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Sunnyside Retired Witches Community #0.5
Ghostly Trails
Zoey Rivers loves her job as the Head of Staff at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community. Even though it means she's often the clean-up crew when mild senility leads to magical mischief.
But when the local police department calls to ask for her help solving a murder with ties to magic, the tables might be turned. Zoey's elderly residents could mean the difference between her solving the mystery and putting the killer away or becoming a victim herself.
This is the prequel novella in a new witch cozy mystery series by Paula Lester. If you love your mysteries cozy with a dash of magic and a big dollop of humor, scroll up and get it today.
But when the local police department calls to ask for her help solving a murder with ties to magic, the tables might be turned. Zoey's elderly residents could mean the difference between her solving the mystery and putting the killer away or becoming a victim herself.
This is the prequel novella in a new witch cozy mystery series by Paula Lester. If you love your mysteries cozy with a dash of magic and a big dollop of humor, scroll up and get it today.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
68 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2019
78 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 19, 2019
I enjoyed this paranormal cozy mystery very much. Our main character is in charge of a retirement community for witches. So much fun and so funny! A pretty good mystery and likable characters. This is the introduction to the series so is short but I think the series has lots of potential for good mysteries and fun.
December 10, 2020
This short novelette is a prequel companion (book #0.5) in the Sunnywide Retired Witches Community series. I wasn't aware of it until I finished the first full book of the series, which I read just before this one. Didn't hurt my enjoyment, as it focused on an event vaguely referred to in the first full book.
This series is light fun, a sweet break from darker novels, full of quirky elderly witches shepherded and loved by Zoey, the 28-year old resident manager of the retirement home. In Ghostly Trails, the local homicide detective asks Zoey for assistance in a gruesome murder which appears to have supernatural involvement. He also asks Hope to assist, Zoey's "frenemy" from way back in high school. Their investigations and theories clash and come together in various amusing and relatable ways.
If you plan to dive into the Sunnyside series, Ghostly Trails is an entertaining introduction to the characters who live in and work at the Sunnyside retired home for witches. It's gentle and engaging humor with a supernatural mystery at the heart of it - both done quite well.
This series is light fun, a sweet break from darker novels, full of quirky elderly witches shepherded and loved by Zoey, the 28-year old resident manager of the retirement home. In Ghostly Trails, the local homicide detective asks Zoey for assistance in a gruesome murder which appears to have supernatural involvement. He also asks Hope to assist, Zoey's "frenemy" from way back in high school. Their investigations and theories clash and come together in various amusing and relatable ways.
If you plan to dive into the Sunnyside series, Ghostly Trails is an entertaining introduction to the characters who live in and work at the Sunnyside retired home for witches. It's gentle and engaging humor with a supernatural mystery at the heart of it - both done quite well.
July 5, 2021
A new author to me. The cover of book 1 caught my attention, and then I loved the idea of an elderly scooby gang. Then I found about the prequel and started there.
The lead character is down to early and easy to like. Her friends at the retirement community are the best. And the quick case was an awesome way to get me interested enough to pick up more in the series.
The lead character is down to early and easy to like. Her friends at the retirement community are the best. And the quick case was an awesome way to get me interested enough to pick up more in the series.
March 15, 2019
This was a fun read. Zoey is head of staff at a witches retirement community and takes the mayhem that results in stride. She's asked to consult on a murder investigation and finds that her motley group still has what it takes to get the job done.
This is a short prequel novella, enough to lay the groundwork and whet the appetite for more. I like books where a little chaos is the norm, they are more interesting and test the characters' ability to cope. I look forward to what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This is a short prequel novella, enough to lay the groundwork and whet the appetite for more. I like books where a little chaos is the norm, they are more interesting and test the characters' ability to cope. I look forward to what comes next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 22, 2020
A short prequel to introduce a new paranormal cozy.
February 17, 2020
Strange Things Are Afoot in Sunnyside
If you like cozy, paranormal mysteries, how could you not be drawn in by a series entitled Sunnyside Retired Witches Community? The book’s initial scene didn't disappoint: elderly residents of this retirement home are using magic to keep themselves in the air for a spirited game of badminton!
The Head of Staff, Zoey, is soon called away by the local detectives to help investigate a murder in their town. Sunnyside is a supernatural community. Ghost hunter and collector of ancient items Demi Hill has been murdered. The detective has brought in Zoey's rival as well, who owns an occult store in town. He knows that they have different skill sets, and he is hoping that they will both be able to shed light on what has transpired. Another strange thing happened around town, too. What is the cause of all this? A hex? A magical creature? Something else?
This book was relatively free of grammar or punctuation issues. It was a fun, light paranormal cozy mystery. I look forward to more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
If you like cozy, paranormal mysteries, how could you not be drawn in by a series entitled Sunnyside Retired Witches Community? The book’s initial scene didn't disappoint: elderly residents of this retirement home are using magic to keep themselves in the air for a spirited game of badminton!
The Head of Staff, Zoey, is soon called away by the local detectives to help investigate a murder in their town. Sunnyside is a supernatural community. Ghost hunter and collector of ancient items Demi Hill has been murdered. The detective has brought in Zoey's rival as well, who owns an occult store in town. He knows that they have different skill sets, and he is hoping that they will both be able to shed light on what has transpired. Another strange thing happened around town, too. What is the cause of all this? A hex? A magical creature? Something else?
This book was relatively free of grammar or punctuation issues. It was a fun, light paranormal cozy mystery. I look forward to more in the series.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
March 15, 2019
great intro of characters and personalities I hope we see again with the full launch of the series.
a retirement home for witches, wizards, and other magically inclined supes has great possibilities for mayhem, magic, and mischief - even when not directly involved with the crimes.
Snores, a retired detective, is one of my favorite characters. completely lithe and lethal - as long as he is awake - and as long as he remembers the incantations for the tools of his former trade. snores at the drop of a hat otherwise, even in the presence of great excitement.
Hope and Zoey are two witches with a long standing frenemy relationship - they can occasionally work together with great results, but do not seem to really be fond of it.
So many of the residents and employees at the retirement village seem ready for their next bit of mischief and excitement.
I am looking forward to reading about it soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
a retirement home for witches, wizards, and other magically inclined supes has great possibilities for mayhem, magic, and mischief - even when not directly involved with the crimes.
Snores, a retired detective, is one of my favorite characters. completely lithe and lethal - as long as he is awake - and as long as he remembers the incantations for the tools of his former trade. snores at the drop of a hat otherwise, even in the presence of great excitement.
Hope and Zoey are two witches with a long standing frenemy relationship - they can occasionally work together with great results, but do not seem to really be fond of it.
So many of the residents and employees at the retirement village seem ready for their next bit of mischief and excitement.
I am looking forward to reading about it soon!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2019
The preview to the new paranormal mystery series Sunnyside Retired Witches Community murder mysteries was an interesting take on a paranormal mystery.
The story is told from Zoey’s point of view and her character is developed very nicely. She is in charge of the Retired Witches centre where definitely some creative situations happen. Zoey is asked to help solve a murder case only she does not expect to have to work with her rival, Hope. And that is where the fun begins.
The author created an interesting, fun paranormal book filled with fun and kooky characters. She develops a smooth storyline that weaves the characters, the twists and turns and barriers into a book that keeps you wondering until the end. I particularity liked the growth in personality that Zoey goes through as she takes the advise of those around her. This great cast of characters has the potential to become a wonderful paranormal series with the creativity the author has displayed. I look forward to book one of this series.
The story is told from Zoey’s point of view and her character is developed very nicely. She is in charge of the Retired Witches centre where definitely some creative situations happen. Zoey is asked to help solve a murder case only she does not expect to have to work with her rival, Hope. And that is where the fun begins.
The author created an interesting, fun paranormal book filled with fun and kooky characters. She develops a smooth storyline that weaves the characters, the twists and turns and barriers into a book that keeps you wondering until the end. I particularity liked the growth in personality that Zoey goes through as she takes the advise of those around her. This great cast of characters has the potential to become a wonderful paranormal series with the creativity the author has displayed. I look forward to book one of this series.
March 15, 2019
The lasso of death
An okay read. The plot idea was good and I'm not sure why it didn't come across that way. With a culprit who seems innocent and magic and ghost galore. The characters probably didn't help as they can over as slightly wishy washy. This should improve in future books.
She's been fighting against the ill feeling towards her family all her life but her job gives her immense satisfaction although looking after seniors is like running a kindergarten at times. A phone call from a local detective has her going to the scene of a crime. A murder! Another consultant has been called in. Her nemesis! Neither can agree on who the culprit could possibly be. Her nemesis thinks it's a hex whilst she doesn't. Both now start to try to prove their theories. Another death, a battle over books and the lasso that one of her senior has kept from his days on the force are all woven into an enjoyable read but it really could have been so much better.
An okay read. The plot idea was good and I'm not sure why it didn't come across that way. With a culprit who seems innocent and magic and ghost galore. The characters probably didn't help as they can over as slightly wishy washy. This should improve in future books.
She's been fighting against the ill feeling towards her family all her life but her job gives her immense satisfaction although looking after seniors is like running a kindergarten at times. A phone call from a local detective has her going to the scene of a crime. A murder! Another consultant has been called in. Her nemesis! Neither can agree on who the culprit could possibly be. Her nemesis thinks it's a hex whilst she doesn't. Both now start to try to prove their theories. Another death, a battle over books and the lasso that one of her senior has kept from his days on the force are all woven into an enjoyable read but it really could have been so much better.
March 16, 2019
The Sunnyside Retired Witches Community - what a great idea! This is a prequel and it is very short. There are a lot of laugh out loud moments and the story is enjoyable. Zoey and her frenemy Hope having to work together to solve the murders added to story line, and involving the retired detective Snores in the investigation was genius. It hints at all the possibilities for mix-ups and mayhem from the Sunnyside residents in future books. There were points where the story transitions seemed a bit abrupt and I really wanted to know more about some of the characters (the boyfriend!) but those things will most likely be addressed in the follow up books. I will seek out the next book in the series when it comes out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2019
A new setting for a cozy mystery. A town with a large number of paranormals.
So, when police detective Luke finds a body that seems to have died of mysterious circumstances, he calls in 2 - rivalling - witches to help him solve the crime. Hope and Zoey have been rivals since their childhood and they find it difficult to put their feelings away to solve the crime together. With the help of the elderly witches, who live in the retirement home that Zoey manages, they tackle the crime.
A good cozy, with a lot of funny side-lines, as the bored retirees think creatively of how to entertain themselves and drive Zoey and her staff crazy.
A highhly entertaining short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So, when police detective Luke finds a body that seems to have died of mysterious circumstances, he calls in 2 - rivalling - witches to help him solve the crime. Hope and Zoey have been rivals since their childhood and they find it difficult to put their feelings away to solve the crime together. With the help of the elderly witches, who live in the retirement home that Zoey manages, they tackle the crime.
A good cozy, with a lot of funny side-lines, as the bored retirees think creatively of how to entertain themselves and drive Zoey and her staff crazy.
A highhly entertaining short story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 22, 2019
Ghostly Trails, prequel - This is my first read by this author and I found it OK. The prequel is too short to get much into the characters; maybe they will be meatier in the next book.
I love the way the story starts with the badminton game. The idea of a home for retired witches is a good spin to an old story. The storylines lay the foundation for the series but are too skimpy. There are some good support characters.
The mystery is simplistic and the bottle melting with a match was unrealistic. The frienemies theme predictable. I found this book on Booksprout and since witches are a favorite of mine, I read this. 3*
I love the way the story starts with the badminton game. The idea of a home for retired witches is a good spin to an old story. The storylines lay the foundation for the series but are too skimpy. There are some good support characters.
The mystery is simplistic and the bottle melting with a match was unrealistic. The frienemies theme predictable. I found this book on Booksprout and since witches are a favorite of mine, I read this. 3*
March 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this short read. It was funny and sweet with a bunch of mystery. The residents of the Community Center, just might be my favorites, they stole most of their scenes. I really loved the story line and the way the story ended. Such fun.
I did think that the Luke character wasn't really needed. He was just sort of a place holder, I am hoping in later books he has a larger more important role. I also thought the book was too simple at times and felt a bit like a Dick and Jane story. Not that it's bad, just didn't fit with the characters or plot.
I look forward to reading more in this series. It’s a really great palate cleanser between heavy books.
I did think that the Luke character wasn't really needed. He was just sort of a place holder, I am hoping in later books he has a larger more important role. I also thought the book was too simple at times and felt a bit like a Dick and Jane story. Not that it's bad, just didn't fit with the characters or plot.
I look forward to reading more in this series. It’s a really great palate cleanser between heavy books.
January 25, 2025
3.5
This was a reread for me. New/update cover. I liked the old cover better.
It seems that the story itself is the same. I remembered all her Sunnyside books as having typos or grammar problems. I only noticed one error this time around in this story. Well done.
As I��ve said in previous reviews, the stories are delightful, fast moving, cozy, and entertaining. The recurring/main characters are delightful to read about. The villain, well, you need to read the book to know about the villain.
I note that the rest of the series is currently available through KindleUnlimited. If you enjoyed this novella, I think you will also like the rest of the series.
This was a reread for me. New/update cover. I liked the old cover better.
It seems that the story itself is the same. I remembered all her Sunnyside books as having typos or grammar problems. I only noticed one error this time around in this story. Well done.
As I��ve said in previous reviews, the stories are delightful, fast moving, cozy, and entertaining. The recurring/main characters are delightful to read about. The villain, well, you need to read the book to know about the villain.
I note that the rest of the series is currently available through KindleUnlimited. If you enjoyed this novella, I think you will also like the rest of the series.
March 11, 2019
I want to play badminton in the air too. Sounds like FUN!!!
Just remember we all can still learn things from our elders. They never give up!!
Retirement does not mean life ends. Read for more fun.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
This a prequel to hopefully great new series. I like the introduction to the characters. Not a lot of development yet but that will happen has the series grows.
There is also the lesson we all learn that we can share things with even our enemies.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
Just remember we all can still learn things from our elders. They never give up!!
Retirement does not mean life ends. Read for more fun.
Looking forward to the next in the series.
This a prequel to hopefully great new series. I like the introduction to the characters. Not a lot of development yet but that will happen has the series grows.
There is also the lesson we all learn that we can share things with even our enemies.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
August 1, 2019
Sunnyside Retired Witches Community is a new series for me that I have to say I am loving. Zoey is the head of of Staff at Sunnyside Retired Witches Community.
Her residents are all magical one way or the other.
Zoey is asked to come help solve the case with her rival Hope. These two have very different styles and it shows. This is where the story takes off and the fun begins.
With all the twists and turns and lovely characters the story flows to keep the reading engaged.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Her residents are all magical one way or the other.
Zoey is asked to come help solve the case with her rival Hope. These two have very different styles and it shows. This is where the story takes off and the fun begins.
With all the twists and turns and lovely characters the story flows to keep the reading engaged.
Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
March 19, 2019
Ghostly Trails by Paula Lester is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book 0 in thie wonderful start of a brand new series, writen by a brand new author I am starting to love reading. She writes about mystery and magic which I love reading about both together is wonderful. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about magic and mystery together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 23, 2020
I really enjoy a put together witchy tail and this truly is a well written witchy cozey murder mystery the main caracters are vibrant the retirement home residents so carring and helpful in an amazing it gave me the warm fuzzies. If you enjoy your cozey's with charm and adventure aquier "Ghostly Trails "so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. And let's not forget the humor that fills you with laughter. 😀😋😮🤔🙄😁😉😊Kat
July 22, 2021
The first book in the series, Bottle Full of Djinn, was recommended to me. I am glad I discovered this prequel first as it was a great entry point into the town, main character and the retirement community members. The mystery is what I love and in this prequel we jump right in. I loved the mystery and the characters so much - the retirement community members are a wild and fun bunch. I loved Zoey and Hope grew on me - I hope Zoey and Hope work together in future books.
March 15, 2019
A new series called Sunnyside Retired Witches Community which had me laughing throughout it. These Seniors could sure get into trouble but also where a lot of help when needed. Paula Lester is a new Author for me. I know I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2019
This was a good book. I’m glad that Zoey and Hope settles their differences, for the time being. Poor Luke. They sure made things hard for him. I absolutely loved the residents. Can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2019
She loves her job at the witches retirement home even when she has to be part of the clean up crew when magic goes wrong. Now she is called in by police to solve a murder and her witches may be needed to help. What will happen? Can they solve the crime? See if they can
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2019
An amazing concept, an even more amazing crew and the most hilarious telling of a tale.
The prequel to a new series hits the bulls eye spot on. Witty, funny, sweet and full of adventures its the perfect start to a new cozy series.
My only regret is that it was too short.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The prequel to a new series hits the bulls eye spot on. Witty, funny, sweet and full of adventures its the perfect start to a new cozy series.
My only regret is that it was too short.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2020
Enjoyed reading this book, it was a quick and easy read. The witchy occupants of an aged facility are total characters and a lot of fun. The murders are investigated by a pair of frenemies who find that co-operating with each other makes solving the puzzles a lot quicker, the local PD are unable to solve the crimes without their help. Fun read.
March 25, 2021
Zoey has a great job she loves at the retirement home and on the side she works with the police on supernatural crimes. This time she is also working with her frenemy from school. A woman is killed and Zoey along with her friends and a zany group of people from the retirement home to solve the case. This was a really cute book and is an easy read.
March 17, 2019
An entertaining mystery of how do you kill someone from the inside of a house without having opened any doors. I like that it is basically mystical town and the Retirement Village for elderly witches and the things they can still do.
December 4, 2019
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters in this series. I like Zoey and Steve as well as Luke and Hope. All the residents are quirky. Starting book one now.
I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the characters in this series. I like Zoey and Steve as well as Luke and Hope. All the residents are quirky. Starting book one now.
March 15, 2020
Ghostly Trails is the prequel to the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community and I just loved this glimpse into this new world. It was just really easy to get lost in and it was such a quick read. I just had such a great time reading this story and I can’t wait to see what’s next for this series.
July 30, 2020
A fun, cute, short story that sets up the series about the Sunnyside Retired Witches Community. Poor Zoey has to rein in all the crazy witches at the retirement home. They are definitely a handful. She is asked to help solve a murder mystery with a hot detective.
April 9, 2025
This was a fun paranormal mystery. The characters are lively, the plot is easily followed, and the premise is finding out what exactly killed a witch in her home, and why it was done. The answers were sad and predictable. I do recommend this short story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews