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Spellbinder Bay #3
Spells and Cells
Things are looking up for Millie Thorn. She’s finally enjoying life as a witch, and she’s even taken a part-time job teaching cookery in a school for paranormal children. She’s come to terms with the fact that the local policeman, Sergeant David Spencer, is her father, and she’s accepted that it might be better to wait a little longer until she drops that bombshell at his feet.
He already has an adopted daughter, who happens to be Millie’s best friend, and interfering in either of those relationships isn’t something Millie wishes to do. She’s also uncertain that the policeman will respond well to the news that he has a second daughter, so decides to sit on the news until the time is right.
That was the plan, anyway!
When a trouble-making werewolf is murdered while in police custody, and the magical poison is traced back to cakes that Millie may or may not have helped bake, things begin to go wrong. Quickly.
Learning that it was Sergeant Spencer who served the dead werewolf his final and fatal meal, it doesn’t take long for some members of the community to begin pointing fingers at him. Or to be more precise, it doesn’t take long for certain members of the community to start pointing sharp claws situated at the end of hairy arms at him.
Vowing to help clear Sergeant Spencer’s name and protect him from angry werewolves, Millie is thrown into an investigation she doesn’t think she can solve. Things are made more urgent when Sergeant Spencer falls foul of a magical spell and begins losing his memory and his status as one of the few humans with privileged access to the paranormal world.
When it becomes apparent that Millie may never be able to tell Sergeant Spencer that he's her father, because of the magic affecting him, Millie panics. When she discovers that the policeman may be forced to cut all ties with the paranormal community if the spell isn't reversed, she embarks on a hazardous journey to save her future relationship with the man she yearns to call Dad.
With several mysteries to get to the bottom of, and a father to save, Millie Thorn needs be both brave and intuitive if her life is ever going to be relatively normal again.
With all the ingredients required for magic, mystery, humour and mayhem - 'Spells And Cells' is the Third book in the Spellbinder Bay Cozy Mystery Series.
He already has an adopted daughter, who happens to be Millie’s best friend, and interfering in either of those relationships isn’t something Millie wishes to do. She’s also uncertain that the policeman will respond well to the news that he has a second daughter, so decides to sit on the news until the time is right.
That was the plan, anyway!
When a trouble-making werewolf is murdered while in police custody, and the magical poison is traced back to cakes that Millie may or may not have helped bake, things begin to go wrong. Quickly.
Learning that it was Sergeant Spencer who served the dead werewolf his final and fatal meal, it doesn’t take long for some members of the community to begin pointing fingers at him. Or to be more precise, it doesn’t take long for certain members of the community to start pointing sharp claws situated at the end of hairy arms at him.
Vowing to help clear Sergeant Spencer’s name and protect him from angry werewolves, Millie is thrown into an investigation she doesn’t think she can solve. Things are made more urgent when Sergeant Spencer falls foul of a magical spell and begins losing his memory and his status as one of the few humans with privileged access to the paranormal world.
When it becomes apparent that Millie may never be able to tell Sergeant Spencer that he's her father, because of the magic affecting him, Millie panics. When she discovers that the policeman may be forced to cut all ties with the paranormal community if the spell isn't reversed, she embarks on a hazardous journey to save her future relationship with the man she yearns to call Dad.
With several mysteries to get to the bottom of, and a father to save, Millie Thorn needs be both brave and intuitive if her life is ever going to be relatively normal again.
With all the ingredients required for magic, mystery, humour and mayhem - 'Spells And Cells' is the Third book in the Spellbinder Bay Cozy Mystery Series.
526 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2019
216 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Sam Short
20 books60 followersSam Short loves writing, narrowboats, and laughing. It's his dream to one day be able to leave land behind and live on the canals in a narrowboat of his own. The day he steps aboard his own narrowboat will be the day he laughs the loudest!
Sam discovered his joy for writing three years ago, and it's helped him overcome a lot of obstacles in his life - he intends to continue writing for the rest of his life.
When he's not at his desk, Sam loves metal detecting on a nearby beach and walking his unruly hound.
Sam discovered his joy for writing three years ago, and it's helped him overcome a lot of obstacles in his life - he intends to continue writing for the rest of his life.
When he's not at his desk, Sam loves metal detecting on a nearby beach and walking his unruly hound.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 15, 2019
Loved it!
I pre-ordered this, and I am so glad because it was already on my Kindle this morning, just waiting for me to download it.
Millie is now teaching part time at Spellbinder Bay High, but thanks to problems at the schools parents day fete, she’s once again being dragged into a murder investigation. However this time it really hits close to home for Millie.
So Millie and the gang are still as fun, quirky, and at times, frustrating as ever. We find out more about Millie and her mother, plus will she ever suck it up and tell the nice Sgt. Spencer the truth? I’ll let you find that out for yourself 😉
Also, there is finally a resolution to the whole are-they-or-aren’t-they, between Millie and George (thank god) and we finally find out who the mysterious woman is that came between Millie and George. Oh, and the werewolves are in serious need of a time out.
This story also deals with the ramifications of childhood bullying, so keep that in mind if it’s not something you want to read about, but it’s done in as tactful and not graphic a way as possible.
Can’t wait to see what happens in Spellbinder Bay 🥰
4 stars 🌟
I pre-ordered this, and I am so glad because it was already on my Kindle this morning, just waiting for me to download it.
Millie is now teaching part time at Spellbinder Bay High, but thanks to problems at the schools parents day fete, she’s once again being dragged into a murder investigation. However this time it really hits close to home for Millie.
So Millie and the gang are still as fun, quirky, and at times, frustrating as ever. We find out more about Millie and her mother, plus will she ever suck it up and tell the nice Sgt. Spencer the truth? I’ll let you find that out for yourself 😉
Also, there is finally a resolution to the whole are-they-or-aren’t-they, between Millie and George (thank god) and we finally find out who the mysterious woman is that came between Millie and George. Oh, and the werewolves are in serious need of a time out.
This story also deals with the ramifications of childhood bullying, so keep that in mind if it’s not something you want to read about, but it’s done in as tactful and not graphic a way as possible.
Can’t wait to see what happens in Spellbinder Bay 🥰
4 stars 🌟
February 22, 2019
It's rare for me to read a whole series in one go but with these I have done just that. I started the first one because I wanted a lightheated story and these certainly met the mark but with the added bonus of quirky plots and a distinct British feel. I have always loved Margaret Rutherford as miss Marple even though she is not like the one in the books and this has a little of that vibe.
November 11, 2023
This was long but pretty good. The ending was surprising but overall it was good to see Millie finally get some closure in areas of her life and new doors open in others.
February 17, 2019
Decisions
I'm glad things have been answered in this book. A lot happens in this book, some of it good, some of it bad. I'm happy everything turned out the way it did. I hope there will be more in this series.
I'm glad things have been answered in this book. A lot happens in this book, some of it good, some of it bad. I'm happy everything turned out the way it did. I hope there will be more in this series.
February 17, 2019
Very enjoyable. I've loved each of the books in this series
May 7, 2019
“Just look around you,” said Judith, her hair shining gold in the sunlight. “Adults are just big kids at heart.” This appears to be an idea that keeps coming through in this very dramatic story. This is the third, and I don't know if it’s the final, installment in the Millie Thorn "Spellbinder Bay" Young Adult Paranormal Cozy mystery series, and it seems to tie up many of the loose ends from the previous two books. Suffice it to say, I actually believe that the death under investigation in this story, is actually a subplot compared to the other threads being tied together.
There is an apparent death of a werewolf while in police custody.. Is our beloved Sargent Spencer really the guilty party? Or is there some force that might be working through him? And what will the other werewolves think?
In this story, we really get to see a side of Spellbinder Bay and its paranormal community that we didn't get in the prior two novels. It shows a stratification within the community, ad it shows to some degree internal conflicts within this community. Much like we see different interplay between groups in The Planet Of The Apes, here we get a similar education.
We also delve deeper into the back stories of some of the power players in the politics of Spellbinder Hall… while Henry, the de facto leader of this community is away, such as Frederick, the 'head vampire in charge' and Edna a witch who evidently does autopsies as well.
But mostly, this is THE story of Millie, her past, her present, and a possible future with a new set of familiar relations. Well, spoiler alert, as with most cozies this one has a happy ending. But not just A happy ending, there are several happy endings spanning many of the diverse story threads weaving themselves through this third tome.
SERIOUS spoiler alert here, and, although I don’t usually chime in on what should or shouldn't be done… on a personal note and most certainly in my humble opinion… I think the story would have had more punch, a real moment of reflection, if Rueben didn't survive the Chaos.
There is an apparent death of a werewolf while in police custody.. Is our beloved Sargent Spencer really the guilty party? Or is there some force that might be working through him? And what will the other werewolves think?
In this story, we really get to see a side of Spellbinder Bay and its paranormal community that we didn't get in the prior two novels. It shows a stratification within the community, ad it shows to some degree internal conflicts within this community. Much like we see different interplay between groups in The Planet Of The Apes, here we get a similar education.
We also delve deeper into the back stories of some of the power players in the politics of Spellbinder Hall… while Henry, the de facto leader of this community is away, such as Frederick, the 'head vampire in charge' and Edna a witch who evidently does autopsies as well.
But mostly, this is THE story of Millie, her past, her present, and a possible future with a new set of familiar relations. Well, spoiler alert, as with most cozies this one has a happy ending. But not just A happy ending, there are several happy endings spanning many of the diverse story threads weaving themselves through this third tome.
SERIOUS spoiler alert here, and, although I don’t usually chime in on what should or shouldn't be done… on a personal note and most certainly in my humble opinion… I think the story would have had more punch, a real moment of reflection, if Rueben didn't survive the Chaos.
February 16, 2019
Chocolate can be bad for your health.
Okay not the best read from this author. Not sure exactly why, possibly because the ending was so weak compared to the rest of the book and I really don't get how her familiar got back, how they managed to convince the rest of the residents that her father wasn't responsible and why she ditched George. Plus the characters just seemed a bit weak in this read although the ghost and Cuthbert were great.
Her cookery class is making her nervous. Not only does she have the children present, their parents, a strange ghost but now the overbearing, aggressive stepfather of one of the children has appeared. Taunts and insults fly from him like rain leading to him being arrested. But when he dies at the jail, the Sargent comes under suspicion of murder. Can the two young women clear his name? Add in an attack by werewolves, going through the Gates into Chaos in an attempt to get Henry back in time to save things from getting worse. Will they find out how the death happened? Will she ever tell Sargent the truth? Will she forgive George and his new companion? Will justice be done?
Okay not the best read from this author. Not sure exactly why, possibly because the ending was so weak compared to the rest of the book and I really don't get how her familiar got back, how they managed to convince the rest of the residents that her father wasn't responsible and why she ditched George. Plus the characters just seemed a bit weak in this read although the ghost and Cuthbert were great.
Her cookery class is making her nervous. Not only does she have the children present, their parents, a strange ghost but now the overbearing, aggressive stepfather of one of the children has appeared. Taunts and insults fly from him like rain leading to him being arrested. But when he dies at the jail, the Sargent comes under suspicion of murder. Can the two young women clear his name? Add in an attack by werewolves, going through the Gates into Chaos in an attempt to get Henry back in time to save things from getting worse. Will they find out how the death happened? Will she ever tell Sargent the truth? Will she forgive George and his new companion? Will justice be done?
July 4, 2024
This was quite a ride! Loads of twists and turns
So firstly her father is accused or rather he accused himself of murder as a werewolf that he'd arrested died in the cell after her father the Sargent gave him food; some cakes.
There was so much evidence that it was him who did it but that was too obvious and didn't fit the character's personality. He didn't know he was Millie's dad and neither did his daughter. I was on tenterhooks waiting for her to deliver the news and was expecting a nasty reaction from his other daughter which I'm thankful didn't happen.
The mystery was quite good. We had a few reveals of other mysteries that were introduced on the way as subplots or linked to this murder and it was all wrapped up nicely.
Although I have tagged this was romance there's very little in this as she breaks up finally with George something I was sad about. As I haven't read the previous books that recent their relationship isn't in my thoughts at the moment but I do remember rooting for them so it's sad they've called it quits maybe a new love interest will come about? Or she'll end up in with Tim??? Who knows.
Overall a great mystery, was cosy and exactly what I felt like.
So firstly her father is accused or rather he accused himself of murder as a werewolf that he'd arrested died in the cell after her father the Sargent gave him food; some cakes.
There was so much evidence that it was him who did it but that was too obvious and didn't fit the character's personality. He didn't know he was Millie's dad and neither did his daughter. I was on tenterhooks waiting for her to deliver the news and was expecting a nasty reaction from his other daughter which I'm thankful didn't happen.
The mystery was quite good. We had a few reveals of other mysteries that were introduced on the way as subplots or linked to this murder and it was all wrapped up nicely.
Although I have tagged this was romance there's very little in this as she breaks up finally with George something I was sad about. As I haven't read the previous books that recent their relationship isn't in my thoughts at the moment but I do remember rooting for them so it's sad they've called it quits maybe a new love interest will come about? Or she'll end up in with Tim??? Who knows.
Overall a great mystery, was cosy and exactly what I felt like.
March 5, 2019
Worth the wait.
Once more there was a bit of finishing up touches after the memory was solved. I like this a great deal because it makes the ending comfortable and not abrupt.
The book was full of story, the new mystery, a finish to a couple previous stories and a couple (from the past but not in a former book) old mystery solved. The stories blended well and don't make the book feel over crowded, not does it make it confusing.
I would recommend this book and the previous two. A story line progresses so read in order. Nice vulgarity free cozy mystery. A little violence but not unacceptable or over detailed.
Once more there was a bit of finishing up touches after the memory was solved. I like this a great deal because it makes the ending comfortable and not abrupt.
The book was full of story, the new mystery, a finish to a couple previous stories and a couple (from the past but not in a former book) old mystery solved. The stories blended well and don't make the book feel over crowded, not does it make it confusing.
I would recommend this book and the previous two. A story line progresses so read in order. Nice vulgarity free cozy mystery. A little violence but not unacceptable or over detailed.
March 3, 2019
A great urban fantasy Siri’s
A great urban fantasy/cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters a small coastal town that is home to humans and paranormal people. It has a magical school where paranormal learning and a spell over the town keeps the humans from remembering paranormal occurrences. Think Hogwarts but more from the teacher’s point of you. It is based around the town not only in the school. A very entertaining and well written series. It will keep you in thralled from beginning to end
A great urban fantasy/cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters a small coastal town that is home to humans and paranormal people. It has a magical school where paranormal learning and a spell over the town keeps the humans from remembering paranormal occurrences. Think Hogwarts but more from the teacher’s point of you. It is based around the town not only in the school. A very entertaining and well written series. It will keep you in thralled from beginning to end
March 4, 2019
Bull
There is nothing she could do and nothing she should do to help that abused boy Norman. Bull crap. Shouldnt! Mental abuse can be more hurtful and damaging to a child then physical abuse. She should make a point of showing the child he isn't alone left to be abused at the whim of the adult. Make a paint to show him that not appropriate behaviours and that he is cared for. Oh there is nothing I should do. That's just awful. It perpetuate abuse. Reinforces the behavior and the apathy to it.
There is nothing she could do and nothing she should do to help that abused boy Norman. Bull crap. Shouldnt! Mental abuse can be more hurtful and damaging to a child then physical abuse. She should make a point of showing the child he isn't alone left to be abused at the whim of the adult. Make a paint to show him that not appropriate behaviours and that he is cared for. Oh there is nothing I should do. That's just awful. It perpetuate abuse. Reinforces the behavior and the apathy to it.
March 3, 2019
Getting better and better
Love this series and this third book in the series is fabulous. It contains a new take on the battle between good and evil, developing existing characters and introducing new ones. This book was read in one sitting and I am only sorry I don't have another in the series to read immediately. I am sure there is a lot of magic to come for Millie and her friends and I can't wait 😊
Love this series and this third book in the series is fabulous. It contains a new take on the battle between good and evil, developing existing characters and introducing new ones. This book was read in one sitting and I am only sorry I don't have another in the series to read immediately. I am sure there is a lot of magic to come for Millie and her friends and I can't wait 😊
February 27, 2019
Another fun light read. This was my favorite of the three. There was more action, some new interesting locals, and the mystery was pleasantly twisty.
The beginning was a bit slow (and repetitive), which made the end seem all the more rushed. It was fun watching everything fall into place, though.
The beginning was a bit slow (and repetitive), which made the end seem all the more rushed. It was fun watching everything fall into place, though.
March 3, 2019
Clever and Engaging!
I really enjoy reading about Millie and all of the surrounding characters of Spellbinder Bay! The mystery is solid and I got the hints but didn't know for sure until the end.
Well written and executed!
I really enjoy reading about Millie and all of the surrounding characters of Spellbinder Bay! The mystery is solid and I got the hints but didn't know for sure until the end.
Well written and executed!
March 16, 2019
Thrice the fun
Another great read, intrigue, spells, ghosts, a school fête, an unexpected trip to the scary chaos and a very courageous familiar. An unusual death and a severe backlash.
Another great read, intrigue, spells, ghosts, a school fête, an unexpected trip to the scary chaos and a very courageous familiar. An unusual death and a severe backlash.
May 7, 2019
Good storytelling, terrible writing. Lots of potential here, but the writing ruins it. I want to beg the author to throw away the thesaurus (and the passive voice) and get an editor. The setting is delightful and I want to like these books!
February 18, 2019
Great series, really enjoyed all three books. I hope the author visits this site so he knows people have enjoyed it.
If you're looking for a series that's not too heavy I would recommend this one.
If you're looking for a series that's not too heavy I would recommend this one.
February 22, 2019
Loved it
Another great book about Millie and the other characters of spellbinder bay. The ending was so sweet it made me want to happy cry.
Another great book about Millie and the other characters of spellbinder bay. The ending was so sweet it made me want to happy cry.
February 22, 2019
Good
I really enjoyed all three of your books and I hope that there will be more to come.the characters and the story line are fun to read.
I really enjoyed all three of your books and I hope that there will be more to come.the characters and the story line are fun to read.
February 22, 2019
Third in the series and enjoyed each one.
March 3, 2019
This is the third book in the Spellbinder Bay series.
March 8, 2019
Great Read!
I have read all three of the books in this series, recommend them to any paranormal mystery reader. I adore these characters!
I have read all three of the books in this series, recommend them to any paranormal mystery reader. I adore these characters!
April 16, 2019
Love his books
Enjoy the stories of Millie and her bird . Glad she has her family now . Looking forward to more books
Enjoy the stories of Millie and her bird . Glad she has her family now . Looking forward to more books
May 24, 2019
Very Enjoyable
I have read all three books in this series, they are funny, sad, mystirious & sometimes a little Scarry. But mostly very enjoyable!!!
I have read all three books in this series, they are funny, sad, mystirious & sometimes a little Scarry. But mostly very enjoyable!!!
June 8, 2019
Brilliant third instalment
Now sad have to wait for fourth instalment. Had a great time reading the first 3 books back to back great fun now hating the wait for the next one
Now sad have to wait for fourth instalment. Had a great time reading the first 3 books back to back great fun now hating the wait for the next one
June 11, 2019
Quite enjoyable series
Loved the series. I couldn't put it down. It was additive... I feel like I need more of this story...like now.
Loved the series. I couldn't put it down. It was additive... I feel like I need more of this story...like now.
August 4, 2019
Totaly love these whens next one out
December 26, 2019
Not nearly as good as the others in the series I will give the next one a chance before giving up on the series.
February 14, 2020
I'm enjoying this mystery series. Kind of cozy mystery meets urban fantasy.
I would've given five stars, but the main character is given way too much angst and hesitation.
I would've given five stars, but the main character is given way too much angst and hesitation.
March 3, 2020
Another Millie mystery!
I love these books and this one didn’t disappoint. Between a new murder, and old murder and other mysterious goings on, this was impossible to put down!
I love these books and this one didn’t disappoint. Between a new murder, and old murder and other mysterious goings on, this was impossible to put down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews