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Witches of Keyhole Lake #8

Makeovers and Murder (Witches of Keyhole Lake, #8

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The winter doldrums have everybody in a funk, so Coralee decides a pre-spring makeover special is just the thing to lighten the mood. When her high school rival comes back to town, just as catty and mean as she was as a teenager, the first place she goes is to the Clip N Curl, with the sole purpose of making Coralee see red.

When the woman turns up behind the shop with a pair of hair scissors plunged in her back, Coralee becomes the prime suspect.

Can Noelle and her crew clear her good name - without the inadmissible testimony of a ghost - before her next styling gig is in prison?

This is Book 8 in the Witches of Keyhole Lake Southern Mysteries series.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 9, 2019

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About the author

Tegan Maher

97 books343 followers
I was born and raised in the South and even hung my motorcycle helmet in Colorado for a few months. I've always had a touch of wanderlust and have never feared just packing up and going on new adventures, whether in real life or via the pages of a great book.

When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.

I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.

I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.

To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.

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5 stars
656 (63%)
4 stars
288 (27%)
3 stars
84 (8%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
414 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2019
Always great

My only suggestion is that the reader start with the first book and read the books in order. This is a great series and is best enjoyed as a whole, rather than as stand alone books.
Profile Image for Kay Tuck.
275 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2019
Another great book in the series. I just love this series of well thought out stories. This one didn't disappoint either with the same characters that we've come to know and love. I was hooked from the very first page and was kept guessing until the very end. If you enjoy great mysteries then this book is for you. I highly recommend this book and don't think you will be disappointed. I received an arc copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Rosenkoetter.
199 reviews13 followers
February 13, 2020
Starting to see some threads of foreshadowing from other books in the series being tied together in an involved knot that's going to be unraveled in the next couple of books. It's getting interesting up in here!
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
March 11, 2019
The deepest cut

A good plot but wish it had taken a turn and the character I wanted to be guilty had been. However even so it was well thought out, planned and executed. Good to see their circle expanding and their powers being used. But I just want two things - bring back Max! and please get on with the witch battle that is coming. The build up has been long enough.
When a dead body is found in the alley behind her shop, Coralee is the main suspect. After all she had had a run in with the woman only hours ago. However as they investigate they find more and more suspects. From the realtors who she stole commissions from to the business owners she sued out of existence. But which one is guilty. Plus she has been having dreams about her father and a blonde witch with the witch telling her that she's coming for her. Worse other powerful witches have been turning up dead and their grimoires have gone missing. Can they find the killer? Who is the witch? Why does she want to kill her?
Profile Image for Brooke.
1,098 reviews54 followers
September 16, 2024
Another win for the Witches Of Keyhole Lake Series! I know I say this every time but this series always makes me smile.

I love that this series always makes me feel at home and like it envelopes me in a big hug!

This one was a bit different! I enjoyed the mystery nonetheless, but I always enjoy the backstory of the magic the most. I love seeing how the magic of the family is always evolving. Not only is it evolving but always how it is changing the women and their partners and friends along with them.

I wish we could have seen a little bit more with Coralee in the book from the middle on considering she was the one that was on the hook. We didn't see much from her, and I think it would have enriched the story that much more. We see so much from her in all the other stories considering her salon is the gossip hub of Keyhole Lake.

I'm really hoping that we get to see more of Noelle and Hunters relationship evolve as well. Hopefully there is a wedding in sight soon!!
1,191 reviews18 followers
March 10, 2019
A most perplexing murder

Noelle and the gang at Keyhole Lake have their work cut out for them this time. A woman is found dead (murdered) behind Coralee's beauty salon and Coralee is the main suspect. Although the victim was universally disliked and had a nasty, vindictive nature which meant nobody likes her there is no-one willing to admit to having a problem with her. So it's a mystery who could be responsible for her death. Although Hunter (Noelles boyfriend) will be forced to arrest Coralee if he can't find the real killer so it's all hands to the deck to find out whodunit before it's too late. Added to which Noelle.is having disturbing dreams which are very threatening and feel very real which concerns everyone, troubles coming, let's hope the Flynn girls will be ready for it. As always a solid story well told with great characters and a lovely family feel.
Profile Image for Renee Arthur.
433 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2019
Noelle is getting her nails done at Clip N Curl while Coralee is cutting Loretta's hair. Loretta was one of the mean girls in highschool and apparently hasn't changed as an adult. She starts in on Coralee halfway through her haircut and Coralee tells her to leave. Before you know it, Noelle finds Loretta dead in the alley behind Coralee's shop. Hunter and Noelle both investigate in their own ways. They have to find the murderer before Coralee ends up in jail! This book has most of my favorite Keyhole Lake characters plus some. I love reading about this bunch and 'listening' to their dialogue. They make me laugh out loud with their snark. The plot is great and the last chapter really touched me. If you like paranormal cozies with love and laughter mixed in with a murder investigation, you'll love this one!
Profile Image for Jennifer Goliash.
283 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2020
Good read

I enjoyed this book & I enjoy this series. The ever growing fast if characters is getting harder to keep track of but they are well written &for the most part likable. I kind of wish some of the things she's been eluding to the last couple books moved forward faster but I don't let the co!or my opinion of the book itself. One thing that does bother me is a judge telling a sheriff to arrest someone when there are lots of other viable suspects. I know the former, dead sheriff was shady but judges do t go around & try to force arrests. That is shady. That bothers me a bit cause it's not the 1st time in the series where the judge tells the sheriff what to do. Other than that, it's a great book & a fast read.
738 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2022
You can catch the synopsis from the blurb.

Pros:

The long-building prelude to the witch battle to come is still, well, building. I like the tidbits about the lethal intensity of the battle from a generation earlier. And I really like that the good side was quite ruthless in removing their adversaries.

The characters of Keyhole Lake continue to delight. Their stories are lovely. Their interactions are great. I love the feeling of family.

Cons:

The murder mysteries are a part of every book. Which makes sense for a cozy paranormal mystery series. But a lot of times, the mystery is simply not well fleshed out. And this one *really* was pretty slapdash. Hence 3 stars. I liked the book but that part of the plot was simply not well done at all.
Profile Image for Chris B.
221 reviews7 followers
June 15, 2020
This series is great, and always seem to surprise me with who the culprit was. They also don’t end in cliffhangers though there is always a teaser about another mystery to be solved. I don’t mind that though.
The one negative is that the proofreaders and editing really have to be improved. They are in the elevator then Noelle is in front of the elevator then they step out of the elevator. It makes no sense. There are more than one of these types of errors in this book (and in the last) and it always throws me out of the story. I would give the story 4 1/2 stars but rounded up to 5 because it is very entertaining and as I said just convoluted enough to surprise me at the end.
1,405 reviews2 followers
January 10, 2026
I enjoy the series and the characters. The main character has really done quite a bit of maturing since book 1 and the secondary characters feel more a part of the team than just background material. I do wish the "battle" portion of the arc would start at least in some manner. There continue to be drips of potential issues but nothing is sticking or coming forward. I'm beginning to feel like I'm in another author's series that I finally had to shelve. There are some editing issues in this. They are minor, mostly misspelling/typos and don't impact the storyline. I do plan to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
March 11, 2019
Another great read in the Witches of Keyhole Lake series! I really enjoy reading these books because there is such a tremendous sense of family - everyone has each other's backs no matter what comes their way and they all work together to see that things are made right. I am glad to see character continuity - and my favorite made an appearance - Max the whiskey loving donkey! Nicely written, nicely paced and a fun read in a series that just leaves you with a smile on your face. Anxiously awaiting more!
Profile Image for Dawn Gee.
3,075 reviews13 followers
April 7, 2019
Very good continuation of series, needs some proofing

The characters are my favorite part of this series. The mysteries are really good but the characters are just so entertaining. This book has some editing issues like Ear when it should be Earl, Brew4Y when it should be Brew4U and several sentences with wrong words or incomplete sentences. They're frustrating but don't take away from the story.
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
May 28, 2019
Addictive

This is such an addictive series, your relationship grows with each character and their relationship with each other, whether it's the sisters Noe and Shelby or the relationship of Hunter and Noe and all the peripheral characters (who y'all know sent as peripheral as the author would have you believe!!

No Tegan Maher has written cosy crack at its best, I'm already itching to read the next book.....
117 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2019
Loved the book

Trouble always seems to find Noelle, Hunter and the others but this time they find a body in the alley behind Coralee's shop, with all the evidence pointing to her can they solve it before she's arrested for the killing and what so the dreams that Noelle has been having recently are they warnings or a message and what part does her dad play in whatever is coming.
270 reviews1 follower
July 6, 2019
The Curl N'Clip is information central. When Coralee's old HS rival comes to town she just has to go to the Curl N'Clip to cause her problems. The next morning she is found stabbed in the back behind Coralee's shop with hair scissors, but everyone knows she is innocent but the evidence points to her. Meanwhile there is evil mounting an attack against the good witches of Keyhole Lake and no one can find the answers.... If you like paranormal, strong family, snarky and quirky characters this read is for you! In 10 days, I binge read all nine books plus the 3 short stories in the series. It is a fun, fast read and hope to read more by Tegan Maher!
Profile Image for warywolf3.
222 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2020
Loved it

The ending tied off a loose end of been wondering on for a hot minute. Literally brought tears to my eyes. It was not in relation to the main story plot just so ya know I didn't ruin that for ya lol. But be that as it may, the story was as good as you can get and the threads are coming together on the main storyline plot running through the series. Now I have some suspicions as to a few things but I guess we will have to wait and see.
Profile Image for Kimberly.
22 reviews
March 12, 2019
Familiar old friends with a murder to solve

Reading this series gives a glimpse of your old familiar friends in a new mystery. I love how all the characters are a circle of friends who have become family. As enjoyable as this book was, it sets up even more interesting storylines for upcoming books.
78 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2019
Murder of the mean girl

A murder behind Cora Lee’s shop with hairdressing scissors imbedded in corpse starts a whole new set of problems for the Flynn family. Proving someone else killed the victim is easy because the person was evil and meanness personified.
Adding to the stress of finding clues is strange nightmares Noelle has. Is this a portent of things to come?
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
626 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2019
Noelle, Hunter, Rae and the rest of the gang are very busy in this novel trying to figure out who was murders with barber scissors and left in the alley behind Coralee's shop looking like she did it. There are lot of people to investigate in this novel and this series just keeps getting better and better. A really good read.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2019
Great Series

A great witchy cozy mystery urban fantasy series. Set in the small Georgia town that is a bit touristy with both humans and supernatural is living together. A family of witches and occasionally others as well as a post living ghost community. Follow long as they get into trouble solve mysteries and entertain us extraordinarily. Fun entertaining and worth the read
Profile Image for Dawn Steenken korzekwa.
115 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2020
Not as great as her others...

Don't get me wrong, it was still very good!!! However, I could totally sense the extra stress everyone was under and I go to books to unwind. They still got the who done it part and saved the day together...which I absolutely loved how they worked together in this book
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
454 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2021
Entertaining

Coralee is a suspect in murder. Every one knows she's innocent, but proving it is something else. Still hints of the big conflict coming. Will gets new help at the vet. The sea shell table set finds an owner. No mention of the unicorn jewelry box from the last book. A couple small typos but not distractions from the story.
268 reviews
July 15, 2021
That ending

That ending hit me right in the feels! It was just a little added in chapter to tie up loose ends, but it was the sweetest moment of the book.
The rest of the book was just like the rest in the series. Cute, funny, and a little witchy. Definitely recommend starting from book 1 and reading them all.
Profile Image for Grace.
592 reviews
June 26, 2025
the whole book is about something big coming in the witch community that is so powerful that the 2 sister and cousin need to practice against the bad witches.

in the end of the book, bad witches still didn't show up.

wonder what it is. but oh well. this is a series I can live on without finding out what is coming...
265 reviews
March 10, 2019
Fantastic!

Another wonderful story about Keyhole Lake and it's witchy inhabitants. Noel and the whole crew are back again trying to solve a murder mystery that has Cora Lee in the crosshairs. Join the whole crew in solving the crime and have a lot of fun on the way!
55 reviews
March 12, 2019
Just keeps getting better and better

This Author is phenomenal. I adore this series. Perfect blend of cozy mystery and paranormal. The side characters are the best. Cannot wait for more. A MUST read.
84 reviews
March 13, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better!

Love this book ! Only issue is some grammar mistakes, but that doesn’t bother me, the content was excellent! I can’t wait until the next one! I’m a fan for life of everything this author writes!
4 reviews
April 7, 2019
Love this series!

Well written storyline with believable characters. I love how they are progressing and evolving with each book. The small town atmosphere is realistic as well. Always happy to read the newest book since I’m checking in on old friends.
2,083 reviews
June 14, 2019
I have read this series - 9 books so far - back to back and thoroughly enjoyed them! Now I have to wait for the last one to be published. Great stories and wonderful characters. Mysteries are good - I can't usually figure out the culprit but it's fun to guess.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews