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Blackwood Bay Witches #1
Haunted And Hexed
Welcome to Blackwood Bay, where magic and murder have come out to play... If only that had been on the sign when I drove into town. Instead, the picturesque seaside destination had lured me in with its vintage charm and promises of the quaint little bookstore I’d unexpectedly inherited. Then came the handful of instant friends and a hunky local to boot. Sounds great, right? And what could possibly go wrong? Turns out, everything. The bodies start piling up along with my arrival in town; someone may have murdered Granny— and that’s only the beginning. Things are much more complicated than they first appear, though, and being new in town certainly has its disadvantages. No one is who they seem to be... not even me. The only ones I can trust are the dead. Well, and my cat. But none of them are talking. Or are they? Haunted and Hexed (Blackwood Bay Witches Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series, Book 1) is a humorous paranormal cozy mystery novel. THE BLACKWOOD BAY WITCHES PARANORMAL COZY MYSTERY Haunted and Hexed (Book 1) Bad Magic and the Big Top (Book 2) Phantoms in High Fidelity (Book 3) Broomsticks and Bones (Book 4) Magic and Missives (Book 6) On A Witch and A Spell (Prequel Novelette)
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2019
1438 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Misty Bane
27 books117 followersMisty Bane is the author of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries filled with witches, shapeshifters, snarky ghosts, and a talking animal or two.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 25, 2024
This was the kind of cozy mystery I'd like to hold all cozy mysteries to this standard! I'll just say I had no idea what was going on most of the time, and I loved it!
I loved the characters and the way they worked around and with each other (maybe especially the villain). There was so much I didn't expect but it worked.
I liked that the story started right from the beginning, and that there were a few different things going on that made everything seem related.
And of course I spent a lot of time yelling at Dru for making stupid decisions when I could figure it out as the reader, but within the story all of the decisions make sense. It goes back to the characters working well together (and against each other).
I really enjoyed this. I'm nervous to read the second one because it doesn't seem like the shock value is going to be there in the same way. Maybe if I give it some distance I can enjoy the next one. I definitely want to read it.
I loved the characters and the way they worked around and with each other (maybe especially the villain). There was so much I didn't expect but it worked.
I liked that the story started right from the beginning, and that there were a few different things going on that made everything seem related.
And of course I spent a lot of time yelling at Dru for making stupid decisions when I could figure it out as the reader, but within the story all of the decisions make sense. It goes back to the characters working well together (and against each other).
I really enjoyed this. I'm nervous to read the second one because it doesn't seem like the shock value is going to be there in the same way. Maybe if I give it some distance I can enjoy the next one. I definitely want to read it.
March 7, 2019
Book source ~ Kindle Lending Library
Drusilla “Dru” Rathmore Davis is having some terrible luck starting her new life. Two cars stolen and a flat on the third one would make most people take it as a sign to turn around and rethink the new plan of settling in Blackwood Bay. But Dru is made of sterner stuff. She intends to claim the inheritance from the grandmother she never met or even knew about and that’s final. But so is death and people are dying. Can Dru figure out who the killer is before she’s the next victim?
If you’re looking for a paranormal cozy mystery with humor and great characters then look no further. Dru is a little slow on the uptake, but the rest of the story is mostly light hearted and pretty fun entertainment. I say mostly, because people do die. Ouch. I really needed this after the duds I’ve finished recently. So, murders aside, this is just what the book doctor ordered. I look forward to more in this series.
Drusilla “Dru” Rathmore Davis is having some terrible luck starting her new life. Two cars stolen and a flat on the third one would make most people take it as a sign to turn around and rethink the new plan of settling in Blackwood Bay. But Dru is made of sterner stuff. She intends to claim the inheritance from the grandmother she never met or even knew about and that’s final. But so is death and people are dying. Can Dru figure out who the killer is before she’s the next victim?
If you’re looking for a paranormal cozy mystery with humor and great characters then look no further. Dru is a little slow on the uptake, but the rest of the story is mostly light hearted and pretty fun entertainment. I say mostly, because people do die. Ouch. I really needed this after the duds I’ve finished recently. So, murders aside, this is just what the book doctor ordered. I look forward to more in this series.
July 23, 2022
a bit of a cute mystery
I liked the characters but I had trouble believing the story it felt like it had to many holes and the bit about fake Dru was annoying and ridiculous
I liked the characters but I had trouble believing the story it felt like it had to many holes and the bit about fake Dru was annoying and ridiculous
February 21, 2019
Haunted and Hexed is the first book in a series (Blackwood Bay Witches Paranormal Cozy Mysteries). It's preceded by a delightful novella called, On A Witch And A Spell; highly recommended, but not necessary to read in order. The book stands alone. It's not a cliffhanger. And in keeping with the cozy genre, it's pretty tame.
Cozy mysteries are like palate cleansers to me. I read them between more challenging books when I want a light read, usually something I can consume in a couple of hours that is clever, but doesn't make me ponder the universe. This fits the bill. I am rather fond of stories about witches in the Pacific Northwest so, that buttered me up, but I have a feeling I would enjoy anything from Misty Bane.
The cherry on top is that Bane is a terrific writer and storyteller. She's funny. Her characters are terrific and within the constraints of the format, she has some creative witchy world building happening. Bravo! More please!
Cozy mysteries are like palate cleansers to me. I read them between more challenging books when I want a light read, usually something I can consume in a couple of hours that is clever, but doesn't make me ponder the universe. This fits the bill. I am rather fond of stories about witches in the Pacific Northwest so, that buttered me up, but I have a feeling I would enjoy anything from Misty Bane.
The cherry on top is that Bane is a terrific writer and storyteller. She's funny. Her characters are terrific and within the constraints of the format, she has some creative witchy world building happening. Bravo! More please!
January 28, 2019
Greed, magic and murder
A terrific read but one main point of criticism -Chapter 15 should have either been Chapter 1 or left out altogether as in the flow of the story it really didn't meld. The plot was a good one but the heroine is a bit slow on the uptake. However even though I had guessed the culprit there were still a few twists. The characters are solid from dead granny who is feisty and a bit full of herself to the naive, overwhelmed and slow heroine.
When she receives a call from a lawyer that her grandma had died and had left her her bookshop, she makes the long trip with her cat. Okay getting one car stolen is bad but two. Then to top it of once she arrives it is to see ghosts and to be told that she's a witch. However it spirals out of control when she finds out her Gran was murdered as was the young employee who used to work there. Now with only one left to show her the ropes she tries to learn magic and uncover who did away with the two women. Luckily the handsome police officer is around to lend a hand. Another dead body, a fake claimant and people wanting to buy the store only add to the confusion. Can the killer be stopped from any further murders? Can they catch/unmask the killer?
A terrific read but one main point of criticism -Chapter 15 should have either been Chapter 1 or left out altogether as in the flow of the story it really didn't meld. The plot was a good one but the heroine is a bit slow on the uptake. However even though I had guessed the culprit there were still a few twists. The characters are solid from dead granny who is feisty and a bit full of herself to the naive, overwhelmed and slow heroine.
When she receives a call from a lawyer that her grandma had died and had left her her bookshop, she makes the long trip with her cat. Okay getting one car stolen is bad but two. Then to top it of once she arrives it is to see ghosts and to be told that she's a witch. However it spirals out of control when she finds out her Gran was murdered as was the young employee who used to work there. Now with only one left to show her the ropes she tries to learn magic and uncover who did away with the two women. Luckily the handsome police officer is around to lend a hand. Another dead body, a fake claimant and people wanting to buy the store only add to the confusion. Can the killer be stopped from any further murders? Can they catch/unmask the killer?
January 29, 2019
I really loved this book. After catching her fiancé with her best friend, Dru needed a change. Although she worked with her father as a PI, when her grandmother (whom she had never met) left her a bookshop with living quarters, Dru decided that a complete change of scenery was needed and packed up her stuff and left for Blackwood Bay. This was only the start of her adventures. She had two cars stolen and a flat tyre on the third, and this was just during the trip. She had barely arrived when another woman arrived claiming to be her. Then the body of one of the shop's employees was found. Dru found that she could not only see ghosts, but could talk to them too. Not only that, but suddenly she could talk to her cat and he could talk to her. The ladies of the town said that they (and her) were witches, as had her grandmother been. The ghosts of her grandmother and Trixie, the dead employee, both claimed to have been murdered. Dru had no idea what was going on, but her instincts as a PI told her she needed to investigate.
May 24, 2019
Cute clean cozy
I enjoyed reading this book. My rating is between 3 and 4. I liked the characters. The world seems like it will be interesting. I like strong, competent lead characters. The issues I had is that the main character is supposed to be a private investigator. The character development occurs mostly while the main character is investigating. I felt the investigation started out fine, but becomes a means to create drama and progress the story even if the logic makes no sense. Some of the side characters actions were just a means to create suspense. It's a fairly common theme in this type of cozy where the main character has no idea she is a witch. She didn't have any powers until she inherits her grandmother 's store and moves across the country. She had no contact with her gma or the community until she moved there. So this was a cute cozy with a character who just found out she is a witch. It held my interest to finish. But there are other series with a similar main character.
I enjoyed reading this book. My rating is between 3 and 4. I liked the characters. The world seems like it will be interesting. I like strong, competent lead characters. The issues I had is that the main character is supposed to be a private investigator. The character development occurs mostly while the main character is investigating. I felt the investigation started out fine, but becomes a means to create drama and progress the story even if the logic makes no sense. Some of the side characters actions were just a means to create suspense. It's a fairly common theme in this type of cozy where the main character has no idea she is a witch. She didn't have any powers until she inherits her grandmother 's store and moves across the country. She had no contact with her gma or the community until she moved there. So this was a cute cozy with a character who just found out she is a witch. It held my interest to finish. But there are other series with a similar main character.
May 17, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Dru Rathmore Davis
----------------------------------
What happens?
Dru ends up in Blackwood Bay after she is left inheritance from her grandmother that she never got to know until now.
Final thoughts
I kept putting this down because the story was just off putting. I can't really put my finger on it but it was so similar to something else I'd read and it was boring. I just couldn't fall into the world. I wasn't keen on the way this was written and I wasn't a fan of the world. I felt Dru was forced and she wasn't a character I loved. I didn't want to read about her and I didn't care for her.
Would I read again?: No
Would I read this author again?: Maybe
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Dru Rathmore Davis
----------------------------------
What happens?
Dru ends up in Blackwood Bay after she is left inheritance from her grandmother that she never got to know until now.
Final thoughts
I kept putting this down because the story was just off putting. I can't really put my finger on it but it was so similar to something else I'd read and it was boring. I just couldn't fall into the world. I wasn't keen on the way this was written and I wasn't a fan of the world. I felt Dru was forced and she wasn't a character I loved. I didn't want to read about her and I didn't care for her.
Would I read again?: No
Would I read this author again?: Maybe
January 20, 2019
This is a GREAT story!! You are going to love it!! It’s a page turner for sure and it might take you two days like I did due to interruptions to finish it but you will be drawn right back to it to finish it up.
Misty Bane is one terrific author and she’ll be one you will also return to again and again as the next books in the series come out. Kudos Misty for a story
that to quote the baseball world you hit a home run and cleared the bases!
If you pass up this story you are really missing out because you’ll never know just how good a writer she is.
Misty Bane is one terrific author and she’ll be one you will also return to again and again as the next books in the series come out. Kudos Misty for a story
that to quote the baseball world you hit a home run and cleared the bases!
If you pass up this story you are really missing out because you’ll never know just how good a writer she is.
January 22, 2019
I loved this book!! This is an excellent cozy mystery with a fun mix of paranormal characters, that will keep you laughing as well as keep you in suspense! The storyline gets you right from the start and I could not stop reading it. Misty Bane is an exceptional author and I’m so happy to have discovered her. I Can’t wait to read the next book in this series...so excited!!!
February 18, 2019
Another Excellent story
I stated before that I do not care for cozy mysteries But, darn I really like this author's writing and characters. Ordered the third book on pre-order but will have problems waiting for it this March 2019.
Misty thank you for a day of enjoyment reading your books!!
I stated before that I do not care for cozy mysteries But, darn I really like this author's writing and characters. Ordered the third book on pre-order but will have problems waiting for it this March 2019.
Misty thank you for a day of enjoyment reading your books!!
February 13, 2019
A new series, and it is great. Loved the plot and the characters. The story was fun and entertaining. The perfect cozy mystery with just the right amount of humor and intrigue blended in the story. Can not wait to read the next book in the series.
January 29, 2019
Wow!!!!
Keeps you guessing to the very end can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!
Would recommend to any one who likes cozy murder mysteries, especially those who like magical murder mysteries.
Keeps you guessing to the very end can't wait to read the rest of the series!!!
Would recommend to any one who likes cozy murder mysteries, especially those who like magical murder mysteries.
February 8, 2019
Great start to a new series!
Oh my, this book has it all! Magic, witches, shapeshifters, murder, identity theft, so much squeezed into this book. Love the quirky, small town characters, the descriptions around town, a little romance. This book kept me guessing until the very end. Poor Dru really didn't know about her family and what it meant to be a member of that family. Nothing like finding out the hard way! Can't wait for the next book!!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Oh my, this book has it all! Magic, witches, shapeshifters, murder, identity theft, so much squeezed into this book. Love the quirky, small town characters, the descriptions around town, a little romance. This book kept me guessing until the very end. Poor Dru really didn't know about her family and what it meant to be a member of that family. Nothing like finding out the hard way! Can't wait for the next book!!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
April 17, 2019
This is a cozy witch mystery. It’s better than the last few cozies I’d read. If you enjoy cozy witch mysteries with many of their standard tropes - you’ll like this. I’ll be reading the next one.
February 11, 2019
New book
Just got finished reading your book and I enjoyed it from beginning to the end it had a humor and a very good story line.
Just got finished reading your book and I enjoyed it from beginning to the end it had a humor and a very good story line.
February 16, 2019
An awesome new witch cozy series!! There are many twists & turns in this book that kept me reading until I finished it in one day. I absolutely loved it. This series is going to definitely be a must read in my opinion & I can’t wait for the next book!!
February 22, 2019
If you like witch stories with murders to solve, a young woman who didn't know she was a witch and now has to learn how to be one after she comes to Blackwood Bay when she gets notice from a lawyer that she has inherited her Grandmother's Bookstore and Home. It is a great story of Dru (young witch) who everything she grew up not knowing what is true and what isn't real. Lots of twists and turns and a great story.
February 8, 2020
Fun new cozy paranormal mystery. I really enjoyed it and have put the next three on my WL.
January 19, 2019
A lovely paranormal cozy that is well written with an excellent story line
The characters are engaging and the entire story flows well
I could not stop reading!
The characters are engaging and the entire story flows well
I could not stop reading!
February 7, 2019
Brilliant story
Very enjoyable, loved the characters, quite different to many other witch stories, so it's a refreshing change also added are the animals, with a possible love interest can't wait to read the next one
Very enjoyable, loved the characters, quite different to many other witch stories, so it's a refreshing change also added are the animals, with a possible love interest can't wait to read the next one
February 18, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It was a cozy mystery with a playful mix of intrigue, suspense, and humor laced throughout. The characters are quite compelling and the story line extremely engaging. I am so excited and cannot wait to read future work by this author!
February 21, 2019
Fun quick read
Well written, quick read. Predictable, but still enjoyable. The story stood alone but I can definitely sense more building as the series continues.
Well written, quick read. Predictable, but still enjoyable. The story stood alone but I can definitely sense more building as the series continues.
February 15, 2025
Another winner
Book 1 does not disappoint! Some of the questions from the prequel are answered in a well-crafted mystery filled with perfectly placed red herrings. I look forward to returning to Blackwood Bay; Dru is such fun!
Book 1 does not disappoint! Some of the questions from the prequel are answered in a well-crafted mystery filled with perfectly placed red herrings. I look forward to returning to Blackwood Bay; Dru is such fun!
May 3, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Haunted and Hexed begins the Blackwood Bay Witches Mystery series with a fun, engaging story full of suspects, magic, spells, shapeshifters, and the unexpected – even in this small magical coastal town.
Life has turned upside down for Dru recently between discovering the man she planned to marry had been cheating with her best friend, and that she’d been left a bookstore by the grandmother she never knew, Life or fate is throwing her a few curveballs. She’s made the choice to travel with her cat and a few precious possessions to the coastal town of Blackwood Bay to plan her future and decide what to do about this bookstore thinking she might learn more about her grandmother while making those decisions in person.
Dru’s run into some serious bad luck on the trip, but just outside of town she does run into one hot cop who is determined, for some reason, to look after her. Odd little town. Anyway, Dru’s life is about to get even stranger as she learns she’s a powerful witch, can actually talk to ghosts… and discovers that the deaths of her grandmother and a young woman who worked in the store were far from natural causes. And that’s only the start as events get stranger, people aren’t who they appear to be on the surface, and a murderer is still looking for their next victim – and that just might be Dru.
I was easily caught up in Haunted and Hexed and quickly felt right at home in this world. While there are suspects galore I honed in on one in particular, but then I’m rarely reading a Cozy Mystery to figure out whodunit but for the suspense of getting the puzzle solved. There are certainly twists and turns along the way, a few surprises, and a really good story to enjoy. I will admit that there were a few times when Dru was just too slow on the uptake or catching clues right in front of her for me to really buy that she’d done much serious private investigating with her dad. It didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story, simply stood out as odd. In all, I had fun in this world and will definitely be following the rest of the series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Haunted and Hexed begins the Blackwood Bay Witches Mystery series with a fun, engaging story full of suspects, magic, spells, shapeshifters, and the unexpected – even in this small magical coastal town.
Life has turned upside down for Dru recently between discovering the man she planned to marry had been cheating with her best friend, and that she’d been left a bookstore by the grandmother she never knew, Life or fate is throwing her a few curveballs. She’s made the choice to travel with her cat and a few precious possessions to the coastal town of Blackwood Bay to plan her future and decide what to do about this bookstore thinking she might learn more about her grandmother while making those decisions in person.
Dru’s run into some serious bad luck on the trip, but just outside of town she does run into one hot cop who is determined, for some reason, to look after her. Odd little town. Anyway, Dru’s life is about to get even stranger as she learns she’s a powerful witch, can actually talk to ghosts… and discovers that the deaths of her grandmother and a young woman who worked in the store were far from natural causes. And that’s only the start as events get stranger, people aren’t who they appear to be on the surface, and a murderer is still looking for their next victim – and that just might be Dru.
I was easily caught up in Haunted and Hexed and quickly felt right at home in this world. While there are suspects galore I honed in on one in particular, but then I’m rarely reading a Cozy Mystery to figure out whodunit but for the suspense of getting the puzzle solved. There are certainly twists and turns along the way, a few surprises, and a really good story to enjoy. I will admit that there were a few times when Dru was just too slow on the uptake or catching clues right in front of her for me to really buy that she’d done much serious private investigating with her dad. It didn’t affect my enjoyment of the story, simply stood out as odd. In all, I had fun in this world and will definitely be following the rest of the series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
April 28, 2019
Clean. Entertaining. Light Beach Read.
This author was new to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the fine quality of the writing. The author’s writing mechanics were very good. There were a few typos and the odd word that must have been left over from a revision. However, these mistakes were infrequent and no more than I have seen in traditionally published books; they definitely didn’t affect the quality of the reading experience.
The story was light and entertaining. The protagonists and supporting characters were likeable and the villain was semi-villainous, for a murderer, that is. There wasn’t any graphic violence and there were no sex scenes. I don’t remember if there was any profanity but I don’t believe so. As well, there was a clear conclusion to the story- -no cliffhanger!
Some of the characters could have been more fleshed out and the storyline could have been tightened up. This book was first in a series, though, and I realize that the author had to set the background up for future volumes. Overall, it was a light, pleasant cosy mystery with some flaws, but it was still enjoyable and entertaining. If this were a movie, it would probably be a very good B movie. My one quibble is that the romance was hinted at but left in doubt. I am probably in the minority but I like some romance in my cosy mysteries.
I would read other books in this series and I recommend it to anyone wanting a clean, undemanding beach read.
This author was new to me and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by the fine quality of the writing. The author’s writing mechanics were very good. There were a few typos and the odd word that must have been left over from a revision. However, these mistakes were infrequent and no more than I have seen in traditionally published books; they definitely didn’t affect the quality of the reading experience.
The story was light and entertaining. The protagonists and supporting characters were likeable and the villain was semi-villainous, for a murderer, that is. There wasn’t any graphic violence and there were no sex scenes. I don’t remember if there was any profanity but I don’t believe so. As well, there was a clear conclusion to the story- -no cliffhanger!
Some of the characters could have been more fleshed out and the storyline could have been tightened up. This book was first in a series, though, and I realize that the author had to set the background up for future volumes. Overall, it was a light, pleasant cosy mystery with some flaws, but it was still enjoyable and entertaining. If this were a movie, it would probably be a very good B movie. My one quibble is that the romance was hinted at but left in doubt. I am probably in the minority but I like some romance in my cosy mysteries.
I would read other books in this series and I recommend it to anyone wanting a clean, undemanding beach read.
August 4, 2022
Haunted and Hexed by Misty Bane is the first part of the "Blackwood Bay" series of cozy witch mysteries, featuring novice witch Drusilla "Dru" Rathmore Davis.
Dru's life is falling apart after she found her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. When she learns she's inherited a bookstore from a grandmother she knew nothing about, Dru heads for Blackwood Bay and a fresh start. Not long after her arrival, however, bodies are piling up, and Dru learns her grandmother was murdered. Granny told her, herself. Dru can now see ghosts, and she's coming into her power as a witch. Even more confounding, another woman shows up at the bookstore, claiming to be her. Dru has done some work for her father, a private investigator, and she applies her skills to ferreting out the fake-Dru, solving Granny's murder, and learning how to wield her new abilities. It would be simpler if she knew which people in town were witches, and whom she can trust.
This story was fun and delightful, but I am so over cozies employing that tired trope of 'main character inherits a bookstore/antique shop/B&B from a previously unknown (or barely known) relative'. Come up with something different and unique! That being said, I did enjoy the book. Dru was tough, even when things were at their worst, and she was good at thinking on her feet. Granny was a hoot and a half, and the story featured lots of twists.
I'm giving this four stars, but in my mind, it loses half a point for the boring, overdone premise: 3.5 stars.
Dru's life is falling apart after she found her boyfriend cheating on her with her best friend. When she learns she's inherited a bookstore from a grandmother she knew nothing about, Dru heads for Blackwood Bay and a fresh start. Not long after her arrival, however, bodies are piling up, and Dru learns her grandmother was murdered. Granny told her, herself. Dru can now see ghosts, and she's coming into her power as a witch. Even more confounding, another woman shows up at the bookstore, claiming to be her. Dru has done some work for her father, a private investigator, and she applies her skills to ferreting out the fake-Dru, solving Granny's murder, and learning how to wield her new abilities. It would be simpler if she knew which people in town were witches, and whom she can trust.
This story was fun and delightful, but I am so over cozies employing that tired trope of 'main character inherits a bookstore/antique shop/B&B from a previously unknown (or barely known) relative'. Come up with something different and unique! That being said, I did enjoy the book. Dru was tough, even when things were at their worst, and she was good at thinking on her feet. Granny was a hoot and a half, and the story featured lots of twists.
I'm giving this four stars, but in my mind, it loses half a point for the boring, overdone premise: 3.5 stars.
February 21, 2021
This was a freebie and I've been itching for a cozy mystery.
We follow Dru has just inherited a bookstore from her grandmother she never knew. After her own life has pretty much fallen apart, she is excited for a fresh new start in a new town. However, things are not as they seem and the bodies start piling up and murder is starting to look like the cause. The only ones she can trust are the ghosts and the cat.
This started off fun and I felt bad for Dru especially with all the twists and turns thrown at her.
Which....I enjoyed the twists and turns at first....but then they kept coming. It got old esp when we learn about a secret about Dru's parents (no spoiler). Don't get me wrong...I love twists and turns, but there has to be a limit. For such a short story it seemed like the author was shoving so much into this that I really stopped caring. Maybe if some of these secrets were revealed in the next book? Somethings could have waited. I felt like it took away from the murders and from learning about our main character Dru.
I want to love this town and these witches. Maybe book 2 will be better? Sighs. If I randomly stumble upon it maybe I'll give it a try. How many more reveals can we really get at this point!!
In the end, I'll give this 2 stars. It started off good, but the story seemed to get lost from all the big twists and turns. I want to know more about Dru and this town...so I'm not ruling out book 2.
We follow Dru has just inherited a bookstore from her grandmother she never knew. After her own life has pretty much fallen apart, she is excited for a fresh new start in a new town. However, things are not as they seem and the bodies start piling up and murder is starting to look like the cause. The only ones she can trust are the ghosts and the cat.
This started off fun and I felt bad for Dru especially with all the twists and turns thrown at her.
Which....I enjoyed the twists and turns at first....but then they kept coming. It got old esp when we learn about a secret about Dru's parents (no spoiler). Don't get me wrong...I love twists and turns, but there has to be a limit. For such a short story it seemed like the author was shoving so much into this that I really stopped caring. Maybe if some of these secrets were revealed in the next book? Somethings could have waited. I felt like it took away from the murders and from learning about our main character Dru.
I want to love this town and these witches. Maybe book 2 will be better? Sighs. If I randomly stumble upon it maybe I'll give it a try. How many more reveals can we really get at this point!!
In the end, I'll give this 2 stars. It started off good, but the story seemed to get lost from all the big twists and turns. I want to know more about Dru and this town...so I'm not ruling out book 2.
January 15, 2023
This was a cute cozy mystery. The premise was fun. A girl who doesn’t know she’s a witch until she goes to her moms hometown and inherits her recently murdered grandmothers business. Kinda sounds a bit familiar though. Oh I know… “A Thrift Shop Murder”. Seriously for the first 2 chapters I was like I think I’ve read this. I know this story. Then I remembered the other book I read not to long ago and I have to say it’s eerily similar in many ways….
Girl who doesn’t know she’s a witch ✅
Boyfriend/Fiancé cheats/leaves you ✅
Old woman is murdered and you get her shop ✅
The murdered victim hangs around as a ghost ✅
Apartment is above the shop which is now yours ✅
You can hear the cat talk to you ✅
You have to solve the murder bc your a suspect ✅
The witches who befriend you are suspects of yours ✅
Chief of police knows about witches but is human ✅
There are ALOT of similarities. I liked this book better though. It’s not one I’m going to rave about. It was a cute story and I liked the main character BUT she grew up with her father who is a PI. She even worked for him and helped with a couple of murder cases as a PI. The fact that she was so completely blind-sighted by who the murderer was, was completely ridiculous. Frankly she was a dumb ass at the end. I might read another book in this series but if she’s so blatantly stupid about the next case I don’t know if I can read more.
Girl who doesn’t know she’s a witch ✅
Boyfriend/Fiancé cheats/leaves you ✅
Old woman is murdered and you get her shop ✅
The murdered victim hangs around as a ghost ✅
Apartment is above the shop which is now yours ✅
You can hear the cat talk to you ✅
You have to solve the murder bc your a suspect ✅
The witches who befriend you are suspects of yours ✅
Chief of police knows about witches but is human ✅
There are ALOT of similarities. I liked this book better though. It’s not one I’m going to rave about. It was a cute story and I liked the main character BUT she grew up with her father who is a PI. She even worked for him and helped with a couple of murder cases as a PI. The fact that she was so completely blind-sighted by who the murderer was, was completely ridiculous. Frankly she was a dumb ass at the end. I might read another book in this series but if she’s so blatantly stupid about the next case I don’t know if I can read more.
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