end up going on between her and Rufus.
Profile Image for Kat Green.
1,147 reviews19 followers
October 17, 2021
I love this series from Amy Boyles and have quickly become addicted. For the first couple of books I listened to the audiobooks because yes, I’m spoiled. Hollis McCarthy does such an excellent job narrating that I’m able to listen to the story while I’m doing other work. This book, # 5, is filled with mystery involving a bat and a surprise visitor from the dead. It’s another very entertaining, lighthearted, paranormal mystery. I highly recommend this book and the entire series for a change of pace & relief from the chaos that has become our lives. Highly recommend! 😍
464 reviews
April 2, 2022
The vampire bat mystery

Pepper hears someone coming into her store using a key. When she investigates her uncle is there. The problem is that he is supposed to be dead. There is someone new in town trying to kill Donovan. He is a witch hunter who is hired to kill people. The one who hired him calls off the hit but he's determined to take out Donovan. Then the hit man is killed and Donovan is a suspect. At the same time the werewolf mafia leader is trying to find his niece. Who really killed the hit man and where is the mafias niece? I lived this book by Amy Boyles.
450 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2023
This book will keep you “hopping”.

Book 5 and it is still a thrill a minute and trouble has a matching magnet stuck to Pepper.
Surprise appearances, old secrets come to life and new abilities all manage to keep this fast paced fun read sparking the imagination.
Between the hilarious clothing descriptions, the zany inner monologue and the wacky commentary between family members you can’t help but become attached to the characters; and who wouldn’t want to live in Magnolia Cove.
This is definitely a family friendly book and collection worthy.
Profile Image for Lindsay♫SingerOfStories♫.
1,073 reviews120 followers
April 29, 2025
So I do enjoy the quirky characters and the unique plot lines in this series. What I don't like are the interjections in the main character's thoughts....the breaking of the fourth wall is so annoying to me in how its done. And also, this one had too many confusing plot elements. I was so confused by who was what type of creature (vampire, werewolf, mafia, dead, alive, banned from town, witch, relative, Princess, etc.) that I couldn't keep straight who was under a spell or what was happening. But I know how the book started and how it ended so I'm ok.
959 reviews
December 27, 2025
Pepper’s Uncle Donovan comes stumbling into her shop! Seems Donovan had faked his death to hid from a mobster named Johnny Utah. Donovan had sold Johnny a vampire bat for his niece Princess. Unfortunately, the bat bit Princess and Princess is now missing. It is also the time of year that the shields are down so regular folks can make it into Magnolia Cove – meaning Johnny Utah can come for Donovan. The crew has to have all their wits about them to get to the bottom of all the double crosses that happen! My favorite character is Rock Ford – nice nod to the Rockford Files!
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,673 reviews6 followers
May 26, 2020
Loving this series

A dead person who may be alive, a living person who may be dead ... And just how many dead are there?! Conundrums are everywhere in this imaginative tale that finds Pepper and crew seeking to reverse a curse, rescue a family member, and bring the guilty to justice. I enjoy this series, and Pepper is evolving nicely, but the others are very one-dimensional. This is still a good read, and I look forward to enjoying the other characters' development.
Profile Image for Holly Stone.
905 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2022
I do like this series although sometimes it is a bit predictable and the characters can be a little dense. Pepper finds out her uncle Donovan is not dead as he returns to Magnolia Cove. A rogue vampire comes into town looking for a small bat who he switched bodies with. Pepper Amelia and Cordelia figure out how to save the Werewolf Mafia Princess's life. It is a very cute series and if you haven't tried it you really should. Book 5 in the series by Amy Boyles.
Profile Image for Remi.
327 reviews6 followers
April 4, 2023
I really just cant stop reading these, anyways, I thought this book wasn’t as good as the ones before. I’m glad that we know what happened with uncle Donovan and stuff, and I think the whole idea of vampires vs werewolves was very twilight. I think the storyline with the vampire being trapped and switching places south princess was clever. Also, I guessed the twist again- although I thought that Eva was the vampire all along, not killed and replaced by the vampire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Camille Diaz.
28 reviews
May 3, 2024
I really like this one. It was harder to figure out who the murder was and I did not get it right at all. Book kept me on my toes and I couldn’t put it down. 5 books in and I still not sure how I feel about the MC breaking the fourth wall. It feels weird and forced to me like I’m sitting at a bar listening to a drunk lady tell a story with odd quips placed here and there especially about Axel. Glad the jellybean obsession is being toned down. Who the hell puts jellybeans in their coffee??
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
July 13, 2018
Such a fun series

I love this author and her sense of humor. Pepper and gang are solving a murder and hunting a vampire this time. The usual relationship drama seems to have relaxed and it was nice for the couple to be on the same page. Grandma Betty was still her funny self but wasn't as involved this time.
Profile Image for Lisa Edwards.
49 reviews1 follower
July 18, 2018
This series is perfect

I really enjoy reading the Sweet Tea Witch series. They have everything I love: romance, family, magic, murder, chaos, good vs. evil and a fresh different kind of community. Magnola Cove is definitely a magical place. I always look forward to the next book. I hope I don't have to wait to long for book 6.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.