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Witch City Mystery #9
Late Checkout
A dead ballplayer means foul play in Salem . . .
Field reporter Lee Barrett is not happy that her hours are being cut back at WICH-TV, although it is nice to spend more time volunteering with Aunt Ibby, a research librarian at Salem's main branch. But Lee's least favorite task is going up to the stacks, a spooky, seldom-frequented upper section of the library. On this day she has good reason to be afraid--she finds a dead man, surrounded by hundreds of scattered books and torn-out pages.
Her police detective beau, Pete Mondello, is soon on the scene, and the deceased is identified as a former minor league baseball player--and ex-con--named Wee Willie Wallace, who hasn't been seen in Salem for twenty years. With help from her friend River's Tarot reading, her clairvoyant cat O'Ryan, and Lee's own psychic gifts, she steps up to the plate to catch the killer who took the old ballplayer out of the game . . .
Praise for the Witch City Mysteries
"Perfectly relaxing and readable."
--Kirkus Reviews
"This rewarding paranormal cozy series debut will have Victoria Laurie fans lining up to follow."
--Library Journal
"An entertaining story that keeps readers guessing until the very twisted and eerie end."
--RT Book Reviews
Field reporter Lee Barrett is not happy that her hours are being cut back at WICH-TV, although it is nice to spend more time volunteering with Aunt Ibby, a research librarian at Salem's main branch. But Lee's least favorite task is going up to the stacks, a spooky, seldom-frequented upper section of the library. On this day she has good reason to be afraid--she finds a dead man, surrounded by hundreds of scattered books and torn-out pages.
Her police detective beau, Pete Mondello, is soon on the scene, and the deceased is identified as a former minor league baseball player--and ex-con--named Wee Willie Wallace, who hasn't been seen in Salem for twenty years. With help from her friend River's Tarot reading, her clairvoyant cat O'Ryan, and Lee's own psychic gifts, she steps up to the plate to catch the killer who took the old ballplayer out of the game . . .
Praise for the Witch City Mysteries
"Perfectly relaxing and readable."
--Kirkus Reviews
"This rewarding paranormal cozy series debut will have Victoria Laurie fans lining up to follow."
--Library Journal
"An entertaining story that keeps readers guessing until the very twisted and eerie end."
--RT Book Reviews
317 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 24, 2019
282 people are currently reading
1950 people want to read
About the author
Carol J. Perry
36 books783 followersCarol J. Perry is the author of the Witch City Mystery series and the Haunted Haven series, both from Kensington Publishers. The Witch City stories take place in the magical city of Salem, Massachusetts--the "Witch City." Carol was actually born in Salem (on Halloween eve!) and knows the city well. The Haunted Haven books take place in Carol's adopted home state of Florida. As an experienced travel writer for magazines and newspapers, Carol knows her way around the Sunshine State too. The Salem books are based of course on a real city but Haven, Florida is made up of bits and pieces of some of the Sunshine State's charming older towns--bypassed by the theme parks. Readers of the Witch City books have come to know O'Ryan, a most remarkable cat. The new series introduces Finn, a lovable Golden Retriever.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
I didn't like this one as much as the other books I have read in this series. I am not sure why. I still like the cast of characters, and the mystery was well done. I think I just prefer cozies that are holiday themed more.
October 7, 2022
As I said I’m reading these books in a row which I’ve never done ! This one was a little long , also a bit too heavy on some details about their personal lives and I didn’t like the topic which was sports memorabilia …..
River North was not in it either ?
River North was not in it either ?
August 13, 2019
I have yet to read a book in the Witch City Mystery series that I didn’t like. The writing is descriptive and clever. The plots is always entertaining and the characters are fun. Late Checkout takes place in Salem, Mass. Lee is a field reporter for WICH-TV and has some supernatural powers that make her a natural investigator. When a former minor league baseball player is found deceased surrounded by scattered books with torn-out pages in the local library, Lee is on the scene. This book kept my interest until the very end. Readers will enjoy the red herrings along the way. Late Checkout is a fantastic fall reading choice.
November 16, 2019
It hardly seems possible that this is the 9th book in the Witch City Mystery series. I have enjoyed everyone of the books. The location is Salem Ma and the time is Halloween. How perfect! There are parades and several costume balls. Tourist have arrived to celebrate Halloween in Salem.
Lee Barrett is an investigative/field reporter for WICH-TV. Her hours have been cut to give a relative of the boss's wife some screen time. Lee decides to volunteer at the library during some free time. She fears going up into the stacks due to a childhood incident but she has to put a book back. What she spies upon her trip into the stacks are two legs on the floor under the shelves. They are not moving and never will again. This starts her investigation into who murdered the victim. She works with her Aunt Ibby and policeman boyfriend Pete. Of course, she wants to get the first scoop to report on tv what is happening in the case.
During this time she is also planning for the anniversary of the TV station. She is trying to find the performers from yesterday to return. She also finds many of the advertisers are the same and works up a promotion to get them involved.
My favorite parts in the book are the relationship between her and Aunt Ibby. She lives in an upper apartment in Aunt Ibby's house. It seems they eat delicious food quite a bit made by Aunt Ibby. This provides a cozy factor to the book. O'Ryan, her cat, is always one of the main characters. I enjoy her visits with River who has a psychic tv show. She does a reading on her tarot cards to Lee in every book. The book is not heavy in the paranormal. This is a series I buy and pre-order when I know a new book is coming out. It has great characters and you can't beat the location for atmosphere.
Lee Barrett is an investigative/field reporter for WICH-TV. Her hours have been cut to give a relative of the boss's wife some screen time. Lee decides to volunteer at the library during some free time. She fears going up into the stacks due to a childhood incident but she has to put a book back. What she spies upon her trip into the stacks are two legs on the floor under the shelves. They are not moving and never will again. This starts her investigation into who murdered the victim. She works with her Aunt Ibby and policeman boyfriend Pete. Of course, she wants to get the first scoop to report on tv what is happening in the case.
During this time she is also planning for the anniversary of the TV station. She is trying to find the performers from yesterday to return. She also finds many of the advertisers are the same and works up a promotion to get them involved.
My favorite parts in the book are the relationship between her and Aunt Ibby. She lives in an upper apartment in Aunt Ibby's house. It seems they eat delicious food quite a bit made by Aunt Ibby. This provides a cozy factor to the book. O'Ryan, her cat, is always one of the main characters. I enjoy her visits with River who has a psychic tv show. She does a reading on her tarot cards to Lee in every book. The book is not heavy in the paranormal. This is a series I buy and pre-order when I know a new book is coming out. It has great characters and you can't beat the location for atmosphere.
August 11, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
I do love the setting and premise of these books; it's obvious the author knows her hometown well although she admits to changing some details to better suit the novel. It adds a real home town appeal that works throughout, and makes Lee a more beliveable character. I've read a few books in this series now, and it definitely ties in a real Witchy feel but not in an overwhleming way; Lee has visions but they're unreliable and often don't make sense until much later. Her friend River features as well, and her Tarot readings can have an impact on the plot as well.
The only thing I didn't like was the meandering path getting to the killer took; I felt like it was so obvious from the get go with one character all shady, but Lee, Pete and Ibby seem to overlook the most obvious clues. That was frustrating. I did like the eventual mystery and explanation though, it was just the time it took to get there.
Hopefully we see Lee more on the job in the next one too; I liked the investigating part but I also like her interviews. She interacts really well with her workmates too, and even though she keeps saying she has all this time on her hands to volunteer she spends a lot of time down at the station in this book, just not with some of the old crowd.
This was a fun addition to the series with only a few small letdowns for me. I enjoyed it as a whole and the eventual publishing might be a little tighter and more polished. Four stars.
I do love the setting and premise of these books; it's obvious the author knows her hometown well although she admits to changing some details to better suit the novel. It adds a real home town appeal that works throughout, and makes Lee a more beliveable character. I've read a few books in this series now, and it definitely ties in a real Witchy feel but not in an overwhleming way; Lee has visions but they're unreliable and often don't make sense until much later. Her friend River features as well, and her Tarot readings can have an impact on the plot as well.
The only thing I didn't like was the meandering path getting to the killer took; I felt like it was so obvious from the get go with one character all shady, but Lee, Pete and Ibby seem to overlook the most obvious clues. That was frustrating. I did like the eventual mystery and explanation though, it was just the time it took to get there.
Hopefully we see Lee more on the job in the next one too; I liked the investigating part but I also like her interviews. She interacts really well with her workmates too, and even though she keeps saying she has all this time on her hands to volunteer she spends a lot of time down at the station in this book, just not with some of the old crowd.
This was a fun addition to the series with only a few small letdowns for me. I enjoyed it as a whole and the eventual publishing might be a little tighter and more polished. Four stars.
September 19, 2019
Lee is a reporter for television station WICH in Salem, Massachusetts. When someone is murdered in the local library where her aunt works, Lee unfortunately finds the body. She's determined to help her cop boyfriend, Pete, find the killer, even if it means putting herself in harm's way. Cats, books, and the apparently lethal world of sports collectibles are a great combination in this cozy mystery.
August 11, 2021
2.5 stars, but ok enough to be rounded up.
This was my least favourite bad guy and mystery so far in this series. Creepy - sure - but somehow displaced as if brought in from a different book universe.
Lee's scrying powers have sort of stopped evolving and wasn't as present or playing an as significant role in this book as the previous ones, but instead we got a villain with sort of mumbo jumbo super-powers and that felt weird and out of place as hell.
I really didn't like it, but saying so feels rather silly in a supernatural setting. Still, when the magic has been so low-key all the time, it stuck out like a proverbial sore thumb.
I will be back for more in the future though, but for now... So long, Lee, O'Ryan, Pete and Ibby!
This was my least favourite bad guy and mystery so far in this series. Creepy - sure - but somehow displaced as if brought in from a different book universe.
Lee's scrying powers have sort of stopped evolving and wasn't as present or playing an as significant role in this book as the previous ones, but instead we got a villain with sort of mumbo jumbo super-powers and that felt weird and out of place as hell.
I really didn't like it, but saying so feels rather silly in a supernatural setting. Still, when the magic has been so low-key all the time, it stuck out like a proverbial sore thumb.
I will be back for more in the future though, but for now... So long, Lee, O'Ryan, Pete and Ibby!
August 16, 2019
This is a great series, fast paced, plenty of strong, colorful characters, and always an interesting mystery to solve.
It's Halloween in Salem, MA and Lee is a bit out off as her hours at WICH TV have been reduced.
When Lee becomes involved in the stations anniversary celebration, she is reminded of all the wonderful television shows she watched when she was a child.
When a mysterious death takes place in the library, Lee unfortunately is the one to discover the body. Thankfully, Lee has her boyfriend, Pete to protect her, and soon Lee and her aunt begin unraveling the secrets of the victim.
I really enjoy this series, I love Salem and anything witch related. I like Lee as a character, she is smart, talented, and is always ready to find out the truth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
It's Halloween in Salem, MA and Lee is a bit out off as her hours at WICH TV have been reduced.
When Lee becomes involved in the stations anniversary celebration, she is reminded of all the wonderful television shows she watched when she was a child.
When a mysterious death takes place in the library, Lee unfortunately is the one to discover the body. Thankfully, Lee has her boyfriend, Pete to protect her, and soon Lee and her aunt begin unraveling the secrets of the victim.
I really enjoy this series, I love Salem and anything witch related. I like Lee as a character, she is smart, talented, and is always ready to find out the truth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for approving me to read this book.
I'm looking forward to more in this series.
November 11, 2019
Lee Barrett heads up to check out the library stacks in the ninth edition of the Witch City Series, a paranormal. She is startled to find a body with many books scattered near the body. Lee called Pete Mondello and he soon arrived at the library. Lee's hours have been cut at WICH-TV so she has been volunteering at the library to aid her Aunt. The building is search for another way to leave and there is no other way but up the stairs. The victim is identified as an x-ballplayer who had a run in with the law. Lee has been put in charge of the station anniversary. While looking for participants she find the scene is very similar to another murder. Pete is stymied how the murder left the library. O'Ryan continues aiding Lee for a solution. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
October 25, 2019
This was not my favorite book in the series. First of all, I'm not much interested in sports memorabilia but that aside, I thought the story pretty much meandered aimlessly through much of the book. The murder was fairly interesting and I had a hard time figuring out who did it and how it was done. So kudos for that. But things totally went of the rails for me with how the murderer got away with the crime. I won't spoil things but all I could say was "you have got to be kidding". I did like the Halloween atmosphere in old Salem but got tired of the constant references to the traffic jammed streets. While important to the finale, I got it. There was a lot of traffic. So move on. Finally, I found the author's penchant for having lists things like "I did, A, B, C and D" very annoying. I will probably keep reading the series but hope the author does a better job next time.
October 12, 2019
Uh-oh...I truly did not enjoy this book. I have read the other books in this series, I mean Salem and she has visions, all good, right? I have noticed a decline in the author's imagination. I adore the characters, her friends and aunt are endearing and fun. Our heroine and her boyfriend, ech, not so much. I found the plot like cardboard and endless. I even skipped ahead thirty pages twice to find the storyline had not moved much at all. I received this book from the publisher to review and I do not feel good about shaming any books, but this one was a bust.
August 17, 2019
Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. I really enjoy this series. I love that they are set in Salem. I figured this one out pretty early on and some parts are a bit repetitive to previous installments. For me there were more variations to the stories when Lee was at the school rather than a reporter at WICH-TV. I'm still a fan of this series and will read the next one.
October 6, 2019
Hmmmm the end was a bit absurd. I enjoyed it for the most part... but the end kind of ruined it for me.
October 19, 2019
I really enjoy this series. I am not a big paranormal fan, but the smattering of paranormal activity (tarot cards, a psychic cat, scryer abilities) do not consume too much of the story, yet, they add some important elements to the plot of these books.
Late Checkout takes place in Salem, Massachusetts where Lee Barrett is a field reporter for WICH-TV. In this outing, her hours have been cut due to a new employee, so she is volunteering at the library. As she is shelving books, she comes across a body lying on the floor with sports books scattered around him on the floor. As the police begin their investigation, Lee and her Aunt Ibby begin their own investigation, after all, it happened in the library where Aunt Ibby works. It turns out that this crime ties in with a special assignment that Lee is on for the television station. She is doing research and helping put together an Anniversary Show, and the murdered man was, at one time, an employee.
The characters and their relationships really make this series for me. Lee and her best friend River both have some psychic abilities. River reads tarot cards and Lee sees visions in shiny surfaces (Scrying). Unfortunately both of these need to be interpreted in order to offer clues to whatever Lee is involved in. I do like the almost sisterly relationship these two have. Lee's relationship with police detective Pete Mondello is also well written. He accepts Lee's assistance when investigating crimes, but does not want her to put herself in danger, so he always keeps some information from her. They also have a romantic relationship where Pete often spends the night at Lee's place. There is no sexual relationship mentioned, but for a cozy mystery, this is a bit risque. Then there is Aunt Ibby. She is wonderful. A senior who has wonderful research skills that always come in handy. She is more like a mother to Lee than an aunt and they have an amazing relationship. The mystery was a bit more involved than originally thought and as the clues are revealed, there were a few possible suspects put out there. I thought I knew who the culprit was a couple of times, but when I finally figured it out, it made sense. This was not my favourite book in this series, but it was still a well written and plotted story. I will continue to read this series to see what Lee and Aunt Ibby end up investigating in the next story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
Late Checkout takes place in Salem, Massachusetts where Lee Barrett is a field reporter for WICH-TV. In this outing, her hours have been cut due to a new employee, so she is volunteering at the library. As she is shelving books, she comes across a body lying on the floor with sports books scattered around him on the floor. As the police begin their investigation, Lee and her Aunt Ibby begin their own investigation, after all, it happened in the library where Aunt Ibby works. It turns out that this crime ties in with a special assignment that Lee is on for the television station. She is doing research and helping put together an Anniversary Show, and the murdered man was, at one time, an employee.
The characters and their relationships really make this series for me. Lee and her best friend River both have some psychic abilities. River reads tarot cards and Lee sees visions in shiny surfaces (Scrying). Unfortunately both of these need to be interpreted in order to offer clues to whatever Lee is involved in. I do like the almost sisterly relationship these two have. Lee's relationship with police detective Pete Mondello is also well written. He accepts Lee's assistance when investigating crimes, but does not want her to put herself in danger, so he always keeps some information from her. They also have a romantic relationship where Pete often spends the night at Lee's place. There is no sexual relationship mentioned, but for a cozy mystery, this is a bit risque. Then there is Aunt Ibby. She is wonderful. A senior who has wonderful research skills that always come in handy. She is more like a mother to Lee than an aunt and they have an amazing relationship. The mystery was a bit more involved than originally thought and as the clues are revealed, there were a few possible suspects put out there. I thought I knew who the culprit was a couple of times, but when I finally figured it out, it made sense. This was not my favourite book in this series, but it was still a well written and plotted story. I will continue to read this series to see what Lee and Aunt Ibby end up investigating in the next story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
September 16, 2023
Lee Barrett's workload at WICH tv has slowed ever since the boss hired his wife's nephew. To fill her time, Lee has volunteered at the Salem library, where she finds the body of a murdered man in the stacks. It turns out that the victim had ties to WICH-TV and his death is similar to that of the station's former sports reporter, years before. With a bit of clairvoyance, investigative reporting, and Salem Halloween atmosphere, Lee sets out to find the truth. Another great mystery in one of my favorite series.
September 16, 2019
Series: A Witch City Mystery – Book 9
Author: Carol J. Perry
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Paranormal/Witch
Publisher: Kensington Mystery
Page Count: 336
Publishing Date: September 24, 2019
The latest cozy in the “A Witch City Mystery” series Late Checkout from Carol J. Perry arrives on September 24, 2019, from Kensington books.
Lee Barrett is the beloved main character in this cozy series and one that keeps readers coming back for more. Her Aunt Ibby and Lee’s wonderful cat O’Ryan would be the second most important equally. I think Ibby and O’Ryan could carry a series all on their own, and I would be the first person to buy the books!
In this new addition to the series, Lee once again finds the body of a stranger, and in all places, Ibby’s library. She is shocked but also determined to find out why the man was killed and why at the library. This is typical behavior for Lee. Her curiosity knows no bounds, and as a field reporter, it benefits her greatly. Lee’s personality can be that of the hard-hitting reporter and the lovable, compassionate friend and niece. The character always leaves readers smiling and craving the next installment in the cozy series.
All of the characters readers have come to love and admire are present, but some are not as important in this new book as others and play a tiny part. This is also a problem with this book. Beloved characters such as River North do not play a significant role, and this puts a bit of a damper on the story. The killer, although present in the book, is barely noticeable and may even come off as unbelievable to many readers. The suspects are few, so it isn’t hard to follow them and the clues.
This cozy did not have the number of paranormal twists that I have come to expect, and feel is needed. Many readers will know from the beginning how the murder was committed, but not necessarily the who. Unfortunately, I also found the ending far too confusing and unsatisfying.
In general, this is a quick read with a nice plot. Even though I found issues with Late Checkout I still happily recommend the book and series to readers who like a touch of the paranormal in their mysteries.
Author: Carol J. Perry
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Paranormal/Witch
Publisher: Kensington Mystery
Page Count: 336
Publishing Date: September 24, 2019
The latest cozy in the “A Witch City Mystery” series Late Checkout from Carol J. Perry arrives on September 24, 2019, from Kensington books.
Lee Barrett is the beloved main character in this cozy series and one that keeps readers coming back for more. Her Aunt Ibby and Lee’s wonderful cat O’Ryan would be the second most important equally. I think Ibby and O’Ryan could carry a series all on their own, and I would be the first person to buy the books!
In this new addition to the series, Lee once again finds the body of a stranger, and in all places, Ibby’s library. She is shocked but also determined to find out why the man was killed and why at the library. This is typical behavior for Lee. Her curiosity knows no bounds, and as a field reporter, it benefits her greatly. Lee’s personality can be that of the hard-hitting reporter and the lovable, compassionate friend and niece. The character always leaves readers smiling and craving the next installment in the cozy series.
All of the characters readers have come to love and admire are present, but some are not as important in this new book as others and play a tiny part. This is also a problem with this book. Beloved characters such as River North do not play a significant role, and this puts a bit of a damper on the story. The killer, although present in the book, is barely noticeable and may even come off as unbelievable to many readers. The suspects are few, so it isn’t hard to follow them and the clues.
This cozy did not have the number of paranormal twists that I have come to expect, and feel is needed. Many readers will know from the beginning how the murder was committed, but not necessarily the who. Unfortunately, I also found the ending far too confusing and unsatisfying.
In general, this is a quick read with a nice plot. Even though I found issues with Late Checkout I still happily recommend the book and series to readers who like a touch of the paranormal in their mysteries.
January 29, 2020
Salem field reporter Lee Barrett is playing second fiddle to the new reporter at WICH-TV, and she's not happy about it. But it does give her time to volunteer at the library with her house mate, her Aunt Ibby. Ibby is a research librarian at the main branch library in Salem. Lee doesn't like going into the stacks, which are spooky. While she's up there putting away a rare book she stumbles across a dead body, surrounded by hundreds of scattered books and torn-out pages.
The dead man is former ball player and ex-con Wee Willie Wallace, who hasn't been in Salem in twenty years. Lee is ready to get to the bottom of this case, with the help of her detective boyfriend, Pete Mondello, Aunt Ibby, her clairvoyant cat, O'Ryan, and Lee's own psychic gifts.
This is one of my must not miss series, and Late Checkout is a great addition to the collection. There are a lot of elements to this mystery, and Ms. Perry weaves them into the story masterfully. I loved that Lee faced problems at work in this book. It made her more realistic, and the way she faced it, and used her job to investigate the murder, was perfect.
The great characters, and intriguing mystery mix together to make this a wonderful read. Once again I highly recommend this series. If you haven't read it yet, start from the beginning. Lee has grown so much throughout the series, and she has become a friend.
Highly recommended.
I read a digital copy of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
The dead man is former ball player and ex-con Wee Willie Wallace, who hasn't been in Salem in twenty years. Lee is ready to get to the bottom of this case, with the help of her detective boyfriend, Pete Mondello, Aunt Ibby, her clairvoyant cat, O'Ryan, and Lee's own psychic gifts.
This is one of my must not miss series, and Late Checkout is a great addition to the collection. There are a lot of elements to this mystery, and Ms. Perry weaves them into the story masterfully. I loved that Lee faced problems at work in this book. It made her more realistic, and the way she faced it, and used her job to investigate the murder, was perfect.
The great characters, and intriguing mystery mix together to make this a wonderful read. Once again I highly recommend this series. If you haven't read it yet, start from the beginning. Lee has grown so much throughout the series, and she has become a friend.
Highly recommended.
I read a digital copy of this book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
September 25, 2019
2019 bk. 309. Lee is back, along with Aunt Ibby and her boyfriend, Pete. It is almost time for Halloween in Salem again. Lee's hours at the station have been cut because the boss's nephew needs time on air to jumpstart his own career. While a little resentful, Lee takes the time to volunteer at the local library where she finds a body in the stacks. Investigation shows that the victim worked at the tv station in the 1970's and 1980's. Knowing that the station manager wants to have an anniversary celebration of the station's founding, Lee combines her investigation of this murder with exploring the history and the people who were involved in the children's programming of her childhood. An interesting mystery proving a look into the demise of local area children's programming, the collection of sports memorabilia, and more of Salem, Massachusett's Halloween events.
September 27, 2019
Final Exam by Carol J. Perry, is the 8th book in the Witch City Mysteries, and another great addition. I love this series, the books are never dull, and this book does not disappoint. Lee Barrett is now working as a field reporter on WICH-TV, in Salem, MA. Lee is also volunteering at the public library, where she finds a body in the stacks. I really enjoy the relationship between Lee and her detective boyfriend Pete, Aunt Ibby and of course O'Ryan , the psychic cat. This book has everything you want in a cozy mystery, plus a little paranormal thrown in. The story kept me intrigued and reading page after page. I am looking forward to reading Lee's next adventure. I highly recommend this book/series.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
August 8, 2019
Loved this book! This is a wonderful murder mystery set in Salem and out just in time for Halloween. Lee is a reporter for the local news channel and Pete is her detective boyfriend, when Lee stumbles upon a dead body. She begins reporting on it, and investigating the deceased, even as Pete is investigating the homicide.
As they investigate, Lee gets the chance to delve into the history of her news channel, along with beloved characters from her favorite shows when she was a young child. However, as one might expect, meeting your childhood idols is a mixed bag, both much better and much worse than one might expect. Add in the crazy costumes that they used to wear and weave in a compelling mystery and you've got a great tale that kept me completely engaged.
Each book in this series is better than the one before. I love how the characters have grown and developed over the series and can't wait to read more about them. Each book is a stand alone novel.
If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. Put it at the top of your TBR as it's the must read seasonal release this fall. The author is on my must read authors' list.
As they investigate, Lee gets the chance to delve into the history of her news channel, along with beloved characters from her favorite shows when she was a young child. However, as one might expect, meeting your childhood idols is a mixed bag, both much better and much worse than one might expect. Add in the crazy costumes that they used to wear and weave in a compelling mystery and you've got a great tale that kept me completely engaged.
Each book in this series is better than the one before. I love how the characters have grown and developed over the series and can't wait to read more about them. Each book is a stand alone novel.
If you enjoy the genre, you will love this book. Put it at the top of your TBR as it's the must read seasonal release this fall. The author is on my must read authors' list.
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October 17, 2019This was a delightful read. Perfect mystery with a hint of paranormal. It flowed perfectly as a mystery but what I loved was the unique storyline Lee the main character has a family history of witches. She inherited the cat that weaves into the story. A person dies in a locked room, whodunit. You must read to find out. Thank you Goodreads for the chance to win this lovely book, and the publisher for giving the free book.
May 2, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Un buon mistero, che è in pratica una variante dell'omicidio nella stanza chiusa. C'erano vari colpevoli possibili e ho sospettato più o meno di tutti sebbene alla fine avessi capito chi fosse quello giusto prima della rivelazione finale. L'unica cosa è che . Mi piace come la protagonista, la zia e il boyfriend poliziotto collaborino nelle indagini.
Un buon mistero, che è in pratica una variante dell'omicidio nella stanza chiusa. C'erano vari colpevoli possibili e ho sospettato più o meno di tutti sebbene alla fine avessi capito chi fosse quello giusto prima della rivelazione finale. L'unica cosa è che . Mi piace come la protagonista, la zia e il boyfriend poliziotto collaborino nelle indagini.
August 3, 2025
Missed the beat the rest of the series has. I’ve been enjoying this series immensely. This book felt like a stretch and out of character and context. Not that it’s terrible—the writing is fine and the story okay. I went on and read the next one, hoping it was a fluke, and I was relieved to find that the series carries on nicely — with no reference to any of the events or possible carryover from this one.
September 24, 2019
I came to this series late, but I have read the last couple of novels. I really enjoy Salem and its residents as they are fun, hometown people. I just love that feel. The residents are all fun and quirky, too, though at times I feel Lee only interacts personally with Pete and her aunt Ibby. She needs more friends! This book has Lee knocked down to part time at the TV station, so she starts volunteering at the library where she comes across a body. Of course, she has to find the killer. While I really enjoyed this book, there were a couple of times it was a little repetitious, and the killer was fairly obvious. However, that didn’t spoil my enjoyment too much, and I’m looking forward to the next installment. Oh, and why can’t Lee see that O’Ryan has special abilities, at least from my point of view? LOL! Recommend! I was provided a copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 17, 2021
Another fine entry in the series. I figured most of it out early (unusual for me) but I so enjoyed watching it play out that I didn't care. I even forgive having the book about domestic cats in the 590s (which would be wild cats; domestic cats would be 636.8 or thereabouts). And I love the cat O'Ryan.
Want to read
September 8, 2019This series had me hooked from book one, and it has its claws into me even deeper after this latest installment. What is truly amazing about this book is how different the plot is. Sure, it has murder and mystery, but, the author is amazing at finding ways to make each story stand out, and this book is no different. The setting, characters, story, all put together is a grand slam.
July 5, 2020
Interesting series. Needs a better narrator.
September 30, 2022
Tarot cards are pretty, but can they actually be useful?
I'm looking for books that feature them.
This one was fun.
I'm looking for books that feature them.
This one was fun.
September 15, 2019
I’m very invested in the characters of the Witch City Mysteries, so I was delighted to see another Halloween-themed book. I thought the interweaving of WICH-TV’s past and present, along with a locked room mystery and Halloween festivities was cleverly done.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not paid for this review.
September 13, 2019
I just love this series! There is something magical about curling up with a witch city book while drinking a hot cup of tea and listening to a thunderstorm. This series forgive the pun is downright witchy fun. I love how Carol Perry writes as she always keeps me intrigued until the very end. I cannot wait for more in this great series. Its almost as good as visiting Salem itself.
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