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Casino Witch Mysteries #3

There's No Business Like Mage Business

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A Monza's Guide to Interpersonal Relationships
1. Train all the time.
2. Don't need anyone.
3. Cry a lot.

Ella is tired of crying. She's more powerful than ever before, but her personal life has the wow factor of vanilla ice cream. When Bear asks her to investigate a series of mysterious deaths at the ultra-hip Cauldron Festival, Ella accepts a job as one of the comedy performers but doesn't tell anyone why she is really there, not even her excited sidekick, Vanessa. Everyone thinks the Legacy overdoses were accidental, but Ella knows there is more happening. But with live concerts, parties, and events around the clock, will she be able to investigate without getting distracted? On the other hand, with Vin out of the picture, why shouldn't Ella enjoy the company of a handsome stranger? But will the investigation be derailed when those closest to her discover she is hiding secrets from even them?

Visit Ella Tuesday through Sunday in the Vaudeville next to the glass elevators. Or buy her book! There's No Business Like Mage Business is book 3 of the Casino Witch series. Be sure to wash after finishing. This book will put hair on your chest!

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2018

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About the author

Nikki Haverstock

48 books213 followers
Nikki Haverstock is a writer who lives on a cattle ranch high in the Rocky Mountains. She has studied comedy writing at Second City and has published 6 cozy mysteries that are heavy on the humor.

Before fleeing the city, she hosted a competitive archery reality show, traveled the world to study volcanoes, taught archery and computer science at a university and now works on her family’s ranch herding cattle. Nikki has more college degrees than she has sense and hopefully one day she will put one to work.

Nikki likes to write comedy pieces that focus on the everyday humor of one-uppers, annoying family members and strange behavior of the ultra-rich. She tried stand up but the cattle weren’t impressed.

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5 stars
207 (52%)
4 stars
131 (32%)
3 stars
47 (11%)
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9 (2%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Author 9 books16 followers
October 18, 2020
The third book in the fantasy mystery series.

About a year ago, Ella’s dad was murdered and she found out that she’s a mage. Her father’s death is still a mystery but she doesn’t have any clues about who did it. She doesn’t have any memories of her mom. She also doesn’t know why her dad kept her a secret from everyone in the magical community or why he didn’t tell her that she’s a mage. Her dad’s old friends Badger and Bear agreed to train her. About six months ago, Ella declared herself a Monza, a follower of “old way” who must stay celibate. She did it to get out of the clutches of mage law. She had, and still has, feelings for handsome, if aloof and unfriendly, security consultant Vin.

For six months, Ella has been training or rather burying all her feelings in training. She’s also pushed her best friend Vanessa to train with her. But now Vanessa is putting her foot down. Her mother who is Ella’s teacher, is away for a week. Ella has pushed them to go through all the exercises in just couple of days and Vanessa wants to stop doing them.

Their friend Natasha comes to Ella’s loft. Natasha has her own comedy show in on the casinos. Two of the women working in her show have left and she needs help. Vanessa jumps at the chance but Ella hesitates. She wants to keep practicing.

After Vanessa and Natasha leave, Ella’s tutor Bear stops by. Apparently, the girls from Natasha’s show haven’t left: they’re dead from drug overdose. Bear wants Ella to investigate. Ella agrees and a job at the comedy show is a great way to go undercover. However, she decides to keep the investigation secret even from Vanessa.

This is a more serious entry in the series. While we still get wild antics from Patagonia, Ella’s huge black familiar cat, there aren’t many other jokes or humor, especially compared to the previous book which was set in a hilarious cheese convention. Ella investigates the overdose with a drug which seems to affect only mages. Also, a handsome new love interest appears. The mystery around Ella’s dad and childhood deepens, though.

While I didn’t enjoy the plot as much as in the previous book, I did enjoy the characters and quite a lot of other things, like the descriptions of Ella performing on the comedy show. She thought it would be just a small thing but it’s really not and panicked at first. Vin doesn’t appear much which is good because I can barely stand him. Natasha is a great character and I’d like to see more of her.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,436 reviews123 followers
July 15, 2018
There’s No Business Like Mage Business
Casino Witch Mysteries #3
Author: Nikki Haverstock

Elle has spent six months working on her witch-skills and trying to settle into celibacy as a Monza witch when she is asked to go undercover to help find out who is killing people at a nearby casino. And, who should she meet when she enters the new workspace but violet-eyed Thomas who seems to believer that the Monza celibacy thing can be worked around…not bothered at all…not like Vin was. And, Vin is in a relationship with Tiffany which is not good news, either. So, with a murder to solve, people being given a drug that can kill, a show to put on, magic to use, new clues to the loss of her uncle and father and a whole lot more going on this was definitely a fun new addition to a series I thoroughly enjoy. I do hope that Elle finds a way to overcome the Monza celibacy thing so she can find a “true love” at some point in the future.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars
1,718 reviews36 followers
July 13, 2018
This Is the best book in the series to date. Ella is recruited to investigate a series of mage deaths that are being covered up. In the process she learns she needs to be able to trust others to help her, or she may never find the answers she is looking for.

During the investigation, she discovers Vin (now engaged Tiffany) to is not above using his magic on her as well as anyone else to get answers when he thinks he needs them. She also has another admirer who is strongly connected to the Marshall, and now she need to be wary of any information she gives him also.

Nikki Haverstock brings characters to life with humor and flaws to each persona that adds extra beleivability to her stories.
Profile Image for Lawona.
340 reviews11 followers
February 10, 2020
4.5 stars
I love how Nikki can bring the magic alive in these books. Ella has so many secrets that she doesn't know who to trust, until she talks to a seer and comes to a conclusion that she can trust the people that took her in.
Profile Image for Charissa Wilkinson.
1,031 reviews14 followers
January 26, 2026
Overview: Ella has thrown herself into her Monza training, in part to flee from a broken heart. Vanessa and Natasha have asked her to join Natasha's comedy show. Too bad for Ella's training, Bear needs her to join that show. You see, mages are dying of Legacy overdoses. Can Ella find out what is going on? Can she keep her investigation under wraps? Who is Thomas, and why is he so fascinated about Ella? Let's find out.

Dislikes: Vin decided that he is the ultimate security guard. But he came off as if he is still suffering with a bruised ego.

Thomas seems rather pushy to me. If I'm reading this series righty, then then Monza life is similar to that of a nun. Why would anyone want to cause another to break those vows?

Likes: Tiffany did what to help Ella. And at the least she wasn't looking for a yes-man friend, nor wanted to be one.

Ella had a chance to help Beth out.

Bear and Dr. Trout were eager to find out what was behind the Legacy deaths.

Conclusion: This was an interesting story. If you like cozy mysteries with a splash of urban fantasy, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,969 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2018
This is such a fun series and this new addition is one of the best so far. The storyline is engaging and the characters are unique and qwirky.

Since Ella has declared herself a Monza she has been trying full time, actually more than full time. So when Valerie and Natasha ask her to help out in Natasha’s act at a ‘for mage only’ casino she turns them down. Not long after, Bear asks her to go undercover to investigate some suspicious deaths at that same casino. So armed with a great undercover story and very increased magical abilities she spends her days investigating and her nights performing. As she gets closer to finding out how and why the mages are being killed she questions if her fathers death is tied into these murders.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
Profile Image for Lauren Garcia.
Author 2 books4 followers
May 9, 2022
Personal Rating: 3.5

3rd in the Casino Witch Series, but it's not necessary to read from the beginning.

Ella lives in Rambler, a smaller Las Vegas for mages. After her father's death, she has discovered her powers, one of which is being able to detect and relive a murder if she is in the location where it happened, and people are suddenly dying of a drug called Legacy that kills people by sucking out all their magic.

I always enjoy these books. I appreciate the world building. It's very clever and funny. They are just a fun time but still interesting, which I appreciate. The only thing that would make them better is having less of a cast of characters. There are so many side characters that we don't get to spend much time with them, and thus don't get to know them as well.

I always love the humor, though, and the underlying macro plotline is interesting too.
1,769 reviews23 followers
January 7, 2023
There's No Business Like Mage Business

Nikki Haverstock is a well established and respected para cozey mystery with mayhem and murder on the side and this latest mystery has shown why .Her array of characters in this series and this mystery are vibrant, colorful and powerful. They each have their unique place and bring an intense impact both the drama and intrigue into the mystery that entices you further into the enjoyment and experience of following along the magical mystery while the plot carries you throughout not letting you drop out .keeping you entranced turning page after page until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " There's No Business Like Mage Business " the 3rd book in Casino Witch Mysteries an intriguing, magical and enjoyable experience. Kat
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
July 14, 2018
There's no business like show business

Awesome probably the best one yet. She has been training hard and her BFF is fed up to the back teeth. However when a chance comes up to help in an act at another casino, nerves make her refuse. Until she's asked to help in an investigation into deaths caused by a drug overdose she jumps in, feet first. How will she copes with being on stage? What do the drug overdoses have in common? Throw in a handsome casino owner, her old enemy and Vin into the mix for a terrific read that will have you wondering not only about the master king pinkston but also about her childhood. Okay I guessed the "baddie" in this one but it was still an awesome read.
Profile Image for Elissa.
Author 39 books111 followers
September 18, 2018
Trust Me!

This is a fun and lighthearted series but in this book things get serious. Why, yes, there have been dead people in all the books--that's why they're called murder mysteries! But our not-so-young heroine, who's been rather a ditzy clutz, is finally beginning to pull herself together and stop acting like the teenager she's not. Even though maybe she's still in middle school magic-wise, having come into her gifts on the late side. But, boy is she making up for lost time!

You can read this story on its own--all the relevant parts are contained within and it is a doozy of a good mystery--but the overall story arc has its own fascination and for that there is a bit of a cliffhanger, tantalizing you to read the next volume. I will! I will!
Profile Image for Tia.
638 reviews
November 19, 2020
Elle is a recently named Monza in the Mage community who gets pulled in to investigating the recent deaths of some mages at the casino. As her cover, she is going to be onstage in a comedy act no less! The resident Event Liaison, Thomas, is sex walking, and near irresistible to Elle. Too bad she swore an oath of celibacy!

"There's No Business Like Mage Business" is book three in the Casino With Mysteries series, but this is the first that I have read in the series. I actually picked it up by mistake from my tbr list, but found it to be a fun interesting read nonetheless. I have read books from Nikki Haverstock in the past and have always found them to be entertaining and this one was no different.
Profile Image for Donna.
4,173 reviews58 followers
July 12, 2018
Ella is trying to forget about Vin by training till she drops. All its really done is push away those who could get her through it. Bear has had enough and puts her undercover to see if she can help him find out where the drug Legacy is coming from and why some folks are over dosing on it.

This magical murder mystery will keep you flipping pages till the very end. The discoveries Ella makes in this book only lead to more questions. If you haven’t read Of Murders and Mages: Casino Witch Mysteries 1 and Which Mage Moved the Cheese?: Casino Witch Mysteries 2 I would recommend reading them first.
1,065 reviews5 followers
Read
March 16, 2021
Ella has been training like crazy for her semi-new Monza life, and she’s pretty much put blinders on to dissuade distraction, even from a social life, so Vanessa’s feeling a bit tired of training Life. When Natasha asks the two to assist at her show in a festival, Ella originally declines, until Bear asks her to go undercover to investigate some suspicious drug overdoses. When Natasha and Vanessa find out why she’s really helping pit, they’re understandably hurt, but Ella’s able to smooth it over...but she and Vin definitely don’t smooth anything over when they bump into each other.
Oh, and Patagonia lends her ever-growing paw.
Profile Image for Brad.
742 reviews3 followers
June 28, 2021
Great Evolution of the Key Characters

This book is the third in a series and really helps to develop the protagonist and her close knit group of friends and protectors. The immediate focus is another murder that nicely dovetails into the overarching story of Legacy.

I read this book out of order. Fortunately, I didn’t feel cheated by knowing too much. Books repeat highlights from what came before but don’t rehash the details. Good news is you don’t already know the ending and you need to read all of the books to get the full story.

Monza Ella is much more richly developed and learns a lot about what is important in life. I enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Keesies.
13 reviews
July 17, 2018
I received this story as an ARC.

In an attempt to get over Vin, Ella tries to exhaust herself through extensive daily training. She's learrning more about living the Monza life, advanced spells and her growing magical powers. When given an opportunity to go undercover and investigate a series of mage deaths, Ella jumps right in. Unfortunately, the more information she uncovers, the more questions arise.

This is the third book in the Casino Witch Mysteries. I recommend reading the first two books in order before reading this one.
218 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2019
It's OK for a quick read.

It's a continuing story, so best to read the books in the series in order. There's magic, a mystery, and a wonderful cat familiar who is basically ornery. Not long at all, so good for a quick read.

But I wanted more. Nothing much of the Heroines past was revealed. The romance has stagnated. The dialogue frequently seemed forced. The pacing was irregular, which caused me to skim over tedious scenes.

It wasn't a bad read, but I'm not sure if I'll continue the series.
230 reviews
August 17, 2021
Murder in the casino

Ella is a special kind of witch- one who follows the old ways, including celibacy. But in her undercover life as a murder investigator she is mysteriously drawn to the head of the casino. Although she did not start her magic life until she grew up she doesn't remember. The years before she was eight. Weird and wonderful twists appear through the story . The mages rely in a diet heavy in sugar to maintain their magic and some of their treats are as mouth watering as the plot is gripping. Well worth reading.
2,847 reviews14 followers
January 24, 2026
Interesting plot.

Ella is on an undercover assignment from Bear investigating “accidental” overdose deaths from Legacy. She and Vanessa have a job in with a comedy entertainer at the Cauldron Festival, but no one knows why she is really there. Her visions tell her the deaths are part of something deeper but the handsome casino worker makes it hard to concentrate. As a Monza she is celibate, but apparently no one told her body that.

Good mage action and adventure. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Lorraine O'Connor.
311 reviews
June 7, 2026
This has great storytelling, plot and characters. I confess I read book 4 before this one(#3) and I loved that one too. This book is about how the two best friends started sleuthing together, Ella & Vanessa. They go undercover in a comedy act in the Mage only casino. This place is unlike anything they've ever seen. Others like themselves are everywhere. The ladies are deep into the case fairly quickly. They are actually filling in for two of the women who were murdered. It's a great book that come to life with the authors vivid descriptions. It earned 5* from me. enjoy!
Read on 06/03/26.
149 reviews2 followers
July 14, 2018
Slow start, interesting ending. Ella is learning more about her powers and more advanced spells. Mystery surrounds her because of gaps in her memories of her past. Her emerging ability to use her powers and spells she is learning helps her to search out clues for cases. The Casino Mysteries are best read in order because of the build-up of facts and characters are referred to in each successive story. Nice cozy witch mystery reads.
49 reviews
July 15, 2018
This third entry in Nikki Haverstock’s Casino Witch Mysteries may cast a spell over you…perhaps you will find yourself staying up late to finish reading it! Ella’s magic has grown more powerful and she’s exercising those powers by saving lives and finding a killer. I am enjoying this series, though we are left with more questions than answers, which I look forward to seeing resolved in future editions. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
211 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2018
No Business Like Mage Business

What a great series and this book made me want the next one quickly!
The plot is well paced with tension at the just right time. The characters are growing stronger and are very likable.
Ella has been training her magic and strength harder than needed so goes through a valuable respite. Her skills and endurance training are needed as she investigates the overdose deaths of several women.
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
August 30, 2018
A good mystery

I enjoy reading about Ella and her making mistakes but growing in her magic and confidence. Her friendships are growing even amidst some mistakes and I can’t wait to read what mystery she solves next. The romance part is lacking and I don’t care for men who are serial daters and think they are all that. Ella seems to attract them though. Vin is just ugh along with Tiffany, seriously, they being nothing to the series.
Profile Image for Wendy Beachley.
96 reviews
January 16, 2019
Excellent

Ella and Vanessa are awesome, and best friends, they can be hysterical and they can fight. But when it comes to who you need when things get bad they totally have each other. When Ella tries to solve murders without Vanessa she learns that having her best friend with her is always better! This book was very good, a few parts that mad me cry a little, hoping those get fixed in the next book!
Profile Image for Tim Covell.
Author 3 books9 followers
November 24, 2019
Starting with the third book in the series was not a great idea. It took me a long time to figure out the world and the character, not all the information seemed relevant to this story, and there seemed to be many references to previous events. Once I got past that, the story moved quickly and I was drawn into the events and main character. Now I want to know what comes next, and what came before.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,744 reviews9 followers
July 22, 2018
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Ella is hired to solve another murder.
With lives on the line, Ella is ready to do battle.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
462 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2018
Love these.

I love these. Each book makes me want more. Bad part is having to wait for next. Like the new character addition and hopefully will see more of him and hopefully he turns out to be a good guy.
Some more movement in the story line. Wish more than we got but liked the link to the first book.
Will be excited for the next book to arrive.
Profile Image for Barbara Stewart.
682 reviews
April 5, 2022
mages

Ella goes undercover at another casino to find out how these girls are dying. There has been six deaths and they’re always explained by the casino as natural causes. The book is cute keeps you interested to find out what happens I just wished Ella with a little bit quicker on the uptake sometimes lol 🧙
Profile Image for M.
146 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2018
Wonderful!

This series just keeps getting better and better! I just can't wait to see what happens next! I laughed, almost cried, was shocked, and then smiled again while reading this book!
Profile Image for Lynda Lippin.
Author 2 books11 followers
May 17, 2020
Fun mystery

When mages start suddenly overdosing on Legacy, a new drug that drains their magic, Ella is called in to assist the investigation. I enjoyed this altered reality where drinks are potions and comedy is about magic. The light romance is a bit annoying.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews