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Mountain Magic Mysteries #1
A Sinister Spell in Faerywood Falls
Living under an evil curse is bad ... but dying under one is worse.
Marianne Huffler is cursed – and not just with the ghastly middle name of Prudence. Until she can figure out the magic secrets of her past, she’s doomed to suffer permanent bad luck – and the occasional attempt on her life.
Leaving her hometown of Hillbilly Hollow, Marianne travels to the mountains of Colorado, where she hopes to find answers. What she doesn’t expect to find? Dead bodies!
But when corpses start popping up, Marianne gets drawn into investigating the mysterious deaths. With a cunning vampire, a good looking werewolf, and an angry spell weaver among the suspects, can Marianne catch a killer ... before the killer catches her?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2019
461 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Blythe Baker
117 books389 followersBlythe Baker is a thirty-something bottle redhead from the South Central part of the country. When she’s not slinging words and creating new worlds and characters, she’s acting as chauffeur to her children and head groomer to her household of beloved pets.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
Blythe enjoys long walks with her dog on sweaty days, grubbing in her flower garden, cooking, and ruthlessly de-cluttering her overcrowded home. She also likes binge-watching mystery shows on TV and burying herself in books about murder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
August 5, 2019
An entertaining cozy Mystery (and it has magic!). It held my attention sufficient to read it in one sitting (with only a break for dinner). It was a great book to read to relax. I just downloaded the next in the series.
June 28, 2019
Marianne has moved from Hillbilly Hollow to Faerywood Falls, CO. Her Aunt and Cousin live there. She has no clue that gifted ( magicical ) people live here with non gifted peoeple.
She spots a fox in the middle of the road and takes it to the small cabin she will be living in. She is startled she can talk to the Fox, Althena.
She starts to learn she is a Faery from her aunt and cousin. Bliss, is a spell weaver in training so to speak and they both set out to figure out who stoled the book Marianne had her eyes on at her job at the antique store. That person is the one that killed a poor man as well.
Marianne has some exciting moments meeting Cain the vampire and the Dr who is a werewolf.
The story is fun to read with interesting characters. The action starts from page one until the end. With laugh out loud moments you can’t go wrong.
She spots a fox in the middle of the road and takes it to the small cabin she will be living in. She is startled she can talk to the Fox, Althena.
She starts to learn she is a Faery from her aunt and cousin. Bliss, is a spell weaver in training so to speak and they both set out to figure out who stoled the book Marianne had her eyes on at her job at the antique store. That person is the one that killed a poor man as well.
Marianne has some exciting moments meeting Cain the vampire and the Dr who is a werewolf.
The story is fun to read with interesting characters. The action starts from page one until the end. With laugh out loud moments you can’t go wrong.
July 21, 2019
Interesting spin-off
First book in a spin-off series from Blair Baker's Hillbilly Hollow series, featuring a character introduced in those books -- 'Prudence' Marianne Huffler. I.won't give the story away, but Marianne is not the person she appeared to be back in Hillbilly Hollow. No longer a prim church organist in love with the preacher, she has dropped her first name and is discovering that she's not who she thought she was. And her new hometown isn't quite what she expected. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
First book in a spin-off series from Blair Baker's Hillbilly Hollow series, featuring a character introduced in those books -- 'Prudence' Marianne Huffler. I.won't give the story away, but Marianne is not the person she appeared to be back in Hillbilly Hollow. No longer a prim church organist in love with the preacher, she has dropped her first name and is discovering that she's not who she thought she was. And her new hometown isn't quite what she expected. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
November 22, 2025
Summary
Marianne Huffler moves to the quiet, mountain town of Faerywood Falls expecting peace, but instead finds a place tangled in old magic, strange happenings, and secrets the locals don’t openly talk about. When an unsettling spell begins to affect the town, Marianne is drawn into a mystery that blends danger, folklore, and small-town charm. As she tries to unravel what’s really going on, she realizes Faerywood Falls isn’t as gentle as it first appears—and the magic running through it might demand more from her than she ever expected.
⭐️ My Review — 3 out of 5 stars
What Worked
Atmosphere & setting: Faerywood Falls has an appealing cozy-fantasy vibe. The mix of mountains, magic, and small-town quirks creates a nice backdrop.
A decent series setup: As the first book, it introduces the world and characters in a way that hints at stronger things to come. There’s definitely potential for deeper mysteries in later installments.
Light and easy reading: The writing moves smoothly, making it a quick, comfortable read.
What Didn’t Work
Not fully immersive yet: The world felt like it almost came alive, but not completely. I didn’t feel that strong pull into the town’s magic.
Characters felt a bit flat: Marianne and the side characters didn’t connect with me emotionally the way I hoped.
The “sinister spell” wasn’t sinister enough: I expected more tension, more stakes, or a bit more spark in the mystery element.
My Final Thoughts
This was an okay start to a new series. It didn’t wow me, but it didn’t disappoint either. It feels like the kind of opener that lays the groundwork and may get better as the world expands. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books to see how the author builds on the magic and deepens the characters.
A steady beginning—with room to grow.
Marianne Huffler moves to the quiet, mountain town of Faerywood Falls expecting peace, but instead finds a place tangled in old magic, strange happenings, and secrets the locals don’t openly talk about. When an unsettling spell begins to affect the town, Marianne is drawn into a mystery that blends danger, folklore, and small-town charm. As she tries to unravel what’s really going on, she realizes Faerywood Falls isn’t as gentle as it first appears—and the magic running through it might demand more from her than she ever expected.
⭐️ My Review — 3 out of 5 stars
What Worked
Atmosphere & setting: Faerywood Falls has an appealing cozy-fantasy vibe. The mix of mountains, magic, and small-town quirks creates a nice backdrop.
A decent series setup: As the first book, it introduces the world and characters in a way that hints at stronger things to come. There’s definitely potential for deeper mysteries in later installments.
Light and easy reading: The writing moves smoothly, making it a quick, comfortable read.
What Didn’t Work
Not fully immersive yet: The world felt like it almost came alive, but not completely. I didn’t feel that strong pull into the town’s magic.
Characters felt a bit flat: Marianne and the side characters didn’t connect with me emotionally the way I hoped.
The “sinister spell” wasn’t sinister enough: I expected more tension, more stakes, or a bit more spark in the mystery element.
My Final Thoughts
This was an okay start to a new series. It didn’t wow me, but it didn’t disappoint either. It feels like the kind of opener that lays the groundwork and may get better as the world expands. I’m definitely looking forward to the next books to see how the author builds on the magic and deepens the characters.
A steady beginning—with room to grow.
September 1, 2023
"A Sinister Spell in Faerywood Falls" is a pleasant but entirely unremarkable read.
Think of it as more of an introduction to the 'Mountain Magic Mystery' series than a standalone book. A lot of it is given over to world-building - a murder mystery is more or less tacked on so the ending can be engineered.
Marianne Huffler has returned to Faerywood Falls, Colorado, where she was found abandoned as an infant. She's just discovered that she was adopted and that, when she was found, there was a note which warned that if she left the area she would be cursed.
She's no sooner arrived than she discovers that she has paranormal abilities. She's apparently a half-Fae and her magic works in mysterious ways - i.e. when she touches someone with a Gift it transfers to her, leaving the previous owner a muggle. It's not really explained and there's no mention of her wearing gloves or not touching people.
There have been murders in the area recently and Marianne finds one of the bodies. It turns out that he died the night the Antiques shop was burgled and a magical book was stolen. Once she figures out the connection it is very clear who was responsible and the book wraps itself up quickly.
It's all very professionally done but it's a touch too clinical to be memorable.
3 Stars.
Think of it as more of an introduction to the 'Mountain Magic Mystery' series than a standalone book. A lot of it is given over to world-building - a murder mystery is more or less tacked on so the ending can be engineered.
Marianne Huffler has returned to Faerywood Falls, Colorado, where she was found abandoned as an infant. She's just discovered that she was adopted and that, when she was found, there was a note which warned that if she left the area she would be cursed.
She's no sooner arrived than she discovers that she has paranormal abilities. She's apparently a half-Fae and her magic works in mysterious ways - i.e. when she touches someone with a Gift it transfers to her, leaving the previous owner a muggle. It's not really explained and there's no mention of her wearing gloves or not touching people.
There have been murders in the area recently and Marianne finds one of the bodies. It turns out that he died the night the Antiques shop was burgled and a magical book was stolen. Once she figures out the connection it is very clear who was responsible and the book wraps itself up quickly.
It's all very professionally done but it's a touch too clinical to be memorable.
3 Stars.
March 3, 2019
Marianne has left Hillbilly Hollow and moved to Faerywood Falls, Colorado where she was born. She is expecting a quiet little mountain town. She doesn't know it's magical. She also doesn't know she is gifted. Upon arriving she finds the cabin her Aunt has rented for her. It is very tiny. She takes some of her stuff into the cabin and a fox that was laying on the side of the road. She thinks she can hear the fox talking to her. But how can that be? It must just be that she is so tired. She then goes to the Lodge to find her aunt and her cousin. She keeps thinking about the strange things that have been happening once she got close to the town. Should she tell her aunt? Will her aunt tell her about the gifted people? Her cousin is one of them. Will she meet the vampire? The werewolf? Get a copy of this book and come along with Marianne as she gets to know the people. As she finds a dead fisherman. As she finds out she is a Faery.
This story is well thought and well written. You will want to read this series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
This story is well thought and well written. You will want to read this series.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
August 23, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Marianne Huffler
Athena
----------------------------------
What happens?
Marianne Huffler is cursed. She ends up back at where she was born after learning she is adopted and cursed because she left the town. Not knowing about the 'gifted' being real and alive in the town she sets upon a fox who begins to speak in her mind. She also discovers the local vampire coven and werewolf population.
Her new work is broken into and a book is stolen, she wants to uncover who is killing people and who stole the book.
Final thoughts
This was odd. I thought the idea was going OK but the actual book was too short, the mystery not very well written and the characters boring.
I was interested in the fox talking to her but that was as fair as my interest went in this book sadly.
Would I read again?: No
Would I read this author again?: Maybe
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: Yes
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Marianne Huffler
Athena
----------------------------------
What happens?
Marianne Huffler is cursed. She ends up back at where she was born after learning she is adopted and cursed because she left the town. Not knowing about the 'gifted' being real and alive in the town she sets upon a fox who begins to speak in her mind. She also discovers the local vampire coven and werewolf population.
Her new work is broken into and a book is stolen, she wants to uncover who is killing people and who stole the book.
Final thoughts
This was odd. I thought the idea was going OK but the actual book was too short, the mystery not very well written and the characters boring.
I was interested in the fox talking to her but that was as fair as my interest went in this book sadly.
Would I read again?: No
Would I read this author again?: Maybe
February 28, 2019
Magic and a new start
A good start for an easy read that you don't have to think about as the culprit is obvious. The characters are still a bit thin but should get better as more flesh is put on them in future books.
She has been depressed for a while. First the man she loved was murdered and then when she fell in love again, her fiance tried to kill her. Now she was returning to the place where she had been born. Although finding out that she was adopted was a shock. A talking fox, vampires, shifters, spell weavers and ghost speakers are mixed into a plot that covers the death of an unlisted after he spotted a break in at the antique shop she now works at. Can she find the culprit and bring them to justice? Can she come to terms that she is believed to be a Faery?
A good start for an easy read that you don't have to think about as the culprit is obvious. The characters are still a bit thin but should get better as more flesh is put on them in future books.
She has been depressed for a while. First the man she loved was murdered and then when she fell in love again, her fiance tried to kill her. Now she was returning to the place where she had been born. Although finding out that she was adopted was a shock. A talking fox, vampires, shifters, spell weavers and ghost speakers are mixed into a plot that covers the death of an unlisted after he spotted a break in at the antique shop she now works at. Can she find the culprit and bring them to justice? Can she come to terms that she is believed to be a Faery?
August 20, 2019
Magic and Mystery in the Colorado mountains
What a charming little tale! From the fox, Athena, to Marianne and Bliss and the various inhabitants of this magical town deep in the Colorado mountains, I'm hooked! As a Colorado native, I'm very familiar with the magic to be found in the depths of these majestic mountains, and author Blythe Baker, has managed to capture it perfectly. I found this story to move fairly quickly, and twist and turn into a beautiful tale. I will most assuredly be digging into the rest of these stories. As the first book in this series it's a wonderful introduction to enchantment.
What a charming little tale! From the fox, Athena, to Marianne and Bliss and the various inhabitants of this magical town deep in the Colorado mountains, I'm hooked! As a Colorado native, I'm very familiar with the magic to be found in the depths of these majestic mountains, and author Blythe Baker, has managed to capture it perfectly. I found this story to move fairly quickly, and twist and turn into a beautiful tale. I will most assuredly be digging into the rest of these stories. As the first book in this series it's a wonderful introduction to enchantment.
August 24, 2019
A community where magic still exists
Interesting tale of a luckless young woman who returns to her roots in an attempt to negate an old curse caused by her originally leaving the area. When strange things begin to happen, she learns about some of her community's secrets as she tries to solve a real life who-done-it.
This could be a charming tale if only a good editor would spend a few hours cleaning up the mangled syntax that distracts the reader from the storyline. The tale has good bones, but constant sloppiness in narration is an irritation no reader should be forced to endure.
Interesting tale of a luckless young woman who returns to her roots in an attempt to negate an old curse caused by her originally leaving the area. When strange things begin to happen, she learns about some of her community's secrets as she tries to solve a real life who-done-it.
This could be a charming tale if only a good editor would spend a few hours cleaning up the mangled syntax that distracts the reader from the storyline. The tale has good bones, but constant sloppiness in narration is an irritation no reader should be forced to endure.
March 18, 2019
Beautiful book
This is a cozy mystery that's a bit different in my opinion than the normal witch paranormal mystery. Marianne has some unique abilities and show figures how somethings different in Faerywood Falls after she moves to town. This series is a spin-off from the Haunted Hollow series. Some of the imagery feels beautifully poetic. When the fire flies help Marianne, it was absolutely unique and ethereal. A well written book that's creative. You will not be disappointed.
This is a cozy mystery that's a bit different in my opinion than the normal witch paranormal mystery. Marianne has some unique abilities and show figures how somethings different in Faerywood Falls after she moves to town. This series is a spin-off from the Haunted Hollow series. Some of the imagery feels beautifully poetic. When the fire flies help Marianne, it was absolutely unique and ethereal. A well written book that's creative. You will not be disappointed.
May 14, 2019
Entertaining Series
An entertaining supernatural cozy mystery / urban fantasy series. A small Colorado town with a mixture of gifted individuals and normal humans living together. The humans have no idea that the gifted are among them. Vampires werewolves spell weavers fairies and others. The new girl in town moved back to where she was found as a child and adopted by her mother.. now that she’s back things are beginning to happen who and what is she. Read the book and find out. You won’t be disappointed
An entertaining supernatural cozy mystery / urban fantasy series. A small Colorado town with a mixture of gifted individuals and normal humans living together. The humans have no idea that the gifted are among them. Vampires werewolves spell weavers fairies and others. The new girl in town moved back to where she was found as a child and adopted by her mother.. now that she’s back things are beginning to happen who and what is she. Read the book and find out. You won’t be disappointed
March 6, 2019
Fun and quick read
Maryanne's quick immersion in to Faerywood Falls is quick and fun read. Having originally read Prudence Marryanne's story in the Hillbilly Hallow series had me excited to read her adventures in a new town.
A Sinister Spell in Faerywood Falls did not disappoint. Maryanne quickly finds all kinds of exciting secrets in her new town as well as a mystery to solve.
It had me so interested I couldn't put it down once I started.
Maryanne's quick immersion in to Faerywood Falls is quick and fun read. Having originally read Prudence Marryanne's story in the Hillbilly Hallow series had me excited to read her adventures in a new town.
A Sinister Spell in Faerywood Falls did not disappoint. Maryanne quickly finds all kinds of exciting secrets in her new town as well as a mystery to solve.
It had me so interested I couldn't put it down once I started.
April 7, 2019
Fantastic!
Marianne and Faerywood Falls are pure magic, pun intended! Prudence is trying to get her life back on track after the murder of the man she loves and her own attempted poisoning by her fiancee. Deciding to use her middle name Marianne in this new chapter of her life, she's embarking on a quest (of sorts) to discover where she came from and who she wants to be. Finding out that she's magical is just the beginning. I can't wait for her next adventure!
Marianne and Faerywood Falls are pure magic, pun intended! Prudence is trying to get her life back on track after the murder of the man she loves and her own attempted poisoning by her fiancee. Deciding to use her middle name Marianne in this new chapter of her life, she's embarking on a quest (of sorts) to discover where she came from and who she wants to be. Finding out that she's magical is just the beginning. I can't wait for her next adventure!
April 12, 2019
A great new series
I’m a huge fan of this author’s other series and when I saw a new one, I had to read it. I was very delighted to find out that it’s a spin off from a character in the other series. Prudence aka Marianne, hasn’t had it easy and so she comes to a new town to discover who she is and start a new life. The story dives right into the action and mystery from the first page and it doesn’t stop till the end. This was a great cozy mystery and I can’t wait for more.
I’m a huge fan of this author’s other series and when I saw a new one, I had to read it. I was very delighted to find out that it’s a spin off from a character in the other series. Prudence aka Marianne, hasn’t had it easy and so she comes to a new town to discover who she is and start a new life. The story dives right into the action and mystery from the first page and it doesn’t stop till the end. This was a great cozy mystery and I can’t wait for more.
August 3, 2020
A light, fun read that enchants with the magical and charming residents of Faerywood Falls. Some of the dialogue feels stiff at times as the author tries to cover the background of the main character and the town, but I excuse this as it's the first in a series and the ground work must be established. I look forward to sequels flowing more smoothly, but this was still a fun, enchanting, and easy read.
March 16, 2019
A fine start to a magical series
This is exactly what I wanted to read on a quiet night, with a cat on my lap. The author captured my attention quickly with interesting people/creatures and their magical qualities.
I look forward to reading the whole series - I suspect that I'm bespelled!
This is exactly what I wanted to read on a quiet night, with a cat on my lap. The author captured my attention quickly with interesting people/creatures and their magical qualities.
I look forward to reading the whole series - I suspect that I'm bespelled!
March 27, 2019
4.4 stars for A Sinister Spell in Faerywood Falls
This isn't very long, but the story is interesting and the characters are too! I was glad the story started off uncomplicated and slowly developed more magical aspects so I could follow along without taking anything on faith. I look forward to the sequels and I will bet anything you will too. Say "hi" to Athena for me!
This isn't very long, but the story is interesting and the characters are too! I was glad the story started off uncomplicated and slowly developed more magical aspects so I could follow along without taking anything on faith. I look forward to the sequels and I will bet anything you will too. Say "hi" to Athena for me!
April 2, 2019
An enjoyable read
Marianne is moving to faerywood falls after some changes in her life with her aunt Candace and cousin Bliss' help.she finds a job, a new home and that she can talk to a fox called Athena along the way she discovers that magic is real, meets a vampire and a werewolf whilst helping to solve a robbery and a murder.
Marianne is moving to faerywood falls after some changes in her life with her aunt Candace and cousin Bliss' help.she finds a job, a new home and that she can talk to a fox called Athena along the way she discovers that magic is real, meets a vampire and a werewolf whilst helping to solve a robbery and a murder.
July 5, 2019
Mountain magic book 1
I really like this book and series. The author is well organized she knows how to draw you into the book like your there with the creatures. The book is entertaining and enjoyable to read. I recommend this book and series to my friends and family. Happy Reading!
I really like this book and series. The author is well organized she knows how to draw you into the book like your there with the creatures. The book is entertaining and enjoyable to read. I recommend this book and series to my friends and family. Happy Reading!
April 12, 2021
Marianne moves to Faerywood Falls after finding out that not only was she adopted but born in a magical area and may have a curse on her. Life is about to get even more uncertain as she finds out the she is putting herself in danger digging in the history of her biological parents. A fast read cozy.
March 19, 2019
Fairies, fairies
Found out close to the end that there is a fairy in this story. I am interested in all the different types of gifted people! This book was fun, especially the relationship with the fox !! Going to book #2!!!
Found out close to the end that there is a fairy in this story. I am interested in all the different types of gifted people! This book was fun, especially the relationship with the fox !! Going to book #2!!!
March 4, 2019
Marianne moves back to her hometown expecting quiet. She’s had a rough start, with a loved one murdered and then a fiancé trying to kill her. It doesn’t turn out so quiet in Faerywood Falls at all
March 29, 2019
Great story. Totally enjoyed it. It is a new story line with a character(Marianne) carried over from the Hill Billy Hollow Series. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
March 27, 2019
I love the little fox. I also liked hat she accepted the magic early in the book
April 22, 2019
Enjoyed
This was the first book I have read and was very impressed with the characters and story line I will be waiting for you next book.
This was the first book I have read and was very impressed with the characters and story line I will be waiting for you next book.
May 11, 2019
Great book
I enjoyed the book . Love the fox pet and all the things they get into togeather . Can’t wait to rea more
I enjoyed the book . Love the fox pet and all the things they get into togeather . Can’t wait to rea more
May 24, 2019
Cute. Short. A telepathic friendship with a fox, vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, spell-weavers and a newly minted faery. Fun! I'll probably read the next in the series.
June 16, 2019
Loved it!
This story started out kinda scary. Then took a complete twist. Can't wait to read the next in the series!
This story started out kinda scary. Then took a complete twist. Can't wait to read the next in the series!
July 23, 2019
Be ready to read in one sitting
Great writing. Loved the intrigue and relatable characters
Now on to the next adventure.
But not before I get some much needed sleep
Great writing. Loved the intrigue and relatable characters
Now on to the next adventure.
But not before I get some much needed sleep
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews