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Spell's Angels #1
Bad to the Crone
Scout Randall is more than a witch on a motorcycle. She’s more than the magic she wields. She’s also a woman with a secret past that she can’t remember … a sarcastic wonder who acts before she thinks.
The one thing Scout knows with absolute certainty is that she’s got a purpose in life … and that purpose is fighting evil. That’s why she joined the Spell’s Angels, a biker group with offices all across the world. It’s because of the group that she finds herself in northern Lower Michigan, in a place called Hawthorne Hollow, where magic is out in the open and Scout finds her powers are constantly on display.
She was transferred to the town because they needed help, although no one will tell her what happened to the woman who held the position before her and she’s constantly distracted by the local denizens, including Gunner Stratton, a shifter with a history he would rather keep to himself.
Scout is determined to do her job … even if it means taking on the congregation of a local church with murky origins. It seems the dead are rising in Hawthorne Hollow and it’s up to Scout to figure out why.
She’s going to have to learn to trust her new co-workers – and a few random outsiders in the colorful town – on the fly because they’re all going to have to come together to take down an enemy that is strong enough to wipe Hawthorne Hollow off the map.
Get ready for adventure, because it’s going to be nonstop from here on out.
The one thing Scout knows with absolute certainty is that she’s got a purpose in life … and that purpose is fighting evil. That’s why she joined the Spell’s Angels, a biker group with offices all across the world. It’s because of the group that she finds herself in northern Lower Michigan, in a place called Hawthorne Hollow, where magic is out in the open and Scout finds her powers are constantly on display.
She was transferred to the town because they needed help, although no one will tell her what happened to the woman who held the position before her and she’s constantly distracted by the local denizens, including Gunner Stratton, a shifter with a history he would rather keep to himself.
Scout is determined to do her job … even if it means taking on the congregation of a local church with murky origins. It seems the dead are rising in Hawthorne Hollow and it’s up to Scout to figure out why.
She’s going to have to learn to trust her new co-workers – and a few random outsiders in the colorful town – on the fly because they’re all going to have to come together to take down an enemy that is strong enough to wipe Hawthorne Hollow off the map.
Get ready for adventure, because it’s going to be nonstop from here on out.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2019
2037 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
303 books2,899 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
April 5, 2019
Ugh, this book. What the hell did I just read? Why is this so highly rated? Maybe this author is just not for me.
The characters felt flat. Both Scout and Gunner had dark/sad backstories, but their stories are told in very blunt, matter-of-fact dialogues. The author basically dumps information in a series of conversations between Scout and Gunner and it leaves one feeling oddly disconnected from the characters. Like Gunner could have died, I wouldn't have cared.
Speaking of Gunner, why the hell did he just fall in love/very-strong-like with the main character? Other than trading snarky, biting remarks and childish teasing, their relationship doesn't seem like one that would realistically form love or at least not so quickly.
I'll give the author this. While the writing was unrefined, the general story was enjoyable enough to keep reading (if you skimmed, that is). As for the plot, this story basically goes nowhere until the last 3 or 4 chapters, where the author wraps everything up in a huge, anticlimactic info-dump. Very unsatisfying.
The characters felt flat. Both Scout and Gunner had dark/sad backstories, but their stories are told in very blunt, matter-of-fact dialogues. The author basically dumps information in a series of conversations between Scout and Gunner and it leaves one feeling oddly disconnected from the characters. Like Gunner could have died, I wouldn't have cared.
Speaking of Gunner, why the hell did he just fall in love/very-strong-like with the main character? Other than trading snarky, biting remarks and childish teasing, their relationship doesn't seem like one that would realistically form love or at least not so quickly.
I'll give the author this. While the writing was unrefined, the general story was enjoyable enough to keep reading (if you skimmed, that is). As for the plot, this story basically goes nowhere until the last 3 or 4 chapters, where the author wraps everything up in a huge, anticlimactic info-dump. Very unsatisfying.
March 5, 2019
Scout Randal is just awesome I love her snarkiness and I have to say I love the Gunner gives back he is a different main guy to other series Amanda has written and I love that. When I finished the book my first thought was 'what a breath of fresh air' now don't get me wrong I adore everything that Amanda writes her books are that entertaining I can never get enough of them but I have to say for the first in a new series Bad to the Crone highly exceeded expectations, I love the premise behind the series 'Spell's Angels' supernatural problem solvers wrapped up in an awesome badass way. I really enjoyed this first book being mainly about Scout and Gunner but I also can't wait to learn more about the rest of the team and also more about Raisin that girl is just gorgeous.
I also liked the link up to Hemlock Cove that cross-over will be extremely interesting.
I also liked the link up to Hemlock Cove that cross-over will be extremely interesting.
December 14, 2021
3.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I’m always in the mood for a good paranormal cozy mystery and I wanted a witches story ! So when I saw this novel, I thought it might check all the boxes. I didn’t really know the author or the series, but I gladly jumped in.
Scout Randall has no memory of her past, she doesn’t know who she is, but now she works for a supernatural agency. She is sent to a very small town to replace a vacant position. She didn’t choose it, she lost it at the short straw. But she didn’t expect to discover a dead body the first day she arrived. Determined to find out what happened, she will have to team up with Gunner, a man as irresistible as he is annoying. She will also have to face some of her past.
This was a pretty fun novel, even if it does have a few lengthes. I wonder when we’ll find out the reason for Scout’s amnesia, but also what will happen when she learns the truth. More on that in the next installment!
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I’m always in the mood for a good paranormal cozy mystery and I wanted a witches story ! So when I saw this novel, I thought it might check all the boxes. I didn’t really know the author or the series, but I gladly jumped in.
Scout Randall has no memory of her past, she doesn’t know who she is, but now she works for a supernatural agency. She is sent to a very small town to replace a vacant position. She didn’t choose it, she lost it at the short straw. But she didn’t expect to discover a dead body the first day she arrived. Determined to find out what happened, she will have to team up with Gunner, a man as irresistible as he is annoying. She will also have to face some of her past.
This was a pretty fun novel, even if it does have a few lengthes. I wonder when we’ll find out the reason for Scout’s amnesia, but also what will happen when she learns the truth. More on that in the next installment!
May 5, 2020
4.5 Stars... When city girl, Scout Randall, is relocated to the small town of Hawthorne Hollow as part of the Spell's Angels, she could never predict the paranormal mystery that befalls her or the array of people she meets along the way... When she literally stumbles over a mutilated body, she gets pulled into a harrowing case that may lead her to answers about her forgotten past... In order to solve the mystery, she must learn to trust herself and her new team, mostly the sexy shifter Gunner, and confront her unique abilities... Another spellbinding series from this amazing author... I am looking forward to unraveling this crazy cast of characters and their incredible backstories:)
March 24, 2020
I cannot even begin to say how much I enjoyed this book. Lighthearted fun, flirtation, weird characters, and above all constant action. It's labeled as a cozy, but it so much better.
March 8, 2019
Love love love this author!!
Another great book! It was awesome! I just can’t believe how talented she is and keeps bringing us hit after hit! I have read everything she has written and have never been disappointed! I can’t wait to continue with this series! I wish I could read a new book of hers everyday! I laugh so hard at her humor my kids are always wondering what the heck is going on! Great new start!
Another great book! It was awesome! I just can’t believe how talented she is and keeps bringing us hit after hit! I have read everything she has written and have never been disappointed! I can’t wait to continue with this series! I wish I could read a new book of hers everyday! I laugh so hard at her humor my kids are always wondering what the heck is going on! Great new start!
March 29, 2019
This is a cozy witch mystery. If you dislike cozy witch mysteries (or cozy mysteries), you’ll hate it. If you enjoy them - this is for you. The author went full on inane / silly in her Midwest series, but she didn’t here and I enjoyed this one. Even put the publication target for the next in this series on my calendar (as I’ve done with her Grim series).
April 30, 2019
Scott is a woman and is a witch who is part of the Spells Angels, witches (male and female) who help regular people and protect them from evil beings. She gets assigned to a new area and it turns out to be out in the boondocks with only a small group of people to work with.
She can talk to ghosts.
The dangers? Something that seems to be a zombie but isn't quite; a church that could be a cult and seems to deal with some really nasty stuff, a kitten that seems to chose her and a guy who frustrates her considerably but who she ends up being attracted to.
It also has a young girl named Raisin who is frequently physically abused by her father and things get really bad for her.
The thing with Scott? She's way more powerful than other witches the group has seen. Way more powerful.
I thought the story was good and the characters were well done.
She can talk to ghosts.
The dangers? Something that seems to be a zombie but isn't quite; a church that could be a cult and seems to deal with some really nasty stuff, a kitten that seems to chose her and a guy who frustrates her considerably but who she ends up being attracted to.
It also has a young girl named Raisin who is frequently physically abused by her father and things get really bad for her.
The thing with Scott? She's way more powerful than other witches the group has seen. Way more powerful.
I thought the story was good and the characters were well done.
October 28, 2019
Oh dear, yet another fantastic series I'm going to have to devour.
I've read quite a lot of Amanda M. Lee's books, in the way of 'crap, that's finished, I need the next one immediately'. She has a way of writing that just keeps you coming back for more. I love the strong female characters she writes, and her sense of humour. The only thing that has let her down in previous series is the trope of the man protector, who despite knowing the woman he's attracted to can look after herself, insists on not letting her be herself and get into situations. I'm hoping that the characters here will not follow that route, as this book fully establishes the lead females position as more capable than those around her. I love that it's set in the same world as the other books, and can't wait to read more.
I've read quite a lot of Amanda M. Lee's books, in the way of 'crap, that's finished, I need the next one immediately'. She has a way of writing that just keeps you coming back for more. I love the strong female characters she writes, and her sense of humour. The only thing that has let her down in previous series is the trope of the man protector, who despite knowing the woman he's attracted to can look after herself, insists on not letting her be herself and get into situations. I'm hoping that the characters here will not follow that route, as this book fully establishes the lead females position as more capable than those around her. I love that it's set in the same world as the other books, and can't wait to read more.
May 6, 2020
This is a cozy mystery with some recycled elements from other books written by the same author, but I enjoyed it anyway. The premise is a really powerful witch from Detroit getting stationed in a small town and eventually coming to love it - in some later book. She's got a werewolf interested in dating her, a new kitten, and a murder mystery within about 48 hours of arriving. The town has a lot of supernatural stuff for its size. The inhabitants are kookie, which is what I like and expect from this author. Light fun fluff. Enjoyed it.
October 16, 2020
I've always been a fan of Amanda M. Lee, and this series is a bit different than her other series but I loved it!
Scout has a mysterious background, she's a powerful witch and she is in fo the long haul. When she gets to her new assignment she is just taking everything in and then she gets shown around by Gunner and while she is on her tour they find body but, a body missing his face. So thus starts the mystery and what is going on.
I took a bit to get into but, i loved it! The enviroment is a little bit more edgy than her other works but definitely worth the read!
Scout has a mysterious background, she's a powerful witch and she is in fo the long haul. When she gets to her new assignment she is just taking everything in and then she gets shown around by Gunner and while she is on her tour they find body but, a body missing his face. So thus starts the mystery and what is going on.
I took a bit to get into but, i loved it! The enviroment is a little bit more edgy than her other works but definitely worth the read!
December 10, 2021
New series I have started! I have read the Witches of the Midwest that this author wrote and I really liked that series. So far this series hasn't disappointed. Great first book! I am liking the characters!!
April 8, 2019
A brand new setting and group of characters, adding to the wonderful array of series that Amanda M Lee has to her name. And a thoroughly enjoyable one at that. I loved all the hints that the Winchesters are not too far away and I can but hope that they all meet up at some point in glorious fashion! Scout has a wonderfully mysterious past and I look forward to all the instalments to come which will no doubt enlighten us and Scout herself. It seems she has a lot of power on board and look out anyone who gets in her way. Hopefully wonderfully gorgeous shifter Gunner can keep her company on her future adventures.
January 28, 2025
Argh!
Love the story but hate the MC. 1) totally overpowered. Which means I won’t be able to keep reading it. 2) There’s a prophecy that she is a savior (of course there is) BUT…we’ve all read that before and provided there are sufficiently powerful baddies and the prophecy stuff is done right: I can deal with the tropes.
Here’s the problem: prophesied MC’s with large amounts of power need to be balanced by a stable moral code, common sense and sanity. Some maturity (this heroine is 29ish) is also a thing.
None of that is present. Scout is an overpowered asshole who is basically a giant chip: no shoulder. She’s got bad judgement, is impetuous, and has a bad temper to boot. She’s an overpowered grenade looking for a target.
I finished the book which is a three star review for me and I have read other books from this author and wish the MC wasn’t so awful because the story is interesting. But I won’t keep reading the series.
Love the story but hate the MC. 1) totally overpowered. Which means I won’t be able to keep reading it. 2) There’s a prophecy that she is a savior (of course there is) BUT…we’ve all read that before and provided there are sufficiently powerful baddies and the prophecy stuff is done right: I can deal with the tropes.
Here’s the problem: prophesied MC’s with large amounts of power need to be balanced by a stable moral code, common sense and sanity. Some maturity (this heroine is 29ish) is also a thing.
None of that is present. Scout is an overpowered asshole who is basically a giant chip: no shoulder. She’s got bad judgement, is impetuous, and has a bad temper to boot. She’s an overpowered grenade looking for a target.
I finished the book which is a three star review for me and I have read other books from this author and wish the MC wasn’t so awful because the story is interesting. But I won’t keep reading the series.
December 6, 2021
Bad to the Crone was a Great start to this new series, where the humor was off the chart. The Romantic back and forth teasing and play on words kept me on my toes, and the mystery to be solved by Scout and Gunner and the rest of the Spell's Angel's kept them moving. I loved all the secondary characters as well as the mystery within a mystery idea concerning Scout's cloudy past. There's talk of Amanda M. Lee's Snark being off the charts...and it is. If you are looking for a cozy where nothing bad ever really happens, or the characters wouldn't say 'boo' if they had a mouthful, this isn't the series for you. There is just enough down and dirty here to keep it real...without offending most...and occasionally, you will find yourself laughing right out loud...well done.
March 9, 2021
Reviewed at Paranormal-y Romantic
I had such fun with Bad to the Crone. Yes, I know, I’m coming to the series late but that simply means I can easily binge-read one after another to get caught up. And do I ever want to get caught up!
This introduction to the Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery series grabbed my attention and never let go. We have a puzzle to sort out, a lot of new faces that Scout (and we) have to remember and interact with, a possible attraction with another Spell’s Angel operative, and lots and lots of mysteries to solve. While Scout’s backstory is sad, it also allows even more discovery for her as the series continues and I’m looking forward to that. Scout’s magic is not the norm for any witch, she’s like super witch powers maxed out to the 100th degree. There are things that even Scout didn’t know she could do – and that will be an ongoing puzzle for our heroine to figure out as well.
While I liked Gunner with Scout, I’m still trying to figure this shifter out. His personality is… unique. I adored young Raisin and she will play a major part in Bad to the Crone, and I hope in future stories as well. She’s a smart kid who has had a rough life, I want to see how she grows. There are many new faces to become familiar with and I’m looking forward to each getting their own stories played out as well as the series moves on.
There are also some very dangerous, creepy folks around town. That is where our focus is in this first story. On a church that isn’t really a church as we know it, and a leader who is simply too creepy for words. When some truly weird things start happening around town, Scout dives right into the mystery – mostly professing that she can handle this on her own. She is an independent witch who will have to learn that there is also power in numbers as well. I liked Scout, I loved the banter and snark between them whenever Gunner enters a scene, and I believe I’ll enjoy this entire crew as I get to know them better.
In all, I had fun here. Some questions were answered, other questions arise from those answers, and I believe that’s going to be the fun part as we discover Scout’s powers, where she came from, why she had to be protected, and what is in store for her in this town that fits her like a motorcycle glove. If you love an interesting, grab your attention with a good story type of Paranormal Cozy Mystery then consider picking up Bad to the Crone to begin the Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery series… like right now.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
I had such fun with Bad to the Crone. Yes, I know, I’m coming to the series late but that simply means I can easily binge-read one after another to get caught up. And do I ever want to get caught up!
This introduction to the Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery series grabbed my attention and never let go. We have a puzzle to sort out, a lot of new faces that Scout (and we) have to remember and interact with, a possible attraction with another Spell’s Angel operative, and lots and lots of mysteries to solve. While Scout’s backstory is sad, it also allows even more discovery for her as the series continues and I’m looking forward to that. Scout’s magic is not the norm for any witch, she’s like super witch powers maxed out to the 100th degree. There are things that even Scout didn’t know she could do – and that will be an ongoing puzzle for our heroine to figure out as well.
While I liked Gunner with Scout, I’m still trying to figure this shifter out. His personality is… unique. I adored young Raisin and she will play a major part in Bad to the Crone, and I hope in future stories as well. She’s a smart kid who has had a rough life, I want to see how she grows. There are many new faces to become familiar with and I’m looking forward to each getting their own stories played out as well as the series moves on.
There are also some very dangerous, creepy folks around town. That is where our focus is in this first story. On a church that isn’t really a church as we know it, and a leader who is simply too creepy for words. When some truly weird things start happening around town, Scout dives right into the mystery – mostly professing that she can handle this on her own. She is an independent witch who will have to learn that there is also power in numbers as well. I liked Scout, I loved the banter and snark between them whenever Gunner enters a scene, and I believe I’ll enjoy this entire crew as I get to know them better.
In all, I had fun here. Some questions were answered, other questions arise from those answers, and I believe that’s going to be the fun part as we discover Scout’s powers, where she came from, why she had to be protected, and what is in store for her in this town that fits her like a motorcycle glove. If you love an interesting, grab your attention with a good story type of Paranormal Cozy Mystery then consider picking up Bad to the Crone to begin the Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery series… like right now.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
March 25, 2019
Scout's origins are a mystery. After being left as a toddler at a fire station with no memory of her parents, she's taken in and given a name. As she grew, it became apparent that she had a special set of gifts. She feels it's her duty to use her powers for good and joins a biker club called the Spells Angels to fight evil. It means a nomadic lifestyle, loose roots, and the chance to find out where she came from.
When she rolls into Hawthorn Hollow, it's quieter than she expected and Scout can't imagine what dangers the small town could possibly hide. It's so little, she doesn't even need her bike to get around. But it turns out evil likes small and quiet, the kind of cozy places where neighbors trust one another and never lock their doors.
With a team of powerful witches, including a broody, handsome Gunner, Scout fights to keep her new post as monster-free as possible. But questions about her own past and getting to know the ins and outs of her new crew makes for a complicated time for our witchy heroine.
I wish the actual Spells Angels bikers played a bigger part in the book. It had great potential and I thought a witch on a motorcycle was such an awesome idea, but once she's in Hawthorn Hollow, Scout's biker crew is just, well, a crew. It would have made more sense to just make it a coven instead of build up the biker stuff in the beginning just for it to fall a little flat. Since this is a series, I'm hoping the next books have some serious Harley vibes.
Scout was a fun character and I really want to know the rest of her backstory. Strong female leads who don't take any back talk are some of favorites and her sassy comebacks were always welcome. Perhaps Gunner might be strong enough to take her on, but who knows what their idea of romance would be! Knowing them, it'd be rounding up some varied and hitting the biker bar for some wings.
The narrator Meghan Kelly couldn't disappoint me if she tried. This particular cast of characters was wild compared to the traditional romances of hers I've heard in the past. The range of her voice is always impressive. She's gone from a sweet school teacher in the Midwest to a werewolf king to a strong biker witch and have none of them sound the same. I like to think I could identify each of the books she's worked on with nothing more than a character clip! Maybe I'll try that one time and put my possible skills to use.
Overall, Bad to the Crone was a fun, light listen that's squeaky clean, making it safe for fans of all ages.
When she rolls into Hawthorn Hollow, it's quieter than she expected and Scout can't imagine what dangers the small town could possibly hide. It's so little, she doesn't even need her bike to get around. But it turns out evil likes small and quiet, the kind of cozy places where neighbors trust one another and never lock their doors.
With a team of powerful witches, including a broody, handsome Gunner, Scout fights to keep her new post as monster-free as possible. But questions about her own past and getting to know the ins and outs of her new crew makes for a complicated time for our witchy heroine.
I wish the actual Spells Angels bikers played a bigger part in the book. It had great potential and I thought a witch on a motorcycle was such an awesome idea, but once she's in Hawthorn Hollow, Scout's biker crew is just, well, a crew. It would have made more sense to just make it a coven instead of build up the biker stuff in the beginning just for it to fall a little flat. Since this is a series, I'm hoping the next books have some serious Harley vibes.
Scout was a fun character and I really want to know the rest of her backstory. Strong female leads who don't take any back talk are some of favorites and her sassy comebacks were always welcome. Perhaps Gunner might be strong enough to take her on, but who knows what their idea of romance would be! Knowing them, it'd be rounding up some varied and hitting the biker bar for some wings.
The narrator Meghan Kelly couldn't disappoint me if she tried. This particular cast of characters was wild compared to the traditional romances of hers I've heard in the past. The range of her voice is always impressive. She's gone from a sweet school teacher in the Midwest to a werewolf king to a strong biker witch and have none of them sound the same. I like to think I could identify each of the books she's worked on with nothing more than a character clip! Maybe I'll try that one time and put my possible skills to use.
Overall, Bad to the Crone was a fun, light listen that's squeaky clean, making it safe for fans of all ages.
October 31, 2019
BAD TO THE CRONE is the first book in the Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery series. These will definitely need to be read in the order of release.
This is entertainment! Humor, suspense, snarkiness, and a touch of romantic interest had me glued to the steering wheel much more than my fear of driving!
This is a light-hearted cozy-witchy-detective team out to stop the enemy from destroy their town while getting to know the new witch in town. The characters are sweetly diverse. The storyline is simple enough, but engaging, and there is plenty of backstory.
The new witch in town, Scout, was left on at a firehouse when she was a toddler with nothing – not even a name. The firemen named her after a character in a book (by someone whose last name is also Lee). Turns out she is like no other witch any one has ever seen before. I look forward to finding out more about Scout’s past and why she is so magically strong.
Narration: Meghan Kelly did a wonderful reading of the story with just the right amount of dramatic flair. Her pronunciations, enunciations, and emotions were well done.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: BAD TO THE CRONE
Series: Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery #1
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Meghan Kelly (as an Audible gifted copy)
This is entertainment! Humor, suspense, snarkiness, and a touch of romantic interest had me glued to the steering wheel much more than my fear of driving!
This is a light-hearted cozy-witchy-detective team out to stop the enemy from destroy their town while getting to know the new witch in town. The characters are sweetly diverse. The storyline is simple enough, but engaging, and there is plenty of backstory.
The new witch in town, Scout, was left on at a firehouse when she was a toddler with nothing – not even a name. The firemen named her after a character in a book (by someone whose last name is also Lee). Turns out she is like no other witch any one has ever seen before. I look forward to finding out more about Scout’s past and why she is so magically strong.
Narration: Meghan Kelly did a wonderful reading of the story with just the right amount of dramatic flair. Her pronunciations, enunciations, and emotions were well done.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: BAD TO THE CRONE
Series: Spell’s Angels Cozy Mystery #1
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Meghan Kelly (as an Audible gifted copy)
March 8, 2019
Terrific read but a more sombre approach then some of her other work
Outstanding - what a terrific new series. But if you are used to the author's other works then this will feel more sombre and serious. There is still lighthearted humour but within that and the magic there is the thread of child abuse, drug taking and the plight of what children have to deal with in foster care and homes. Although the magic part is also strong - demons, portals, shifters and the like - the balance comes off beautifully. Strong characters that immerse you into the story so well that you see them without trying.
She has been assigned to this small remote community. Her arrival is met with some hostility but as a child that has gone through care homes and foster parents by the dozen she's used to it. What she isn't used to is finding a body of a man with no face and being assigned a cabin that hasn't been looked after in years. What her fellow magic villi an fighters aren't used to is her type of magic. She seems to have all the gifts and an immense power source. Add in a crazed church leader, a portal, mummies, an abusive father, a possible meths lab and a handsome shifter for an enthralling read.
Outstanding - what a terrific new series. But if you are used to the author's other works then this will feel more sombre and serious. There is still lighthearted humour but within that and the magic there is the thread of child abuse, drug taking and the plight of what children have to deal with in foster care and homes. Although the magic part is also strong - demons, portals, shifters and the like - the balance comes off beautifully. Strong characters that immerse you into the story so well that you see them without trying.
She has been assigned to this small remote community. Her arrival is met with some hostility but as a child that has gone through care homes and foster parents by the dozen she's used to it. What she isn't used to is finding a body of a man with no face and being assigned a cabin that hasn't been looked after in years. What her fellow magic villi an fighters aren't used to is her type of magic. She seems to have all the gifts and an immense power source. Add in a crazed church leader, a portal, mummies, an abusive father, a possible meths lab and a handsome shifter for an enthralling read.
March 20, 2019
Bad to the Crone is a fantastically entertaining and completely enthralling mystery. I loved losing myself to Lee’s awe-inspiring world of the paranormal with a hint of danger, friendship, and heart. It was such a wonderful breath of fresh air. The originally of the plot and all of the depth and intrigue left me completely delighted and entertained. What a joy to discover incredible characters that never failed to surprise and always held my full attention. I couldn’t have asked for anything more in order to add to this fabulous mystery! It was perfect, and I highly recommend it!
Meghan Kelly never fails to deliver high quality narration, and this one exceeded my expectations! I was left breathless listening to her build the depth and personality to each unique character. Her stunning contribution to this story has brought forth a world that has enriched my literacy appreciation and allowed me the opportunity to experience and savor the work of authors whom I would not normally read. Nothing she creates ever falls flat. Instead, I find my admiration for her work continuing to grow with each foray into her impressive collection. I can’t wait to see what she creates next!
Meghan Kelly never fails to deliver high quality narration, and this one exceeded my expectations! I was left breathless listening to her build the depth and personality to each unique character. Her stunning contribution to this story has brought forth a world that has enriched my literacy appreciation and allowed me the opportunity to experience and savor the work of authors whom I would not normally read. Nothing she creates ever falls flat. Instead, I find my admiration for her work continuing to grow with each foray into her impressive collection. I can’t wait to see what she creates next!
March 22, 2019
A breath of fresh air
Scout rolled into town on her motorcycle and nothing is going to be the same because of it. Scout is a witch, a natural and a hedge witch, so she's something special, super strong in the magic department. She was abandoned as a child so has no idea where she gets her talents from. Gunner is a shifter, a local, man and boy, his father is the town sheriff and he doesn't approve of.Runner's joining the Spells.Angels, a motorcycle club made up of mostly supernatural brings who police and protect the town's and cities from the deadly evil which is out in the world all around us. It's Scouts first day in town and on a getting to know the place stroll she and Gunner run across a dead.body (so much for a peaceful posting) so before Scout can even unpack she and Gunner are investigating. Great premis, good interesting characters, especially Raisin, Scouts young neighbour and with a mysterious backstory that is going to be a large part of.the.story going forward. This is very well written and you are immediately engaged in the story all in all a great.read.
Scout rolled into town on her motorcycle and nothing is going to be the same because of it. Scout is a witch, a natural and a hedge witch, so she's something special, super strong in the magic department. She was abandoned as a child so has no idea where she gets her talents from. Gunner is a shifter, a local, man and boy, his father is the town sheriff and he doesn't approve of.Runner's joining the Spells.Angels, a motorcycle club made up of mostly supernatural brings who police and protect the town's and cities from the deadly evil which is out in the world all around us. It's Scouts first day in town and on a getting to know the place stroll she and Gunner run across a dead.body (so much for a peaceful posting) so before Scout can even unpack she and Gunner are investigating. Great premis, good interesting characters, especially Raisin, Scouts young neighbour and with a mysterious backstory that is going to be a large part of.the.story going forward. This is very well written and you are immediately engaged in the story all in all a great.read.
December 31, 2020
I wasn't sure about this book when I saw the cover and the description. I was surprised by how much I loved it. It had everything I'm looking for a paranormal cozy mystery. Magic, mystery, and a bit of romance. Perfection.
I loved the quips flying back and forth between Scout and Gunner. Gave me a Princess Leia and Han Solo vibe. Blame the author for that since she sprinkled in some Star Wars and geek references into the book. Gunner is a perfect foil to her and a good match.
The mystery was interesting. The action was thrilling.
I am very curious about Scout and what she is and what happened to her when she was a child.
I'm a little confused about Spells Angels. I would have liked to see more of the others stepping up to the bat and doing their things. Also, I feel like the salt circling the cabin mystery was never solved. Why was it disturbed? Did it have something to do with the church or was it something else?
I found the 1-star reviews funny. Clearly, we are reading different books. I've often wondered that myself when I would see 5-star reviews on books I hated. Different folks/different strokes, etc etc.
I loved the quips flying back and forth between Scout and Gunner. Gave me a Princess Leia and Han Solo vibe. Blame the author for that since she sprinkled in some Star Wars and geek references into the book. Gunner is a perfect foil to her and a good match.
The mystery was interesting. The action was thrilling.
I am very curious about Scout and what she is and what happened to her when she was a child.
I'm a little confused about Spells Angels. I would have liked to see more of the others stepping up to the bat and doing their things. Also, I feel like the salt circling the cabin mystery was never solved. Why was it disturbed? Did it have something to do with the church or was it something else?
I found the 1-star reviews funny. Clearly, we are reading different books. I've often wondered that myself when I would see 5-star reviews on books I hated. Different folks/different strokes, etc etc.
January 3, 2020
Bit clichéd..
Whilst it's full of action and adventure the heroine is a little bit too similar to those who have gone before.. maybe it's because I have just finished the Charlie Rhodes series that it appears more than it is but..
Charlie Rhodes was also abandoned at a fire station with no memories, as a way to hide her from some unknown enemy.
Scout doesn't know what she is.. neither did Zoe Lake, does Charlie Rhodes, in fact most don't!!
The similarities between Gunner/Aric/Jack/Griffin etc as the lead male characters overlap; they're not identical but familiar enough, mostly buff with long dark hair, attitude and on edge about their respective leading ladies powers.
It's not necessarily bad.. Lee has a winning formula; beautiful, quirky, snarky female and buff all action male, why change it?! She's highly entertaining, prolific without losing track, and able to meld her world's seamlessly.. it won't stop me reading her novels the level of similarity just took me by surprise..
Whilst it's full of action and adventure the heroine is a little bit too similar to those who have gone before.. maybe it's because I have just finished the Charlie Rhodes series that it appears more than it is but..
Charlie Rhodes was also abandoned at a fire station with no memories, as a way to hide her from some unknown enemy.
Scout doesn't know what she is.. neither did Zoe Lake, does Charlie Rhodes, in fact most don't!!
The similarities between Gunner/Aric/Jack/Griffin etc as the lead male characters overlap; they're not identical but familiar enough, mostly buff with long dark hair, attitude and on edge about their respective leading ladies powers.
It's not necessarily bad.. Lee has a winning formula; beautiful, quirky, snarky female and buff all action male, why change it?! She's highly entertaining, prolific without losing track, and able to meld her world's seamlessly.. it won't stop me reading her novels the level of similarity just took me by surprise..
December 7, 2020
It's ok as far as it goes, the two main characters, Scout and Gunner, are a bit wooden and the plotting, while interesting, has nothing new to offer.
Scout, a witch with greater powers than normal (she seems to have every power ever thought off but these are only identified after she uses them in the book), is part of Spells Angels, a paranormal police group. She's sent to Hawthorne Hollow after the previous agent disappeared.
She's meets the local chapter of Spells Angels, including Gunner ... sparks fly between them.
Scout has no memory before the age of four - not her real name, parents, etc - and grew up in a series of foster homes.
Could the residents of Hawthorne Hollow help her get her memories back?
In theory the book is about solving the mystery of who is raising the dead, in actuality it doesn't take up much space and is more Pratchett than Lovecraft.
As seems to be the case in many recent book I have read that are at the start of a series the emphasis is on letting the information drip, saving up the big reveals for books yet to come.
It's well written but formulaic.
Scout, a witch with greater powers than normal (she seems to have every power ever thought off but these are only identified after she uses them in the book), is part of Spells Angels, a paranormal police group. She's sent to Hawthorne Hollow after the previous agent disappeared.
She's meets the local chapter of Spells Angels, including Gunner ... sparks fly between them.
Scout has no memory before the age of four - not her real name, parents, etc - and grew up in a series of foster homes.
Could the residents of Hawthorne Hollow help her get her memories back?
In theory the book is about solving the mystery of who is raising the dead, in actuality it doesn't take up much space and is more Pratchett than Lovecraft.
As seems to be the case in many recent book I have read that are at the start of a series the emphasis is on letting the information drip, saving up the big reveals for books yet to come.
It's well written but formulaic.
August 26, 2021
Badass witches on two wheels!
I love Amanda M. Lee’s books for their snarkiness and fun. This first book of the Crone series doesn’t disappoint. Scout Randall is a sort of witchy law enforcement secret agent motorcycle mama with a mysterious past.
She is transferred from big city Detroit to tiny Hawthorn Hollow, worried it will be a huge snooze fest, but manages to literally trip over a dead body within hours of arriving in town (which really “impresses” her new coworkers, especially hot as blazes resident pretty boy Gunner with the bad attitude).
What follows is typical AML hijinks in the forms of possibly psychic kittens, peeping Tom ghosts, creepy cults and their dirt blowing acolytes and zombies…no mummies… wait…zombies… nope….mummies…ummmm
Scout really needs to stay on her toes and keep her magic at her fingertips as she meets this cast of characters and settles into her new job….
I love Amanda M. Lee’s books for their snarkiness and fun. This first book of the Crone series doesn’t disappoint. Scout Randall is a sort of witchy law enforcement secret agent motorcycle mama with a mysterious past.
She is transferred from big city Detroit to tiny Hawthorn Hollow, worried it will be a huge snooze fest, but manages to literally trip over a dead body within hours of arriving in town (which really “impresses” her new coworkers, especially hot as blazes resident pretty boy Gunner with the bad attitude).
What follows is typical AML hijinks in the forms of possibly psychic kittens, peeping Tom ghosts, creepy cults and their dirt blowing acolytes and zombies…no mummies… wait…zombies… nope….mummies…ummmm
Scout really needs to stay on her toes and keep her magic at her fingertips as she meets this cast of characters and settles into her new job….
March 9, 2022
Awful
The protagonist is an absolute snob she's ageist, classist, sexist...she judges everyone and while acting like she's so smart, is in fact an imbecile. she comes across a creature she doesn't know. when a man says he'll deal with it, she's all "rah rah this-is-what-i-think-is-feminism rant and flames it". she has NO idea what the creature is, how to kill it,, if fire will make it much stronger, but no, a man who DOES know these things has dared to say he'll deal with it so she can learn and so she must show off how super duper powerful (and stupid) she is
do NOT take a shot every time she says she was "instantly suspicious" because you'll die
and that's before you even get to the RAGING "not like other girls" syndrome she has going on. while "other" girls were doing girlie things, she was getting dirty under a car. while "other" girls were off dating she was being a witch.
GET. OVER. YOURSELF
The protagonist is an absolute snob she's ageist, classist, sexist...she judges everyone and while acting like she's so smart, is in fact an imbecile. she comes across a creature she doesn't know. when a man says he'll deal with it, she's all "rah rah this-is-what-i-think-is-feminism rant and flames it". she has NO idea what the creature is, how to kill it,, if fire will make it much stronger, but no, a man who DOES know these things has dared to say he'll deal with it so she can learn and so she must show off how super duper powerful (and stupid) she is
do NOT take a shot every time she says she was "instantly suspicious" because you'll die
and that's before you even get to the RAGING "not like other girls" syndrome she has going on. while "other" girls were doing girlie things, she was getting dirty under a car. while "other" girls were off dating she was being a witch.
GET. OVER. YOURSELF
March 18, 2019
Audio book review
This audio is full of action from the first scene. You get a sense of something lurking from the first paragraph.
When Scout ends up in Gunners biker bar that’s when everything starts . I like how Scott got her name , from the fire station that she was left at . You have to get this audio to see how there are little twits and turns with a few things to have you waiting to see where they lead , like the dirt in the church . There are a few minor characters that show up regularly, maybe their own story , Like Gunners sister or Mama Moon . Why was Scout left behind when she was little , why was the memory wiped from her mind. You have to get it to see
Meghan Kelly was incredible, her voice brings you right into the story . How she does all the characters at once is incredible, Meghan Kelly has sooo much talent
This audio is full of action from the first scene. You get a sense of something lurking from the first paragraph.
When Scout ends up in Gunners biker bar that’s when everything starts . I like how Scott got her name , from the fire station that she was left at . You have to get this audio to see how there are little twits and turns with a few things to have you waiting to see where they lead , like the dirt in the church . There are a few minor characters that show up regularly, maybe their own story , Like Gunners sister or Mama Moon . Why was Scout left behind when she was little , why was the memory wiped from her mind. You have to get it to see
Meghan Kelly was incredible, her voice brings you right into the story . How she does all the characters at once is incredible, Meghan Kelly has sooo much talent
May 2, 2019
This book was just plain FUN. I really enjoyed the snark between Scout Randall (the badass witch protagonist) and Gunner Stratton (the romantic interest whom she's working with for Spells Angels). The suspicious cult church made for plenty of intrigue and the action kept the pace flying. My only wish was that it would have been nice to have Gunner's magic be strong enough to save the day once in a while, instead of always having Scout be stronger and better than anyone else. I know it goes with the mystery of her past, but it made the relationships between the Spells Angels' members pretty lopsided. But whatever Gunner lacked in magic muscle, he made up for in charm and wit. And the care that the group gave to the little girl with the abusive father tugged at my heart. Lots of enjoyable reading time.
December 22, 2019
This was fun! I love the main character, Scout, and her sense of humor. Even in the worst of times, when she is trying to save a poor girl who needed to see love for once, that sense of humor plays it out.
There is a near budding romance that seems like it might never happen. But the two are fun characters separately or together.
Scout doesn't know her own strength and is constantly surprised by what she can do. She just thinks she's a witch. At other times she surprises everyone else and does what she knows. Most of the time she just tries to exist while trying to make the world a better place.
Okay, this review doesn't say what I want to say. That is, I enjoyed this book. So much that I have started the second in the series where I am learning more about Scout's background. Thank you, Kindle Unlimited for letting me read both books.
There is a near budding romance that seems like it might never happen. But the two are fun characters separately or together.
Scout doesn't know her own strength and is constantly surprised by what she can do. She just thinks she's a witch. At other times she surprises everyone else and does what she knows. Most of the time she just tries to exist while trying to make the world a better place.
Okay, this review doesn't say what I want to say. That is, I enjoyed this book. So much that I have started the second in the series where I am learning more about Scout's background. Thank you, Kindle Unlimited for letting me read both books.
March 16, 2025
It Starts With A Body But No Face
Meet Scout, she’s a witch who doesn’t know how powerful she is, and then there’s her new partner Hunter who is finding these things out whether he wants to or not. These two are part of a secret biker club that tries to protect people from all things paranormal called the Spells Angels and they are trying to find out what happened to the man whose body they discovered while on a tour of the country town called Hawthorne Hollows. There is also something weird going on at the all denomination church headed by a man named Father Bram so they might just have to look into that also. Are you confused yet dear reader, I think we can take care of that and answer any other questions you may have if you just buy this book and find out all the answers yourself, I wholly recommend you do and as I always seem to say, you won’t be disappointed;)
Meet Scout, she’s a witch who doesn’t know how powerful she is, and then there’s her new partner Hunter who is finding these things out whether he wants to or not. These two are part of a secret biker club that tries to protect people from all things paranormal called the Spells Angels and they are trying to find out what happened to the man whose body they discovered while on a tour of the country town called Hawthorne Hollows. There is also something weird going on at the all denomination church headed by a man named Father Bram so they might just have to look into that also. Are you confused yet dear reader, I think we can take care of that and answer any other questions you may have if you just buy this book and find out all the answers yourself, I wholly recommend you do and as I always seem to say, you won’t be disappointed;)
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