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Paramour Bay #4
Haunting Blend
Ghostly antics and magical chaos turn into a hauntingly mischievous tale in this delightful continuation of USA Today Bestselling Author Kennedy Layne’s cozy paranormal mystery series… The small coastal Connecticut town of Paramour Bay has brought a lot of surprises to Raven Marigold’s life, but she never expected to encounter a bona fide honest-to-gosh ghost! It appears that Raven and her familiar have made quite the name for themselves on the other side as amateur sleuths…enticing an endearing tea-drinking spirit to seek their help to solve a kidnapping, of sorts. You see, the sweet apparition’s familiar didn’t follow her into the afterlife and has gone missing—even from the eyes of the dead! Grab a cup of hot tea and a cozy blanket so that you can snuggle in front of the warm hearth of your fireplace with this riveting supernatural tale that will have you smiling well into the night!
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 3, 2019
382 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
About the author
Kennedy Layne
156 books657 followersKennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her romantic thrillers in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. Kennedy also has a deep love for cozy mysteries, thrillers, and basically any book that can keep her guessing until the very end. They live in the Midwest with their menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 18, 2021
Raven Lattice Marigold is coming into her own as a witch. She's becoming more comfortable with running her late Nan's teashop with her magical familiar Leo. But nothing could have prepared her for meeting a ghost! This ghost has heard about Raven's amateur sleuthing skills and wants to hire her to investigate the possible abduction of her familiar. As Raven and Leo will soon discover, working this case will have far-reaching implications, far beyond a 'simple' kidnapping.
The world of magic that Layne has built is imaginative and full of intrigue. The familiars, the coven, Raven's reckoning with her own magic... they all combine to make the paranormal aspect of this mystery strong. Lovers of paranormal and fantasy cozy mysteries will appreciate this aspect of the book.
However, I wasn't a big fan of the author's writing style. Raven and Leo often address the reader directly. This was charming at times, but I felt that it also distracted from the flow of the plot and was a bit too heavy-handed. Raven also likes to go off on tangents quite a bit, which further distracts from the plot and from the execution of the mystery itself.
As someone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries for the mystery element, I would have preferred that the fourth wall breaking and tangents were limited so that the mystery could have shone more. But if you don't mind this writing style and you're not as interested in the mystery itself, you might enjoy this book.
I wouldn't recommend that you jump into the series in the middle like I did. Starting from the beginning would give you a much better understanding of how Raven's magic works. This book also has a larger storyline that seems as if it will continue into future instalments, so I wouldn't consider it to be a standalone.
This is a clean mystery, with minimal violence, a small romance side-plot, and no foul language.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
The world of magic that Layne has built is imaginative and full of intrigue. The familiars, the coven, Raven's reckoning with her own magic... they all combine to make the paranormal aspect of this mystery strong. Lovers of paranormal and fantasy cozy mysteries will appreciate this aspect of the book.
However, I wasn't a big fan of the author's writing style. Raven and Leo often address the reader directly. This was charming at times, but I felt that it also distracted from the flow of the plot and was a bit too heavy-handed. Raven also likes to go off on tangents quite a bit, which further distracts from the plot and from the execution of the mystery itself.
As someone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries for the mystery element, I would have preferred that the fourth wall breaking and tangents were limited so that the mystery could have shone more. But if you don't mind this writing style and you're not as interested in the mystery itself, you might enjoy this book.
I wouldn't recommend that you jump into the series in the middle like I did. Starting from the beginning would give you a much better understanding of how Raven's magic works. This book also has a larger storyline that seems as if it will continue into future instalments, so I wouldn't consider it to be a standalone.
This is a clean mystery, with minimal violence, a small romance side-plot, and no foul language.
For more of my reviews, please visit:
January 4, 2019
Fairies, ghost and the afterlife
Awesome. A terrific read with plenty of interaction from Leo (love his sarcastic remarks and the way he always tries to look after number 1 - himself!). The characters have gotten stronger and are evolving at the speed of light. Some chuckles thrown in to break up the story - terrific!
When a ghost approaches her with an urgent please for help, Leo is dead against it but she feels her soft heart melting at how the fairy familiar must be suffering being away from her witch. Spells, an attack, more ghosts, a coven that has split in two, meeting her estranged Aunt, having her mother and Liam trying to help her rescue the fairy (admittedly with Liam knowing what and why) are just some of the things she has to contend with. Will they rescue the fairy? Will they make it out without being turned into toads? Is there really a witch war on the horizon? Will Heidi move into town?
Awesome. A terrific read with plenty of interaction from Leo (love his sarcastic remarks and the way he always tries to look after number 1 - himself!). The characters have gotten stronger and are evolving at the speed of light. Some chuckles thrown in to break up the story - terrific!
When a ghost approaches her with an urgent please for help, Leo is dead against it but she feels her soft heart melting at how the fairy familiar must be suffering being away from her witch. Spells, an attack, more ghosts, a coven that has split in two, meeting her estranged Aunt, having her mother and Liam trying to help her rescue the fairy (admittedly with Liam knowing what and why) are just some of the things she has to contend with. Will they rescue the fairy? Will they make it out without being turned into toads? Is there really a witch war on the horizon? Will Heidi move into town?
April 3, 2019
A haunting mystery😀
Raven is trying to get on with her life in Paramour Bay, but it seems at each and every turn, another mystery involves her and Mr Leo. This time the mystery comes in the form of a ghost.....yes that’s what I wrote......a ghost 👻
This particular ghost is missing her familiar and can’t understand why she hasn’t passed on with her! She’s convinced that she has been kidnapped and asks Raven to assist in finding her. But Raven and Mr Leo stumble onto something even bigger.
Mr Leo is fast becoming one of my favourite characters, with his snarky attitude and his constant memory problems and he also adds a dash of humour which I rather enjoy😍
Raven is trying to get on with her life in Paramour Bay, but it seems at each and every turn, another mystery involves her and Mr Leo. This time the mystery comes in the form of a ghost.....yes that’s what I wrote......a ghost 👻
This particular ghost is missing her familiar and can’t understand why she hasn’t passed on with her! She’s convinced that she has been kidnapped and asks Raven to assist in finding her. But Raven and Mr Leo stumble onto something even bigger.
Mr Leo is fast becoming one of my favourite characters, with his snarky attitude and his constant memory problems and he also adds a dash of humour which I rather enjoy😍
May 24, 2023
Although I really enjoyed the first 3 books in this series, I found this one to be boring and just dumb. And Raven’s familiar, the cat, is becoming annoying. Very disappointed.
May 23, 2023
The covers in this series are killing me because the cat is not black - picture Bill the Cat from "Bloom County", complete with the tufty fur and enlarged left eye...
April 29, 2025
“My mother’s pet…sugar glider…was taken by…a family member. Um, who lives up in Windsor. So, we’re going to take a drive up there and…steal him back.”
These books are always a little wild but it was impossible to guess where this story would go. Raven and Leo are hired by a ghost to find her lost familiar. In her attempt to locate the fairy, Raven accidentally starts a war with her family's coven that may or may not result in her becoming a toad. Along the way, she gets some answers to her questions about her family's history with magic and learns more about her craft, but also discovers more secrets. It seems like the next books will be leaning more into the magic side of the story so I'm super excited to learn more!
Leo is as funny as ever with his dramatic side quips. Raven is also bringing more humour with her attempts to hide her witch identity, especially from Liam, are become more and more desperate, resulting in some truly hilarious white lies like the one I quoted above. Liam must think the Marigolds are a crazy family now.
These books are always a little wild but it was impossible to guess where this story would go. Raven and Leo are hired by a ghost to find her lost familiar. In her attempt to locate the fairy, Raven accidentally starts a war with her family's coven that may or may not result in her becoming a toad. Along the way, she gets some answers to her questions about her family's history with magic and learns more about her craft, but also discovers more secrets. It seems like the next books will be leaning more into the magic side of the story so I'm super excited to learn more!
Leo is as funny as ever with his dramatic side quips. Raven is also bringing more humour with her attempts to hide her witch identity, especially from Liam, are become more and more desperate, resulting in some truly hilarious white lies like the one I quoted above. Liam must think the Marigolds are a crazy family now.
February 23, 2019
I started off really enjoying this series
I started off really enjoying this series, however, the last two books keep talking to the reader, which is annoying in itself, but it is also done in a condescending manner. To be honest I only read the first several pages of this book before I gave up in disgust.
I started off really enjoying this series, however, the last two books keep talking to the reader, which is annoying in itself, but it is also done in a condescending manner. To be honest I only read the first several pages of this book before I gave up in disgust.
December 1, 2025
4 Stars
Haunting Blend (Paramour Bay Book #4)
The Paramour Bay Series by Kennedy Layne proved to be full of fun cozy mysteries full of paranormal intrigue, and heartwarming charm. Set in the enchanting seaside town of Paramour Bay, the series follows Raven Marigold, who is a relatable and endearing character who discovers she’s a witch. From the very first book, I was drawn into a world filled with magical mishaps, quirky townsfolk, and a touch of humor that kept the tone light and engaging.
Paramour Bay came alive with its quaint shops, mysterious coves, and a community that’s as eccentric as it is lovable. Ms. Layne’s writing style is approachable and immersive, making it so easy for me to lose myself in the pages (in a great way – NOT in a ‘I have no idea of what’s going on’ way 😊). Each book introduces a new mystery, often tied to the supernatural, and the twists are clever without being overly complex - perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
So, whether you’re a fan of paranormal tales, cozy mysteries, or simply looking for a feel-good series to curl up with, Paramour Bay is a magical escape that will leave you smiling. It’s a perfect brew of mystery, magic, and heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a touch of whimsy with their whodunits.
Let the Binge Begin.
Happy Reading…
Haunting Blend (Paramour Bay Book #4)
The Paramour Bay Series by Kennedy Layne proved to be full of fun cozy mysteries full of paranormal intrigue, and heartwarming charm. Set in the enchanting seaside town of Paramour Bay, the series follows Raven Marigold, who is a relatable and endearing character who discovers she’s a witch. From the very first book, I was drawn into a world filled with magical mishaps, quirky townsfolk, and a touch of humor that kept the tone light and engaging.
Paramour Bay came alive with its quaint shops, mysterious coves, and a community that’s as eccentric as it is lovable. Ms. Layne’s writing style is approachable and immersive, making it so easy for me to lose myself in the pages (in a great way – NOT in a ‘I have no idea of what’s going on’ way 😊). Each book introduces a new mystery, often tied to the supernatural, and the twists are clever without being overly complex - perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
So, whether you’re a fan of paranormal tales, cozy mysteries, or simply looking for a feel-good series to curl up with, Paramour Bay is a magical escape that will leave you smiling. It’s a perfect brew of mystery, magic, and heart. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a touch of whimsy with their whodunits.
Let the Binge Begin.
Happy Reading…
November 20, 2022
The small coastal Connecticut town of Paramour Bay has brought a lot of surprises to Raven Marigold's life, but she never expected to encounter a bona fide honest to gosh ghost!
It appears that Raven and her familiar have made quite the name for themselves on the other side as amateur sleuths...enticing an endearing tea-drinking spirit to seek their help to solve a kidnapping, of sorts. You see, the sweet apparition's familiar didn't follow her into the afterlife and has gone missing--even from the eyes of the dead!
Can a ghost show you that you are meant to be enticing?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
It appears that Raven and her familiar have made quite the name for themselves on the other side as amateur sleuths...enticing an endearing tea-drinking spirit to seek their help to solve a kidnapping, of sorts. You see, the sweet apparition's familiar didn't follow her into the afterlife and has gone missing--even from the eyes of the dead!
Can a ghost show you that you are meant to be enticing?
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 28, 2021
Three and a half stars of potential
Raven is likeable enough as a novice witch, her family's dynamics are a real head scratcher (to say the least!), and Leo takes the snarky familiar trope into obnoxious territory. I'm not a fan of the writing style directly addressing the reader which plays into the overall juvenile tone. The world-building is imaginative, though, and the humor is laugh-out-loud infectious! I'm encouraged to see what Book Five has in store!
Raven is likeable enough as a novice witch, her family's dynamics are a real head scratcher (to say the least!), and Leo takes the snarky familiar trope into obnoxious territory. I'm not a fan of the writing style directly addressing the reader which plays into the overall juvenile tone. The world-building is imaginative, though, and the humor is laugh-out-loud infectious! I'm encouraged to see what Book Five has in store!
April 28, 2025
Follow this rag tag family on an odyssey prompted by a ghost and her severed familiar!
I thought I would love the ghost addition but this was not exactly what I was hoping for..
All and all a let down and has me debating continuing the series in general.
Makes me have questions like; should I invest my time in another series..
but the very last chapter with the plot twist has me leaning towards yes. HEHE
I thought I would love the ghost addition but this was not exactly what I was hoping for..
All and all a let down and has me debating continuing the series in general.
Makes me have questions like; should I invest my time in another series..
but the very last chapter with the plot twist has me leaning towards yes. HEHE
February 1, 2020
Fantastic book, as good as the others in the series and one which I would re-read time and time again.
Leo has the best of the writing, in my opinion, always witty and warning, some of the one- liners he utters are simply laugh out loud.
I couldn't put this down, much like the books in the series which come before! I can't wait to read the next book
Leo has the best of the writing, in my opinion, always witty and warning, some of the one- liners he utters are simply laugh out loud.
I couldn't put this down, much like the books in the series which come before! I can't wait to read the next book
July 17, 2020
Who doesn't love a good ghost story
Raven is visited by a ghost of the past who is sure her familiar was kidnapped as she was passing over. The ghost has asked Raven to find her familiar and rescue the little fairy. Why did the coven want the fairy and what evil were they up to, or were they. You'll have to read the book to find out.
Raven is visited by a ghost of the past who is sure her familiar was kidnapped as she was passing over. The ghost has asked Raven to find her familiar and rescue the little fairy. Why did the coven want the fairy and what evil were they up to, or were they. You'll have to read the book to find out.
November 9, 2019
Revan is given the task of finding the familiar of a ghost. Her dead grandmother recommended her. She gets in so deep her mother comes to help.
to solve the mystery Raven confronts the coven council and meets an old family member.
to solve the mystery Raven confronts the coven council and meets an old family member.
January 6, 2020
Cosy mystery
These books are adorable, two issues Mr Leo is not the cat on the cover and the style has changed. The author is talking too much to the reader directly in my opinion it is taking away from the story
These books are adorable, two issues Mr Leo is not the cat on the cover and the style has changed. The author is talking too much to the reader directly in my opinion it is taking away from the story
August 24, 2021
Sometimes lies can be deceiving
A great read. A ghost, a fairy, and who knows what... Mom came to the rescue, it was a shocker. But Heidi may be coming to live in Paramore Bay, won't that be nice? Liam is a gem and Raven is so lucky.
A great read. A ghost, a fairy, and who knows what... Mom came to the rescue, it was a shocker. But Heidi may be coming to live in Paramore Bay, won't that be nice? Liam is a gem and Raven is so lucky.
July 10, 2024
Another hilarious addition to the series. I love Raven, the main character, and all the quirky main characters of this small town. I enjoy the stories in this series because they are fun to read. I also enjoy the romantic relationships.
March 9, 2019
Enjoyed it very much
March 15, 2019
Haunting Blend
Another great book in the Paramour Bay mystery series. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Kennedy Layne.
Another great book in the Paramour Bay mystery series. I'm looking forward to reading more books written by Kennedy Layne.
April 19, 2019
Enjoyable book
I am really enjoying the characters and story line. Great series. Can't wait to read more about this little town
I am really enjoying the characters and story line. Great series. Can't wait to read more about this little town
May 23, 2019
Fun Read
I really enjoyed this book. You can't help falling in love with all the characters. Leo the cat familiar is so funny when he talks about his catnip. Great book.
I really enjoyed this book. You can't help falling in love with all the characters. Leo the cat familiar is so funny when he talks about his catnip. Great book.
May 30, 2019
And the fun continues!! A quick easy read!!
September 26, 2019
very good
January 6, 2020
Quick and entertaining
August 31, 2021
Fun
A cute but, complex story. I found it a bit difficult to follow the action due to the witch's familiar constantly interrupting with unrelated comments.
A cute but, complex story. I found it a bit difficult to follow the action due to the witch's familiar constantly interrupting with unrelated comments.
January 29, 2022
Love this series
If you like a little caous with your mysteries this is the book for you. I would loved to visit Ravens the shop and meet all her quirky friends.
If you like a little caous with your mysteries this is the book for you. I would loved to visit Ravens the shop and meet all her quirky friends.
May 29, 2023
Loved the book, glad that the family was able to make up. I think it's funny they came up with a sugar glider. Excited to start next book.
June 25, 2023
This has been my favorite in the series so far! Could not put it down in so in love and invested in these characters and I can’t wait to read the next one!
February 17, 2024
Lol funny! Leo reminds me of Salem, the black cat from the TV series & teen novel book series "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."
April 23, 2024
I’m quite enjoying this cute cozy witchy mystery series, Kennedy Lane books are very entertaining !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews