What do you think?
Rate this book
Southern Charms Cozy Mystery #5
Collards & Cauldrons
Magic and mystery are only part of the Southern Charms of Honeysuckle Hollow…
Charli Goodwin’s leaving Honeysuckle Hollow again…but only temporarily. Led by her grandmother, she and other ladies from their small Southern supernatural town are headed to Charleston for a special witch convention. Charli hopes that the short time away from her home life will help her figure out how to navigate the new changes in her life. Unfortunately, fate has no intention of giving her a break.
When the queen dame of the Charleston magical society is found dead, the local witches close ranks against the outsiders. The clock is ticking for Charli to not only save her beloved Nana from arrest and persecution for the murder but also to connect with the first biological family member to reach out to her.
When the high stakes are like a pressure cooker about to explode, will Charli be able to solve the murder before her family blows apart?
Charli Goodwin’s leaving Honeysuckle Hollow again…but only temporarily. Led by her grandmother, she and other ladies from their small Southern supernatural town are headed to Charleston for a special witch convention. Charli hopes that the short time away from her home life will help her figure out how to navigate the new changes in her life. Unfortunately, fate has no intention of giving her a break.
When the queen dame of the Charleston magical society is found dead, the local witches close ranks against the outsiders. The clock is ticking for Charli to not only save her beloved Nana from arrest and persecution for the murder but also to connect with the first biological family member to reach out to her.
When the high stakes are like a pressure cooker about to explode, will Charli be able to solve the murder before her family blows apart?
239 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
505 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
April 26, 2020
I try to express only my most honest opinion in a spoiler-free way. Unfortunately, there is still always a risk of slight spoilers despite my best efforts. If you feel something in my review is a spoiler please let me know. Thank you.
This one was interesting. It had me worried there for a bit and I even started to tear up at the end there. This has been a really great series that I have enjoyed reading. There is suppose to be another coming out, but I don't know when. So if/when it does I will be reading that one as well.
This one was interesting. It had me worried there for a bit and I even started to tear up at the end there. This has been a really great series that I have enjoyed reading. There is suppose to be another coming out, but I don't know when. So if/when it does I will be reading that one as well.
June 8, 2020
Well what can I say, even out of their town they cause a fuss. This was so much better then the last book. I love that they had to come together to Save Nana for once, although in the end she didn't need saying, that woman has an army lol. I liked the way that Charli and the detective get to start again. Some great friends are made in this one and they take down a complete corrupt town which is always nice.
Plus a baby unicorn....do I need to say more. Hi sparkles.
Plus a baby unicorn....do I need to say more. Hi sparkles.
March 5, 2024
Book 5 is another great one in this series - new characters? Normally I don't enjoy them but I can't wait to see where this goes. Will we see Abs again or is this the end? AND WHAT is happening with her love life?! Onto the next!
July 28, 2024
Great cozy mystery. Both the author and the narrator kept me invested from the first chapter. With a number of twists and turns and a result I didn’t see coming, I was hooked. Cannot wait to read and or listen to more from this author.
May 3, 2023
Pros:
I like the way the author is slowly expanding our knowledge of the magical world and the problems it is trying to overcome. It’s really nice that it isn’t done as just a big info dump.
Cons:
While this was a good story and I enjoyed listening to it, it did also feel a bit like filler. I’m glad they didn’t dive immediately into fixing what happened in the previous book it made it feel more real but also left the feeling that there is so much more to come.
I like the way the author is slowly expanding our knowledge of the magical world and the problems it is trying to overcome. It’s really nice that it isn’t done as just a big info dump.
Cons:
While this was a good story and I enjoyed listening to it, it did also feel a bit like filler. I’m glad they didn’t dive immediately into fixing what happened in the previous book it made it feel more real but also left the feeling that there is so much more to come.
January 29, 2022
I'd say we're back to Honeysuckle Hollow, but we're actually leaving the small, cozy town this time in order to travel to Charleston for a witch's conference. A good chunk of the witches follow Gran in order to represent their town, network, and attend some panels that touch on magic and the community. Only things don't turn out a quiet convention like everyone planned. When they say out of the frying pan and into the fire, this book definitely meets that in kind of energy in all the good ways.
Probably spoilers within.
Charleston is definitely a different feel and environment from Honeysuckle Hollow. With Charli's hometown, it's completely inclusive of the magical community but has wards and barriers set up to keep the humans out so it can be this small save haven for the magical community. But with Charleston, because it's a big, bustling city packed with witches, hidden fae, and humans alike, there are a lot more rules to navigate in order to keep the magical community hush hush.
And after a coin toss between Mason and Matt, well, Matt, Charli's brother had to stay home and be on duty while Mason was able to accompany the group of witches to the Conference. Can't take all their Wardens from the town in one go after all. Especially not their best two together. Which makes things both interesting and awkward since Mason's memories never came back to him so Charli's been both emotionally upset at everything, understandably, as well as heartbroken because she's lost everything between Dash being engaged and now having nothing relationship wise with Mason. The two do have a nice talk and agree to be friends, and just kind of use this as a fresh start between the two, which as a whole sounds nice but with everything she's been through is also understandably hard for Charli.
But even her friendship with Mason pales in the excitement when we learn that Charli's cousin Abby will be meeting her at the conference. Like Charli, I was excited to meet a member of her blood family since we haven't really gotten to know them too well or much.
Before too much can happen though, one of the elite of Charleston's witches is murdered. Everyone in the hotel is put on hotel arrest by the Charleston Wardens, who want nothing and no input from Mason despite him being a Warden himself. And worst of all, Gran is the one accused of murdering the woman.
It's a high stakes game for Charli and the Honeysuckle crew because all eyes are on them since a member of their council, and the high seat of it at that, is being pointed at. The Wardens are complacent in arresting and pinning her for it, and when we finally do meet Abby things are super awkward and weird.
The pacing of this book was good and it felt almost like a noose tightening around my heart the closer we got to the end of the book and the more frustrating the turn of events because it wasn't looking good for Gran until the very end of the whodunit. Coupled with the surprise from Charli's blood family and this book left us on quite the rollercoaster ending. One I would gladly ride again, honestly and one that I likely will since I'm already neck deep in the next book.
I will say I was a little disappointed that Charli's family was offered to a point but then almost like snatched away because while we learned some interesting things we didn't get a larger scope into their world and with the way that door closed I'm not sure if, when or how we'll see any of them again. Which leaves a ...lot of still curious questions unanswered about her blood family.
Probably spoilers within.
Charleston is definitely a different feel and environment from Honeysuckle Hollow. With Charli's hometown, it's completely inclusive of the magical community but has wards and barriers set up to keep the humans out so it can be this small save haven for the magical community. But with Charleston, because it's a big, bustling city packed with witches, hidden fae, and humans alike, there are a lot more rules to navigate in order to keep the magical community hush hush.
And after a coin toss between Mason and Matt, well, Matt, Charli's brother had to stay home and be on duty while Mason was able to accompany the group of witches to the Conference. Can't take all their Wardens from the town in one go after all. Especially not their best two together. Which makes things both interesting and awkward since Mason's memories never came back to him so Charli's been both emotionally upset at everything, understandably, as well as heartbroken because she's lost everything between Dash being engaged and now having nothing relationship wise with Mason. The two do have a nice talk and agree to be friends, and just kind of use this as a fresh start between the two, which as a whole sounds nice but with everything she's been through is also understandably hard for Charli.
But even her friendship with Mason pales in the excitement when we learn that Charli's cousin Abby will be meeting her at the conference. Like Charli, I was excited to meet a member of her blood family since we haven't really gotten to know them too well or much.
Before too much can happen though, one of the elite of Charleston's witches is murdered. Everyone in the hotel is put on hotel arrest by the Charleston Wardens, who want nothing and no input from Mason despite him being a Warden himself. And worst of all, Gran is the one accused of murdering the woman.
It's a high stakes game for Charli and the Honeysuckle crew because all eyes are on them since a member of their council, and the high seat of it at that, is being pointed at. The Wardens are complacent in arresting and pinning her for it, and when we finally do meet Abby things are super awkward and weird.
The pacing of this book was good and it felt almost like a noose tightening around my heart the closer we got to the end of the book and the more frustrating the turn of events because it wasn't looking good for Gran until the very end of the whodunit. Coupled with the surprise from Charli's blood family and this book left us on quite the rollercoaster ending. One I would gladly ride again, honestly and one that I likely will since I'm already neck deep in the next book.
I will say I was a little disappointed that Charli's family was offered to a point but then almost like snatched away because while we learned some interesting things we didn't get a larger scope into their world and with the way that door closed I'm not sure if, when or how we'll see any of them again. Which leaves a ...lot of still curious questions unanswered about her blood family.
August 20, 2022
Terrific book. I never solved the mystery until the final reveal. Charli makes progress with her lost powers and a new relationship with Mason. I love these characters!
Amazon synopsis:
Charli Goodwin’s leaving Honeysuckle Hollow again…but only temporarily. Led by her grandmother, she and her friends from their small Southern supernatural town are headed to Charleston for a special witch convention. Charli hopes that the short time away from her home will help her figure out how to navigate the new changes in her life. Unfortunately, fate has no intention of giving her a break.
When the grand dame of the Charleston magical society drops dead, the local witches close ranks against the outsiders. The clock is ticking for Charli to not only save her beloved Nana from arrest and persecution for the murder but also to connect with the first biological family member to reach out to her.
When the high stakes are like a pressure cooker about to explode, will Charli be able to solve the murder before her family blows apart?
Amazon synopsis:
Charli Goodwin’s leaving Honeysuckle Hollow again…but only temporarily. Led by her grandmother, she and her friends from their small Southern supernatural town are headed to Charleston for a special witch convention. Charli hopes that the short time away from her home will help her figure out how to navigate the new changes in her life. Unfortunately, fate has no intention of giving her a break.
When the grand dame of the Charleston magical society drops dead, the local witches close ranks against the outsiders. The clock is ticking for Charli to not only save her beloved Nana from arrest and persecution for the murder but also to connect with the first biological family member to reach out to her.
When the high stakes are like a pressure cooker about to explode, will Charli be able to solve the murder before her family blows apart?
March 16, 2020
Charli finds a baby unicorn. Matt, her brother, is still around. Mason, though, has totally lost his relationship to her due to what happened in the last volume of the series.
Charli and some others go to Charleston to attend a seminar on witchcraft only to have the very ugly politics against them get started right off. The Charleston witches oppress any supernatural being that isn't a witch; basically it's a type of racism. They don't like Charli's home town because they accept everyone that's supernatural without prejudice. Some concern, maybe, but not outright prejudice.
So when the leader of the Charleston group is murdered they quickly assume that Charli's grandmother is the killer. The group has to find the actual killer. Charli, at the same time, is meeting an actual relative but that presents problems of its own.
Charli and some others go to Charleston to attend a seminar on witchcraft only to have the very ugly politics against them get started right off. The Charleston witches oppress any supernatural being that isn't a witch; basically it's a type of racism. They don't like Charli's home town because they accept everyone that's supernatural without prejudice. Some concern, maybe, but not outright prejudice.
So when the leader of the Charleston group is murdered they quickly assume that Charli's grandmother is the killer. The group has to find the actual killer. Charli, at the same time, is meeting an actual relative but that presents problems of its own.
May 22, 2019
Amazingly emotive
For a "cozy" Author of the paranormal persuasion Bella Falls never falls to make sure i have to up my fluid intake because of the years i shed reading her books. Whether it is with laughter or sadness or some emotion in between, there are always tears (that's a good thing, just in case you weren't sure!)
I would love to know Birdy's family...what am i saying i do know them Bella Falls has made me part of Charlie "birdy" Goodwins chosen family and I'm proud to be here. Nothing would make me prouder if one person was to read this series on the back of my review, I sure wish you would, i really hate that any person is missing out on this series, cause you are!!!
For a "cozy" Author of the paranormal persuasion Bella Falls never falls to make sure i have to up my fluid intake because of the years i shed reading her books. Whether it is with laughter or sadness or some emotion in between, there are always tears (that's a good thing, just in case you weren't sure!)
I would love to know Birdy's family...what am i saying i do know them Bella Falls has made me part of Charlie "birdy" Goodwins chosen family and I'm proud to be here. Nothing would make me prouder if one person was to read this series on the back of my review, I sure wish you would, i really hate that any person is missing out on this series, cause you are!!!
January 6, 2021
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an awesome storyline. I am which lives in a small paranormal town with some family and lots of friends. A town full of all kinds of supernatural‘s witches, vampires, shifters, trolls, goblins, leprechauns, fairies, you name it they can live there and be happy. Follow along as Charlie young witch who has a unique ability to track things down. Even clues follow her journeys as she solves mysteries murders and other crimes in their small town with the help of friends and the city warden‘s. Check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an awesome storyline. I am which lives in a small paranormal town with some family and lots of friends. A town full of all kinds of supernatural‘s witches, vampires, shifters, trolls, goblins, leprechauns, fairies, you name it they can live there and be happy. Follow along as Charlie young witch who has a unique ability to track things down. Even clues follow her journeys as she solves mysteries murders and other crimes in their small town with the help of friends and the city warden‘s. Check it out
August 18, 2020
Loving this series!
The Charleston bullies are at it again! However, those Goodwin women show just what they're made of! This storyline is amazing and filled with several well-connected subplots, the murder mystery is crafty and engaging, and the characters are fully realized. I'm rooting for Charli's HEA even though the author has given her an embarrassment of riches: the respect and love of a solid cast of family and friends; gifts and purpose; and, a charming and magical world. I'm on tenterhooks waiting for Book Six!
The Charleston bullies are at it again! However, those Goodwin women show just what they're made of! This storyline is amazing and filled with several well-connected subplots, the murder mystery is crafty and engaging, and the characters are fully realized. I'm rooting for Charli's HEA even though the author has given her an embarrassment of riches: the respect and love of a solid cast of family and friends; gifts and purpose; and, a charming and magical world. I'm on tenterhooks waiting for Book Six!
May 30, 2019
An interesting book that shows we really have no control even in magic!
I loved this book because there was always something new happening. Unexpected events happened often. I love a book when I must think to find a solution. This book made your mind whirl and gasp for air just the way I like it. Because it's magic no one really knows what to expect and that helps make it enjoyable too.
I loved this book because there was always something new happening. Unexpected events happened often. I love a book when I must think to find a solution. This book made your mind whirl and gasp for air just the way I like it. Because it's magic no one really knows what to expect and that helps make it enjoyable too.
July 31, 2019
Great series
I love this series! They keep you guessing and the characters are fun to get to know. The character development is super as it makes me feel as though I am their neighbors or best friends. (At least the characters I like😊) I think it is a mark of a great book if after you complete a book and think about it later I wonder what the characters are doing next! Then I recall, that was in the book I just finished not real life. 🙃
I love this series! They keep you guessing and the characters are fun to get to know. The character development is super as it makes me feel as though I am their neighbors or best friends. (At least the characters I like😊) I think it is a mark of a great book if after you complete a book and think about it later I wonder what the characters are doing next! Then I recall, that was in the book I just finished not real life. 🙃
August 5, 2022
Way to go Nana
Lucky for everyone Nana is a very smart cookie. When the Honeysuckle band of witches goes to Charleston for a magical convention and one of the panel members ends up dead, Charli and the gang are on the hunt for the killer. With bad blood remaining after the failure of the hostile takeover effort, blaming a council member for the death of an influential local means Mason and Charli will have their work cut out for them.
Lucky for everyone Nana is a very smart cookie. When the Honeysuckle band of witches goes to Charleston for a magical convention and one of the panel members ends up dead, Charli and the gang are on the hunt for the killer. With bad blood remaining after the failure of the hostile takeover effort, blaming a council member for the death of an influential local means Mason and Charli will have their work cut out for them.
June 4, 2019
A good visit turns bad
Charli has a blood relative coming to visit and the meet up with her new cousin Abagail, in Charleston, at the annual witches convention. Murder happens to a wicked witch and nana, Charli grandmother is falsely accused by a corrupt police department. Read on.
Charli has a blood relative coming to visit and the meet up with her new cousin Abagail, in Charleston, at the annual witches convention. Murder happens to a wicked witch and nana, Charli grandmother is falsely accused by a corrupt police department. Read on.
June 16, 2019
Quite a book!
This series is one that will keep you hooked because while it is a cozy, there are so many ups and downs, it’ll make your head spin! Charlie once again , is the strong one even while her personal life is turned upside down. I love her growth and the maturity she is displaying. Her romantic life is a bit of a mess and I’m ready for it to be happy and carefree.
This series is one that will keep you hooked because while it is a cozy, there are so many ups and downs, it’ll make your head spin! Charlie once again , is the strong one even while her personal life is turned upside down. I love her growth and the maturity she is displaying. Her romantic life is a bit of a mess and I’m ready for it to be happy and carefree.
November 9, 2019
Well-written fun cozy mystery
Bella Falls is excellent at writing a cozy mystery that has depth, magic, and fun. The group is visiting Charleston, SC in this book. The characters have depth that's sometimes not found in cozy books. Charlie's life continues to be complicated but relief is in sight. This book starts with a baby unicorn so yes it's adorable.
Bella Falls is excellent at writing a cozy mystery that has depth, magic, and fun. The group is visiting Charleston, SC in this book. The characters have depth that's sometimes not found in cozy books. Charlie's life continues to be complicated but relief is in sight. This book starts with a baby unicorn so yes it's adorable.
February 24, 2020
Amazing
I can't believe I'm done reading these. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what's going to happen next for Buddy and the crew. Thank you so much for writing an exhilarating series. I'm sad not to have another to read right now, but I know waiting will be worth it💖💖💖💖😊😊😊
I can't believe I'm done reading these. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what's going to happen next for Buddy and the crew. Thank you so much for writing an exhilarating series. I'm sad not to have another to read right now, but I know waiting will be worth it💖💖💖💖😊😊😊
February 18, 2021
Family troubles
Abs is a mystery, that unravels as does who killed the Charlestown witch in charge. This story tells of injustice, accusations , family intrigue, and family sacrifice. The revelation of what some sacrifice for family tears at your heart. The demands of some families is more than should ever be placed on family.
Abs is a mystery, that unravels as does who killed the Charlestown witch in charge. This story tells of injustice, accusations , family intrigue, and family sacrifice. The revelation of what some sacrifice for family tears at your heart. The demands of some families is more than should ever be placed on family.
May 25, 2022
RATING: 4.5-STARS
AGE: PG-18
SERIES: SOUTHERN CHARMS MYSTERY
Honeysuckle Hollow-Magic and mystery- Charli Goodwin is nervous returning to her hometown after skipped town, leaving her fiancé and family without a clue as to her whereabouts for years.
really enjoyed this series--FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY---
Mrs.C
AGE: PG-18
SERIES: SOUTHERN CHARMS MYSTERY
Honeysuckle Hollow-Magic and mystery- Charli Goodwin is nervous returning to her hometown after skipped town, leaving her fiancé and family without a clue as to her whereabouts for years.
really enjoyed this series--FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY---
Mrs.C
May 22, 2019
Loved this!
This is a good storyline set in the South with the idiosyncrasies that are truly Southern. The characters are well developed and interesting. The dialog and internal dialog flows naturally. Can't wait for Charli's next adventure!
This is a good storyline set in the South with the idiosyncrasies that are truly Southern. The characters are well developed and interesting. The dialog and internal dialog flows naturally. Can't wait for Charli's next adventure!
May 27, 2019
Magical Southern Goodness!
I completely enjoyed this book! I love how Charli's 'love family' support her and vice versa!
I also loved how it all comes together at the end. It completely took me by surprise!
Read the book! I highly recommend it!
I completely enjoyed this book! I love how Charli's 'love family' support her and vice versa!
I also loved how it all comes together at the end. It completely took me by surprise!
Read the book! I highly recommend it!
May 28, 2019
Must read
Charli, her friends, and family absolutely never disappoint!
This book was full of fun twists and turns, a very interesting beginning, and an amazing end.
Without giving too much away, I will say this, I greatly enjoyed the story and I truly can’t wait to see what’s next!
Charli, her friends, and family absolutely never disappoint!
This book was full of fun twists and turns, a very interesting beginning, and an amazing end.
Without giving too much away, I will say this, I greatly enjoyed the story and I truly can’t wait to see what’s next!
June 4, 2019
I was eagerly awaiting this one after the conclusion of the last book and I was not disappointed! A fun, entertaining and enjoyable read with a great cast of characters. Can't wait to see where the series goes next!
June 19, 2019
Rainbow Sparkles
Loved this book!
Charlie has grown so much in these books. Through trial and tribulations, she has learned to love with the help of her chosen family.
What a great read!
Loved this book!
Charlie has grown so much in these books. Through trial and tribulations, she has learned to love with the help of her chosen family.
What a great read!
July 1, 2019
Southern charm book 5
This was a fun series to read really want to read.more. This book was well organized and the author did a good on getting her idea a crossed. I recommend this book and series to my friends and family. Happy Reading!
This was a fun series to read really want to read.more. This book was well organized and the author did a good on getting her idea a crossed. I recommend this book and series to my friends and family. Happy Reading!
July 3, 2019
I am never disappointed in this series every book is so fun and I seriously love every character more and more with each book . I'm beyond anxious for the next book . This has to be one of my most favorite series !
June 28, 2020
This series is truly a fun read. I have always had wished I was more southern than I am and love how this series conveys the southern spirit. The characters are fun and I always wished I had a Nana like Charlie's.
December 5, 2020
I rarely read one book right after another in a series but this one is so much fun I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Take my word for it They have true Southern Charm with a twist of mystery and quirky characters to sweeten the plot!
October 29, 2021
So happy to hear Charlie is growing into her own. Also adoring the tied in love story. I adore this series as an audiobook. Looking forward to hearing more about Charlie’s background in the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews