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Lainswich Witches #1
Greensmith Girls
TAn alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
he town of Lainwich is a bizarre place. It’s an insular community and home to a lot of strange happenings. It’s also home to the Greensmith family. Rumor has it that they’re a family of witches. The rumors are right.
Rowen Greensmith moved away to escape her crazy family. She has her own place and a job in tabloid journalism. Things aren’t perfect, but she’s hopeful they’ll improve. When Rowen’s Aunt Lydia calls her with news of a murder, all of that is turned on its head.
During the annual Greensmith family yard sale, Rowen’s Aunt Nadine sold a chest that turned out to have a dead body in it. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the woman she sold it to has turned up dead! It’s a juicy story, and once Rowen’s boss catches wind of it, Rowen is put on the case.
Now Rowen is thrown back into the life she tried to escape. Everyone in the town of Lainwich remembers her, even the ones she rather wishes didn’t. The only total stranger is a handsome businessman who’s new to town. Unfortunately, he has motives all his own.
If Rowen wants to save her family, she’s going to have to solve not one, but two murders. First, though, she’s going to have to deal with the police, suspicious locals, and her crazy family. Knowing Lainwich, there’s a decent chance she’s going to have to deal with quite a bit of the supernatural as well. Rowen is about to be thrown into one of the most hectic weekends of her life. She’ll be lucky if she can make it out in one piece.
The theme of this book is a Supernatural/Paranormal Witch Themed Cozy Mystery. It is a Novel, approx. 40,000 words in length which will typically take the average reader about two hours to read. It is the first volume of the Lainswich Witches Mystery Series. This book is a standalone, reading further volumes is not required to resolve or enjoy the book. Romance is clean.
he town of Lainwich is a bizarre place. It’s an insular community and home to a lot of strange happenings. It’s also home to the Greensmith family. Rumor has it that they’re a family of witches. The rumors are right.
Rowen Greensmith moved away to escape her crazy family. She has her own place and a job in tabloid journalism. Things aren’t perfect, but she’s hopeful they’ll improve. When Rowen’s Aunt Lydia calls her with news of a murder, all of that is turned on its head.
During the annual Greensmith family yard sale, Rowen’s Aunt Nadine sold a chest that turned out to have a dead body in it. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the woman she sold it to has turned up dead! It’s a juicy story, and once Rowen’s boss catches wind of it, Rowen is put on the case.
Now Rowen is thrown back into the life she tried to escape. Everyone in the town of Lainwich remembers her, even the ones she rather wishes didn’t. The only total stranger is a handsome businessman who’s new to town. Unfortunately, he has motives all his own.
If Rowen wants to save her family, she’s going to have to solve not one, but two murders. First, though, she’s going to have to deal with the police, suspicious locals, and her crazy family. Knowing Lainwich, there’s a decent chance she’s going to have to deal with quite a bit of the supernatural as well. Rowen is about to be thrown into one of the most hectic weekends of her life. She’ll be lucky if she can make it out in one piece.
The theme of this book is a Supernatural/Paranormal Witch Themed Cozy Mystery. It is a Novel, approx. 40,000 words in length which will typically take the average reader about two hours to read. It is the first volume of the Lainswich Witches Mystery Series. This book is a standalone, reading further volumes is not required to resolve or enjoy the book. Romance is clean.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2016
1243 people are currently reading
1433 people want to read
About the author
Raven Snow
72 books97 followersRaven Snow lives in the Pacific Northwest & enjoys writing Witch Cozy Mysteries. Please click the "+Follow" button.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 207 reviews
May 19, 2017
Cute, fun, light-hearted. Just like with many cozy mysteries, it has it's quirks and the MC's making the most ridiculous decisions. Events happen, just to happen and are not particularly explained, but I feel that sometimes that is what makes a "cozy mystery" so cozy. You are not necessarily wrapped up in the whole of a story, but you just need a story. Almost like a television show, short and sweet and almost always a continuation of some sort.
I didn't love Rowen, but I like her and her family enough to continue on with the series. The book could use some editing, but nothing that truly distracted you. Ok, well... besides that Rowen's name is sometime "EN" and other times "AN" I think that was just a pet peeve. I spell things incorrectly all the time, but when it comes to a name, I really try to get them right.
I didn't love Rowen, but I like her and her family enough to continue on with the series. The book could use some editing, but nothing that truly distracted you. Ok, well... besides that Rowen's name is sometime "EN" and other times "AN" I think that was just a pet peeve. I spell things incorrectly all the time, but when it comes to a name, I really try to get them right.
July 5, 2016
This was a cute, short book about witches. If you are looking for a fast, entertaining read I suggest this book. I got this book for free off of Amazon!
June 1, 2017
This book wasn't terrible or anything, but there was nothing really memorable about it.
November 12, 2017
4,25 stars.
What a ladies this Greensmith girls are. I have a mind who paints a book in my mind. This is a book about people how are different and stick together. That that also can be that you feel trappen in your own house proces Rowen the head character in this novel for me. That I did leave the house was also because my family was in every turn in my life. I went banana's of it. Rowen lives in a big city as the novel starts. She is the assistant of several journalists and is called by an aunt of her about two murders in her old town. Her other aunt is the suspect. At first she does not think to much of it. She certainly does not want to go home. But here boss sents her. What can she say? She runs into a big adventure and along the way she finds her family, her roods, her home and love.... after she solves the murders. 😀🌺⭐️
Sneakpreviews in the book:
- what had she gotten herself into and how had that led to her dead?-
-there was something supernatural going on here. And when the supernatural reared his head, it normaly had something to do with the Greensmith family-
-"help me," it seemed to be saying-
Eric considered the question. He shrugged."I guess. We're sort of scattered now"-
What a ladies this Greensmith girls are. I have a mind who paints a book in my mind. This is a book about people how are different and stick together. That that also can be that you feel trappen in your own house proces Rowen the head character in this novel for me. That I did leave the house was also because my family was in every turn in my life. I went banana's of it. Rowen lives in a big city as the novel starts. She is the assistant of several journalists and is called by an aunt of her about two murders in her old town. Her other aunt is the suspect. At first she does not think to much of it. She certainly does not want to go home. But here boss sents her. What can she say? She runs into a big adventure and along the way she finds her family, her roods, her home and love.... after she solves the murders. 😀🌺⭐️
Sneakpreviews in the book:
- what had she gotten herself into and how had that led to her dead?-
-there was something supernatural going on here. And when the supernatural reared his head, it normaly had something to do with the Greensmith family-
-"help me," it seemed to be saying-
Eric considered the question. He shrugged."I guess. We're sort of scattered now"-
June 16, 2016
Lainswich is a very small town. EVERYONE knows your business. When Rowen gets a panicked call from her aunt, she knows she'll have to go back. Her boss is thrilled because he wants her to report on whatever is happening. Rowen knows this is not going to be an easy trip. Her family is, well, different than most. Knowing she has no choice, Rowen heads to Lainswich.
I really love this book. It's a quick, humorous read. The writing is outstanding and the characters you'll enjoy immediately. Ms. Snow is a very creative story teller. She doesn't waste time either. Once you open this book, you will finish it because you'll be curious to know what's going on. The plotting on this story is spot on. Nothing left to chance, Ms. Snow buttons it all down. You'll re-read this book because it's that funny and delightful. This is one to start when you just want a relaxing and easy read. I can't wait for more of this author's work. I'd like to see this series as a TV show. It would be hilarious.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a keeper. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
I really love this book. It's a quick, humorous read. The writing is outstanding and the characters you'll enjoy immediately. Ms. Snow is a very creative story teller. She doesn't waste time either. Once you open this book, you will finish it because you'll be curious to know what's going on. The plotting on this story is spot on. Nothing left to chance, Ms. Snow buttons it all down. You'll re-read this book because it's that funny and delightful. This is one to start when you just want a relaxing and easy read. I can't wait for more of this author's work. I'd like to see this series as a TV show. It would be hilarious.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's a keeper. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~
March 22, 2017
Raven Greensmith moved away from her family awhile ago. But when her Aunt Nadine calls her and tells her she is needed back home, Raven has mixed feelings about it. Then her editor sends her home to get the story of a murdered girl. Come to find out, the girl had bought an old trunk from Raven's family. The girl sawed the trunk open and a ghost killed her. The ghost wants revenge, the girl's family wants answers and Raven is torn between them all and what she really wants. Who killed the guy and put him in the trunk to start with? Can Raven get the story for her boss? Will her returning home change her mind about what she wants to do for a living? This story is about how families need to help one another, through thick and thin, whether they like the out come or not.I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
February 19, 2016
Oh my goodness!!!! Ok so let's just say I love Raven Snow. Her books are amazingly awesome. The Greensmith Girls is very good. It's about Rowen and her witch family. Her Grammy, aunts and cousins have a yard sell. One of the neighbors buys a trunk that can not be opened. She takes it home and saws it open and then she's dead. Rowen must go back home to investigate for her boss and family. Twists and turns threw the whole book in a good way. Rowen finds out that her Grammy has a few secrets and the new guy in town wants answers. Can not wait for the next one
September 21, 2017
Rowen Greensmith is being called back home to her crazy, eccentric and witchy family. There appears to be a double murder in town with her family at the center. A young woman bought an old trunk from the family garage sale and sawed it open to reveal a long since dead man as well as her own demise. Rowen does what any good investigative journalist does and goes to find the truth. Rowen quickly becomes wrapped up in the mystery with her quirky family, the great-grandson of the dead man and one malicious ghost. Will this finally give the town of Lainswich the excuse to persecute the Greensmith girls in a witch hunt?
I loved this book. I thought it was super cute and had a unique spin on supernatural cozy mysteries with Rowen coming in as a journalist. I thought the story wrapped up nicely and I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only complaint is the lack of editing. There were several errors throughout the book that could be fixed with another look-through. All-in-all I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a little romance, a little mystery and a whole lot of witchery.
I loved this book. I thought it was super cute and had a unique spin on supernatural cozy mysteries with Rowen coming in as a journalist. I thought the story wrapped up nicely and I look forward to reading the next in the series. My only complaint is the lack of editing. There were several errors throughout the book that could be fixed with another look-through. All-in-all I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a little romance, a little mystery and a whole lot of witchery.
September 8, 2018
I enjoyed the story but......
I enjoyed the story a lot and plan to read book 2 in this series BUT, I don't see the living dynamics to be realistic. If your showing up at someone's backdoor for a herbal remedy for an illness, or for help to find something lost, or even a revenge hex for the person who is cheating with your spouse then don't you think that other people in this small town are using this families witchy skills, too? Why is this delightful, quirky and likeable family of witches have to be the town pariah's when living in the human world (unlike books where the story takes place in a paranormal community) just because of their gifts? Also, does it sound reasonable that you would willingly sell your services to a person who won't speak to you in public or who you know have children that treat your children in school like outcasts? As much as I like this story and plan to read Book 2 in this series, the living dynamics seem so unrealistic enough to cost this enjoyable book 2 stars from me. This bothered me enough that it made me rate this as 3 stars rather than the 5 stars I would have liked to have given it.
I enjoyed the story a lot and plan to read book 2 in this series BUT, I don't see the living dynamics to be realistic. If your showing up at someone's backdoor for a herbal remedy for an illness, or for help to find something lost, or even a revenge hex for the person who is cheating with your spouse then don't you think that other people in this small town are using this families witchy skills, too? Why is this delightful, quirky and likeable family of witches have to be the town pariah's when living in the human world (unlike books where the story takes place in a paranormal community) just because of their gifts? Also, does it sound reasonable that you would willingly sell your services to a person who won't speak to you in public or who you know have children that treat your children in school like outcasts? As much as I like this story and plan to read Book 2 in this series, the living dynamics seem so unrealistic enough to cost this enjoyable book 2 stars from me. This bothered me enough that it made me rate this as 3 stars rather than the 5 stars I would have liked to have given it.
November 9, 2018
.
This is an introduction to a cozy, paranormal mystery series. The heroine, Rowen Greensmith, just moved back to her hometown, where she belongs to a family of witches.
A woman bought a chest at the Greensmith's annual yard sale. When she opened it, she discovered a dead body. Then she was murdered as well. The great-grandson of the dead body discovered in a chest comes to town to investigates his dead relative's death. They are drawn together and through their combined efforts, they solve the murder and she instantly becomes the town sleuth. Unfortunately, the culprit turned out to be a dearly loved family member. There are a few grammatical errors. But all in all, it is an interesting piece of entertainment combining, humor, paranormal activity, and mystery.
This book is able to stand on its own, it is a clean read, and they solve the mystery of who murdered the man in the chest previously, as well as the woman who purchased it recently. There are sure to be more mysteries in the future.
This is an introduction to a cozy, paranormal mystery series. The heroine, Rowen Greensmith, just moved back to her hometown, where she belongs to a family of witches.
A woman bought a chest at the Greensmith's annual yard sale. When she opened it, she discovered a dead body. Then she was murdered as well. The great-grandson of the dead body discovered in a chest comes to town to investigates his dead relative's death. They are drawn together and through their combined efforts, they solve the murder and she instantly becomes the town sleuth. Unfortunately, the culprit turned out to be a dearly loved family member. There are a few grammatical errors. But all in all, it is an interesting piece of entertainment combining, humor, paranormal activity, and mystery.
This book is able to stand on its own, it is a clean read, and they solve the mystery of who murdered the man in the chest previously, as well as the woman who purchased it recently. There are sure to be more mysteries in the future.
January 29, 2018
It’s OK
I am giving a story to stars, because it has a lot to offer and I really good plot. However, I honestly wasn’t that drawn into the storyline. The characters can be interesting and Some are quite funny and amazing. But overall, I find I just wasn’t as interested in the story I thought it would be.
I am giving a story to stars, because it has a lot to offer and I really good plot. However, I honestly wasn’t that drawn into the storyline. The characters can be interesting and Some are quite funny and amazing. But overall, I find I just wasn’t as interested in the story I thought it would be.
June 26, 2016
Witches, a small town, and murder? Yes please!! The plot, setting, charictors were all amazing and I loved reading what would happen next! I liked how the book was short and summed up the book without lots of plot holes. Exited to start the next one.
March 19, 2021
Good light reading
Want a light-hearted and cute reading? This is the one. In today's market finding a book with a good story line and no "sex" is hard to come by. Keep up the wonderful stories!
Want a light-hearted and cute reading? This is the one. In today's market finding a book with a good story line and no "sex" is hard to come by. Keep up the wonderful stories!
July 12, 2016
4.5/5 angel stars
July 7, 2020
Boring, very slow. Couldn't grab my attention I had to push myself through it
April 11, 2021
REVISED REVIEW
For me a cozy mystery isn't just about a light approach to murder and mystery, it's not just about the lack of swearing and sex, or even the way violence and murder is either off-page or not graphic. It's about a feeling. A cozy mystery has a charm to it and a feeling of hope and lightness. This book lacked that. There is no charm, there is no hope, there is no lightness.
No, this book is dark and depressing.
There is the town of Lainswich, a town filled with narrow-minded and mean-spirited people. People who hate the Greensmith girls so much that they blame them for every little thing that happens in the town. The police harass them, the townspeople ignore them or mock them. They seem to be the only paranormal beings in the entire world (which is weird).
Then there is the Greensmith girls and the way they fail at relationships. None of them can ever make a relationship work, they're all doomed. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. They all marry or get involved with men who can't handle that they are the only witches in the entire universe. So, they do them wrong or run off screaming into the night.
SIGH.
The darkness and gloom casts a dark pall over this entire book. No matter what happens, no matter how sweet the romance between Eric and Rowen may seem, there is a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for him to run away screaming because it's happened so much before or maybe he has a wife and children or a girlfriend tucked away somewhere. He is gone all the time "on business" and the Greensmith relationships fail all the time, after all.
This darkness overshadows the way this close knit family bands together, the way they may seem annoying but they truly love one another. There is no escaping that gloomy feeling. Not with the whole town hating them the way they do!
I really wanted to like this book but it is missing so many of the key elements of a cozy. It doesn't help that this isn't a romance and it's not a mystery. I have no idea what exactly this book is, I just know that I don't want to read the next one. I don't like darkness, doom, and gloom. If I did then I wouldn't read cozies!
For me a cozy mystery isn't just about a light approach to murder and mystery, it's not just about the lack of swearing and sex, or even the way violence and murder is either off-page or not graphic. It's about a feeling. A cozy mystery has a charm to it and a feeling of hope and lightness. This book lacked that. There is no charm, there is no hope, there is no lightness.
No, this book is dark and depressing.
There is the town of Lainswich, a town filled with narrow-minded and mean-spirited people. People who hate the Greensmith girls so much that they blame them for every little thing that happens in the town. The police harass them, the townspeople ignore them or mock them. They seem to be the only paranormal beings in the entire world (which is weird).
Then there is the Greensmith girls and the way they fail at relationships. None of them can ever make a relationship work, they're all doomed. Every. Single. One. Of. Them. They all marry or get involved with men who can't handle that they are the only witches in the entire universe. So, they do them wrong or run off screaming into the night.
SIGH.
The darkness and gloom casts a dark pall over this entire book. No matter what happens, no matter how sweet the romance between Eric and Rowen may seem, there is a feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for him to run away screaming because it's happened so much before or maybe he has a wife and children or a girlfriend tucked away somewhere. He is gone all the time "on business" and the Greensmith relationships fail all the time, after all.
This darkness overshadows the way this close knit family bands together, the way they may seem annoying but they truly love one another. There is no escaping that gloomy feeling. Not with the whole town hating them the way they do!
I really wanted to like this book but it is missing so many of the key elements of a cozy. It doesn't help that this isn't a romance and it's not a mystery. I have no idea what exactly this book is, I just know that I don't want to read the next one. I don't like darkness, doom, and gloom. If I did then I wouldn't read cozies!
March 16, 2023
This was a freebie I picked up on Amazon, a 2.5 star read. This paranormal mystery trots out the tired old chestnut of someone moving back from the big city to a strange small town because family needs them. Rowen Greensmith was working for a tabloid newspaper in NYC and gets a call that one of her aunts sold their grandmother's trunk at a yard sale, one that couldn't be opened. The new owner sawed it open and died as a result and her strange family is under suspicion.
The Greensmiths are witches after all and it is apparently gendered magic because not only can't men do it, they can't even keep men in their lives for too long (not that they don't try). As Rowen tries to clear her aunts and grandmother of suspicion a handful of people come into her life, the sister of the dead woman who thinks the Greensmiths are to blame, the dead woman's ghost, the ghost of the man inside the chest and his great grandson, Eric.
Eric is decidedly uninterested in his great-grand's death (and is very mysterious about his family business) or blaming the Greensmiths unlike the rest of the town who have been resentful toward the family for generations (No wonder Rowen wanted out). He wants to find out about his grandfather because his family wants it. Mostly he’s there as the love interest for Rowen.
It wasn’t a bad story but it wasn’t very memorable either. There were things that annoyed me but honestly a few days after finishing this I can’t even remember them (see what I mean about memorable) I’m not sure it did it’s job as a freebie to lure me into the series. I don’t feel moved to get more.
The Greensmiths are witches after all and it is apparently gendered magic because not only can't men do it, they can't even keep men in their lives for too long (not that they don't try). As Rowen tries to clear her aunts and grandmother of suspicion a handful of people come into her life, the sister of the dead woman who thinks the Greensmiths are to blame, the dead woman's ghost, the ghost of the man inside the chest and his great grandson, Eric.
Eric is decidedly uninterested in his great-grand's death (and is very mysterious about his family business) or blaming the Greensmiths unlike the rest of the town who have been resentful toward the family for generations (No wonder Rowen wanted out). He wants to find out about his grandfather because his family wants it. Mostly he’s there as the love interest for Rowen.
It wasn’t a bad story but it wasn’t very memorable either. There were things that annoyed me but honestly a few days after finishing this I can’t even remember them (see what I mean about memorable) I’m not sure it did it’s job as a freebie to lure me into the series. I don’t feel moved to get more.
November 28, 2023
Rowen Greensmith is a witch, but not a Wiccan: she is not religious, more of a psychic. She is definitely a witch of the white kind: not dark or Satanic. She has been out of magic for quite some time, working as a journalist, but something is about to happen that will draw her back to her old ways.
This is a cosy mystery with lots of fun from the supernatural angle. There is a bit of drama, and some romance, but mostly pleasant fun. Yes, there is a murder, but nothing too dire. There were certainly a few surprises along the way. The story moves along nicely with no boring bits, but as a point of slight criticism I did find the chapters, and book as a whole, just a touch too long.
The characters are interesting and likable. Rowen is a capable and independent woman. She does not always know her mind, but she has a way of working through problems and finding solutions.
The theme is certainly the perennial good verses bad, but there is also a secondary interest of family relationships, as well as belonging and isolation.
I read this novel when I wanted a break from my normal type of book (horror, thriller, human relationships) and I must say it was a refreshing break. The light touch was just what I needed. I am happy to award this novel 4 stars.
This is a cosy mystery with lots of fun from the supernatural angle. There is a bit of drama, and some romance, but mostly pleasant fun. Yes, there is a murder, but nothing too dire. There were certainly a few surprises along the way. The story moves along nicely with no boring bits, but as a point of slight criticism I did find the chapters, and book as a whole, just a touch too long.
The characters are interesting and likable. Rowen is a capable and independent woman. She does not always know her mind, but she has a way of working through problems and finding solutions.
The theme is certainly the perennial good verses bad, but there is also a secondary interest of family relationships, as well as belonging and isolation.
I read this novel when I wanted a break from my normal type of book (horror, thriller, human relationships) and I must say it was a refreshing break. The light touch was just what I needed. I am happy to award this novel 4 stars.
July 14, 2017
In the small town of Lainwich, almost everybody knows everybody and their business, so the rumor around town has always been that the Greensmith Girls were strange, or well witchy. Rowan took the first chance she got and left town, renting a run-down tiny apartment working for a tabloid, but at least she was on her own. At least until the annual family yard sale when her Aunt sold a trunk to someone and that person ended up dead.
Now Rowan is back in town trying to figure out who was the body in the trunk and what happened to the lady that bought the trunk, without anyone in her family getting hurt. Enter the grandson of the man in the trunk, and thing get even more complicated.
Can Rowan figure out what is going on without involving the family? Can she keep herself from getting mixed up with the grandson?
This is a great start to a new series that focuses on family, a little witchy nature, a little romance, and small towns. It looks to be be a cute and entertaining series.
Now Rowan is back in town trying to figure out who was the body in the trunk and what happened to the lady that bought the trunk, without anyone in her family getting hurt. Enter the grandson of the man in the trunk, and thing get even more complicated.
Can Rowan figure out what is going on without involving the family? Can she keep herself from getting mixed up with the grandson?
This is a great start to a new series that focuses on family, a little witchy nature, a little romance, and small towns. It looks to be be a cute and entertaining series.
October 9, 2017
Lainswich has a power of its own...it doesn't like being on people's radar, so somehow the town can stop emails about local incidents from getting sent and just avoid being on news outlets other than the Lainswich local ones. Rowen Greensmith's family has lived there for generations, being suspected all the while of being witches. And rightly so, as they are. Rowen Greensmith moved away, but when there's a body found in something sold at her family's yard sale, she feels a calling back. Is it Lainswich? Is it her family? Who knows, but her boss at the newspaper assigns her the story (her first!) and sends her home on assignment. SPOILER ALERT Turns out the dead body is her grandmother's former boyfriend and his ghost, once freed from the box sold at the yard sale, kills the innocent girl who opened the box. When the ghost's grandson comes to town, Rowen finds herself intrigued by him, and they work together to try to appease the ghost and get him to cross over...or at least stop threatening to kill others.
February 11, 2018
I enjoyed reading this book, but it does have some problems, at least for me. The principal character, Rowen Greensmith, is a witch turned magazine reporter. She is sent back to her own hometown by her employer to investigate an incident involving her own family. One of her aunts had sold a large box at a garage sale. The box contained a dead body, and the woman who bought it has been strangled. So the story starts as a mystery with two murders to solve. Both of those murders are solved though well before the climax. At that point the book becomes suspense. After that is settled a new mystery starts that leads to the author’s next book. As a reader it is very hard to determine what conflict you’re waiting to see get resolved. The plot would be very hard to graph on a traditional pyramid. This book does get good ratings. Some people call it “young adult.” Maybe I’m just too old for this type of plot structure.
June 13, 2018
The trunk, the body the murder
A really great start to a new series. However if you are expecting a lot of magic, frankly there isn't that much. It's more to do with ghosts. When the famous (or rather infamous) witches have a yard sale everyone turns out for it. But putting the locked trunk in the sale might have been a mistake especially when the new owner turns up dead. She had left her family to become a reporter, however things aren't going too well for her. Now she has been assigned to look into the murder, the trunk and the dead body it contained. He is the dead man's grandson and a though sceptical at first starts to believe her when she talks about things that go bump in the night. Will they be able to discover the truth behind the two bodies? What price will they have to pay? Okay the plot was so, so but it was a good background story on the family and the dynamics between the characters.
A really great start to a new series. However if you are expecting a lot of magic, frankly there isn't that much. It's more to do with ghosts. When the famous (or rather infamous) witches have a yard sale everyone turns out for it. But putting the locked trunk in the sale might have been a mistake especially when the new owner turns up dead. She had left her family to become a reporter, however things aren't going too well for her. Now she has been assigned to look into the murder, the trunk and the dead body it contained. He is the dead man's grandson and a though sceptical at first starts to believe her when she talks about things that go bump in the night. Will they be able to discover the truth behind the two bodies? What price will they have to pay? Okay the plot was so, so but it was a good background story on the family and the dynamics between the characters.
March 28, 2020
Cozy Mysteries must be my thing! I loved this book! It was a great start to a series. I cannot wait to read more! Rowan was so real and easy to relate too. Mostly, she relies on her witchy senses about people, but she can admit when she is wrong and flies off the handle. She is the calm one in her crazy lovable family, and I cannot wait to see what she does next! The romance was a little fast, but I also feel like I would have been disappointed if it moved slower lol. The fine line writers must walk to capture their audiences is crazy. Great work!
I received a free copy of this book but with no obligation to do anything but read it.
I received a free copy of this book but with no obligation to do anything but read it.
July 14, 2017
Greensmith Girls was exactly what I wanted as a light read to go with my morning coffee. It is a pleasantly witchy cozy mystery. Rowen Greensmith is called back to Lainswich, her hometown, when her family is implicated in two murders. Once she arrives home, all kinds of craziness breaks out around her. There are ghosts, cute boys, and more Greensmith witches than are easy to deal with. Raven Snow hit all the major elements of an enjoyable cozy mystery. And she left me wanting to know more about the Greensmith family. I will definitely be reading more of her work.
January 23, 2018
Fun, lighthearted murder
This is a fun cozy mystery that has the right amount of romance, character development, paranormal activity, and witchcraft. I loved the character of Rowan who tries to leave her peculiar family behind, and with them, her own natural talents in witchcraft. But being a natural witch is harder to deny than Rowan expected. After a mysterious murder involving her family forces Rowan to return to the small town she grew up in, Rowan discovers that sometimes there really is no place like home.
This is a fun cozy mystery that has the right amount of romance, character development, paranormal activity, and witchcraft. I loved the character of Rowan who tries to leave her peculiar family behind, and with them, her own natural talents in witchcraft. But being a natural witch is harder to deny than Rowan expected. After a mysterious murder involving her family forces Rowan to return to the small town she grew up in, Rowan discovers that sometimes there really is no place like home.
January 30, 2019
Lainswich, here we come
This is very similar and to a lot of paranormal cosy romances I’ve read, but it was still a quick, fun read. Rowen’s relationship with her family is loving, but strained, as returns to the town she fled from years ago.
Eric’s part in the story was a little bland, and his reaction to certain revelations were kind of underwhelming. I’m not sure how I feel about their budding relationship, yet they seem to be suited.
Favourite moments mostly involved Grammy.
This is very similar and to a lot of paranormal cosy romances I’ve read, but it was still a quick, fun read. Rowen’s relationship with her family is loving, but strained, as returns to the town she fled from years ago.
Eric’s part in the story was a little bland, and his reaction to certain revelations were kind of underwhelming. I’m not sure how I feel about their budding relationship, yet they seem to be suited.
Favourite moments mostly involved Grammy.
September 1, 2019
Rowan GreenSmith moved away from her family of witches to get away from the craziness but is now having to go back home because of a murder that involves her family.
* Lainswhich was her hometown in the middle of nowhere.
* The family home was built even before the town was founded.
* Rowan is a journalist for the news and came to her hometown to investigate the death that involves her family.
* The small town people doesn't trust or like the family.
I really enjoyed the Greensmith family and the mystery that involves their family. Very entertaining.
* Lainswhich was her hometown in the middle of nowhere.
* The family home was built even before the town was founded.
* Rowan is a journalist for the news and came to her hometown to investigate the death that involves her family.
* The small town people doesn't trust or like the family.
I really enjoyed the Greensmith family and the mystery that involves their family. Very entertaining.
July 18, 2021
The trunk mystery
I rather liked the story line and even though I did not like Tower's character initially, I did end up liking her as the story developed. What spoilt the story for me, however, were the constant repetition of names where the use of the respective pronoun would have sufficed. I also found myself back tracking to check statements that sounded contrary to what I had read previously.
Question: Why were we cheated of the events surrounding Grammy's trial?
Despite all of this, I finished the book, because as said previously, I liked the story.
I rather liked the story line and even though I did not like Tower's character initially, I did end up liking her as the story developed. What spoilt the story for me, however, were the constant repetition of names where the use of the respective pronoun would have sufficed. I also found myself back tracking to check statements that sounded contrary to what I had read previously.
Question: Why were we cheated of the events surrounding Grammy's trial?
Despite all of this, I finished the book, because as said previously, I liked the story.
May 26, 2017
During a garage sale at a neighborhood witches house a old trunk was sold as a coffee table, because the trunk had a magic spell on it nkt to open,the person who bought it was able to open it and found a dead body it, causing that person to die also. It was the local police departments job to arrest someone, and the family of witches to clear their names. Loved the storyline of this mystery and the characters. Great Who Dun It, didn't know until the end.
May 29, 2017
Enjoyed the story, but (for me) there were a few parts that were a bit darker than I was anticipating and as I read it stressed me out a bit, wondering if it was going to get worse (but it didn't, thank goodness). I liked the characters and thought the family was quirky and funny. I picture their house being total chaos. It was a decent read, that I enjoyed... pretty light, some light romance but not anything heavy or obscene.
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