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Hillcrest Witch Mysteries #0
The Case of the Love Spell
Is magic real?
That’s what Penny has to ask herself, after a mysterious book reveals her destiny as a witch...
Welcome to Hillcrest, a small box-canyon town snuggled high in the mountains of Colorado. It’s been Penny’s home for her whole life, and she’s always thought of it as a peaceful -- if boring -- place to live.
All of that changes when the elderly Claudine Terra is killed, and a mysterious mountain pass behind her mansion opens up to through traffic. Could the new visitors to town, including a handsome vampire, have something to do with Claudine’s murder?
Penny is intent on finding out. She wants to save her failing PI business, get her love-life in order, and prove the police department wrong, all in one fell swoop. But as Penny learns about her own witchy powers, things turn out to be a bit more complicated than she expected.
For one thing, her ex boyfriend, Chris (a captain on the Hillcrest Police Department) is suddenly single. And then there’s the fact that her precious cat won’t stop throwing up. On top of that, Penny’s attempts at casting spells tend to go horribly wrong!
This is the prequel to the Hillcrest Witch Cozy Mystery series. A full length, funny cozy mystery.
That’s what Penny has to ask herself, after a mysterious book reveals her destiny as a witch...
Welcome to Hillcrest, a small box-canyon town snuggled high in the mountains of Colorado. It’s been Penny’s home for her whole life, and she’s always thought of it as a peaceful -- if boring -- place to live.
All of that changes when the elderly Claudine Terra is killed, and a mysterious mountain pass behind her mansion opens up to through traffic. Could the new visitors to town, including a handsome vampire, have something to do with Claudine’s murder?
Penny is intent on finding out. She wants to save her failing PI business, get her love-life in order, and prove the police department wrong, all in one fell swoop. But as Penny learns about her own witchy powers, things turn out to be a bit more complicated than she expected.
For one thing, her ex boyfriend, Chris (a captain on the Hillcrest Police Department) is suddenly single. And then there’s the fact that her precious cat won’t stop throwing up. On top of that, Penny’s attempts at casting spells tend to go horribly wrong!
This is the prequel to the Hillcrest Witch Cozy Mystery series. A full length, funny cozy mystery.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2018
465 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
September 28, 2019
I found myself smiling through most of this book. The characters start out rather average and a bit naive. Almost accidentally, they begin to grow and develop as the paranormal world begins to arrive in their world. A few laugh out loud moments, fun characters and a cute mystery. A wonderful introduction to the series.
June 18, 2019
Penny is a PI in the small town of Hillcrest. Claudine Terra, is found dead by her niece, Lucy but turns out she was really murdered. Gunther, comes to see Penny and gives her a note. It says Claundine was murdered. Will the police take her seriously? In return for taking the note, Gunther gives her some items Claudine gave to him.
One of the items is a book that will help humans turn into witches. It is so good that she reads in numerous times and so does the Knitting circle Penny belongs to.
Chris is not only Penny’s ex but also her neighbor. He is not over Penny but can he take the note seriously? When Gunther is found dead in Penny’s office will he start to listen?
Will she find out who killed Claudine and Gunther or will it be too late? What about Turkey her cat?
With Penny, Annie, Marley, Cora, Buttercup and Turkey the story stays hoping. There is enough action, tension between ex’s, a vampire, and more to keep the reader turning the pages. The characters keep you on your toes and some laugh out loud moments. The plot is remarkable. You will fall in love with Penny and want to see what happens next.
One of the items is a book that will help humans turn into witches. It is so good that she reads in numerous times and so does the Knitting circle Penny belongs to.
Chris is not only Penny’s ex but also her neighbor. He is not over Penny but can he take the note seriously? When Gunther is found dead in Penny’s office will he start to listen?
Will she find out who killed Claudine and Gunther or will it be too late? What about Turkey her cat?
With Penny, Annie, Marley, Cora, Buttercup and Turkey the story stays hoping. There is enough action, tension between ex’s, a vampire, and more to keep the reader turning the pages. The characters keep you on your toes and some laugh out loud moments. The plot is remarkable. You will fall in love with Penny and want to see what happens next.
November 6, 2018
I received a copy of this book from BookFunnel and I was pleasantly surprised. This is my first book by this author and she didn’t disappoint. Penny is a cute and quirky character and her friends are a blast. They are brand new witches, who Forrest Gump their way through a murder investigation. I’m on the fence about her relationship with Chris because I really wanted her with Max. However, witches and vampires aren’t supposed to date. Off to read the next book.
June 8, 2021
A humorous story about a PI in a small town who still has a crush on the local police Captain.A local merchant gives her a box of items which he was given by a recently killed lady. Among the items was a rare book about witch craft and the man claims the lady was murdered. The PI Penny takes on the task of trying to find the murderer. It is not an easy task with many funny incidents as well as learning to hear the thoughts of her cat.All is not what it seems in the town and Penny will have a hard time overcoming hurdles placed in her path. Well worth reading.
May 26, 2019
I originally posted this review on my blog The Owl's Book Nest I will admit, I was a little apprehensive about starting this one. I just finished a different witch cozy mystery that was pretty painful and was nervous starting a new one. Thankfully this book was pretty fantastic! I adore Penny, the main character, if she was a real person I swear we would be best friends.
Penny is a private investigator in this tiny town where everyone knew everybody and nothing new ever really happened. With that being said, her P.I business was not doing so well, in fact she was about to close it. That was until a man by the name of Gunther came into the office with a box of valuables and a note. What was so special about the note you ask? Well, it stated that one of the town’s prominent woman was in fact murdered! All Penny had to do was take this letter to the cops, keep his name out of it, and the box of valuables was hers to sell or do with as she pleased. If only things were that simple.
Yes, this task allowed her to save her business but it started a chain of events that would change her life. I don’t want to spoil what happens in the book, but let’s say there is a little magic involved.
There were several things I loved about this book. First, there was Penny! She just blurts out what is in her head without pausing to think. There were moments where I literally laughed out loud at her attempts to be sly! She really is a bit of a derp, but in lovable way! Second, her cat Turkey was fantastic! I loved that he enjoyed doing crosswords. Third, the murder mystery portion was seamlessly integrated in the story. You would be surprised how many cozies I have read that seemed disjointed in this aspect.
This is the kind of book that sets the foundation for a series and I am looking forward to reading it. What makes this witchy cozy stand out to me is that I wasn’t set in this world where you are born a witch. Penny was not from a line of witches, one of the books Gunther gave her unlocked her inner witch. She even shared this book with her knitting group and after they all read it they too began their journey into witchdom. Hopefully in the next book we will get to learn a little more about magic and see Penny grow as a witch. And hopefully in the next book we get a lot more Turkey! He is such a neat familiar!
Overall, if you are looking for a cozy mystery that has a touch of magic and will make you laugh, this is the way to go. It was a fast read and was extremely enjoyable. I really do look forward to reading more books by this author!
Penny is a private investigator in this tiny town where everyone knew everybody and nothing new ever really happened. With that being said, her P.I business was not doing so well, in fact she was about to close it. That was until a man by the name of Gunther came into the office with a box of valuables and a note. What was so special about the note you ask? Well, it stated that one of the town’s prominent woman was in fact murdered! All Penny had to do was take this letter to the cops, keep his name out of it, and the box of valuables was hers to sell or do with as she pleased. If only things were that simple.
Yes, this task allowed her to save her business but it started a chain of events that would change her life. I don’t want to spoil what happens in the book, but let’s say there is a little magic involved.
There were several things I loved about this book. First, there was Penny! She just blurts out what is in her head without pausing to think. There were moments where I literally laughed out loud at her attempts to be sly! She really is a bit of a derp, but in lovable way! Second, her cat Turkey was fantastic! I loved that he enjoyed doing crosswords. Third, the murder mystery portion was seamlessly integrated in the story. You would be surprised how many cozies I have read that seemed disjointed in this aspect.
This is the kind of book that sets the foundation for a series and I am looking forward to reading it. What makes this witchy cozy stand out to me is that I wasn’t set in this world where you are born a witch. Penny was not from a line of witches, one of the books Gunther gave her unlocked her inner witch. She even shared this book with her knitting group and after they all read it they too began their journey into witchdom. Hopefully in the next book we will get to learn a little more about magic and see Penny grow as a witch. And hopefully in the next book we get a lot more Turkey! He is such a neat familiar!
Overall, if you are looking for a cozy mystery that has a touch of magic and will make you laugh, this is the way to go. It was a fast read and was extremely enjoyable. I really do look forward to reading more books by this author!
November 14, 2018
Penny has lived her whole life in the town of Hillcrest where she now has a small office that is not much bigger than a closet. Penny went to the police academy but things didn’t turn out well for her there after one little accident. Penny decided to go home and become a PI.
Penny is trying to save her little investigating business from going under so takes a case to find the killer of a local woman. Penny’s payment for helping to find the murder is a box of antiques that she can sell to help with her business. Penny finds a book amongst all the stuff in the box.
Penny’s knitting circle/book club need a book to read for their next meeting so Penny suggests they read the book she found. But what they don’t know is that this little book may turn them into witches. Penny and the girls fall in love with the book but they still wonder if magic is real.
Penny’s ex-boyfriend Chris works for the local police department and has his eye set on a suspect but Penny doesn’t believe this person is the killer and sets out to prove the police department wrong. Can Penny make them see what is right? Can she prove who the real killer is?
The Case of the Love Spell is a very enthralling read that likes to hold on to its secrets that keeps you hanging on for more. The Case of the Love Spell is a great intro into the Hillcrest world and its characters. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down until I had read the last page.
The Case of the Love Spell is a cozy mystery with lots of magical elements that will have you under its spell. I can’t wait to see the Hillcrest witches have in store for us in the next book.
If you like mystery, witches and magic in your life then you will love The Case of the Love Spell.
Penny is trying to save her little investigating business from going under so takes a case to find the killer of a local woman. Penny’s payment for helping to find the murder is a box of antiques that she can sell to help with her business. Penny finds a book amongst all the stuff in the box.
Penny’s knitting circle/book club need a book to read for their next meeting so Penny suggests they read the book she found. But what they don’t know is that this little book may turn them into witches. Penny and the girls fall in love with the book but they still wonder if magic is real.
Penny’s ex-boyfriend Chris works for the local police department and has his eye set on a suspect but Penny doesn’t believe this person is the killer and sets out to prove the police department wrong. Can Penny make them see what is right? Can she prove who the real killer is?
The Case of the Love Spell is a very enthralling read that likes to hold on to its secrets that keeps you hanging on for more. The Case of the Love Spell is a great intro into the Hillcrest world and its characters. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down until I had read the last page.
The Case of the Love Spell is a cozy mystery with lots of magical elements that will have you under its spell. I can’t wait to see the Hillcrest witches have in store for us in the next book.
If you like mystery, witches and magic in your life then you will love The Case of the Love Spell.
July 26, 2019
Penny Banks is a PI in a small Colorado town, where she has lived her whole life. She got her PI license through an online program about 5 years ago, but spends most of her office time knitting & eating junk food & socializing with her knitting circle of friends, Marley, Cora, & Annie. What seems like a very easy case, falls into her lap. All she has to do is to take a note to the police saying they need to look closely at the death of Claudine Terra, that it was not due to natural causes. For payment, she was being given a box the man had inherited from Claudine herself.
Penny's boyfriend, Chris, is a police officer, so how difficult should it be to just hand him the note. However, it would have helped some if she came up with a story of how she got the note, since part of the stipulation was she could not reveal the source of where she got the note. Then her client turns up murdered.
While going through the box he had given her, she finds at the bottom of the box, a small green book, called "The Art & Science of Becoming a Witch". She reads it one evening, then re-reads it again, & again, totally absorbed by it. She decides to take copies of it to her knitting circle, & soon all 4 of them form a coven as they start working their way through the book. The first spell was a Love Spell.
As they work through the spell, Penny continues working her case trying to solve who killed Claudine, & who killed her client, while her cat Turkey, she discovers, is now her familiar whom she can communicate with telepathically. This looks to be another fun series.
Penny's boyfriend, Chris, is a police officer, so how difficult should it be to just hand him the note. However, it would have helped some if she came up with a story of how she got the note, since part of the stipulation was she could not reveal the source of where she got the note. Then her client turns up murdered.
While going through the box he had given her, she finds at the bottom of the box, a small green book, called "The Art & Science of Becoming a Witch". She reads it one evening, then re-reads it again, & again, totally absorbed by it. She decides to take copies of it to her knitting circle, & soon all 4 of them form a coven as they start working their way through the book. The first spell was a Love Spell.
As they work through the spell, Penny continues working her case trying to solve who killed Claudine, & who killed her client, while her cat Turkey, she discovers, is now her familiar whom she can communicate with telepathically. This looks to be another fun series.
May 12, 2020
Penny Banks has lived in the small town of Hillcrest her entire life. She has a failing PI business and a failed relationship with Chris, who works for the police department. The only things good in Penny's life are her cat, Turkey, and her friends from her knitting group. When an elderly woman who lives just out of town dies, her handyman, Gunther, comes to Penny to ask her to investigate. He claims Claudine was murdered. He gives her a few things that belonged to Claudine, including a strand of pearls, a tea pot, and an old book. Shortly after Claudine's death, the mountain pass, which never gets through traffic, suddenly comes alive, bringing two unusual people to town: the handsome Dr Max Shire, and the enigmatic, blue-haired Azure. Both of them express keen interest in the book Gunther gave to Penny, but she's not so keen on giving it up. Instead, she takes the book to her knitting club so they can all study it. The book is a how-to on becoming a witch.
When Penny learns that Claudine was a witch whose job it was to guard the portal of the Hillcrest Pass, she and her friends decide they will take up the mantle, become witches, and guard the pass. This time, however, Penny may have bitten off more than she can chew.
This was a fun, fluffy cozy. Penny is a bit of a walking disaster, but she has a good heart, and she's determined to prove that Claudine was murdered.
When Penny learns that Claudine was a witch whose job it was to guard the portal of the Hillcrest Pass, she and her friends decide they will take up the mantle, become witches, and guard the pass. This time, however, Penny may have bitten off more than she can chew.
This was a fun, fluffy cozy. Penny is a bit of a walking disaster, but she has a good heart, and she's determined to prove that Claudine was murdered.
October 8, 2018
In this prequel to the Hillcrest Witch cozy mystery series readers are introduced to Penny and the delightful cast of characters in the town of Hillcrest.
Penny failed out of the police academy for accidentally shooting another officer in the arm and isn’t doing very well as a PI. She rents a tiny closet which she calls an office and is just about to be evicted when she gets a simple case. Bring a note to the police stating that the death of Claudine Terra was not due to natural causes. If she can do this, she can sell the few items given to her as payment which includes a mysterious book for cash.
What Penny doesn’t know is that Claudine was a powerful witch and upon her death, the mountain pass behind her mansion opens up bringing paranormal beings to the town along with a handsome vampire. Once Penny and her knitting/read group read the book, they soon find themselves turned into apprentice witches and Turkey the adorable cat acknowledges himself as Penny’s familiar.
This is an enchanting new paranormal mystery series which includes a likable main character, an adorable talking cat, lots of potential for future romantic connections, a quirky group of witch wannabes, tons of humor, and of course lots of mystical mysteries.
Penny failed out of the police academy for accidentally shooting another officer in the arm and isn’t doing very well as a PI. She rents a tiny closet which she calls an office and is just about to be evicted when she gets a simple case. Bring a note to the police stating that the death of Claudine Terra was not due to natural causes. If she can do this, she can sell the few items given to her as payment which includes a mysterious book for cash.
What Penny doesn’t know is that Claudine was a powerful witch and upon her death, the mountain pass behind her mansion opens up bringing paranormal beings to the town along with a handsome vampire. Once Penny and her knitting/read group read the book, they soon find themselves turned into apprentice witches and Turkey the adorable cat acknowledges himself as Penny’s familiar.
This is an enchanting new paranormal mystery series which includes a likable main character, an adorable talking cat, lots of potential for future romantic connections, a quirky group of witch wannabes, tons of humor, and of course lots of mystical mysteries.
November 11, 2018
Amorette Anderson put a spell on me
Penny doesn’t make a good first impression with her sniffling in front of a client. Oh, sorry, she wasn’t CRYING, it was an allergy attack LOL. Her office isn’t more than a closet, really. She’s not all that successful as a PI and you have to wonder if she has the required skills. She doesn’t seem all that smart and that’s not harsh on my side, it’s what she herself thinks too. She’s a bit like the Bridget Jones of witch cozy mysteries, in the sense that she’s insecure and struggling. Socially awkward, not very tactful, but very honest and sincere. And funny.
I immediately liked Penny, liked the light-heartedness, liked the story. And that like quickly turned into love. Yes, I absolutely loved it! I’m under a spell… a love spell!!! And Penny turns out to be a lot smarter than everyone (including herself) thinks!
One little thing though that I didn’t like: there is an animal, a deer, that dies. And with a lot of blood. Understandable, if you know the circumstances, which I won’t tell you for fear of spoiling, but also not very cozy-like. Killing animals is not done in a cozy. Just a fair warning. But the story itself and the mystery and the bit of romance: that was all FANTASTIC.
Penny doesn’t make a good first impression with her sniffling in front of a client. Oh, sorry, she wasn’t CRYING, it was an allergy attack LOL. Her office isn’t more than a closet, really. She’s not all that successful as a PI and you have to wonder if she has the required skills. She doesn’t seem all that smart and that’s not harsh on my side, it’s what she herself thinks too. She’s a bit like the Bridget Jones of witch cozy mysteries, in the sense that she’s insecure and struggling. Socially awkward, not very tactful, but very honest and sincere. And funny.
I immediately liked Penny, liked the light-heartedness, liked the story. And that like quickly turned into love. Yes, I absolutely loved it! I’m under a spell… a love spell!!! And Penny turns out to be a lot smarter than everyone (including herself) thinks!
One little thing though that I didn’t like: there is an animal, a deer, that dies. And with a lot of blood. Understandable, if you know the circumstances, which I won’t tell you for fear of spoiling, but also not very cozy-like. Killing animals is not done in a cozy. Just a fair warning. But the story itself and the mystery and the bit of romance: that was all FANTASTIC.
October 5, 2019
"The Case of the Love Spell" is a cozy mystery by Amorette Anderson. I've never read any cozy mysteries, but people always told me they're, "You know, like 'Murder She Wrote.'"
Oh my god. This book is totally like 'Murder She Wrote' if Jessica Fletcher was a twenty-seven year old who was also a witch. She lives in a sleepy little town where she runs an unsuccessful P.I. business, drinks tea, knits, and dotes over her cat. The whole thing is just so... unrelentingly... cozy.
Since this is my first foray into this genre I don't know if they're all like this, but I thought it was pretty funny the way the clues fall into our witchy P.I.'s lap so conveniently. It felt like everyone was a non-player character in a video game randomly spouting out extremely relevant information. Like, our heroine will run into a friend at the library and the friend will be like, "Oh, it's so nice to see you. Why, I don't think we've spoken since the day before I heard Lucy arguing with her aunt about the stipulations of her will. So weird that same aunt would end up murdered! Anyway, toodles!"
This book is a quick read, and it felt like the literary equivalent to snuggling down with a quilt in front of a warm fire. Super enjoyable for a chilly fall day.
Oh my god. This book is totally like 'Murder She Wrote' if Jessica Fletcher was a twenty-seven year old who was also a witch. She lives in a sleepy little town where she runs an unsuccessful P.I. business, drinks tea, knits, and dotes over her cat. The whole thing is just so... unrelentingly... cozy.
Since this is my first foray into this genre I don't know if they're all like this, but I thought it was pretty funny the way the clues fall into our witchy P.I.'s lap so conveniently. It felt like everyone was a non-player character in a video game randomly spouting out extremely relevant information. Like, our heroine will run into a friend at the library and the friend will be like, "Oh, it's so nice to see you. Why, I don't think we've spoken since the day before I heard Lucy arguing with her aunt about the stipulations of her will. So weird that same aunt would end up murdered! Anyway, toodles!"
This book is a quick read, and it felt like the literary equivalent to snuggling down with a quilt in front of a warm fire. Super enjoyable for a chilly fall day.
November 11, 2019
A nice cozy mystery about a young lady who is trying to get her Private investigating business up and running. Her friend comes to tell her that she needs to help him find out who killed his lover and to let the police know that she was killed. He hands her a box of old relics as payment for her not to mention his name to get him involved, inside there is an old rare book that looks intriguing. After her shower she takes a look at the book and it says that if she continues to read the book she will turn into a witch, she doesnt heed the warning and ends up reading the book cover to cover ten times all night long....OH OH!!!
Pennys cats name is Turkey and he has GI issues that cause him to throw up often, she is trying to get him the help he needs from the local vet named Buttercup, but that doesnt work to well when Buttercup gets arrested. Penn y takes Turkey home to comfort him by singing only to be told to stop..someone keeps telling herto stop singing and to stop calling her cat Turkey.. She discovers that Turkey can talk and that he is the one telling her to stop and he no longer wants to be called Turkey he wants to be called Thomas.
This short mystery had some laugh out loud moments and I look forward to reading the next book in this series..
Pennys cats name is Turkey and he has GI issues that cause him to throw up often, she is trying to get him the help he needs from the local vet named Buttercup, but that doesnt work to well when Buttercup gets arrested. Penn y takes Turkey home to comfort him by singing only to be told to stop..someone keeps telling herto stop singing and to stop calling her cat Turkey.. She discovers that Turkey can talk and that he is the one telling her to stop and he no longer wants to be called Turkey he wants to be called Thomas.
This short mystery had some laugh out loud moments and I look forward to reading the next book in this series..
January 15, 2022
Great Prequel
Except it feels like it should be book 1. This book has a complete storyline and the background information to make book 1 understandable. I actually started to read book one first. About 10% into the story I felt like I was missing something. The book did not sound anything like the blurb. So I went back to the blurb and discovered there was a prequel. I then put aside book one to read the prequel. The prequel pulls it all together for me. And it is well worth reading. This book, the prequel, has a great mystery and pretty good character development, at least for the main character. She is a P.I. that becomes a new witch. One thing that irritated me was that the book starts off describing her appropriately as a private investigator. But then in several places she describes herself as a personal investigator, which is incorrect. You would think after going through 6 months of online training as well as having a degree in something law enforcement related, I forget, maybe criminology? Anyways, you would think she would take some pride in her title that she worked hard for.
Except it feels like it should be book 1. This book has a complete storyline and the background information to make book 1 understandable. I actually started to read book one first. About 10% into the story I felt like I was missing something. The book did not sound anything like the blurb. So I went back to the blurb and discovered there was a prequel. I then put aside book one to read the prequel. The prequel pulls it all together for me. And it is well worth reading. This book, the prequel, has a great mystery and pretty good character development, at least for the main character. She is a P.I. that becomes a new witch. One thing that irritated me was that the book starts off describing her appropriately as a private investigator. But then in several places she describes herself as a personal investigator, which is incorrect. You would think after going through 6 months of online training as well as having a degree in something law enforcement related, I forget, maybe criminology? Anyways, you would think she would take some pride in her title that she worked hard for.
October 1, 2018
The first of hopefully very many Amorette Anderson books that I have read. Fun and enjoyable read with lots of smile moments and page turners. Penny's PI business was not exactly busy nor was it paying well at all, until Gunter turns up, asking if she would investigate the death of an old wealthy woman who lived in Hillcrest. He paid her in antiques, a teapot, a silk kimono, a book, which Penny planned to sell on in order to get the money to pay the rent on her office.
But she finds when reading the small book that she had been given, that it could turn the reader into a witch. Although sceptical, strange things begin to happen to Penny and there are also strangers appearing in town after the death of old Claudine Terra. I really enjoyed this book. I like Penny and the relationship that she has or not have with her ex, Chris Wagner. I also love Turkey, her familiar, who starts to speak to her once she has read the book. Thank you Amorette, very much for this ARC. This is my honest review.
But she finds when reading the small book that she had been given, that it could turn the reader into a witch. Although sceptical, strange things begin to happen to Penny and there are also strangers appearing in town after the death of old Claudine Terra. I really enjoyed this book. I like Penny and the relationship that she has or not have with her ex, Chris Wagner. I also love Turkey, her familiar, who starts to speak to her once she has read the book. Thank you Amorette, very much for this ARC. This is my honest review.
October 14, 2018
“In love we give In love we live Let love shine through For we are true In all honesty we proclaim Now, inside, we light the flame!”
Penny is a Private Investigator who failed the police academy and has an office in the closet of a workout studi that she’s about to close because she has run out of money to pay the rent in the tiny town of Hillcrest. When she takes on a client, she tries to find all the pieces of a very strange puzzle that involves paranormals, witches and a talking familiar, her cat, who turns out has more brains than anyone else! Question is, if she embraces her new future, will her present be open to move beyond her past?
Those who have read my reviews know I gravitate towards paranormal characters. Penny is my latest fascination and this author:Amorette Anderson has a laugh out loud twist on cosy mysteries that I hope to see many more of. Highly recommended. 5/5.
Penny is a Private Investigator who failed the police academy and has an office in the closet of a workout studi that she’s about to close because she has run out of money to pay the rent in the tiny town of Hillcrest. When she takes on a client, she tries to find all the pieces of a very strange puzzle that involves paranormals, witches and a talking familiar, her cat, who turns out has more brains than anyone else! Question is, if she embraces her new future, will her present be open to move beyond her past?
Those who have read my reviews know I gravitate towards paranormal characters. Penny is my latest fascination and this author:Amorette Anderson has a laugh out loud twist on cosy mysteries that I hope to see many more of. Highly recommended. 5/5.
July 30, 2020
Funny to just be reading this as I have read the entire rest of this series. I have to say, even reading it after, it is awesome. So many of the things I wondered about are in this book. So even if you have already finished the series, go back and pick up this one!
Penny Banks lives in a small box canyon town in Colorado. Not much happens there. Which is the reason she is about to lose her lease on her tiny office. There isn’t a lot of call for a P. I. Since flunking out of the local police academy five years ago, Penny has eked out a pitiful living in her second choice of career, a Private Investigator.
On the very day she is packing up her office to move out, a local comes to her to investigate a murder. This new case will throw her together with her ex, Chris, a police captain and see a few new faces in their town.
Will Penny be able to hunt down a killer? Will her relationship with her ex be fanned to fresh flames?
Penny Banks lives in a small box canyon town in Colorado. Not much happens there. Which is the reason she is about to lose her lease on her tiny office. There isn’t a lot of call for a P. I. Since flunking out of the local police academy five years ago, Penny has eked out a pitiful living in her second choice of career, a Private Investigator.
On the very day she is packing up her office to move out, a local comes to her to investigate a murder. This new case will throw her together with her ex, Chris, a police captain and see a few new faces in their town.
Will Penny be able to hunt down a killer? Will her relationship with her ex be fanned to fresh flames?
October 5, 2018
The book that leads to a new outlook.
A great little read. Alright the culprit was obvious but her blundering sleuthing and her friends reaction to witchcraft is great.
She's been failing as a PI just as she failed the police academy. However this new case might mean that she can pay the rent for the closet she calls her office. All she has to do is pass a written message to the police saying that the recent death in town was a murder. Then she can sell the things she's be given for much needed cash. However one of the items is a book. A book that can turn you into a witch! That's how she and the knitting circle got into the witch business. Add another death, the arrest of an innocent woman, a vampire and a greedy witch for a great little read. Nice characters but they need a bit of tweaking to become really real.
A great little read. Alright the culprit was obvious but her blundering sleuthing and her friends reaction to witchcraft is great.
She's been failing as a PI just as she failed the police academy. However this new case might mean that she can pay the rent for the closet she calls her office. All she has to do is pass a written message to the police saying that the recent death in town was a murder. Then she can sell the things she's be given for much needed cash. However one of the items is a book. A book that can turn you into a witch! That's how she and the knitting circle got into the witch business. Add another death, the arrest of an innocent woman, a vampire and a greedy witch for a great little read. Nice characters but they need a bit of tweaking to become really real.
December 3, 2019
Penny has lived in Hillcrest her entire life and is still trying to find herself and figure out the right career. She tried the policy academy and that didn’t work out so well especially after she accidentally shot another officer at the academy which also happened to be the guy she was dating at the time. She open a private investigator business and she is struggling to find clients and almost loses the lease on the closet she is renting as her office until a client comes in with some items that she can sell to keep her doors open. Her client obtained items from Claudine Terra which she finds out happened to have been a witch and was murdered. There are several people who are suspects and Penny is on the hunt to determine who that is. This is the prequel to this fun series.
November 11, 2020
I’ve read most of this series so this review is for the series. The story line is cute but these books are on the young and simple side. Oddly, the supposedly intelligent PI can’t see a clue as big as the mountain above the canyon. Note to author: Please learn the correct use of subjective and objective word usage. Such as ‘he gave a book to Mary and I.’ The correct term is ...Mary and ME. One sentence actually begins: “Me and this other guy”. As a writer you have a responsibility to use English correctly especially as these book are suitable for young teens. Additionally, learn correct usage of the word ‘myself’. These grammatical errors interrupt the flow of the story and pull the reader out of it.
October 1, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! It was truly a delight to read about a girl who is given some items among them a little book which does change her life and those of her friends as well.
The humor is something all can relate to. It is witty and original and just a delight to read. It deserves to be shared with one and all! When we are bombarded
daily with bad news and all that is wrong in the world we NEED a pick me up that this book delivers!! It is just the ticket to brighten up our lives.
I urge you to read this most delightful story. I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. Kudos to Amorette Anderson for writing and telling such a wonderful story!!
The humor is something all can relate to. It is witty and original and just a delight to read. It deserves to be shared with one and all! When we are bombarded
daily with bad news and all that is wrong in the world we NEED a pick me up that this book delivers!! It is just the ticket to brighten up our lives.
I urge you to read this most delightful story. I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. Kudos to Amorette Anderson for writing and telling such a wonderful story!!
September 27, 2018
This story is great to get people to know the population of Hillcrest. Penny is a PI, who at this time isn't making any money from it. She is also a witch....a new witch. She is learning about spells and things. When Claudine Terra is killed, a mysterious mountain pass behind her mansion opens up to through traffic. This brings in new visitors to their quiet mountain town. Could one of them be the killer? This is a fun read, down right laugh out loud at times. Penny has a lot to learn, but first she must find the killer. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 27, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a great start to a new series. Penny was given a box of things that used to belong to a woman who had just died. In it was a book on how to become a witch. She read it several times that night and she felt different. She decided to take the book to her book/ knitting circle. They read the book and decided it was for them. Meanwhile the man who gave her the box, insisted that the woman had been murdered and that as Penny was a PI, she should investigate or take it to the police. Then things really got complicated.
January 8, 2019
I got this book for free on bookfunnel and I liked it. Penny banks just finds out that she's destined to become a witch after inheriting a green small book from a dead witch.
Penny tries to balance her failing business as a P.I, solving the case of the dead witch, her sick cat and coming to terms with the fact that she isn't just becoming a witch but that magical creatures like vampires exist. All in all, she's able to overcome all obstacles and at the end becomes the heroine of the story. It's a pleasant read.
Penny tries to balance her failing business as a P.I, solving the case of the dead witch, her sick cat and coming to terms with the fact that she isn't just becoming a witch but that magical creatures like vampires exist. All in all, she's able to overcome all obstacles and at the end becomes the heroine of the story. It's a pleasant read.
January 15, 2019
Penny Banks is a broke PI who is hired to prove that Claudine Banks was murdered. Chris, Penny's ex-boyfriend is a cop that she is hired to convince that Claudine was murdered which he is reluctant to believe. She is paid with items that belonged to the departed among them a book on how to become a witch. Before long she unknowingly starts a coven among her friends and the fun begins. With the help of her faithful cat Turkey and her friends she tries to solve the murder. A fun read and the the first book in the series. Highly recommended!
April 29, 2019
This was an fun , interesting and spontaneous cozy mystery with a paranormal touch. I enjoyed it immensely. I found another great cozy series with enough humour and mystery to.keep me interested. Penny, her familiar Turkey the cat, and her knitting group decide to become witches. There is a murder and asa new P. I., and being naturally nosey, sets out to solve the mystery. This leads to an eventful, humerus and twists and turns that makes a perfect cozy mystery. I look forward to more books in this series.
June 1, 2019
My first encounter with Amorette Anderson books.
I chose this book because it looked more like a comedy than the usual books I read. I was not disappointed in the least. The book includes some comedy, suspense, thriller and possible love. I have since purchased the other 7 books in the series. I love all the characters in it as well as the story line. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes something new to read and new Authors. You will not be disappointed in the least. Great read!
I chose this book because it looked more like a comedy than the usual books I read. I was not disappointed in the least. The book includes some comedy, suspense, thriller and possible love. I have since purchased the other 7 books in the series. I love all the characters in it as well as the story line. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes something new to read and new Authors. You will not be disappointed in the least. Great read!
July 23, 2019
Preqel to the Hillcrest Witch Mystery Series. This has been one of the few books that I did not want the book to end. I loved every moment of it and I look forward for the first book in the series. I fell in love with Penny and Turkey. The part I loved most of this book was the conversations that Penny had with her familiar about her pain, it touched me personally. I would love to be able to talk to my familiar in the way Penny communicates with Turkey. Now I am going to sit on my couch with my cup of coffee and read the next book.
November 2, 2020
This was the prequel to the Hillcrest Witch Mysteries series. It was a cute, humorous book with quirky, likable characters and an entertaining plot. Penny is the kind of person who just blurts out what is on her mind. Subtlety is not her forte. Marley is her best friend and has a little more finesse. The police, mainly Chris, are competent. I wish Turkey had been something other than a Calico since only 1 in ~3000 are male. I had the murderer figured out early on but it didn't detract from the story. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
October 24, 2018
This is a sweet tale of a bumbling small-town P.I. who becomes a witch, solves a murder, and exchanges sparks with a local police officer. It's fairly familiar, but amusingly written and with some special touches. There's a rather unusual reason why she simply must prove the innocent person innocent. I loved how supportive her Knitting Circle friends are, even if they balk at naked fire dancing. Well, I would too! And I liked the fresh take on vampirism.
November 25, 2018
I had already read book 1 in the series when I found this book. Read this first if you haven't read the rest. If you have, then read this now!
Penny is hired to let the police know that Claudine has been murdered. She is also given a box of Claudine's belongings. In the box Penny finds a book about becoming a witch. During her investigation she learns that the portal protecting the town has been opened. Several strange creatures are showing up in town.
This is a funny, enjoyable book!
Penny is hired to let the police know that Claudine has been murdered. She is also given a box of Claudine's belongings. In the box Penny finds a book about becoming a witch. During her investigation she learns that the portal protecting the town has been opened. Several strange creatures are showing up in town.
This is a funny, enjoyable book!
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