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Private Eye Witch #1
This Spells Trouble
The new private investigator in town has a secret…and it definitely spells trouble for everyone
A paranormal cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster
Ruby Swift has given up her career as a teacher and is pursuing her lifelong dream of being a private investigator. When faced with apparent magical powers, she begins down a path that could spell trouble for everyone involved…criminals, the town, and even herself. Can she learn to channel her powers for good and put a murderer behind bars?
This Spells Trouble is part of the Private Eye Witch Cozy Mystery series.
A paranormal cozy mystery from USA Today Bestselling Author Stacey Alabaster
Ruby Swift has given up her career as a teacher and is pursuing her lifelong dream of being a private investigator. When faced with apparent magical powers, she begins down a path that could spell trouble for everyone involved…criminals, the town, and even herself. Can she learn to channel her powers for good and put a murderer behind bars?
This Spells Trouble is part of the Private Eye Witch Cozy Mystery series.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2019
229 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Alabaster
76 books128 followersI have always loved a good mystery. From my early years watching Murder She Wrote to more recent shows like Monk, Psych, and my absolute favorite BBC show ever, Sherlock, I have studied what it takes to make an entertaining mystery. I am truly blessed to be able to write and share my own mysteries with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I loved writing them :)
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
If you want to keep up with all my new releases, be sure to sign up for my mailing list at FairfieldPublishing.com/cozy-newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 21, 2019
This was a fun entry into a brand-new series that I started reading last night. It's a quick and clean read, and it has all those great witchy elements like spells, creatures and things like that, but it's definitely not scary in case anyone worries about that. Since it was the first book, and Ruby, who is the new PI and witch was trying to locate the killer of a fellow witch, I wasn't really sure who all to trust, but it was solved fairly quickly. She got to use both her PI training and her witch powers to catch the perp. Someone was suspected of being a black magic witch, someone was a killer--were they one and the same? I honestly never guessed the killer.
From the minute I met Vicky, I liked her. She was crazy and fun, kind of ditzy when it came to spells, but it's always fun to read about a slightly bumbling witch. The main mystery was solved, but one little side mystery was left for the next book. I'm thinking after I saw the title of the next book that this mystery will definitely be taken care of in that book.
From the minute I met Vicky, I liked her. She was crazy and fun, kind of ditzy when it came to spells, but it's always fun to read about a slightly bumbling witch. The main mystery was solved, but one little side mystery was left for the next book. I'm thinking after I saw the title of the next book that this mystery will definitely be taken care of in that book.
March 22, 2019
What a adorable little story in this first book, about Ruby. She’s a witch and retired teacher. She’s now a PI and investigating the murder of a fellow witch. Don’t miss out.
June 19, 2019
Ruby use to be a 3rd grade teacher but has given up her career to become a PI. As she is visited by May, to find her missing husband she learns she is a WITCH. Her new witch friend Vicky is a clutzy person and even more in her own world. She is a bit kooky. But this makes for some fun moments.
Geri ,head the coven in town, comes to Ruby to see if she can find who killed thier witch sister, Clover.
In between cases she has to learn the spell Geri tried to teach her to make it in the coven.
Can she solved two murders, survive what she thinks is a hex and make it into the coven?
It took me a bit to get into the story but once I did it was a fun read. With spells going wrong and Ruby losing her powers for a bit and her kooky friend Vicky things happen quickly. The characters were well done and the plot was great.
March 18, 2019
Dumb and Dumber
It started off well - a decent plot, a kooky new witch PI but when her new best friend is even more into la la land and the more I read the more annoyed I got. If her new cat Indy had a bigger role it might have felt more balanced but as it was it was just one hare brained remark/scheme after another. A jot of common sense every now and then would have made the world of difference. The characters though are well portrayed (even if annoying).
She has chucked in her teaching job and today is her first day as a PI. Her first case - a missing husband. Retainer received she is all set to investigate. That is until another case comes in - a case of a murdered witch. Yeah a witch and she's one too. Then a case that she doesn't want - missing mail. Throw in an arrogant coven and coven leader, a dippy new friend, miscast spells, a familiar (sarcastic and unhelpful), a panther, a hex, a hunky coffee shop manager irrational rage. Can she find the husband and the killer? Why does the coven not want her to join? Who hexed her?
It started off well - a decent plot, a kooky new witch PI but when her new best friend is even more into la la land and the more I read the more annoyed I got. If her new cat Indy had a bigger role it might have felt more balanced but as it was it was just one hare brained remark/scheme after another. A jot of common sense every now and then would have made the world of difference. The characters though are well portrayed (even if annoying).
She has chucked in her teaching job and today is her first day as a PI. Her first case - a missing husband. Retainer received she is all set to investigate. That is until another case comes in - a case of a murdered witch. Yeah a witch and she's one too. Then a case that she doesn't want - missing mail. Throw in an arrogant coven and coven leader, a dippy new friend, miscast spells, a familiar (sarcastic and unhelpful), a panther, a hex, a hunky coffee shop manager irrational rage. Can she find the husband and the killer? Why does the coven not want her to join? Who hexed her?
May 25, 2019
This Spells Trouble, kicks off Stacey Akabaster's latest addition to the cozy mystery genre -- Private Eye Witch Cizy Mystery.
The book brings together former third gradd teacher turned PI Ruby Sparrow with her newfound and somewhat clutzy witch friend Vicky. The new besties struggle through (although bumble may be a more fitting description) a spell or two with little success and before long turn the entire town upside down as well as render Ruby powerless in the spells and curses department!
This Spells Trouble is an entertaining and cute lighthearted mystery. I suspect (and expect) as additional books are written for this new series subsequent stories will have a bit more substance.
The book brings together former third gradd teacher turned PI Ruby Sparrow with her newfound and somewhat clutzy witch friend Vicky. The new besties struggle through (although bumble may be a more fitting description) a spell or two with little success and before long turn the entire town upside down as well as render Ruby powerless in the spells and curses department!
This Spells Trouble is an entertaining and cute lighthearted mystery. I suspect (and expect) as additional books are written for this new series subsequent stories will have a bit more substance.
March 25, 2019
Crazy witches, spells gone wrong; what else could go wacky for Ruby now that she found out that she was a witch. The story was fun and entertaining. Being able to talk and communicate with animals sounds very enjoyable. Well maybe most animals, cats have their own agenda. You will enjoy the mystery and the antics of the characters. A good solid story that is very pleasurable and entertaining.
February 28, 2020
Detective Case One
Ruby Sparrow always wanted to be a Detective so she took the course and then opened her own detective agency. Her first day leads to a couple of new cases and information that will change her life. The book was a great story and a quick read and I really liked the characters as well. I look forward to reading the next book when I get a chance. Well done Stacey!
Ruby Sparrow always wanted to be a Detective so she took the course and then opened her own detective agency. Her first day leads to a couple of new cases and information that will change her life. The book was a great story and a quick read and I really liked the characters as well. I look forward to reading the next book when I get a chance. Well done Stacey!
August 10, 2025
I am really kind of bummed by this one. I don't know if it was the writing style, the actual plot, or if I was just not with it whenever I chose to pick up This Spells Trouble...but for the life of me I couldn't follow the storyline. The end felt thrown together and I genuinely don't remember being introduced to the culprit before we're told who it was. I don't know guys, this was a huge confusing miss for me.
April 11, 2020
The Trouble with Spells
I so enjoyed this mystery a big wtchy mystery. Caracters that are vibrant, intreageing, mystifying, and some down right nasty. One woman's challenge to figure things out before i'ts may be to late. Aquier a copy of "This Spells Trouble " so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have .😉🙄 Kat
I so enjoyed this mystery a big wtchy mystery. Caracters that are vibrant, intreageing, mystifying, and some down right nasty. One woman's challenge to figure things out before i'ts may be to late. Aquier a copy of "This Spells Trouble " so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have .😉🙄 Kat
May 12, 2019
Starting new
This spells trouble is a story how life hands you lemons and you must make the lemonade. Ruby goes about this problem in a different way as a new witch, but also as a normal. Lots of suspense lots of drama plus a new friend.
This spells trouble is a story how life hands you lemons and you must make the lemonade. Ruby goes about this problem in a different way as a new witch, but also as a normal. Lots of suspense lots of drama plus a new friend.
December 13, 2019
I almost stopped reading it before I started. First page, second paragraph. You can not have an "infinity" for birds. You just can't. You could have an AFFINITY for birds.
The story itself was cute. The author needs a proofreader who can catch errors instead of depending solely on spell-check.
The story itself was cute. The author needs a proofreader who can catch errors instead of depending solely on spell-check.
April 12, 2020
A very fast read
This was a simple very entertaining read wasn't very complex easy to follow the plot characters will develop nicely and a very nice read enjoyed it immensely except that ended a little too quickly. 👍
This was a simple very entertaining read wasn't very complex easy to follow the plot characters will develop nicely and a very nice read enjoyed it immensely except that ended a little too quickly. 👍
April 2, 2023
Fun read
Finding out you are a witch is exciting, finding out you are a rubbish witch not so much, but then you find out your a good PI and that makes up for that. A short fun read, with magic murder and lots of humor well worth a look, Baz.
Finding out you are a witch is exciting, finding out you are a rubbish witch not so much, but then you find out your a good PI and that makes up for that. A short fun read, with magic murder and lots of humor well worth a look, Baz.
April 14, 2023
A delightful book
This is a great cozy mystery. If you like magic, mayhem, and mystery with a touch of romance then this book is for you. The characters are well thought out and realistic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a great cozy mystery. If you like magic, mayhem, and mystery with a touch of romance then this book is for you. The characters are well thought out and realistic. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 24, 2019
Cute story
Nice quick read about a woman who does not know she is a witch. Love the way the story weaves through her finding her powers and the troubles she has.
Nice quick read about a woman who does not know she is a witch. Love the way the story weaves through her finding her powers and the troubles she has.
March 24, 2019
This is a fun new series with the main character who just discovers that she is a witch. Plenty of fun characters and an interesting story line.
March 25, 2019
An exciting and interesting start to a new mystery series! I had a lot of fun reading it! I would like Indy to have more of a role in future stories...love her!
April 5, 2019
Enjoyed
I have just finished reading your book and I enjoyed the characters and the story line looking forward to your next book.
I have just finished reading your book and I enjoyed the characters and the story line looking forward to your next book.
May 14, 2019
Very good book.
This was a very good book. It moved quickly and had exciting and unexpected twists and turns. I would recommend.
This was a very good book. It moved quickly and had exciting and unexpected twists and turns. I would recommend.
May 19, 2019
A True Hard To Put Down Mystery!
Not only was this book fun to read but also hard to put down. I really believe that this is going to be another favorite author.
Not only was this book fun to read but also hard to put down. I really believe that this is going to be another favorite author.
July 10, 2019
just fun!
August 16, 2019
Kept my attention
Very good read. Enjoyed the book. Not enough plot for me but enjoyed it none the less. On to book 2.
Very good read. Enjoyed the book. Not enough plot for me but enjoyed it none the less. On to book 2.
September 19, 2019
Very enjoyable read
Very likable characters who are a bit mysterious on top of the mystery to be solved. Keen to read next book in series.
Very likable characters who are a bit mysterious on top of the mystery to be solved. Keen to read next book in series.
March 1, 2020
I don't usually read cozy mysteries
"This Spells Trouble" May have change my mind about that. It's cute it's fun and it's a quick read. Perfect for a chilly Saturday in February...
"This Spells Trouble" May have change my mind about that. It's cute it's fun and it's a quick read. Perfect for a chilly Saturday in February...
April 19, 2020
New heroine in town!
Read in an afternoon. Couldn't put it down. Love the heroine, love her friends. Did NOT guess the villain. Great read!!
Read in an afternoon. Couldn't put it down. Love the heroine, love her friends. Did NOT guess the villain. Great read!!
April 19, 2020
Great book
This is a great book by Stacey Alabaster. I was hesitant to start this series but I'm glad I did.
This is a great book by Stacey Alabaster. I was hesitant to start this series but I'm glad I did.
June 25, 2020
Great new author
I really enjoyed her quirky characters. Don't know much about Australia so this was a nice change. Good story and highly recommend.
I really enjoyed her quirky characters. Don't know much about Australia so this was a nice change. Good story and highly recommend.
July 13, 2020
Cute cozy paranormal
This is a really cute cozy paranormal mystery. I can not wait to see what trouble happens for the witches next. Recommend
This is a really cute cozy paranormal mystery. I can not wait to see what trouble happens for the witches next. Recommend
August 22, 2020
This is great series start. I enjoyed it.
September 18, 2020
Quirky
Moves to fast not enough detail felt rushed in the writing didn't enjoy that much probably won't buy anymore sorry.
Moves to fast not enough detail felt rushed in the writing didn't enjoy that much probably won't buy anymore sorry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews