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Witch Against Wicked #1
A Maze of Murder
Belinda Drake is a witch with a passion for mysteries, an addiction to chocolate, and a penchant for keeping to herself. In her new life in Blackthorn Springs, she’s got everything she needs, even if she is the world’s most incompetent witch.
When her neighbor turns up dead, Belinda recognizes the Mortis Curse, one of the most evil spells known to witch kind. At the same time, the life she thought she’d left behind starts knocking at her door.
Now she must find the killer before her quiet existence descends into darkness.
A Maze of Murder is the first novel in the intriguing Belinda Drake supernatural mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries and witty heroines with a charming ensemble of supernatural friends, then you’ll love this magical series from Kate Krake.
When her neighbor turns up dead, Belinda recognizes the Mortis Curse, one of the most evil spells known to witch kind. At the same time, the life she thought she’d left behind starts knocking at her door.
Now she must find the killer before her quiet existence descends into darkness.
A Maze of Murder is the first novel in the intriguing Belinda Drake supernatural mystery series. If you like fast-paced mysteries and witty heroines with a charming ensemble of supernatural friends, then you’ll love this magical series from Kate Krake.
185 pages, ebook
Published March 15, 2019
85 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 20, 2025
This was pretty good. Not a literary work, but cute and fun.
October 26, 2020
This was an enjoyable first book and I really liked the characters in the story, especially Belinda and Lila. I love the town which is magical to most of the people living there and when the store owner next to Belinda's Book Store gets killed, she knows she has to look into it because the police are not planning to do anything about it. It was a good mystery with twists and turns I certainly didn't see coming and would enjoy reading the next book in this series.
December 12, 2022
Cozy mysterie becomes a thriller and ends like a cozy mysterie I love it! Bookish Gilmore girls thriller lovers would definitely enjoy this one! Can’t wait to read the next one 🥰
November 26, 2024
3.5 stars
October 27, 2020
Excellent book! I couldn't stop reading it and I just loved it.
October 23, 2022
In this mystery, a witch who believes her powers are too limited and weak to be of any real use must solve a murder that she knows is unnatural when law enforcement doesn’t believe her. Along the way she figures out who she is and finds friends and acceptance in the little unusual town of Blackthorn Springs.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. In fact, I read it in one sitting and look forward to reading more from the series. The characters are charmingly written, and Belinda is very relatable. Something interesting about them is that there are very few physical descriptions. I actually didn’t realize that until I started writing the review because their personalities came through so well for me. The mystery fell into place without being too obvious or having too many red herrings. It was also a good way to build the world and educate the reader on witches.
Another aspect I like is that Belinda uses research and knowledge to solve the mystery. It would be easy to make her power the reason why she figured it out, but even after she grows into her power, she still relies on clues and deductive reasoning.
The love interest felt more like that story line was there to add to the story rather than dominate the plot, but it also felt a little forced. I think it could have played out a little longer, especially in light of how much Belinda tries to keep to herself. The ending seemed a little too neat and left some unanswered questions that seemed pretty important. Of course that means I have to keep reading— which I don’t doubt was intentional.
The only thing I did not like was the sexual harassment and mental violation scene. That was a little triggering. I would have still read the book knowing that it was there, but I wasn’t quite prepared for it. Just be aware that it’s mildly part of the content.
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. In fact, I read it in one sitting and look forward to reading more from the series. The characters are charmingly written, and Belinda is very relatable. Something interesting about them is that there are very few physical descriptions. I actually didn’t realize that until I started writing the review because their personalities came through so well for me. The mystery fell into place without being too obvious or having too many red herrings. It was also a good way to build the world and educate the reader on witches.
Another aspect I like is that Belinda uses research and knowledge to solve the mystery. It would be easy to make her power the reason why she figured it out, but even after she grows into her power, she still relies on clues and deductive reasoning.
The love interest felt more like that story line was there to add to the story rather than dominate the plot, but it also felt a little forced. I think it could have played out a little longer, especially in light of how much Belinda tries to keep to herself. The ending seemed a little too neat and left some unanswered questions that seemed pretty important. Of course that means I have to keep reading— which I don’t doubt was intentional.
The only thing I did not like was the sexual harassment and mental violation scene. That was a little triggering. I would have still read the book knowing that it was there, but I wasn’t quite prepared for it. Just be aware that it’s mildly part of the content.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2022
A Maze of Murder is the first in author Kate Krake's "Belinda Drake" series. Story is in first-person via the main character, witch Belinda Drake.
Belinda is a lapsed witch, preferring books and chocolate to magic and spells. She's a loner, and after relocating to Blackthorn Springs to open a book store, Belinda finally has the peace and quiet she craves. Everything comes crashing down, however, when the shopkeeper next door is found dead, and Belinda immediately recognizes that he was killed via the Mortis Curse. With the police content to rule Kenny's death as natural, Belinda takes it upon herself to find out who in town had the means, motive, and power to cast such a sinister spell. Her life gets even more complicated when a foul witch from her past finds her in Blackthorn Springs and begins harassing her. Lucky for Belinda, her innate magic seems to have awakened and is becoming more powerful.
The story kept me interested. I liked Belinda as a character, and her shop assistant Lila. I was ambivalent about the romantic interest, but at least he wasn't in law enforcement. Hallelujah! Scenes that included the vile stalker were triggery, and the book contained a bit much violence and sexual harassment for a cozy.
I might have given this a four star review, but again, some of it was simply too dark and/or squicky for a cozy mystery. Knocking my rating down to a three. Nevertheless, I would read more in this series.
Belinda is a lapsed witch, preferring books and chocolate to magic and spells. She's a loner, and after relocating to Blackthorn Springs to open a book store, Belinda finally has the peace and quiet she craves. Everything comes crashing down, however, when the shopkeeper next door is found dead, and Belinda immediately recognizes that he was killed via the Mortis Curse. With the police content to rule Kenny's death as natural, Belinda takes it upon herself to find out who in town had the means, motive, and power to cast such a sinister spell. Her life gets even more complicated when a foul witch from her past finds her in Blackthorn Springs and begins harassing her. Lucky for Belinda, her innate magic seems to have awakened and is becoming more powerful.
The story kept me interested. I liked Belinda as a character, and her shop assistant Lila. I was ambivalent about the romantic interest, but at least he wasn't in law enforcement. Hallelujah! Scenes that included the vile stalker were triggery, and the book contained a bit much violence and sexual harassment for a cozy.
I might have given this a four star review, but again, some of it was simply too dark and/or squicky for a cozy mystery. Knocking my rating down to a three. Nevertheless, I would read more in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2020
Over on Twitter, I occasionally take part in the AusWrites hashtag. I say occasionally as I often forget to do the prompt that is set up every second day…
In September, the first prompt was to read a book by one of the other AusWirtes participants, and this is the book I chose. I like a cozy mystery and I’ve been enjoying a number of stories that feature witches and looking at how different authors write them. This book lived up to my expectations.
Belinda Drake is new to town and to owning a bookshop. She is a witch, but doesn’t know her own power. When her neighbour is killed and his death is ruled as being natural causes, Belinda knows that something isn’t right.
Through a cast of quirky characters, and a lovely small town, Belinda manages to work out what is going on.
As I mentioned, I enjoy a cozy mystery and this one ticked all the boxes. In some ways, it reminded me of some of my favourite TV shows with its quirky characters. Another thing I enjoyed was the murderer wasn’t someone I suspected, the resolution came completely out of the blue, and it was fantastic.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
In September, the first prompt was to read a book by one of the other AusWirtes participants, and this is the book I chose. I like a cozy mystery and I’ve been enjoying a number of stories that feature witches and looking at how different authors write them. This book lived up to my expectations.
Belinda Drake is new to town and to owning a bookshop. She is a witch, but doesn’t know her own power. When her neighbour is killed and his death is ruled as being natural causes, Belinda knows that something isn’t right.
Through a cast of quirky characters, and a lovely small town, Belinda manages to work out what is going on.
As I mentioned, I enjoy a cozy mystery and this one ticked all the boxes. In some ways, it reminded me of some of my favourite TV shows with its quirky characters. Another thing I enjoyed was the murderer wasn’t someone I suspected, the resolution came completely out of the blue, and it was fantastic.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 1, 2020
Bella moves to a small town to get away from her past and to start over. She bought a small book store and practiced some small magic spells, because she didnt belong to a coven she didnt have strong magic, or so she thought.
The owner and neighbor next door owned a coffee house/cafe and had many enemies because of his rude and sarcastic personality. Bella and him had exchanged words many times but she always went back because she loved his coffee and it was convient being next door. Then one day his body is found in a heap on the street, dead from a dead curse. Bella cant seem to stay out of it because she knows he died from black magic but the towns people are saying it was from natural causes.
Bellas magic suddenly comes to life and she is more than willing to connect the dots and try to solve the murder.
This was a great story, I really enjoyed this one alot and would love to continue this series.
The owner and neighbor next door owned a coffee house/cafe and had many enemies because of his rude and sarcastic personality. Bella and him had exchanged words many times but she always went back because she loved his coffee and it was convient being next door. Then one day his body is found in a heap on the street, dead from a dead curse. Bella cant seem to stay out of it because she knows he died from black magic but the towns people are saying it was from natural causes.
Bellas magic suddenly comes to life and she is more than willing to connect the dots and try to solve the murder.
This was a great story, I really enjoyed this one alot and would love to continue this series.
October 22, 2022
A Maze of Murder by Kate Krake
When her neighbor turns up dead, Belinda recognizes the Mortis Curse, one of the most evil spells known to witch kind. Now she must find the killer before her self imposed quiet existence descends into chaos.
What a great book! I really enjoyed this first novel in the Witch Against Wicked series. Kate Krake has created an intriguing world of magic and mystery populated with well written characters. I found myself relating to the main character, Belinda. Her assistant Lyla is a delight, as is Hemlock, the talking cat who refuses to speak. I look forward to reading the next installation in this series.
When her neighbor turns up dead, Belinda recognizes the Mortis Curse, one of the most evil spells known to witch kind. Now she must find the killer before her self imposed quiet existence descends into chaos.
What a great book! I really enjoyed this first novel in the Witch Against Wicked series. Kate Krake has created an intriguing world of magic and mystery populated with well written characters. I found myself relating to the main character, Belinda. Her assistant Lyla is a delight, as is Hemlock, the talking cat who refuses to speak. I look forward to reading the next installation in this series.
February 1, 2022
Belinda Drake is an interesting woman, with secrets she rather keep hidden. Yet, when murder occurs and the sheriff doesn't seem to care. Belinda and her friend Lila start to investigate and learn many thinks about their community. Belinda is a witch without training, without a coven... a brother in the wind and the leader of a black magic coven out to hurt her. But, Belinda steps up and gets the job done, exposing the killer and not backing down from the leader. Its a fun read, with interesting characters. Belinda and Lila will make a great team.
March 3, 2022
Disappointed
I was looking forward to read this book. Normally those free witches books are good, but this one was disappointment.
Start really dragging nothing exciting happen, characters could have been much more interesting, special Bella. She is made so utterly boring why? At 48% the storyline unfold and get predictable. I was hoping to get more insight on the characters, how they look like you know nothing about them, the only fun characters is Lily but that's it.
Shame really, but not for me.
I was looking forward to read this book. Normally those free witches books are good, but this one was disappointment.
Start really dragging nothing exciting happen, characters could have been much more interesting, special Bella. She is made so utterly boring why? At 48% the storyline unfold and get predictable. I was hoping to get more insight on the characters, how they look like you know nothing about them, the only fun characters is Lily but that's it.
Shame really, but not for me.
October 14, 2022
Belinda owns a bookshop, she is an “untrained” witch. She escaped to a village in the mountains, Blackthorn Springs. She has a helper who brings her coffees & chocolates because she is always late to work! One morning a regular customer has just left & there is a loud scream. On investigating they discover the man next door dead. Belinda recognises the mortis curse & with horror knows there is dark magic close by. Eventually she sorts things out in her own life as well as helping solve the murder.
March 29, 2022
Great book
I found this book to be highly entertaining with its cast of paranormal characters. You can feel the loneliness of our heroine Belinda. I found myself rooting for her rise to believe in herself and her own inner power. The support of her friends and future romantic interest was inspiring. The story kept me guessing unto the final pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a paranormal mystery.
I found this book to be highly entertaining with its cast of paranormal characters. You can feel the loneliness of our heroine Belinda. I found myself rooting for her rise to believe in herself and her own inner power. The support of her friends and future romantic interest was inspiring. The story kept me guessing unto the final pages. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a paranormal mystery.
November 27, 2022
Quick and easy to read with some escapism to add to the enjoyment. I enjoyed the way it was written, the characters and setting. I found it quite amusing on occasions while there were a number of elements surrounding the main character which added to the plot. The sidelines within the story added to the enjoyment and it had a smiley ending. Although it did lead in to the next in the series it can be read on its own. I needed a spot or fantasy and this ticked the box.
January 21, 2023
A new town, same old problems,.
Belinda Drake moves to a small town, taking over the bookstore. Next door is a coffee shop run by a miserable man, out to make his customers life as bad as possible.
Rowan Jackford is the leader of her brothers old coven, it seems he wants to get to Quintin through Belinda.
A death, a ghost maze and several different supernatural join together to sort out the towns problems.
A must read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
Belinda Drake moves to a small town, taking over the bookstore. Next door is a coffee shop run by a miserable man, out to make his customers life as bad as possible.
Rowan Jackford is the leader of her brothers old coven, it seems he wants to get to Quintin through Belinda.
A death, a ghost maze and several different supernatural join together to sort out the towns problems.
A must read for all lovers of the supernatural world.
October 22, 2021
A witch who doesn’t know she is - with a great deal of untapped potential, Belinda is a likeable character. So are the other supporting characters except of course for the mandatory bad guy. This is a light hearted story. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
This was a wonderful read. It was so nice for a change to have the clueless witch written as an intelligent person who was never trained or taught anything at all about her gifts. Even when she tackles "bad people" she doesn't quite know how she does it. The only thing I didn't like, was too many loose ends for the average reader. I look forward to reading more of this series.
April 11, 2022
Enjoyable
I wasn't sure about this book until about half way through. I'm fact I nearly gave it up. But I'm glad I didn't. Suddenly the characters clicked with me and I got it.😊 from that point on I really enjoyed it. I've bought the next one and intend to get them all. I really want to see how the story arc pans out.
I wasn't sure about this book until about half way through. I'm fact I nearly gave it up. But I'm glad I didn't. Suddenly the characters clicked with me and I got it.😊 from that point on I really enjoyed it. I've bought the next one and intend to get them all. I really want to see how the story arc pans out.
April 10, 2023
Paranormal women fiction
This is a short paranormal mystery . It kept me guessing who was the main villain of the story. It is also a complete story, but the story continues with the series of novels.
One big issue with this story was how the main character could wield magic without explanation, consequences, or description of how it transpired to be possible.
This is a short paranormal mystery . It kept me guessing who was the main villain of the story. It is also a complete story, but the story continues with the series of novels.
One big issue with this story was how the main character could wield magic without explanation, consequences, or description of how it transpired to be possible.
September 28, 2020
I picked up this ebook for free (great no risk way to find a new author) and I really enjoyed it. The characters are well developed and you quickly get drawn in to all their drama and quirks. I highly recomend this book and look forward to reading more of KATE KRAKE'S creations !
March 12, 2022
Fun cozy mystery
I really enjoyed this story. Interesting characters, some character development and hints of further mysteries and a wider world of magic combined with a mystery murder. I am looking forward to learning more about the world.
I really enjoyed this story. Interesting characters, some character development and hints of further mysteries and a wider world of magic combined with a mystery murder. I am looking forward to learning more about the world.
March 20, 2022
Interesting
This was a fun book, though some parts of it felt about scattered. And I feel like it wasn't totally resolved, but maybe it was resolved quickly. Still, I liked the characters and the cat.
This was a fun book, though some parts of it felt about scattered. And I feel like it wasn't totally resolved, but maybe it was resolved quickly. Still, I liked the characters and the cat.
June 26, 2022
This is a really good book to read, the characters are great the story keeps you coming for more. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of murder, romance, and a little bit of witchcraft this is a book for you
January 24, 2023
Good quick read
Really liked this book, from the very beginning Belinda was a likable character, there was good build on each individual character. It was a bit jumpy in story line but it ran well, and I finished it in a night.
Really liked this book, from the very beginning Belinda was a likable character, there was good build on each individual character. It was a bit jumpy in story line but it ran well, and I finished it in a night.
October 21, 2024
A Maze of Murder
A lovely, riveting paranormal mystery filled with beautiful and not so beautiful characters. Lots of twists and turns, humor, romance and action. I had a most enjoyable time reading this book.
A lovely, riveting paranormal mystery filled with beautiful and not so beautiful characters. Lots of twists and turns, humor, romance and action. I had a most enjoyable time reading this book.
September 5, 2019
It has a Gilmore girls vibe, I really enjoyed it.
September 28, 2020
Fun twisty, who-dunnit read with engaging characters. Who does'nt have a secert chocolate addiction!? who wont try to find the real culprit? cant wait for next book
October 1, 2020
I loved this book, it is very well written.
October 15, 2020
Wonderfully witchy detective story
Love the main character Belinda
Love the main character Belinda
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews