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Mystic Springs #2
The Secrets of Mystic Springs
Welcome to Mystic Springs... where things definitely go bump in the night.
Connie Winters imagines that allowing all of the residents of Mystic Springs to see the spirits who live amongst them will let her live a quiet life.
She couldn't be more wrong.
When a gypsy woman discovers a historic journal, the woman will pay the ultimate price for her treasure.
Everyone knows that Mystic Springs was discovered, and founded, by a group of women. Or, at least, that's what they've been told. This journal tells another story. A story that nobody wants to believe.
But who would want the journal badly enough to kill for it?
With the town's new Sheriff distracted from the case, it falls to Connie and her dead sister to work alongside the dead former Sheriff to solve the case and discover the truth about Mystic Springs.
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery. Spooky not scary. Lighthearted and fun. Second in series by Mona Marple, author of the Waterfell Tweed cozy mystery series.
Connie Winters imagines that allowing all of the residents of Mystic Springs to see the spirits who live amongst them will let her live a quiet life.
She couldn't be more wrong.
When a gypsy woman discovers a historic journal, the woman will pay the ultimate price for her treasure.
Everyone knows that Mystic Springs was discovered, and founded, by a group of women. Or, at least, that's what they've been told. This journal tells another story. A story that nobody wants to believe.
But who would want the journal badly enough to kill for it?
With the town's new Sheriff distracted from the case, it falls to Connie and her dead sister to work alongside the dead former Sheriff to solve the case and discover the truth about Mystic Springs.
This is a full-length paranormal cozy mystery. Spooky not scary. Lighthearted and fun. Second in series by Mona Marple, author of the Waterfell Tweed cozy mystery series.
228 pages, ebook
First published August 16, 2018
218 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 25, 2018
This is the second book in the series and it was even better than I expected.
In this latest book, the townspeople can now see spirits, which provides a fresh take on the paranormal cozy genre.
A really engaging whodunit with some well written twists!
The characters were really engaging and I cannot wait to read the next one!
In this latest book, the townspeople can now see spirits, which provides a fresh take on the paranormal cozy genre.
A really engaging whodunit with some well written twists!
The characters were really engaging and I cannot wait to read the next one!
August 13, 2018
The second fantastic cosy paranormal mystery, where Connie and the spirits in mystic springs. When Emelza Shabley is killed its time for the spirits to rally round and find out who committed the murder. A historic journal may hold the secret of mystic springs and who's responsible for the murder. Mona Marple writes a enjoyable story with some great characters you will love.
August 14, 2025
SUCH FUN!
Mystic Springs. Such an idyllic place. You’d think. But no, because there is another murder… When the Sheriff doesn’t seem to really investigate, the team of spirits consisting of Atticus, Sage and Patton, take it upon themselves to find the killer. But spying on people proves to be really difficult now that everyone in Mystic Springs can see them. They need the help of Connie, or doesn’t she want to help? When even the spooks get spooked, lemme tell ya, it gets spooky!
I loved this book, it was fun, entertaining, and I never guessed whodunit! I love that the writing style for Connie and Sage are so different, to reflect their different personalities. Sage, carefree and rebellious, and Connie, serious and insecure, some of that insecurity because she ain’t no size 0. I can identify with Connie so much. But I do love Sage as well! Forever young, forever beautiful and boy does she know it! :D
I couldn’t help myself, Sage is such a hoot, so two quotes from her:
“I guess there can’t be any secrets in Mystic Springs now.” Ha! No secrets, huh?
“If Patton Davey wants to be my friend only, he’d better get used to other people sending me flowers, because I am pretty gorgeous, if you don’t already know.” Gotta love her!
Mystic Springs. Such an idyllic place. You’d think. But no, because there is another murder… When the Sheriff doesn’t seem to really investigate, the team of spirits consisting of Atticus, Sage and Patton, take it upon themselves to find the killer. But spying on people proves to be really difficult now that everyone in Mystic Springs can see them. They need the help of Connie, or doesn’t she want to help? When even the spooks get spooked, lemme tell ya, it gets spooky!
I loved this book, it was fun, entertaining, and I never guessed whodunit! I love that the writing style for Connie and Sage are so different, to reflect their different personalities. Sage, carefree and rebellious, and Connie, serious and insecure, some of that insecurity because she ain’t no size 0. I can identify with Connie so much. But I do love Sage as well! Forever young, forever beautiful and boy does she know it! :D
I couldn’t help myself, Sage is such a hoot, so two quotes from her:
“I guess there can’t be any secrets in Mystic Springs now.” Ha! No secrets, huh?
“If Patton Davey wants to be my friend only, he’d better get used to other people sending me flowers, because I am pretty gorgeous, if you don’t already know.” Gotta love her!
December 21, 2019
Enjoyed this more
Although I liked the first book, it wasn’t without its flaws. Thankfully this book addressed some of those issues, and I found myself liking Connie a bit more as she becomes a tad more assertive in her dealings with Sage and the other spirits, and has started to look into her own issues.
Sage, on the other hand, has reverted to a man hungry teenager who seems to be taken by the newest man to pay her attention. It’s very frustrating, and I have to admit that I don’t enjoy her POV as much when she’s all 🌟-eyed. Speaking of POVs, my biggest annoyance with the series is the alternating chapters that switch between Connie and Sage without fail. I’d rather follow more of the characters, or have larger chunks from one POV.
However, that aside, I did like this murder mystery, and the identity of the perpetrator was a real surprise. Did not see that coming. I like the interactions between the spirits and the locals, and how not everyone is thankful for Violets ‘gift’. Also, what is up with the lack of police reinforcements from the neighbouring town? Their reaction to the shooting was down right bizarre.
So, I’ll be giving book 3 a chance to see how the reunion goes.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Although I liked the first book, it wasn’t without its flaws. Thankfully this book addressed some of those issues, and I found myself liking Connie a bit more as she becomes a tad more assertive in her dealings with Sage and the other spirits, and has started to look into her own issues.
Sage, on the other hand, has reverted to a man hungry teenager who seems to be taken by the newest man to pay her attention. It’s very frustrating, and I have to admit that I don’t enjoy her POV as much when she’s all 🌟-eyed. Speaking of POVs, my biggest annoyance with the series is the alternating chapters that switch between Connie and Sage without fail. I’d rather follow more of the characters, or have larger chunks from one POV.
However, that aside, I did like this murder mystery, and the identity of the perpetrator was a real surprise. Did not see that coming. I like the interactions between the spirits and the locals, and how not everyone is thankful for Violets ‘gift’. Also, what is up with the lack of police reinforcements from the neighbouring town? Their reaction to the shooting was down right bizarre.
So, I’ll be giving book 3 a chance to see how the reunion goes.
3.5 stars ⭐️
August 18, 2018
Another great read from Mona Marple. Connie and the spirits are back, when a gypsy is stabbed in her own wagon. The original founder of Mystic Springs is in dispute - it was always thought that Lavinia Blackbottom, an independent lady with her band of strong womenfolk founded the town but a journal has turned up that says otherwise. Now how do you think the proud descendants of Lavinia must feel? Yes, probably murderous, but the town's historian is well interested in the old journal - enough to kill for it? Or is the owner of the journal prepared to kill to stake his claim as the true founder of Mystic Springs?
I really enjoyed this book and I love the relationship between Connie and Sage - they are so true to life sisters that you cannot help but identify with them (especially when you are very much like Connie, fat, geeky and always in Sage's shadow!) A very surprising ending - absolutely brilliant though.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
I really enjoyed this book and I love the relationship between Connie and Sage - they are so true to life sisters that you cannot help but identify with them (especially when you are very much like Connie, fat, geeky and always in Sage's shadow!) A very surprising ending - absolutely brilliant though.
I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion
August 21, 2018
The journal and the lies
When an old journal is found stating that the town had been founded by a man and not women, as they had always believed, it causes an uproar. Especially when the holder of the journal is found dead. Now the ghosts are on the case as the sheriff doesn't seem inclined to delve into the matter. The other live bodies are also keeping their distance from the investigation. The more they uncover the more it seems an open and shut case but still the sheriff is dragging his heels. Until Connie starts pushing the investigation. Was it the journal that lay behind the woman's death? Who is the cold blooded killer? A decent plot but it spent a lot of time on Sage and frankly I really don't like that character and that's why it has been given a 3^ rather than higher. She is narcissistic, selfish and self absorbed and has a way of disregarding the others that really annoying me.
When an old journal is found stating that the town had been founded by a man and not women, as they had always believed, it causes an uproar. Especially when the holder of the journal is found dead. Now the ghosts are on the case as the sheriff doesn't seem inclined to delve into the matter. The other live bodies are also keeping their distance from the investigation. The more they uncover the more it seems an open and shut case but still the sheriff is dragging his heels. Until Connie starts pushing the investigation. Was it the journal that lay behind the woman's death? Who is the cold blooded killer? A decent plot but it spent a lot of time on Sage and frankly I really don't like that character and that's why it has been given a 3^ rather than higher. She is narcissistic, selfish and self absorbed and has a way of disregarding the others that really annoying me.
May 31, 2020
Such a good series. Quick read, fast paced, with a sprinkling of humor. More about Connie and her spirit sister Sage. Sage and her spirit boyfriend, ex Sheriff Patton, find the body of Emelza, the gypsy who claimed to have an old journal that shows the true founding of Mystic Springs. Apparently someone wants that not to be found or published. Then there is another murder attempt, on Sheriff Taylor. His wife threatens to leave town and take their twin infants because of the "crime wave." A family tree has to be tweezed out to find out the truth. Book 2 builds on the characters and the story line to come. It is such a good series, you will want to get the four book set so you can quickly continue on.
September 6, 2021
You’ll Never Guess This One!
Mona Marple is a genius. I love the way her imagination has created Mystic Springs, making the town with its special magic completely believable. Connie is a full-fleshed real person with insecurities like most of us have. Throughout the book familiar characters act, well, out of character. We wonder if the journal will ever be found, and what finding it will change if it is. There are new faces who may or not be friends. But, we cannot ignore the fact that there is a murderer on the loose. Extremely satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Thank you, Ms. Marple! And, I predict that you will be as surprised as I was.
Mona Marple is a genius. I love the way her imagination has created Mystic Springs, making the town with its special magic completely believable. Connie is a full-fleshed real person with insecurities like most of us have. Throughout the book familiar characters act, well, out of character. We wonder if the journal will ever be found, and what finding it will change if it is. There are new faces who may or not be friends. But, we cannot ignore the fact that there is a murderer on the loose. Extremely satisfying conclusion. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Thank you, Ms. Marple! And, I predict that you will be as surprised as I was.
October 22, 2019
I did enjoy the story and the ending, but I sometimes had to force myself to get past the Americans in the book using English terminology. I can understand Sage and Connie using them, since they are from England, but not everyone else. For example, one if the characters says she needs to go home and says something to the effect that she needs to do markings on the school work. Here in the US, you would say that you would go home and grade papers/classwork. In book 1, Adele said that there were biscuits instead of cookies. Just little things that didn't take away from the story, but just a little frustrating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2019
This book was not as good as the first one. The first one had a fresh idea with an interesting protagonist. This one made the concept too common and the focus really wasn't on the protagonist. She seemed more of an afterthought through much of the book. While the outcome was unexpected, the story was just lacking in some respects and the description/development of some new characters didn't work well. I will give the third book a try in the hopes that it might work better as second books are often lacking and the author then gets his/her stride back.
April 3, 2020
Secrets of Mystic Springs
What a marvelous aray of caracters surrounding this mystery ,the town of Mystic Springs is a town many would wish to visit and many wanting to stay. Mona Marple is a multi talented writer of high caliber that draws you into this mystery with each passing page of pure mayhem, intreage and humor as well as one darn good mystery. I'm letting you know it's time for you to aquier a copy of"The Secrets of Mystic Springs "and start enjoying it as much as I have. 😮🙄😮😊 Kat
What a marvelous aray of caracters surrounding this mystery ,the town of Mystic Springs is a town many would wish to visit and many wanting to stay. Mona Marple is a multi talented writer of high caliber that draws you into this mystery with each passing page of pure mayhem, intreage and humor as well as one darn good mystery. I'm letting you know it's time for you to aquier a copy of"The Secrets of Mystic Springs "and start enjoying it as much as I have. 😮🙄😮😊 Kat
November 28, 2018
Okay, but has issues
While the basic mystery in this book had potential, there were many issues with the story. There were numerous errors, some annoyingly repetitive. The biggest problems were the huge plot holes. These became especially prevalent at the end of book. This made the ending very aggravating. The characters were interesting, and the town is unique. This series could become quite entertaining, but I am not sure I will read further.
While the basic mystery in this book had potential, there were many issues with the story. There were numerous errors, some annoyingly repetitive. The biggest problems were the huge plot holes. These became especially prevalent at the end of book. This made the ending very aggravating. The characters were interesting, and the town is unique. This series could become quite entertaining, but I am not sure I will read further.
November 29, 2018
I haven't read the first in the series(didn't see it), and that may have influenced my review. It was a good story and cute gimmick going back and forth between sisters, but I felt like too many assumptions were made about knowing more about the first book. I will try and find the first before reading the third.
I had figured.out the murderer, but not the why. Some of the ways and means we're left out.
I have tried not to include spoilers!
I had figured.out the murderer, but not the why. Some of the ways and means we're left out.
I have tried not to include spoilers!
March 18, 2021
This was another fun read. I enjoy the town and the characters both human and ghostly. My one wish is that there would be less focus on Connie's weight (she's the main character). I don't feel like we need her to be a large woman who constantly worries about her weight and how she looks and feels (when hugging) to other people, etc. I don't feel like it adds anything to the stories, and I wish it wasn't there.
July 21, 2023
This was an enjoyable cozy. The setting is somewhere in the United States but it’s rather odd that the Americans speak using British words and phrases. We expect that from Connie and Shay but not the Americans. And most of the Americans also have British sounding names. Interesting, but not a big deal.
These first two books have been mostly clean with the notable exception of taking the Lord’s name in vain multiple times.
These first two books have been mostly clean with the notable exception of taking the Lord’s name in vain multiple times.
November 1, 2018
Can ghosts solve a murder?
Sage and Patton think the sheriff is dragging his feet and the murder will never be solved. They decided to investigate and think they can solve it. Being ghost s has its benefits. Connie is bored and decides to help. See how the history of Mystic Springs plays into the story.
Sage and Patton think the sheriff is dragging his feet and the murder will never be solved. They decided to investigate and think they can solve it. Being ghost s has its benefits. Connie is bored and decides to help. See how the history of Mystic Springs plays into the story.
November 24, 2018
This book is what I can say a light paced yet compact plotted mystery book. Oh I forgot to mention that the story contains a word 'paranormal'; so, you better risk to dive into this high thrilling paranormal mystery with spooky twists to face time to time. I was grasping while reading this and hooked with it completely. A definitely recommendable for mystery lovers.
January 8, 2019
Worth trying
I'm seriously trying to give this series a try. It has a different storyline that I'm ok with. Stories are interesting. My biggest has been constant reference to Connie's size. Second issue is police department. Story is supposed to be set in America but does sound at all like it.
I'm seriously trying to give this series a try. It has a different storyline that I'm ok with. Stories are interesting. My biggest has been constant reference to Connie's size. Second issue is police department. Story is supposed to be set in America but does sound at all like it.
October 24, 2021
Enjoyable
A good story where spirits and the living can f
reely interact! A wonderfully written tale, thoroughly enjoyable though sometimes a bit drawn out in my opinion. Lots of great characters with many different personalities, pots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Looking forward to reading the entire series!
A good story where spirits and the living can f
reely interact! A wonderfully written tale, thoroughly enjoyable though sometimes a bit drawn out in my opinion. Lots of great characters with many different personalities, pots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. Looking forward to reading the entire series!
March 18, 2025
Entertaining mystery with spirits
An entertaining paranormal cozy mystery. The murder of a local gypsy woman has Connie, Sage and the gang investigating. A light hearted mystery with great characters, witty dialogue and lots of ghosts. I enjoyed this one and didn't spot the killer to late on. Highly recommended.
An entertaining paranormal cozy mystery. The murder of a local gypsy woman has Connie, Sage and the gang investigating. A light hearted mystery with great characters, witty dialogue and lots of ghosts. I enjoyed this one and didn't spot the killer to late on. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It was fun to read. I like the characters. Connie and Sage have great dynamics together. It was an interesting and surprise mystery ending. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 25, 2018
Great ghost story
Connie is a medium who sees ghosts, including her dead sister Sage. After a town resident is murdered Connie, Sage and the late Sheriff Patton team up to solve the murder. Brilliant characters and excellent plot. Highly recommended.
Connie is a medium who sees ghosts, including her dead sister Sage. After a town resident is murdered Connie, Sage and the late Sheriff Patton team up to solve the murder. Brilliant characters and excellent plot. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2019
Very enjoyable book!
Connie and the town of Mystic Springs can still see and talk to the dead. A gypsy has been murdered and Connie and her ghost friends set out to help the sheriff find the killer. Shocking ending!
Connie and the town of Mystic Springs can still see and talk to the dead. A gypsy has been murdered and Connie and her ghost friends set out to help the sheriff find the killer. Shocking ending!
June 23, 2019
Another good one
Book number 2 is just as good if not better than the first. I love the crazy characters! I did not figure out who the killer was until the author revealed it. I look forward to reading the next book.
Book number 2 is just as good if not better than the first. I love the crazy characters! I did not figure out who the killer was until the author revealed it. I look forward to reading the next book.
February 17, 2020
Loved it
Not my usual read. Read as part of a Reading Challenge.
The more I read, the more I fell in love with Mystic Springs. The surprise ending has me, a non reader of Paranormal books, reaching for the next chapter / book in this series. Well done Mona Marple.
Not my usual read. Read as part of a Reading Challenge.
The more I read, the more I fell in love with Mystic Springs. The surprise ending has me, a non reader of Paranormal books, reaching for the next chapter / book in this series. Well done Mona Marple.
April 5, 2020
In this second installment- Emelza Shabley is murdered over a journal of who was the first mayor of Mystic Springs. There are many suspects and secrets that come to light. The book is told in the perspective of both Connie and Sage.
October 26, 2021
Another enjoyable story in the Mystic Springs collection. I like the characterisation and the plump heroine. I got a little frustrated with the last couple of chapters as the "eye-rolling" was becoming a source of irrirtation.
September 25, 2018
Fun to read but with enough twists and turns to make it interesting. Have already pre-ordered the next one!
October 13, 2018
Spirits
This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed Sage, spirit and all. I would highly recommend this book. It was light reading but kept you from putting it down.
This was a fun book to read. I really enjoyed Sage, spirit and all. I would highly recommend this book. It was light reading but kept you from putting it down.
January 10, 2019
Absolutely adore this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews