Quit Your Witchin'

Witchless in Seattle #2

by Dakota Cassidy

Poor Tito the Taco Man…it’s “nacho” lucky day…

Yo quiero taco man!

Hello again! It’s me, Stevie Cartwright, ex-witch and new Madam Zoltar! I was fresh off the murder-suspect list and just settling into MZ’s psychic medium shoes-with the help of my bat familiar Belfry and spirit spy Win-when another death rocked sleepy little Ebenezer Falls, Washington State.

Tito Bustamante, my beloved purveyor of mouth-watering Mexican munchies, has been found dead in the food truck court! Rumor has it Tito was stickin’ his chimichanga where it didn’t belong, and my gut-not to mention his less-than-natural death-says murder.

No one is above suspicion. Not Tito’s own wife and daughter, not his arch food truck enemy Jacob…certainly not the son Tito didn’t know about, newly arrived in Ebenezer Falls and getting cozy with my hired help.

Do join me (and try not to point and laugh) as I juggle catching a killer with the home renovations from hell, snooping for clues about Win’s previous life, gabbing with and eavesdropping on the locals, and enduring a visit from my very unwelcome, very annoyingly gorgeous ex-coven leader-all while continuing to adjust to my new witchless existence!

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Witches, Magic

278 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2016

About the author

Dakota Cassidy is a national bestselling author with over thirty books. She writes laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, grab-some-ice erotic romance, hot and sexy alpha males, paranormal shifters, contemporary kick-ass women, and more.

Invited by Bravo TV, Dakota was the Bravoholic for a week, wherein she snarked the hell out of all the Bravo shows. She received a starred review from Publisher Weekly for Talk Dirty to Me, won an RT Reviewers Choice Award for Kiss and Hell, along with many review site recommended reads and reviewer top pick awards.

Dakota lives in the gorgeous state of Oregon with her real life hero and her dogs, and she loves hearing from readers!

Connect with Dakota online: https://twitter.com/DakotaCassidy https://www.facebook.com/DakotaCassid...

Join Dakota Cassidy’s Newsletter The Tiara Diaries! Join here: http://mad.ly/signups/100255/join

Reviews

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Tito Bustamante is found dead near his food truck, not only does Stevie mourn the loss of his mouth-watering Mexican munchies she soon finds herself investigating his murder. Look out, Ebenezer Falls. Oh lord, but this ex-witch sure does get herself in trouble and I had such a blast listening to this tale.

Cassidy delivers a colorful murder mystery with a long list of suspects and it was fun watching this motley crew gather clues or should I say watch Stevie get herself into one pickle after another.

While Quit Your Witchin’ focuses, on the current mystery we do learn more about Stevie’s life as a witch. Meet her ex-coven leader and are rewarded with some interesting tidbits. Stevie also spends some time learning about her resident spirit Winterbottom, has a terrifying experience with the afterlife and surprises us while under duress.

Hollie Jackson narrates and her voice perfectly fits Stevie. She does a splendid job of enhancing the humor of this series. I love her voice for Winterbottom; she nails his British accent and tone. Some series are perfect for audio and Cassidy's writing style and humor translate wonderfully on audio.

If you are looking for a light, funny murder mystery with a lively misfit crew, I recommend the Witchless in Seattle series.. At around six hours of listening, it is the perfect audio for a short trip, daily commute or listening while tackling those mundane chores around the house. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Maryam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, short and fast paced. As I enjoyed it, I would probably pick the rest of series as well.



I specifically loved the dynamics of relationship between our magicless witch and her spy ghost. Laughed a lot to their conversations.

[☆Dani☆ ☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and fantastic! Love this series!

[CassieCruel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie seconds

Another great addition to the Stevie series, I love watching this world grow and form

Stevie is another kickass lady and Win is hilarious

Where can I get my own Belfry??

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars... Being back with Stevie, Win, and Belfry on another nail biting mystery was pure fun from the start... These quirky characters with their unique personalities simply invite you to want to keep turning the pages... Equal parts laughter and suspense, Dakota Cassidy weaves a magical tale that is captivating and intriguing... I eagerly anticipate learning more about both Stevie's and Win's backgrounds as we continue to get these little snippets that entice into wanting more and more... Looking forward to the next zany adventure with this delightful cast of characters!:)

[Laci · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the book's blurb:

> Do join me (and try not to point and laugh) [...]

I assure you, not pointing and laughing was way too easy here. 😟

I really liked the first book a while back and have been looking forward to this one. But it didn't work nearly as well. The heroine and her jokes, and her incessant talking about what she is doing and how absurd it is, lest you forget to Notice and Be Amazed And Entertained, are more annoying than fun.

Also, a note: Saying your friend who sells you tacos died, and then lamenting how you'll miss his 'mouth-watering treats' _is_ fun, in a "haha, inappropriate yet funny!" way.
Moaning about how you will miss the food, how good the food was, and how you will have to find a new food source (poor you) _every time_ his death is mentioned, however, just makes you sound like a callous bitch.

I haz a sad now. 😞

[Sandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota continues the series with another good mystery and the laugh-out-loud fun with Stevie the witch without powers, the ex-spy ghost Winterbottom, and Belfry. The mystery is well thought out and the characters are well written. I couldn't put it down. I'll be continuing with this series and this author.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series a lot. After that ending I am like whoa I need to know more. I didn't love this second book. It was bit boring in some places. Not as funny as the first book. It definitely had that second book slump feel. It was still decent and I liked the shocking revelations that were for the overall series story line. I will definitely keep listening to stories about Stevie and her crime solving gang.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was able to read this in no time. I love the characters and the cliffhanger at the end. Looking forwarded to reading #3. On the downside for me was that it felt shortened or that there needed to be more of the story. I got to the part where she realizes who the murder is and I thought ALREADY?
Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun second book in the series with terrific audiobook narration


Ex-witch Stevie Cartwright is back with another murder mystery to solve. Her relationships with new friends and old friends in the town she grew up in expand, and the renovations on her house continue. Her relationship with her precious, magical familiar, a tiny, cotton-ball bat named Belfry, is as important as ever. And her connection with Win, the ghost of a murdered British spy, has progressed to the point that he has become a dear friend. A new furry friend has also appeared, an abandoned Saint Bernard puppy who, amazingly, can hear Win speak, and becomes a beloved part of Stevie's menagerie.

All in all, this is a another wonderful, fun, paranormal murder mystery. The audiobook is narrated by the same excellent voice talent, Hollie Jackson, who narrates the entire series, and it is a joy to listen to her.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What now????? Spy guy say whaaaaaat???? Book 2 was short but fun.
1. Oh Baba Yaga you sure have some nerve
2. Belfry defending Stevie on the boat, most hilarious fight scene I’ve read in a while.
3. Why did you have to go Tito 😢😢😢😢
4. Stevie is the worst patient

The mystery was campy, Stevie is trying to solve the murder of her favorite taco guy 😩😩😩, family secrets are revealed, more chaos ensues, is Stevie getting a love life????

[Megan (BookWifeReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT!

[Amber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew it was fluff, I was expecting fluff, and I was in a mood where fluff was just what I needed. Or I thought it was. But it turns I still cannot stand this fluff.

[Miss Syreena]

This installment was a bit tedious, so I’ll leave the series now. Was hoping it would be more unique.

[Martha Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still fun moving on 3

[~~~Sue~~~ O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute series!! My new favorite go to quick, easy, but entertaining series!

[Delaina Pacitto · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was nuts 😂 I almost cried and raged

[ᴥ Irena ᴥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stevie's 'Taco Man' is murdered and she can't help herself. She just has to find out more. Even though he was likeable and decent, the man left quite a mess when it comes to his family.
There's no much sleuthing in Quit Your Witchin' , but there are a couple of things that make me want to read more about Ebenezer Falls and its inhabitants, Stevie's past, Win's past (this book ends with an non-annoying cliffhanger if such a thing even exist; or rather a decent teaser) and so on.

I loved the rare moments with Belfry, Win, Officer Nelson, who seems to be going in a love interest direction, which I'm fan of.

I didn't like Stevie's way of speaking. It's possible it works better on audio.

Hated: 'he'd used his tiny male brain'. I mean, why?

The things I am really interested, though, is Stevie's burst of magic for a second and the fact a ghost didn't have control over her actions. Who was controlling the lighting?

Overall, an okay story.

[Annika · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 stars

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough, like the first, but I don't feel the need to continue on with the series.

[Lucy Dosch (EBookObsessed) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is adorable, paranormal fun. I love the banter between Stevie and Win, and Belfry always makes my chuckle.

Dakota Cassidy has several light-hearted, fun paranormal series. I am sure I will make my way through them all eventually, but right now I am loving the Witchless in Seattle series. I adore these characters.

Former witch, Stevie Cartright has stepped in as Madam Zoltar 2.0, the new psychic medium in town. Not all of the locals believe Stevie is the real deal, but still they come to try and get in touch with loved ones. And when she is not in the store, Stevie, with the help of everyone's favorite British spy ghost, Crispin Alistair Winterbottom, and her cottonball bat, Belfry, tries to solve murders around what used to be the sleepy town of Ebenezer Falls.

This time around it is Stevie's favorite food vendor, taco man Tito who is found dead. Tito was drowned in a vat of melted cheese. Of course, Tito's spirit doesn't stay around long enough to tell Stevie anything directly. With the secrets Tito was hiding, it is not surprising.

As always, the local police want Stevie to stop meddling in their investigation, but she can't step away when after someone would be so heartless to kill someone as kind as Tito, even if he was calling Stevie a murderer not so long ago. But he has made it up with extra tacos since then.

There are many suspects, especially after Tito's wife comes in with her children for a reading and a not very benevolent spirit trashes Stevie's store in a rage...just after announcing that Tito has another child.

And Tito's murder isn't the only thing that has Stevie's attention right now. She has been working with Win's contractor, Enzo, to fix of Win's house and her Spy Guy has all kinds of opinions of what needs to be done. Really, why does a ghost need a pizza oven so bad? Hmmm.

While she tries to wait for Win to tell her more about his life, or more particularly his death, Stevie happens upon some information which she simply can't keep to herself.

The narrator, Holly Jackson, is perfect for this series. Her voices are perfect whether it is suave Spy Guy, Win, the tiny voice of Belfry, or even, Enzo, the New York contractor. I would be happy to listen to her Stevie, Win and Belfry make jokes and banter back and forth even without the investigations.

This series is perfect for those who enjoy an amusing and entertaining paranormal with just enough mystery to keep you investigating along.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating is 4.3 stars.

Stevie Cartwright, once a powerful witch, now finds herself entwined with murder and mischief after losing her magical abilities and being exiled from her vibrant community in Paris, Texas.

Now embracing her role as Madam Zoltar, Stevie has just managed to shake off suspicion surrounding a past homicide. With the guidance of her quirky bat familiar, Belfry, and her ethereal spirit guide, Win, she is attempting to establish herself as a credible psychic medium. However, her newfound beginnings are soon overshadowed by a shocking tragedy that shakes the quiet town of Ebenezer Falls, Washington State.

Tragedy strikes when Tito Bustamante, the town's beloved connoisseur of delicious Mexican cuisine, is discovered lifeless amid the bustling food truck court. Whispers quickly circulate, hinting that Tito might have been indulging in some dangerously unfaithful behavior, and the circumstances of his demise suggest foul play. Stevie's instincts—along with the eerie nature of Tito’s death—lead her to believe that murder is indeed afoot.

From the outset, the potential culprits abound. Tito’s seemingly devoted wife and daughter, his bitter rival Jacob, and even an unexpected son who has recently surfaced—all of them are shrouded in suspicion, each with their own secrets. As Stevie dives deeper into the tangled web of motives and alibis, the plot thickens.

Join Stevie on this quirky journey as she grapples with the chaos of uncovering a killer while managing home renovations that seem determined to undermine her resolve. She'll also be sleuthing for insights into Win's mysterious past, engaging in lively banter with the eccentric locals, and eavesdropping on their conversations. To add to her challenges, she must endure an unwelcome visit from her infuriatingly attractive ex-coven leader, all while striving to adapt to her new life devoid of magic.

Hollie Jackson shines as the narrator, infusing each character with a unique personality and depth, making their interactions as colorful and captivating as the town itself.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quit Your Witchin' by Dakota Cassidy

2nd in the ex-witch amateur detective series. Cute little paranormal mystery. Entertaining in her mishaps. In general, a woman doing her best to help others in need. In her own bumbling way.
Could probably be read on its own but best to read in order.

Excerpt:
“You,” she said, pointing at me with her perfectly manicured index finger and rolling her eyes at the donut around my neck.
As the late-afternoon sun waned, slanting over her perfect features, I tried to hate her once more but came up dry. Whatever Bianca was so angry at, be it her father’s infidelities or just everyone in general, I wanted to excuse her for behaving so poorly. She was so clearly hurting, and I was going to try to take that into consideration before I allowed my temper to get the better of me.
But this finger-under-my-nose thing? Had to go or I was going to bite it right off.”
Excerpt From: Cassidy, Dakota Quit Your Witchin'

[A.A.B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is my bright light in the otherwise stressful autumn. So far all of my other attempts at finding a fun and engaging paranormal cozy mystery have ended in miserable failure.

But this series continues to delight: it's frothy entertainment full of fun engaging characters, paranormal adventures, intriguing mysteries and predictable episodes of peril. All of the elements are balanced just right for pure enjoyment unmarred by heavy topics or complicated ideas.

These are not the books I would pick up for enriching my mind and soul, but they are perfect for the late evening reading when I need to quiet my mind and make it forget all the worries of the day for long enough to be able to sleep afterwards. For that purpose these books could be a certifiable prescription.

These stories should also be easily forgettable, which means that they can serve this purpose again in a few months if the need arises.

I am very glad I found this series.

[Emilye · Rating 5 out of 5]

WitchlessSeattle2 (Hollie Johnson, narrator)

Still slow and disconnected at the start.

Stevie is trying to work with Win as Madam Zoltar 2.0. She bought the shop, and is offering the psychic services, on a sliding scale 🙄

Then Tito, the taco food truck owner dies, drowned in his nacho sauce - and his family life comes unraveled. The whole of Ebenezer Falls knows he had a son outside of marriage. #smalltownlife

And, oddly, Baba Yaga pops in for a wellness check on Stevie… there should be more where that came from.

When the newly revealed son is arrested for Tito’s murder, Stevie stops messing around, and seriously seeks solving the mystery.

Two near-death experiences and 911 on speed dial are almost not enough to keep Stevie on this side of the coil.

What will they think up next?

[Lory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow can we talk about that ending definitely didn't see that coming. I'm totally loving this series. I can't believe that I've never read any of Dakota Cassidy books until now. I have nothing but good things to say about this book but since I'm not one to give spoilers I highly recommended that you one click this series. If you like murder mystery with a bit of humour, intrigue, and a sassy ex-witch along side with her ghostly British companion and her adorable cotton ball bat familiar Belfry then this is the series for you. I voluntarily read and review this ARC no minority compensation was received the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hating this author SO much right now!!! The last line "She's the one who did WHAT?!" Sheesh. Thank heavens I'm late on the series and the next book is a mere click (and way more than I should be spending) away.

This is an enjoyable series. More cozy than paranormal. There are the typical faux pas of the cozy, which typically bother me a lot. Of course, it is necessary to drag out suspense. Plot drivers are important. I understand that. In this case, the cast of characters is enough for me to forgive the "Ahem ... why don't you just .... like you have before rather than running around waiting to get shot? Just curious".

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the Witchless In Seattle series is set just a month after the first one. Stevie's favorite street cart vendor Tito has been murdered and she takes it upon herself to try and solve the case.
This is a great second installment. It was just as entertaining as the first one. The mystery wasn't as interesting as the first one perhaps because we didn't learn about the various potential suspects.
I still found it an easy and quick book.
Since this was the audiobook the voice actress is pretty good. She has the ability to affect various accents and to adjust her voice for each of the characters seamlessly. It is a good listen.

[Dianne Barskey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota does it again! Stevie is starting to deal with all the changes in her life but it gets turned on its side when she is involved in another murder in her hometown, Ebenezer Falls. Win continues to assist her in solving it before the police do. The story takes unexpected turns that are wonderfully written. The characters develop even more with this book.

This is another amazing masterpiece from Dakota. She is such a brilliant author and seems to love keeping the reader from putting her books down. I cannot wait to read the next one.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stevie is at it again.
Now that she is not the suspect in Madam Zoltar's murder, she can enjoy her new life.
She reinvents herself as "Madam Zoltar"
What is the harm?
In this book, Stevie has to solve the murder of Tito Bustamante.
Tito is Stevie's number 1 taco man.
What a waste!
Who is going to provide Stevie w/ the tastiest taco ever ?
Stevie is on the case ( Despite the police telling her not to get involved. As If )
Do not despair!
The case will be resolved.