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The Witches of Wormwood Mysteries #1
Mandrake and a Murder
Not many people move to Wormwood.
The witches aren’t welcoming.
The fortunetellers are frauds.
And the recent murder is only going to make things worse.
Hazel Salem just wanted a story for her magazine. Instead, she finds herself at the centre of an investigation that’s about to turn into a witch hunt.
If someone doesn’t solve this murder, and fast, it will be out of the cauldron and into the fire for Wormwood’s witches.
If you love talking cats, smart mysteries, and snarky humour, you’ll love this series. Pick up these page-turning witch mysteries today!
The witches aren’t welcoming.
The fortunetellers are frauds.
And the recent murder is only going to make things worse.
Hazel Salem just wanted a story for her magazine. Instead, she finds herself at the centre of an investigation that’s about to turn into a witch hunt.
If someone doesn’t solve this murder, and fast, it will be out of the cauldron and into the fire for Wormwood’s witches.
If you love talking cats, smart mysteries, and snarky humour, you’ll love this series. Pick up these page-turning witch mysteries today!
157 pages, ebook
Published January 30, 2019
822 people are currently reading
568 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
January 3, 2020
3 stars
Hazel Salem is from a magical family but has no magic herself, or does she. She's the main character in this new to me Cozy witch mystery series. She a writer who has inherited her mothers apothecary in a town where witchcraft is practiced out in the open. A murder happens before the book begins and Hazel who has created a local magazine for some income because her dead mother's apothecary produces little income, decides to investigate and possibly gain some interest in her magazine.
Hazel has two cats one a talking cat named Hemlock
The earliest clue you have that Hazel may indeed have some magic.
I enjoyed the book, the banter between characters, the possible . It's a short book 200 page book that keeps the plot moving so there isn't a ton of character development, but I like them well enough to be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cozies Reading Challenge
Hazel Salem is from a magical family but has no magic herself, or does she. She's the main character in this new to me Cozy witch mystery series. She a writer who has inherited her mothers apothecary in a town where witchcraft is practiced out in the open. A murder happens before the book begins and Hazel who has created a local magazine for some income because her dead mother's apothecary produces little income, decides to investigate and possibly gain some interest in her magazine.
Hazel has two cats one a talking cat named Hemlock
“Hazel… The whole point of having a familiar is that you don’t need to talk to yourself like a crazy person. I’m here to guide you, like cat Yoda. Cat Yoda who you should give coffee.”
The earliest clue you have that Hazel may indeed have some magic.
I enjoyed the book, the banter between characters, the possible . It's a short book 200 page book that keeps the plot moving so there isn't a ton of character development, but I like them well enough to be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cozies Reading Challenge
February 6, 2019
There is something wrong in the town of Wormwood. Hazel Salem is still trying to make a living in the apothecary her Mother left to her. But without the powers of a witch, she turns her hand to reporting in hopes of making more money. But before she really gets started two women show up claiming to be her Aunts, there is a ritualistic murder in the woods and the towns people seem to be turning on each other. Then there are her cats. One is a sarcastic challenge and the other is mysterious and quiet.
A well-written mystery is at the foundation of this book. The characters grow and develop and new characters keep the relationships interesting.
A well-written mystery is at the foundation of this book. The characters grow and develop and new characters keep the relationships interesting.
February 4, 2019
In the prequel Hazel gets a house with a apothecary and two black cats. One of them talks. In this book she gets two weird and ancient aunts, a fake boyfriend and a curse. Oh, and don't forget the frogs.
Weird, funny and intruiging magical murder mysterie. I loved it!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
Weird, funny and intruiging magical murder mysterie. I loved it!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
January 22, 2019
It has been 6 months since Hazel landed back in Wormwood and things really haven’t changed much. She discovers she has two aunts for witches, no magic, a talking cat for a familiar, a mute cat and no money. As she struggles to make ends meet Hazel works to get more advertisers for her magazines to bring in some extra funds.
When a murder happens in Wormwood, the whole community is shocked. There has not been a murder in town in over 100 years. Seeing this as an opportunity to bring advertisers and readers to the magazine, Hazel decides to scope out the murder and write a story about it. But as Hazel soon finds out, this murder has clues that seem to point the finger at all the paranormal in Wormwood.
With new people popping up everywhere Hazel is not sure who to trust. Even her aunts seem a bit sketchy. Strange things are happening and people are pitting against one another. Will the normal and the paranormal tear each other apart before the murder is solved? Will Hazel ever come into her powers or will she just be Hazel?
Wow! This series really started off with a bang. With a murder, mysterious strangers, dark magic, talking cats and danger this book is sure to keep you entertained. The characters are lovely and fun. The book is steady paced and a real page turner. A wonderful world created with mysterious and entertaining characters. Full of thrills and snarky fun. You won’t find modern in the world of Wormwood, but you will find the weird and unexplained.
A murder mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. This series has the perfect backstory to keep it going strong. Especially these: Who is Hazel’s father? What are the aunts hiding from Hazel? What is she destined for? Will she be the most powerful witch in Wormwood if she gains her powers?
So if you are looking for a cozy and fun mystery, then this book is for you. It is fun and full of witches, black cats, fortune tellers and wizards. What can be more fun than that? So start with the prequel Hemlock and Hedge and enjoy the magic.
When a murder happens in Wormwood, the whole community is shocked. There has not been a murder in town in over 100 years. Seeing this as an opportunity to bring advertisers and readers to the magazine, Hazel decides to scope out the murder and write a story about it. But as Hazel soon finds out, this murder has clues that seem to point the finger at all the paranormal in Wormwood.
With new people popping up everywhere Hazel is not sure who to trust. Even her aunts seem a bit sketchy. Strange things are happening and people are pitting against one another. Will the normal and the paranormal tear each other apart before the murder is solved? Will Hazel ever come into her powers or will she just be Hazel?
Wow! This series really started off with a bang. With a murder, mysterious strangers, dark magic, talking cats and danger this book is sure to keep you entertained. The characters are lovely and fun. The book is steady paced and a real page turner. A wonderful world created with mysterious and entertaining characters. Full of thrills and snarky fun. You won’t find modern in the world of Wormwood, but you will find the weird and unexplained.
A murder mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. This series has the perfect backstory to keep it going strong. Especially these: Who is Hazel’s father? What are the aunts hiding from Hazel? What is she destined for? Will she be the most powerful witch in Wormwood if she gains her powers?
So if you are looking for a cozy and fun mystery, then this book is for you. It is fun and full of witches, black cats, fortune tellers and wizards. What can be more fun than that? So start with the prequel Hemlock and Hedge and enjoy the magic.
October 7, 2021
Hazel is a witch with no powers in a strange town full of witches, fortunetellers, psychics, and the like. She runs a failing apothecary and subsequently publishes a magazine about the weird happenings in Wormwood, when one day two magical aunts she didn’t know existed show up on her doorstep on the day directly after a murder in town.
This book seemed like a cute cozy mystery, a perfect fall read. The cover is cute, Hazel has a familiar in the form of a talking cat, there’s fake dating, and it has spooky vibes. Unfortunately, the book was supremely disappointing and I didn’t care about any aspect of the story whatsoever.
On the very first page, our protagonist remarks how weird her town is, that Wormwood is the weirdest town in the country, full of witches, fortunetellers, druids, psychics, etc. and that weird stuff happens every day. But then throughout the novel, we don’t see any of that. I would have loved a more fleshed-out setting. Especially with how weird the town apparently is, Ruby Loren could have added in so many great scenes full of weirdness going on that would be perfect for that town, but we learn nothing at all about Wormwood. Hazel never ventures into town to see people or witness strange happenings or anything and it was very disappointing. This is not my only complaint about the setting though—the characters’ opinions about their town are horribly inconsistent. For the weirdest town in England you would expect the people living in that town to embrace it or at least accept it, but the characters act like their town full of witches is a normal town like any other, that all the psychics and witches and fortunetellers are fake and annoying, that the town sucks, etc. And then the next chapter they’re standing up for the witches and supporting the town. At one point there’s mention of all the tourists the town gets, and then we read about how the town is always forgotten on maps and no one goes there. It all made no sense to me and was just highly inconsistent.
I didn’t mind Hazel as a protagonist, but there is no character development in this entire book. Mandrake and a Murder features the most one-dimensional characters I’ve ever read. The two aunts speak and act exactly the same, I have no idea what Hazel or the fake boyfriend or anybody else looks like, the talking cat Hemlock and his shadow Hedge seem to just be thrown in there for comedic relief without actually being funny, and every citizen of Wormwood that we meet is just a cardboard cutout with a flat personality. The banter and jokes between characters fell flat and weren’t working for me either.
I was especially disappointed in the fake dating aspect. The “boyfriend” only shows up in the beginning when he tells Hazel they’re fake dating, and then never shows up again. There was absolutely no point to include that subplot in the book when it didn’t pan out or pertain to the story whatsoever.
On top of minimal character development, the plot development was also lacking. In some scenes, events were happening that should have been explained more because they didn’t make sense, or they moved too fast, or the reasoning behind someone’s actions wasn’t explained at all. Characters were drawing conclusions that I didn’t think they had sufficient evidence for. I was also disappointed in the descriptions of magic that were surface-level at best. I wanted to see more witchy magic but that is very much lacking here.
The murder investigation itself was also a huge letdown. The victim was an unknown character that no one knows, the reveal of the murderer was not surprising in the least, and the murderer’s intentions were confusing at best. I felt like the ending was very unsatisfying as well, and there were no “twists” like the synopsis promises.
The writing style in this book feels very amateurish and is annoyingly repetitive. There are sentences like, “Her cupcake was left uneaten on the table where she’d left it,” as well as multiple sentences in a row saying the same thing.
Mandrake and a Murder is fast-paced if only because it leaves out many necessary details. I actually struggled to get through it, and the novel is only 189 pages. This book is full of inconsistencies and a frustrating lack of anything exciting.
I didn’t care about any of the characters, I didn’t care about the murder or who did it, I didn’t care what happened with the plot. That’s honestly how I felt during the entire book: I just didn’t care. I won’t be continuing with the series and I would not recommend.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
This book seemed like a cute cozy mystery, a perfect fall read. The cover is cute, Hazel has a familiar in the form of a talking cat, there’s fake dating, and it has spooky vibes. Unfortunately, the book was supremely disappointing and I didn’t care about any aspect of the story whatsoever.
On the very first page, our protagonist remarks how weird her town is, that Wormwood is the weirdest town in the country, full of witches, fortunetellers, druids, psychics, etc. and that weird stuff happens every day. But then throughout the novel, we don’t see any of that. I would have loved a more fleshed-out setting. Especially with how weird the town apparently is, Ruby Loren could have added in so many great scenes full of weirdness going on that would be perfect for that town, but we learn nothing at all about Wormwood. Hazel never ventures into town to see people or witness strange happenings or anything and it was very disappointing. This is not my only complaint about the setting though—the characters’ opinions about their town are horribly inconsistent. For the weirdest town in England you would expect the people living in that town to embrace it or at least accept it, but the characters act like their town full of witches is a normal town like any other, that all the psychics and witches and fortunetellers are fake and annoying, that the town sucks, etc. And then the next chapter they’re standing up for the witches and supporting the town. At one point there’s mention of all the tourists the town gets, and then we read about how the town is always forgotten on maps and no one goes there. It all made no sense to me and was just highly inconsistent.
I didn’t mind Hazel as a protagonist, but there is no character development in this entire book. Mandrake and a Murder features the most one-dimensional characters I’ve ever read. The two aunts speak and act exactly the same, I have no idea what Hazel or the fake boyfriend or anybody else looks like, the talking cat Hemlock and his shadow Hedge seem to just be thrown in there for comedic relief without actually being funny, and every citizen of Wormwood that we meet is just a cardboard cutout with a flat personality. The banter and jokes between characters fell flat and weren’t working for me either.
I was especially disappointed in the fake dating aspect. The “boyfriend” only shows up in the beginning when he tells Hazel they’re fake dating, and then never shows up again. There was absolutely no point to include that subplot in the book when it didn’t pan out or pertain to the story whatsoever.
On top of minimal character development, the plot development was also lacking. In some scenes, events were happening that should have been explained more because they didn’t make sense, or they moved too fast, or the reasoning behind someone’s actions wasn’t explained at all. Characters were drawing conclusions that I didn’t think they had sufficient evidence for. I was also disappointed in the descriptions of magic that were surface-level at best. I wanted to see more witchy magic but that is very much lacking here.
The murder investigation itself was also a huge letdown. The victim was an unknown character that no one knows, the reveal of the murderer was not surprising in the least, and the murderer’s intentions were confusing at best. I felt like the ending was very unsatisfying as well, and there were no “twists” like the synopsis promises.
The writing style in this book feels very amateurish and is annoyingly repetitive. There are sentences like, “Her cupcake was left uneaten on the table where she’d left it,” as well as multiple sentences in a row saying the same thing.
Mandrake and a Murder is fast-paced if only because it leaves out many necessary details. I actually struggled to get through it, and the novel is only 189 pages. This book is full of inconsistencies and a frustrating lack of anything exciting.
I didn’t care about any of the characters, I didn’t care about the murder or who did it, I didn’t care what happened with the plot. That’s honestly how I felt during the entire book: I just didn’t care. I won’t be continuing with the series and I would not recommend.
My Book Blog: Storeys of Stories
February 18, 2019
Hazel Salem comes from a long line of witches, not that she believes in any of this. Even her own mother said she herself was a witch, but Hazel thought she was just a bit weird and deluded. She escaped Wormwood as soon as she could and hasn’t been back for years. She wants to be a writer, but is now stuck back in Wormwood, trying to keep her mother’s shop going – her inheritance, as such. Along with the two black cats she found on her doorstep, as mentioned in the prequel, Hemlock and Hedge, which is definitely worth reading before this one, but doesn’t have to be.
A murder happens in the woods and Hazel sees this as an ideal opportunity to start a town newsletter. There is a mystery surrounding the couple that came into town, with the stranger who was murdered, and signs of discontent are growing between different parts of the community. Mystical versus non-magical. Bring in a handsome detective from the next town, another handsome man saying he is a detective brought in by the mayor, and ladies start swooning left and right.
Secrets are being held by some and others know more than they are saying. Hazel needs to work out who will gain the most from this murder and also manage the sudden appearance of two older ladies, who say they are her aunts! Add in the local baker and her fake relationship, an evil magician and the local coven and matters start to get interesting. When Hazel starts to hear voices, seemingly coming from one of her cats, she has cause to worry about her own sanity.
A great read, this is the first full length book in the Witches of Wormwood series and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sarcasm she receives every day from Hemlock is priceless and one of her aunts in particular, is not quite what you might expect, as a role model to Hazel. It makes for some funny scenes in the story. A murder to be solved, the town to be kept together, a newsletter to publish, some dishy newcomers, her sanity and a talking cat, never mind two relatives telling her she may be a witch herself!
Another cracking tale from the author and a joy to read. There is plenty going on to keep your attention and I, for one, read it through in one sitting. I just couldn’t wait to see what happened each time the page was turned. This starts with someone who is a sceptic and who then has to realise that there is more to her world than she could ever imagine! I would thoroughly recommend this series to any readers who love Ruby Loren’s other books, or to those who love a tale with a bit of magic and witches.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. I bought it as well, to keep in my permanent collection – it is so worth it!
A murder happens in the woods and Hazel sees this as an ideal opportunity to start a town newsletter. There is a mystery surrounding the couple that came into town, with the stranger who was murdered, and signs of discontent are growing between different parts of the community. Mystical versus non-magical. Bring in a handsome detective from the next town, another handsome man saying he is a detective brought in by the mayor, and ladies start swooning left and right.
Secrets are being held by some and others know more than they are saying. Hazel needs to work out who will gain the most from this murder and also manage the sudden appearance of two older ladies, who say they are her aunts! Add in the local baker and her fake relationship, an evil magician and the local coven and matters start to get interesting. When Hazel starts to hear voices, seemingly coming from one of her cats, she has cause to worry about her own sanity.
A great read, this is the first full length book in the Witches of Wormwood series and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The sarcasm she receives every day from Hemlock is priceless and one of her aunts in particular, is not quite what you might expect, as a role model to Hazel. It makes for some funny scenes in the story. A murder to be solved, the town to be kept together, a newsletter to publish, some dishy newcomers, her sanity and a talking cat, never mind two relatives telling her she may be a witch herself!
Another cracking tale from the author and a joy to read. There is plenty going on to keep your attention and I, for one, read it through in one sitting. I just couldn’t wait to see what happened each time the page was turned. This starts with someone who is a sceptic and who then has to realise that there is more to her world than she could ever imagine! I would thoroughly recommend this series to any readers who love Ruby Loren’s other books, or to those who love a tale with a bit of magic and witches.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above. I bought it as well, to keep in my permanent collection – it is so worth it!
January 27, 2019
Hazel inherited her mother's shop selling herbs and various things for the supernaturals in the town of Wormwood where witches, wizards, fortune tellers all reside along side of non-paranormals. Hazel thinking with her scientific mind and believing she is a normal human believes there are really no such thing as a real witch. But in come her aunts (she didn't know she had living family) who say they are witches and say they are there to help her learn her own powers. Hazel decides to humor them until she can find out more about them. Also, there is her cats, Hemlock who says he is her familiar and can talk to her which of course freaks her out and her silent cat, Hedge, who strangely goes about his business. To make ends meet, since the shop is not doing so well, she decides to write a town magazine hoping to get advertisers to help her with expenses. When there is a murder in town implicating the paranormals, all craziness starts to happen. So, we have Hazel who thinks if she can figure out what happened she could write it up in her magazine and get people interested in advertising in it. But this murder puts the "normal" community against the paranormal community. With lots of twists and turns in this story and strangers showing up in town, you can't put this down until you finished the book since you can't wait to see what will happen next, will Hazel get her powers her Aunts think is inevitable? Who is Jesse Heathen really? What connection is he to Hazel? What will happen next in Wormwood as he predicts? How is he on her "side"? What is her side? Who is her father? So many questions which make you read through the book only to find you crave book 2 in this series to find out more. I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here is strictly my own.
July 26, 2021
I've read the seven books available in this series. Book 8 is in pre-order status right now. They could be read as standalone, but with the way they follow each other so closely you really are better off reading them sequentially. Also, there's the accrued info you get by reading this way. I have not read the prequel, but I have heard it recommended for more background. This is a lovely cozy series with witches, familiars who speak, vampires, devils, and humans. It takes place in a small town in England that time and life seem to have overlooked. Even roads and rivers curve around it. Hazel grew up here and has returned at the death of her mother to run the Apothecary Shop. She arrived with her young black cat familiar, Hemlock, and his brother, Hedge. Hemlock speaks to her, but Hedge does not. She's not sure why she has a familiar, since she's the family dud, no magic and none in sight here in her late 20s. But there are great things to come for Hazel Salem. Her two aunts, Miranda and Linda, arrive to stay with her. They may look like they're in their 40s, but they're both close to 100. Ahh, magic. A dead body, a detective, a baker, biscuits, the mayor, the local coven, a stranger with eyes the same color as hers, and a strange feeling all come into play for Hazel. In this first book and throughout this fun and exciting series of paranormal mysteries Hazel manages to hold her own and triumph with the help of a small circle of friends and sometimes just dumb luck. Recommended.
January 30, 2019
Mandrake and a Murder #2 - Takes place about six months after Hemlock and Hedge ended. There are a lot of secrets and surprises included in this fast paced, intriguing story. More characters join the cast, some good and some intriguing and some not very nice to be polite. The storylines twist here and there and some are concluded, while others carry into the next book - but no cliffhangers, just teases of what's to come. It's hard to pick a favorite characters since there are quite a few that are endearing or just plain lovable. There are more likeable characters but the nasty ones make themselves known. 5*
The Witches of Wormwood:
Hemlock and Hedge #1 - A different approach to starting life as a witch after the death of her mother sets up the foundation in this introductory prequel. Basic development of characters but since this is a series, Ms. Loren will be having plenty of character growth as the series progresses. Interesting storylines, which of course will develop more, too.
Again there's an interesting animal involved; the familiar is a hoot with intelligence. Working together although unbeknownst to Hazel, she and Aziraphale solve the mystery. Aziraphale's secret comes out along with other secrets. There's good suspense and intrigue, and the thought process used to solve the mystery is good, but Ms. Loren writes more substantial plots than the usual cozy genre. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
The Witches of Wormwood end.
The Witches of Wormwood:
Hemlock and Hedge #1 - A different approach to starting life as a witch after the death of her mother sets up the foundation in this introductory prequel. Basic development of characters but since this is a series, Ms. Loren will be having plenty of character growth as the series progresses. Interesting storylines, which of course will develop more, too.
Again there's an interesting animal involved; the familiar is a hoot with intelligence. Working together although unbeknownst to Hazel, she and Aziraphale solve the mystery. Aziraphale's secret comes out along with other secrets. There's good suspense and intrigue, and the thought process used to solve the mystery is good, but Ms. Loren writes more substantial plots than the usual cozy genre. I contacted the author to review her books. 4*
The Witches of Wormwood end.
January 30, 2019
Hazel just wants to make a decent living in Wormwood, a town with a mix of normal people and paranormals. A murder has taken place out in the woods. She decides to write a story about it for her magazine. Maybe she would get more readers and maybe more businesses would buy ad space. As she tries to find out what happened she realizes she will have to investigate it if she wants any information. The normals and paranormals seem to be pitted against each other. She is supposed to be a witch but she has no powers. She doesn't believe in magic or witches. Then one day two women appear and tell her they are her aunts and they are to live with her as she comes into her powers. They are there to teach her how to use those powers. Shortly after that business places start getting vandalized. Are these women really her aunts? She had never been told she had family. Who killed that man? Who is Hazel's father? Who is Jesse Heathen? Who is the vandal?
I love Hemlock. I'm enjoying all the characters. The story flows. It is very well written. Ruby has another winning series!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
I love Hemlock. I'm enjoying all the characters. The story flows. It is very well written. Ruby has another winning series!
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
December 30, 2019
Things are heating up in Wormwood!!
Hansel Salem who inherited her mother’s
house and the family Apothecary.
She is living with with her black cat, Hemlock
who claims he is her familiar plus is full of
mischief. Another quiet black cat, Hedge
who appeared with Hemlock lives with them.
A lot is happening in Wormwood.....A man is
murdered, small animals are being slaughtered
and hung on lampposts, rocks with threats are
thrown though a window, a house is boarded
up with witchcraft signs painted on it plus
Hazel’s Apothecary and Tea House is vandalized.
While all this is occurring Hazel gets two
visitors claiming to be her Aunt’s. They have
come to live with her and help her with the
witchly powers she denies.
Hazel will also obtain a fake boyfriend plus meet
a real Detective investigating the murder and
vandalism. Another man appears on the scene,
he calls himself a detective but has no real
credentials but he does have amber eyes similar
to Hazel’s.
A well written plot with many twists and turns to
keep the reader glued to the story.
The characters are artfully drawn up, colorful,
vivid, quirky, interesting and entertaining. The
fur babies add to the flavor of the story. Hedge
meows and his eyes speak to Hazel.
An enjoyable read.
Hansel Salem who inherited her mother’s
house and the family Apothecary.
She is living with with her black cat, Hemlock
who claims he is her familiar plus is full of
mischief. Another quiet black cat, Hedge
who appeared with Hemlock lives with them.
A lot is happening in Wormwood.....A man is
murdered, small animals are being slaughtered
and hung on lampposts, rocks with threats are
thrown though a window, a house is boarded
up with witchcraft signs painted on it plus
Hazel’s Apothecary and Tea House is vandalized.
While all this is occurring Hazel gets two
visitors claiming to be her Aunt’s. They have
come to live with her and help her with the
witchly powers she denies.
Hazel will also obtain a fake boyfriend plus meet
a real Detective investigating the murder and
vandalism. Another man appears on the scene,
he calls himself a detective but has no real
credentials but he does have amber eyes similar
to Hazel’s.
A well written plot with many twists and turns to
keep the reader glued to the story.
The characters are artfully drawn up, colorful,
vivid, quirky, interesting and entertaining. The
fur babies add to the flavor of the story. Hedge
meows and his eyes speak to Hazel.
An enjoyable read.
January 30, 2019
I'm a witch - I don't think so!
A terrific start to a new series. Full of magic and murder whilst still having a heroine who is as normal as normal can be. She certainly doesn't really believe in magic and certainly not in the fact that she might be a witch. Great characters from the heroine, who is still trying to deal with loss of her mother and a shortage of funds, to her familiar, who loves put downs and making an exit.
When a body is found in the woods, the whole community is shaken to it's roots. Who was he and why can no-one recall the couple that were with him. Her musing is interrupted by the arrival of aunts that she has ñever met or even been told about. Add in a handsome baker who wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend and so keep at arms length one of the Mean Sisters, a handsome human detective, a handsome magical 'detective', a host of vandalism across town, another cat who doesn't communicate with her, a dog with glowing eyes, a community at war and hexes. By the way don't forget that her aunts have told her she's a witch! Can she unravel who the killer is? Is she or isn't she a witch? Which man will she choose?
A terrific start to a new series. Full of magic and murder whilst still having a heroine who is as normal as normal can be. She certainly doesn't really believe in magic and certainly not in the fact that she might be a witch. Great characters from the heroine, who is still trying to deal with loss of her mother and a shortage of funds, to her familiar, who loves put downs and making an exit.
When a body is found in the woods, the whole community is shaken to it's roots. Who was he and why can no-one recall the couple that were with him. Her musing is interrupted by the arrival of aunts that she has ñever met or even been told about. Add in a handsome baker who wants her to pretend to be his girlfriend and so keep at arms length one of the Mean Sisters, a handsome human detective, a handsome magical 'detective', a host of vandalism across town, another cat who doesn't communicate with her, a dog with glowing eyes, a community at war and hexes. By the way don't forget that her aunts have told her she's a witch! Can she unravel who the killer is? Is she or isn't she a witch? Which man will she choose?
February 3, 2019
This book was the perfect distraction from a nasty bout of shingles, when nothing else worked and I was really sad to finish it. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Full of red herrings and twists and turns, with an eclectic group of characters and a hilarious talking cat with a bad attitude, Mandrake and a Murder is a wonderful mix of humour and intrigue, that more than lives up to the prequel, which I also loved.
Set in the South East of England, the little town of Wormwood is peculiar to say the least. Hazel Salem, a disbeliever of all thing magic, has returned home after the death of her mother to run the family shop. She is struggling to make ends meet, when two eccentric aunts invite themselves to stay, while at the same time a man is murdered in mysterious circumstances. Hazel of course, can’t resist covering the story for her fledgling magazine. Her investigation includes reclusive locals, two good looking detectives, an unfriendly coven of witches, a nasty magician and a baker offering free cakes - all the ingredients for a cracking story! While I received an ARC, it had no bearing on my thoughts.
Full of red herrings and twists and turns, with an eclectic group of characters and a hilarious talking cat with a bad attitude, Mandrake and a Murder is a wonderful mix of humour and intrigue, that more than lives up to the prequel, which I also loved.
Set in the South East of England, the little town of Wormwood is peculiar to say the least. Hazel Salem, a disbeliever of all thing magic, has returned home after the death of her mother to run the family shop. She is struggling to make ends meet, when two eccentric aunts invite themselves to stay, while at the same time a man is murdered in mysterious circumstances. Hazel of course, can’t resist covering the story for her fledgling magazine. Her investigation includes reclusive locals, two good looking detectives, an unfriendly coven of witches, a nasty magician and a baker offering free cakes - all the ingredients for a cracking story! While I received an ARC, it had no bearing on my thoughts.
September 9, 2020
This book was fun. It was an easy-reading, light book with some fun aspects. It was not the best book I've ever read, but it was an enjoyable way to pass some time.
There was nobody in this book that I really, REALLY liked or connected with. Everyone was okay, and some of the characters - like the snarky cat - I could have skipped. There's a difference between snarky and cold-hearted, and the cat struck me as the latter, rather than being clever and cute, as I expect was the intention.
The story was also fine, but the way things played out was confusing to me, and did not feel, at the end, like everything came together in a way that resolved some of things that went on. I'm sure that is because this is a series, and the author is creating loose plot lines that will be dealt with in future books, but it felt a little disjointed to me.
Overall, this was a perfectly fine cozy-type paranormal mystery, and a decent setup for future books. As I had to buy this [my library doesn't have these books] I'm not sure I would go out of my way to get future books, but I enjoyed the hours I spent with Hazel and the rest of Wormwood just fine.
There was nobody in this book that I really, REALLY liked or connected with. Everyone was okay, and some of the characters - like the snarky cat - I could have skipped. There's a difference between snarky and cold-hearted, and the cat struck me as the latter, rather than being clever and cute, as I expect was the intention.
The story was also fine, but the way things played out was confusing to me, and did not feel, at the end, like everything came together in a way that resolved some of things that went on. I'm sure that is because this is a series, and the author is creating loose plot lines that will be dealt with in future books, but it felt a little disjointed to me.
Overall, this was a perfectly fine cozy-type paranormal mystery, and a decent setup for future books. As I had to buy this [my library doesn't have these books] I'm not sure I would go out of my way to get future books, but I enjoyed the hours I spent with Hazel and the rest of Wormwood just fine.
April 22, 2021
This is the first book in a new series. Hazel has returned to Wormwood and will be running an apothecary which is really a shop that sells herbs and things like that, not a drug store like is found in the U.S.
She is also a witch but so far doesn't seem to have much of any abilities. She ends up with a cat familiar and the cat kind of has an attitude problem. It turns out they can talk to each other. There's a second cat but it comes and goes and never says anything.
Her aunts are there to help her. There's a murder, she gets questioned by the police, some of the people in the town seem to be frauds, a stranger named Jesse comes to town, there's an Alister Crowley medallion and there's a lot Hazel is going to have to get used to and do that quite quickly.
I think the book has a number of very interesting characters whose real purposes are hard to sort out. Her aunts may not be her aunts. There's something strange about the mayor. There's something sort of off about Jesse. The series shows a lot of promise.
She is also a witch but so far doesn't seem to have much of any abilities. She ends up with a cat familiar and the cat kind of has an attitude problem. It turns out they can talk to each other. There's a second cat but it comes and goes and never says anything.
Her aunts are there to help her. There's a murder, she gets questioned by the police, some of the people in the town seem to be frauds, a stranger named Jesse comes to town, there's an Alister Crowley medallion and there's a lot Hazel is going to have to get used to and do that quite quickly.
I think the book has a number of very interesting characters whose real purposes are hard to sort out. Her aunts may not be her aunts. There's something strange about the mayor. There's something sort of off about Jesse. The series shows a lot of promise.
January 30, 2019
Hazel has two strangers turn up at her door. Apparently they are her dead mother's sisters. They had a falling out with her mother many years ago and Hazel had no idea that they existed. Of course they were powerful witches, who informed her that the older a witch was when she got her powers the more powerful she was likely to be. So there was hope for Hazel. The town of Wormwood was suddenly in trouble. There had been a ritualistic looking murder in the woods, where the witches often went. Suspicions were cast all around. The non-magical people in the town were starting to harass anyone who might be even a little magically inclined. The police were looking into the murder, as was a strange man (a warlock) who was apparently invited by the mayor to assist in the investigation. As she was involved in the community, Hazel decides to investigate also. It doesn't matter who discovers the identity of the murderer, as long as someone does.
December 3, 2021
Hazel comes of age
It was a bit disconcerting to find Hazel not being a believer in magic after living in Wormwood for almost all of her life. In addition to this her mother owned an apothecary shop where she sold herbs and potions. Hazel seems to be wavering somewhere between belief and unbelief, wanting to think that what was happening was due to the weirdness of the place itself. The only reason why we know that Wormwood is in the South East of England is that we are told. Wormwood's description fits nowhere that I can think of. It is definitely an atypical English village. Some of the characters, as can be expected, are a bit weird and are not easy to visualise because they seem to appear and disappear out of the story. Hazel is sassy and spunky and has some hilarious exchanges with her very feisty cat, Hemlock.
Despite the negatives, I rather liked the story and Hazel's discovery of her magic and I think you might too, so, go ahead and read.
It was a bit disconcerting to find Hazel not being a believer in magic after living in Wormwood for almost all of her life. In addition to this her mother owned an apothecary shop where she sold herbs and potions. Hazel seems to be wavering somewhere between belief and unbelief, wanting to think that what was happening was due to the weirdness of the place itself. The only reason why we know that Wormwood is in the South East of England is that we are told. Wormwood's description fits nowhere that I can think of. It is definitely an atypical English village. Some of the characters, as can be expected, are a bit weird and are not easy to visualise because they seem to appear and disappear out of the story. Hazel is sassy and spunky and has some hilarious exchanges with her very feisty cat, Hemlock.
Despite the negatives, I rather liked the story and Hazel's discovery of her magic and I think you might too, so, go ahead and read.
May 25, 2023
Good
Hazel Salem lives in the witching town of Wormwood, but she has never shown any talent for magic, and she doesn’t really believe in it- despite her kitten familiar which keeps on talking to her!
But everything begins to change when a man is mysteriously murdered in the woods, in what looks like a ritualistic killing.
Before she knows it, Hazel is dealing with unexpected visitors, a town on the verge of rioting, and an investigation into a murder where the motives are not at all well known!
This is the fist in the series book, BUT there is a free short story that introduces some of the characters first.
It’s an enjoyable paranormal mystery, with the beginnings of magic and plenty of mystery- and not just surrounding the murder at the centre of the story!
It’s a great read for the paranormal mystery lover who enjoys tales in which the main character is just finding their way in the magical world.
Hazel Salem lives in the witching town of Wormwood, but she has never shown any talent for magic, and she doesn’t really believe in it- despite her kitten familiar which keeps on talking to her!
But everything begins to change when a man is mysteriously murdered in the woods, in what looks like a ritualistic killing.
Before she knows it, Hazel is dealing with unexpected visitors, a town on the verge of rioting, and an investigation into a murder where the motives are not at all well known!
This is the fist in the series book, BUT there is a free short story that introduces some of the characters first.
It’s an enjoyable paranormal mystery, with the beginnings of magic and plenty of mystery- and not just surrounding the murder at the centre of the story!
It’s a great read for the paranormal mystery lover who enjoys tales in which the main character is just finding their way in the magical world.
February 5, 2019
Witch wannabe Hazel Salem is starting to the hang of running the apothecary store she inherited and is getting her monthly magazine some interest from the Wormwood townies. While working on a story for her latest magazine addition, Hazel finds herself and the witch community in the center of a murder investigation. Can Hazel uncover the truth before things turn into a witch hunt?
While all of this is going on, Hazel gets a visit from 2 women claiming to be her aunts. They have come to Wormwood to move in with her and help her become the witch they believe her to be. Between their misguided help (in some instances), the sarcastic comebacks from Hemlock the black familiar cat, and the situations that Hazel finds herself in, you will be both amused and entertained.
This is the first book in a new paranormal mystery series that I think is well worth reading.
While all of this is going on, Hazel gets a visit from 2 women claiming to be her aunts. They have come to Wormwood to move in with her and help her become the witch they believe her to be. Between their misguided help (in some instances), the sarcastic comebacks from Hemlock the black familiar cat, and the situations that Hazel finds herself in, you will be both amused and entertained.
This is the first book in a new paranormal mystery series that I think is well worth reading.
January 29, 2019
Wonderful beginning to a new series! Hazel has come back to Wormwood following her mother's death. She's now running the shop that her mother had selling spell bags and various herbs etc. She doesn't really believe in magic and doesn't think she has any powers until her aunts show up. They blow into town just as a murder has been discovered. It's the first murder in over a 100 years! Hazel is determined to solve it even though the cute detective keeps warning her off. Will she solve it? Will she turn out to actually be a witch? Are her aunts really her aunts? You'll have to read the book to find out but you will really enjoy it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 30, 2019
Hazel and Hemlock, what a pair! He certainly is an interesting familiar. I wonder just how many guardian angels Hazel will need to get through the happenings around Wormwood? I think some of the things would have run a normal person out of town, but we must remember Wormwood is not normal. Hmmm, just who is this Jesse character? Hopefully he will reappear in the next book and we can find out more about him. I love the Aunts! I hope they are here to stay. What about Hazel and Tristan, think they’ll keep up their “fake” relationship? Wonder where Detective Admiral will fit into the picture. So many more things to learn……. I received an ARC of this book, but my opinion is my own.
January 30, 2019
A new series from this author is always a welcome addition to my reading collection, and this is no exception, the prequel 'Hemlock and Hedge' was a fun shortish introduction, but this is the first full book, and it doesn't disappoint.
The characters are quirky, humorous and very well written, I especially like the new Aunts who turn up, and of course Hemlock the cat, a rather unhelpful familiar to the central character, Hazel Salem.
The mystery is well handled, and as usual the culprit is well concealed right up to the end. So all in all, this is a very enjoyable, satisfying read and I really can't find anything negative to say about it.
I received an advance copy of the book, and have voluntarily reviewed it.
The characters are quirky, humorous and very well written, I especially like the new Aunts who turn up, and of course Hemlock the cat, a rather unhelpful familiar to the central character, Hazel Salem.
The mystery is well handled, and as usual the culprit is well concealed right up to the end. So all in all, this is a very enjoyable, satisfying read and I really can't find anything negative to say about it.
I received an advance copy of the book, and have voluntarily reviewed it.
January 30, 2019
I also read the prequel and I enjoyed the expansion of Hazel's involvement in her largely magical town of Wormwood, continued banter with her cat familiar Hemlock, and the introduction of two zany aunts and some potential romantic interests for Hazel. All this and a macabre murder too! The main culprit remained a mystery to me until Hazel confronted them after a good bunch of red herring leads. In addition to the murder and nefarious vandalism in the town, the story focuses on Hazel's continued misgivings about her lack of magical powers. A few twists and surprising developments add to the plot.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
January 30, 2019
Hazel Salem was aware of her mother's witch gifts - just not her own.
And even after the death f her mother, a familiar and a spare find her - but no powers come in.
As she is pondering a recent murder that has some wild ritual overtones - ones that are more than a bit overblown - she is greeted by Linda and Minerva - who introduce themselves as her aunts.
Things get very exciting with a stranger in town, and clashes with a local coven more concerned with power plays than training and good order.
Our Hazel finds her witch sight at last - and it literally changes how she sees her world.
A bumpy road still ahead in this off the wall community - and more great reading ahead for us!
And even after the death f her mother, a familiar and a spare find her - but no powers come in.
As she is pondering a recent murder that has some wild ritual overtones - ones that are more than a bit overblown - she is greeted by Linda and Minerva - who introduce themselves as her aunts.
Things get very exciting with a stranger in town, and clashes with a local coven more concerned with power plays than training and good order.
Our Hazel finds her witch sight at last - and it literally changes how she sees her world.
A bumpy road still ahead in this off the wall community - and more great reading ahead for us!
February 4, 2019
Good paranormal cozy
I have read this author before & was intrigued. Having now read the second book, I found that I am really enjoying the series.
Hazel meets 2 new to her family members, a good looking detective or 2, and solves a murder. Oh, she also has been experiencing something else, disappointment that her witchy being hasn't made an appearance.
The town is divided after a murder with symbols of magic all around the victim. Who is he & where are the 2 people who were with him? Why is it that no one can describe them? Where have they disappeared to? Curses & vandalism are rising. Will Hazel & her aunts be attacked too?
Recommended for those who enjoy cozy mystery books with a hint of magic.
I have read this author before & was intrigued. Having now read the second book, I found that I am really enjoying the series.
Hazel meets 2 new to her family members, a good looking detective or 2, and solves a murder. Oh, she also has been experiencing something else, disappointment that her witchy being hasn't made an appearance.
The town is divided after a murder with symbols of magic all around the victim. Who is he & where are the 2 people who were with him? Why is it that no one can describe them? Where have they disappeared to? Curses & vandalism are rising. Will Hazel & her aunts be attacked too?
Recommended for those who enjoy cozy mystery books with a hint of magic.
February 4, 2019
Hazel and her Apothecary Shop are struggling along when I man is murdered in the forest. Then her two Aunts show up, which Hazel isn't too sure about. Then Hemlock, her talking cat is driving her crazy and she is trying to get her monthly Wormwood Magazine to the point of paying her bills. She decides that investing the murder would probably bring her more readers so she sets out to do that and the entire town seems to be acting very strangely, stranger than normal. I was so intrigued by what would happen next that I virtually read the entire book straight through. I never did figure out who the murder was until it was reveled and then I thought, why did I see that. Good book, good read.
February 5, 2019
Hazel Salem really ought to be a witch - I mean, that name, for one thing! And after all, she grew up in Wormwood, the witchiest town in England. Her mother thought she should be a witch and said so in her will. Her aunts think so and want to train her. Her cat thinks so, or why would he stick around? He's her familiar and surely only witches have familiars. But Hazel gamely maintains a scientific scepticism and thinks it's all psychological – talking cat notwithstanding. She's interested in the recent weird murder in Wormwood, but only as a journalist. As you can guess, she has some shocks in store...
A good start to what promises to be a lively, amusing series. Ruby Loren never disappoints.
A good start to what promises to be a lively, amusing series. Ruby Loren never disappoints.
November 4, 2020
Good Mystery That Bends the Mold
Many books in this genre have story lines that are difficult to keep separate. Young powerless witch gets involved in a murder, one or more males with romantic possibilities, and budding powers. Too often, the protagonist does a lot of inane things which helps move the plot but seem out of character.
Fortunately, this book remolded the story and gives us a more believable character. The story telling is well done and the characters, including one obnoxious cat, are nicely developed. The story relies on real detective work instead of magical blunders.
There are plenty of red herrings to keep it interesting. Three competing (maybe) males adds potential and future stories.
This was definitely a delicious read.
Many books in this genre have story lines that are difficult to keep separate. Young powerless witch gets involved in a murder, one or more males with romantic possibilities, and budding powers. Too often, the protagonist does a lot of inane things which helps move the plot but seem out of character.
Fortunately, this book remolded the story and gives us a more believable character. The story telling is well done and the characters, including one obnoxious cat, are nicely developed. The story relies on real detective work instead of magical blunders.
There are plenty of red herrings to keep it interesting. Three competing (maybe) males adds potential and future stories.
This was definitely a delicious read.
January 27, 2019
This book more than lives up to the promise shown in the prequel.
Hazel is settled in Wormwood, for better or worse, but is finding it difficult to make ends meet.
When there is a murder, a rare event in Wormwood, she goes looking for a story for her newsletter....and finds herself investigating rather than merely writing.
Fate has some surprises in store for Hazel too, ranging from unknown family members, to charismatic strangers, to Hedge, the mute cat, showing an unexpected talent, to events that will rock her world.
And over it all we have Hemlock.....master of stating the obvious, drama queen, and with a nice line in sarcasm.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
Hazel is settled in Wormwood, for better or worse, but is finding it difficult to make ends meet.
When there is a murder, a rare event in Wormwood, she goes looking for a story for her newsletter....and finds herself investigating rather than merely writing.
Fate has some surprises in store for Hazel too, ranging from unknown family members, to charismatic strangers, to Hedge, the mute cat, showing an unexpected talent, to events that will rock her world.
And over it all we have Hemlock.....master of stating the obvious, drama queen, and with a nice line in sarcasm.
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
January 31, 2019
Who did it was it a magical being who did not like Zack? Who are the missing people and why can no one really remember them and why do relatives always come to visit when you do not expect them? Such are the questions answered in this charming cozy. I love Hazel then add the other off the wall characters and you have a mix that is unbeatable. This new series of Ruby’s is so special it puts together the magical and murder mystery in such an excellent way. This is the book to have if you like cozies. The only question I have who is Jesse Heathen? I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
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