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Fair Witch Sisters Mysteries #1
Father Knows Death
Twin Witches. New Magic. Double Trouble. Two weeks after their birthday, twins Joy and Didi discover they’re going through “The Change” also known as the time when late-blooming witches get their magic. That would be fun news except they descend from a line of ancient witches with magic that skews evil. To make sure they're not following in their ancestor's footsteps, the Witches High Council demands they prove their innocence by undergoing "a trial." But this is no ordinary trial.In order to prove their innocence, the twins have to help a mortal solve the death of his true love while proving their internal goodness. With the help of their rule-breaking, witch mom, their fairy godparents—the Greek Titaness Themis and Death—and their suicidal client, Didi and Joy find themselves immersed in a world of mortal mob crime, magic, and even a ghost.Will they pass the test, or will they be sentenced to death?If you love paranormal witch cozies with cats, comedy, and a touch of romance, you'll love this new cozy mystery series. Each book complete. Read in any order.
- GenresMysteryParanormalFiction
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2018
151 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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October 31, 2021Seriously some of the worst writing I've seen in a long time.
Do writers no longer know how to write effective dialogue? If I read "Mom said" one more time, the Kindle was goin' through the wall.
Do writers no longer know how to write effective dialogue? If I read "Mom said" one more time, the Kindle was goin' through the wall.
December 27, 2019
4
Father Knows Death: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery is the first book in this series by Christy Murphy.
This book was very fast-paced. And honestly slightly discombobulating. The very loose explanations behind all the magic and weirdness surrounding the girls. But that mainly bothers me because of how much I enjoy the overly technical explanations most authors give on the magic features in each of their books.
I really loved Jason’s character, from the very beginning. It’s so obvious how well him and Joy were going to get on. I think them finding each other, especially in such a hilarious way, was perfect for each of their characters. They so obviously needed a new friend in their lives.
The main confusion of this story stems from the case to solve Jason’s fiancés ‘murder’. Their path to discovering the perpetrators twisted and turned and loop-de-looped constantly. Also, who the frack is the cheese man? That wasn’t answered. I’m almost positive he’s more than what he says!
I really enjoyed this first book, and will definitely be continuing the series and following the sisters evolution.
Father Knows Death: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery is the first book in this series by Christy Murphy.
This book was very fast-paced. And honestly slightly discombobulating. The very loose explanations behind all the magic and weirdness surrounding the girls. But that mainly bothers me because of how much I enjoy the overly technical explanations most authors give on the magic features in each of their books.
I really loved Jason’s character, from the very beginning. It’s so obvious how well him and Joy were going to get on. I think them finding each other, especially in such a hilarious way, was perfect for each of their characters. They so obviously needed a new friend in their lives.
The main confusion of this story stems from the case to solve Jason’s fiancés ‘murder’. Their path to discovering the perpetrators twisted and turned and loop-de-looped constantly. Also, who the frack is the cheese man? That wasn’t answered. I’m almost positive he’s more than what he says!
I really enjoyed this first book, and will definitely be continuing the series and following the sisters evolution.
October 23, 2018
Joy and Didi are twins. What they don't know is that they are twin witches, and that their mom, who runs a tea shop where she reads tea leaves for clients, really can read the tea leaves, along with a lot more magic that she's using in ways they're not aware of.
Oh, and two weeks after their 35th birthday, they're going through "The Change," when late-blooming witches start to manifest their powers. As disturbing as this is for two rationalist modern women, it's worse to be informed that their line of witches has born some evil fruit, and the Witches' Council is subjecting them to a trial in which they need to prove their innocence. To do that, they need to help a suicidal mortal solve the murder of his true love, while proving their internal goodness.
They don't know how to use their magic. No one can help them. There's no way to know how they're doing, or how long they have. They have one familiar between the two of them, who loves Didi, but whom only Joy can understand. And if they don't pass the test, they'll be killed. What could possibly go wrong?
This is, in many ways, a lighthearted, funny book. The sisters and their family and friends are likable, quirky, and interesting. Joy and Didi have a lot to learn, not just about magic and their family history, but also their own strengths and non-magical abilities. I like the way magic works here,and we can't overlook Fred, the cat. Fred is very much a cat, right down to his totally unfair, somewhat theatrical, preference for the person who doesn't understand him quite as well. We've all known cats like that...
And, it's important to note, the cat doesn't die. Fred is alive and well and opinionated as ever, by the end of the book.
Enjoyable. Fun. Not great literature, but a lot of fun.
I received a free electronic galley from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Oh, and two weeks after their 35th birthday, they're going through "The Change," when late-blooming witches start to manifest their powers. As disturbing as this is for two rationalist modern women, it's worse to be informed that their line of witches has born some evil fruit, and the Witches' Council is subjecting them to a trial in which they need to prove their innocence. To do that, they need to help a suicidal mortal solve the murder of his true love, while proving their internal goodness.
They don't know how to use their magic. No one can help them. There's no way to know how they're doing, or how long they have. They have one familiar between the two of them, who loves Didi, but whom only Joy can understand. And if they don't pass the test, they'll be killed. What could possibly go wrong?
This is, in many ways, a lighthearted, funny book. The sisters and their family and friends are likable, quirky, and interesting. Joy and Didi have a lot to learn, not just about magic and their family history, but also their own strengths and non-magical abilities. I like the way magic works here,and we can't overlook Fred, the cat. Fred is very much a cat, right down to his totally unfair, somewhat theatrical, preference for the person who doesn't understand him quite as well. We've all known cats like that...
And, it's important to note, the cat doesn't die. Fred is alive and well and opinionated as ever, by the end of the book.
Enjoyable. Fun. Not great literature, but a lot of fun.
I received a free electronic galley from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
December 20, 2019
Joy Fair, shortly after her 35th birthday, realizes her life just isn’t turning out like she planned. She’s unemployed, her long-term filmmaker boyfriend dumps her for a younger woman after his career finally takes off, and she’s having health problems. A chance encounter with a man trying to fling himself from a balcony at the local mall where she just had an unsatisfactory job interview for a movie usher position leads her to a fledgling career as a private investigator. Joy feels compelled to help the man figure out who killed his partner and why there are people after him). At the same time, she and her twin sister, Didi, learn they are late-blooming witches from a family of witches who tend to turn evil and that they must undergo a trial in front of the Witches High Council to prove their goodness. They don’t exactly know what the “trial” is, and no one is allowed to help them.
This was a surprisingly fun read. I liked the socially-balanced cast of characters (their mom is from the Philippines, the guy trying to fling himself from the balcony is African American and gay, one of their clients may or may not be “connected”, and he has a meddling Italian American mother) The dialogue is witty, the settings well-described, and the plot held my interest (will they succeed with the “trial” and get to keep their powers, will their fledgling business take off, will that poor guy ever figure out what happened to his husband). There’s a good balance between mystery, humor, romance, and paranormal, with some Greek mythology thrown in for good measure, and a talking cat with a sharp sense of humor.
This was entertaining, held my interest while at the gym, and made me laugh out loud a few times. I will read more in this series.
This was a surprisingly fun read. I liked the socially-balanced cast of characters (their mom is from the Philippines, the guy trying to fling himself from the balcony is African American and gay, one of their clients may or may not be “connected”, and he has a meddling Italian American mother) The dialogue is witty, the settings well-described, and the plot held my interest (will they succeed with the “trial” and get to keep their powers, will their fledgling business take off, will that poor guy ever figure out what happened to his husband). There’s a good balance between mystery, humor, romance, and paranormal, with some Greek mythology thrown in for good measure, and a talking cat with a sharp sense of humor.
This was entertaining, held my interest while at the gym, and made me laugh out loud a few times. I will read more in this series.
October 22, 2018
Father Knows Death - This is a different type of series from Ms. Murphy's Mom and Christy's Cozy Mysteries. There magic and twins involved this time. Instead of the belly busting humor found in M&C, this book is filled with dry humor. The storylines are interesting and the characters range the gamut; you never know who will show up and what they will be, human or not.
There is a killing and the family is involved; the twins are the investigators, Mom runs her tea shop but gives advice, on the magic not the investigation. The twins have reached their 35th birthday and their change of life. Not menopause, magic abilities and there's a trail to determine what type of witches they'll grow up and be, black or white. The supporting characters are good choices. An interesting read by an entertaining author that keeps the reader immersed in the story. One thing that I didn't care for is that Joy is a similar to Christy (M&C) by being down on herself too much, it's a cultural thing but this reminded me of Christy a lot. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
The Secret Truth of Time - I've read Mango Cake and Murder, and Apple Pies and Alibis, and was surprised at the difference between those books and The Secret Truth of Time. Totally and completely apples and oranges. This well written paranormal book is fast paced and difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting. The characters are interesting and the plot is intriguing. The Time Travel alone is a major character! Ms. Murphy is one heck of a storyteller. Don't expect humor and lightheartedness in this story. It is spellbinding! 5*
There is a killing and the family is involved; the twins are the investigators, Mom runs her tea shop but gives advice, on the magic not the investigation. The twins have reached their 35th birthday and their change of life. Not menopause, magic abilities and there's a trail to determine what type of witches they'll grow up and be, black or white. The supporting characters are good choices. An interesting read by an entertaining author that keeps the reader immersed in the story. One thing that I didn't care for is that Joy is a similar to Christy (M&C) by being down on herself too much, it's a cultural thing but this reminded me of Christy a lot. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
The Secret Truth of Time - I've read Mango Cake and Murder, and Apple Pies and Alibis, and was surprised at the difference between those books and The Secret Truth of Time. Totally and completely apples and oranges. This well written paranormal book is fast paced and difficult to put down. I read it in one sitting. The characters are interesting and the plot is intriguing. The Time Travel alone is a major character! Ms. Murphy is one heck of a storyteller. Don't expect humor and lightheartedness in this story. It is spellbinding! 5*
November 8, 2018
Being half mortal and half witch, it was not until they were 35 when twins Joy and Didi discovered their magical powers. Not surprisingly, as they were non identical twins, their powers were non identical as well, but complementary. Joy senses Death and knows when a person is about to die while Didi can tell if someone is lying. When Didi senses that her boss is lying to her about a trace she had put on a client being for non nefarious reasons, she decides to quit her job, rather than get involved with his illegal activities. In the meantime, Joy senses that the man who was in front of her on the escalator was preparing to throw himself from the 3rd floor in the shopping mall and she stops him from doing so. Jason felt that he had nothing left to live for as his lover, Adam was killed recently. in saving Jason's life, the twins inadvertently get involved in finding Adam's killer.
A great start to a new series, full of fun, magic and laughs. It is great to see the twins come to grips with how to use their powers, the fails and how the better the spells. Looking forward to more on the sisters, their familiars and their family and friends. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
A great start to a new series, full of fun, magic and laughs. It is great to see the twins come to grips with how to use their powers, the fails and how the better the spells. Looking forward to more on the sisters, their familiars and their family and friends. I received an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
October 22, 2018
Magic and how to make it actually work!
A great fun plot with a slightly different twist on a favourite theme. This gives it a fresh angle and using twins is brilliant as their characters are completely different as are their looks.
Ever since the night of their 30th birthday, she has seen strange things before her eyes. Lights around people. Now she spots one with a strong purple glow. That's when she knows what it means - Death! As the man in front of her tries to commit suicide, she fights to pull him back. Successful at last the pair return to her mother's place to find her twin has quit her job. Now they have to find something else. It's then that they get hired to find the man's fiance's killer. Plus their mother dumps the news that they are witches, have to go through the trials to see if they are wicked and the girls meet their godparents. A cool fairy and a laid back reaper. Can the girls find the clues that will lead to the killer? Watch as they go through the trials, try and get their magic to work and generally mess up before they get anywhere. Great characters that are lively, full bodied and engage in great banter.
A great fun plot with a slightly different twist on a favourite theme. This gives it a fresh angle and using twins is brilliant as their characters are completely different as are their looks.
Ever since the night of their 30th birthday, she has seen strange things before her eyes. Lights around people. Now she spots one with a strong purple glow. That's when she knows what it means - Death! As the man in front of her tries to commit suicide, she fights to pull him back. Successful at last the pair return to her mother's place to find her twin has quit her job. Now they have to find something else. It's then that they get hired to find the man's fiance's killer. Plus their mother dumps the news that they are witches, have to go through the trials to see if they are wicked and the girls meet their godparents. A cool fairy and a laid back reaper. Can the girls find the clues that will lead to the killer? Watch as they go through the trials, try and get their magic to work and generally mess up before they get anywhere. Great characters that are lively, full bodied and engage in great banter.
September 23, 2021
I forgot how fast-paced Murphy’s writing is. Makes for a quick read.
Joy and Didi are twins who discover they have magical powers on their birthday...but only if the council decides they’re not evil. This book covers their ‘trial,’ which seems to be like a Truman Show watch event for the entire magical community. Turns out their mom is a witch and their dad was human, so they’re half magical, which means no one really knows how powerful they might be. Joy’s ability is seeing death around people as a purple cloud (more obvious the more imminent it is), and Didi’s ability is being able to tell whether someone is being truthful or not. Together, they work on harnessing their power and solving two mysteries: who killed Joy’s new friend Jason’s fiancé and who stole their mom’s friend’s magical powers.
Familiars include a talking cat and owl. Oh, and *spoiler alert* their dad manifests as a ghost since he and their mom are friends with Death.
Joy and Didi are twins who discover they have magical powers on their birthday...but only if the council decides they’re not evil. This book covers their ‘trial,’ which seems to be like a Truman Show watch event for the entire magical community. Turns out their mom is a witch and their dad was human, so they’re half magical, which means no one really knows how powerful they might be. Joy’s ability is seeing death around people as a purple cloud (more obvious the more imminent it is), and Didi’s ability is being able to tell whether someone is being truthful or not. Together, they work on harnessing their power and solving two mysteries: who killed Joy’s new friend Jason’s fiancé and who stole their mom’s friend’s magical powers.
Familiars include a talking cat and owl. Oh, and *spoiler alert* their dad manifests as a ghost since he and their mom are friends with Death.
March 6, 2022
Great Book! Love this Author
I read the first book in the "Mom & Christy Cozy Mystery" series before reading this book & I loved it. I read alot so it was exciting to find a new author to read who is a good writer. I got curious as to what else Ms. Murphy had written and decided to try a book from her other series, "Fair Witch Sisters."
Now, I don't normally go in for books about witches & the paranormal ... but since I had really enjoyed that first book, I felt pretty confident that this new book would be just as fun & witty as before with well-written quirky characters that I could fall in love with. And I was right!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy light, imaginative, humorous, fun, and well-written stories. You don't have to be a big fan of paranormal books to enjoy it.
BTW... I really enjoyed the "Bewitched" tv show references. It was one of my favorite shows back in the mid-1960's. ❤
I read the first book in the "Mom & Christy Cozy Mystery" series before reading this book & I loved it. I read alot so it was exciting to find a new author to read who is a good writer. I got curious as to what else Ms. Murphy had written and decided to try a book from her other series, "Fair Witch Sisters."
Now, I don't normally go in for books about witches & the paranormal ... but since I had really enjoyed that first book, I felt pretty confident that this new book would be just as fun & witty as before with well-written quirky characters that I could fall in love with. And I was right!
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy light, imaginative, humorous, fun, and well-written stories. You don't have to be a big fan of paranormal books to enjoy it.
BTW... I really enjoyed the "Bewitched" tv show references. It was one of my favorite shows back in the mid-1960's. ❤
December 23, 2019
I really love the Mom and Christy mysteries. The friends and family dynamics are convoluted, intense, and mostly amusing- especially since it’s their family and I can read and laugh or commiserate.
Mom in this first book of a new series is also wise and has some butt kicking powers. Personally, I am fairly convinced that most California moms have powers. How else can single mms survive here, especially with crazy teenaged girls?
Terrific twin power is also a fun feature of the storyline. Add in that the girls are starting over at 35 and pick up an awesome gay pal, some wacky familiars and a few scary foes and relatives - it’s a whole lot of fun!
Mom in this first book of a new series is also wise and has some butt kicking powers. Personally, I am fairly convinced that most California moms have powers. How else can single mms survive here, especially with crazy teenaged girls?
Terrific twin power is also a fun feature of the storyline. Add in that the girls are starting over at 35 and pick up an awesome gay pal, some wacky familiars and a few scary foes and relatives - it’s a whole lot of fun!
October 21, 2018
A really good book, funny and very entertaining. Love the way Christy Murphy writes, her humor and talent shine through each page. This story was definitely entertaining, the premise of the twins finally getting their powers and then having to prove that they were not evil was great. Twists and false leads made me keep guessing who was bad and who was good. Of course, Fred stole the show several times and I hope we will continue to see him in future stories. You will be glad you read this book.
July 3, 2019
Double Sight
I believe once again Ms. Murphy has given us readers a dynamic duo to fallow in a new series. There are twins age thirty five years in making that aquier witchy abilities just in time to save a man from death but there is a twist a trial has been set forth Joy and Didi must discover who and why someone wants Jason dead,they also have to prove if their souls make them good or evil in nature, it makes this a life or death consequence for Joy and Didi. What will they discover, read " Father Knows Death " to find the answers. 😮🤔🙄 Kat
I believe once again Ms. Murphy has given us readers a dynamic duo to fallow in a new series. There are twins age thirty five years in making that aquier witchy abilities just in time to save a man from death but there is a twist a trial has been set forth Joy and Didi must discover who and why someone wants Jason dead,they also have to prove if their souls make them good or evil in nature, it makes this a life or death consequence for Joy and Didi. What will they discover, read " Father Knows Death " to find the answers. 😮🤔🙄 Kat
July 23, 2019
A cute story about twin witches who don't know they are witches until they start going through 'the change' (become witches) just after their 35th birthday. The writing is good and the characters varied and interesting. There is light humor throughout but it is often at the expense of one or the other of the characters. I didn't like the choice to have one twin preferred by everyone and everything including the cat familiar of the other twin or that no one was allowed to help the twins learn about magic before they were put through a test to determine if they are good or evil.
June 29, 2019
Surprise , you are a witch!!
35 years is a long time but, that is when the twins got their witch powers. They thought they were sick with headaches and other strange feelings. Finally, Mom.explains they are becoming witches. Then they have to learn about their powers and use them for good.
35 years is a long time but, that is when the twins got their witch powers. They thought they were sick with headaches and other strange feelings. Finally, Mom.explains they are becoming witches. Then they have to learn about their powers and use them for good.
August 4, 2019
Twins Did I and Joy discover they are magic and have to pass a test to keep the magic.
The twists and turns in this saga are great. It is fun seeing the twins seeking their magic while trying to prove they are using it for good and not evil. Would like to see more about their story.
The twists and turns in this saga are great. It is fun seeing the twins seeking their magic while trying to prove they are using it for good and not evil. Would like to see more about their story.
September 27, 2020
I always enjoy a good crime mystery and this book doesn't disappoint. It is quick and easy to read and the story line has a few twists and turns. The main characters are well portrayed allowing you to bring them to life. This is not a serious murder mystery book, if that's what you are after. This book is pleasant, quirky and it made me smile.
November 1, 2021
This was a fun story about twin sisters in L.A. who suddenly find out that magic is real, they are witches whose powers are just being discovered, and they're on trial to find out whether they are good or evil! Whew, that's a lot to take in all at once! Ms. Murphy writes with a humorous touch, and I really enjoyed the story.
July 9, 2019
Quick, funny read
Yes, there was murder and suspense , there was also quite a bit of comedy. I really enjoyed the twins and their extended family and how they invited Jason to become part of that family. Definitely a great cozy mystery worth reading.
Yes, there was murder and suspense , there was also quite a bit of comedy. I really enjoyed the twins and their extended family and how they invited Jason to become part of that family. Definitely a great cozy mystery worth reading.
July 17, 2019
Fun to read mystery
I rated Father Knows Death five stars because the characters are warm and well-defined, the story is original and well-written, and it made me laugh. The emphasis on the paranormal is not overdone, so it remains a book that cozy mystery lovers would enjoy.
I rated Father Knows Death five stars because the characters are warm and well-defined, the story is original and well-written, and it made me laugh. The emphasis on the paranormal is not overdone, so it remains a book that cozy mystery lovers would enjoy.
July 28, 2019
Light and easy fun
It was a nice read for a stressful time, letting me escape when I needed. Funny and quirky with loveable characters. I look forward to reading the rest of her books.
It was a nice read for a stressful time, letting me escape when I needed. Funny and quirky with loveable characters. I look forward to reading the rest of her books.
March 27, 2020
Coming Into Their Own
I really enjoyed reading this book!! There are lots off laughs, turns that leads the reader on paths of fun dialog, and to top it all off there is more. This is only book one in a series. Great Read!😃
I really enjoyed reading this book!! There are lots off laughs, turns that leads the reader on paths of fun dialog, and to top it all off there is more. This is only book one in a series. Great Read!😃
September 19, 2020
Such an interesting story
If you love crazy characters and crazy situations that can only happen to them, this one is it! Just when you think you figured it out, twist in the plot for the win. I can't wait to read the next one. Enjoy
If you love crazy characters and crazy situations that can only happen to them, this one is it! Just when you think you figured it out, twist in the plot for the win. I can't wait to read the next one. Enjoy
October 11, 2020
Magic for People like me
I love that these magic beings are not in some far off magical kingdom and are people that could be my neighbors, just with a little extra something that makes them special. Can’t wait for the next installment!
I love that these magic beings are not in some far off magical kingdom and are people that could be my neighbors, just with a little extra something that makes them special. Can’t wait for the next installment!
November 7, 2022
Great!
Fun story. So many seqways it was fun to read. The sisters really complement each other so well. I loved the road trips. The car is really funny. I think the story works for all age groups
Fun story. So many seqways it was fun to read. The sisters really complement each other so well. I loved the road trips. The car is really funny. I think the story works for all age groups
November 4, 2018
Fair witch
Fun story, great fun with fraternal twins and finding their magic. Looking forward to more on the Fair Witch twins and their new magically lead lives.
Fun story, great fun with fraternal twins and finding their magic. Looking forward to more on the Fair Witch twins and their new magically lead lives.
July 20, 2019
I love Christy's books
This was a fun, light read, as are all of her books I've read thus far. Not dark, not scary. Thanks Christy!
This was a fun, light read, as are all of her books I've read thus far. Not dark, not scary. Thanks Christy!
November 6, 2019
Magic or not? Maybe!
Interesting little book with interesting characters. And since the prime ones are twins it is twice the intrigue. Twists and turns that come together well.
Interesting little book with interesting characters. And since the prime ones are twins it is twice the intrigue. Twists and turns that come together well.
November 29, 2019
Very cute start to a series,
February 16, 2020
Good entertainment
It was pleasant to read but definitely for teenagers...but well we were kids once. I recommend as a fast non complicated reading
It was pleasant to read but definitely for teenagers...but well we were kids once. I recommend as a fast non complicated reading
November 13, 2021
A great new theme
Christy has developed an interesting and unique plot to go with her great cast of characters making this hard to put down
Christy has developed an interesting and unique plot to go with her great cast of characters making this hard to put down
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews