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Nightshade Paranormal Cozy #1
Witch You Were Here
Suzy knows she's no longer in Pennsylvania when the dwarf says, "Is she dead, or is she dead dead?"
After a voice lures her and her cat through the gate at the old cemetery and into a world of magic, Suzy discovers she’s the new and powerful white witch of Nightshade. At first she doesn’t believe it. But, is it really just a coincidence all along that she collects brooms?
Suzy faces three major problems. First, the previous white witch who could help her find her way home, is found murdered. Secondly, the being who lured Suzy to Nightshade wants to kill her next. Thirdly, she’s trapped in the new world and doesn’t know how to get back home.
In the face of danger, Suzy has no choice but to embrace being a witch, find the killer, and learn how to use her new powers.
Witch You Were Here is the first book in the Nightshade paranormal cozy mystery series. This is a full-length and humorous paranormal cozy mystery novel.
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First published September 3, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
December 2, 2017
I wanted to like this book but the writing was very poor. Everything was overly simplistic including the dialogue. All of the characters seemed very simple, for example at one point the sherrif says “All of you are telling me the same thing so I believe you”. I expected the next line to be “Gee golly whiz thanks fellas”. It could have been a great story but the writing made it painful. There were several grammatical errors not just in dialogue but in the narrative as well.
However I will say that if this was intended as a children’s book or early YA then it’s completely appropriate. I admit I could be mistaken thinking this was for adults. If it’s for a younger audience then disregard my review. I would absolutely recommend this to a 5th or 6th grader but beyond that the writing is just too simple. I’d wager that it would probably shake out to be a 5th grade reading level if ran through a Flesch-Kincaid test.
However I will say that if this was intended as a children’s book or early YA then it’s completely appropriate. I admit I could be mistaken thinking this was for adults. If it’s for a younger audience then disregard my review. I would absolutely recommend this to a 5th or 6th grader but beyond that the writing is just too simple. I’d wager that it would probably shake out to be a 5th grade reading level if ran through a Flesch-Kincaid test.
February 25, 2025
Cute, cozy, witchy mystery book. Was good for a quick listen on Audible. This book is not going to blow your mind, but it is not going to bore you either.
October 23, 2018
Epic
I’m not gonna lie, there are things in this story that can be frustrating, cliché, annoying and honestly not as exciting or dramatic as they could be, however, I love all the characters, the talking animals and the idea of the magic in the story, it’s very charming and magical and it’s definitely a break from the typical stories found in this genre
It’s humorous and Quirky, serious and interesting characters, I’m definitely excited to read more from this world and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series
I’m not gonna lie, there are things in this story that can be frustrating, cliché, annoying and honestly not as exciting or dramatic as they could be, however, I love all the characters, the talking animals and the idea of the magic in the story, it’s very charming and magical and it’s definitely a break from the typical stories found in this genre
It’s humorous and Quirky, serious and interesting characters, I’m definitely excited to read more from this world and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series
September 6, 2022
3.5 🌟 cosy paranormal witchy read... think I've found my new cosy series for this spooky season!
July 6, 2021
I almost dnf'd it!
For the longest part of this story I would have swore it was written by a YA for YA or even all the way down to child. Only towards the end are a couple of things that show it's not quite for a child, but they probably wouldn't catch it anyway, like original Looney Toons. It would be different it wasn't the first in a series and I missed something in previous books, but it is the first, so I missed nothing.
For a YA or an older child it's a cute cozy read, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
For the longest part of this story I would have swore it was written by a YA for YA or even all the way down to child. Only towards the end are a couple of things that show it's not quite for a child, but they probably wouldn't catch it anyway, like original Looney Toons. It would be different it wasn't the first in a series and I missed something in previous books, but it is the first, so I missed nothing.
For a YA or an older child it's a cute cozy read, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
August 28, 2018
This was just terrible. If I suddenly find out that I’m a powerful witch, it would take more than a few minutes to be accepting. She just takes it in stride, like it’s an everyday occurrence. The writing is so cliche and obvious. Will not be reading any more of this series.
July 6, 2020
2,5*
July 30, 2020
I'm actually embarrassed this is even on my read list. I've been in the mood for a cozy mystery and something a little "witchy" and this sounded like it fit the bill. I fully understand as a cozy mystery, not to expect literary greatness, but this book read like a 10 year old wrote it. The dialogue was so oversimplified and every character announced every single thing they were doing, going to do, thinking, and feeling. And they did it in the most simplistic language possible. Here's an example, towards the end where the main character verbalizes exactly what she's thinking to someone who is not her romantic interest..."not only are you really handsome, you are also very kind and generous!" The majority of phrases that were worked into the book were, I'm assuming, made up, and were so clunky and awkward to read. Example: "Snowball, I feel as crazy as a bed bug!" Ummm...ok. It's just. I can't. It's like the author has never read a book for adults or she isn't one. The premise for the book sounded like a good one and if I were a preteen I'd probably have loved this. As an adult, it's too cringy to even attempt another book from this author.
September 4, 2018
I LOVE fairy tales. And I'm also a big fan of truthful idioms, cliches, and even corny word twists. But this book is a bit much, even for me. Witches, vampires, werewolves (and wererats!), mermaids, unicorns ... a broom named Broom Hilda ... a handsome man named Val Kilmoor ... and even a search for a "special" mushroom. It is a little over the top. The mystery itself is a bit interesting, if you're totally into the paranormal ... but wound in so much corny, make my eyes roll, fluff I was not impressed.
May 4, 2019
One star
When I got to ‘Val Kilmoor’ I was done. It would be helpful if these books were rated by the age of the person reading.
When I got to ‘Val Kilmoor’ I was done. It would be helpful if these books were rated by the age of the person reading.
October 26, 2023
Just bad
April 10, 2024
It’s so bad especially the audible version, Siri would do a better job reading the book.
November 3, 2024
6. Oh my. This must surely be the worst to date. Well, the worst of this particular bad run.
January 3, 2025
This book should have been edited and rewritten a few more times before being published, but we all have to start somewhere.
September 10, 2025
Exciting adventure filled magical ride 😍
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Cozy Small Town Paranormal
💌 She doesn't know she's a witch
💌 Unknowingly stepping into another magical town
💌 Crazy adventures with wicked twists
💌 Magical broom rides😍
💌 Suspense
💌 Secrets
💌 Witches, vampires, werewolves & more
🅼🆈 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: 🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺
Omg... I just couldn't stop devouring this unputdownable ride as it grabs you right from the start.
Suzy maycomber has no idea that her usual trip to the vet with her cat, snowball was going to turn into an unimaginable one, when she hears a voice and goes to cross the cemetery and once she does she finds herself on a road that she's never seen before and when she tries to turn her car back, she reads the inscription on the dome entrance that says, ONE WAY ONLY.
I was freaked out when this happened and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
So somehow Suzy has unknowingly crossed into a magical town of Nightshade and everyone is shocked to see a person come to their town from the other side.
Somehow Suzy tries to find clues and help for a way back home and when she finds it, she also finds that the Librarian who can help has become a victim to a crime.
Ahhh... I can't tell you how exciting this one was start to end. Suzy's totally unknown to her duties as a new Librarian but also meeting the town's magical folks living like normal people is shocking to her.
Along with Snowball, her cat and familiar, Alfie the assistant dwarf, a sheriff who's an elf and finding that her broom is no ordinary broom but one that is very powerful indeed, Suzy goes on to find the spell that will take her back while also running from the Villain who brought her to this town..
Wow...I'm freaking glad that I came across this series. It's a delicious urban fantasy with a tiny bit of romance, as we have Val the handsome vampire and the other one who's the town's vet but the real story is taking this wild roller-coaster magical ride with Suzy, Snowball and Broom Helda and I had oh so much of freaking fun.
I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series. Abso-freaking-lutely loved loved this one. ♥️♥️♥️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Cozy Small Town Paranormal
💌 She doesn't know she's a witch
💌 Unknowingly stepping into another magical town
💌 Crazy adventures with wicked twists
💌 Magical broom rides😍
💌 Suspense
💌 Secrets
💌 Witches, vampires, werewolves & more
🅼🆈 🆃🅷🅾🆄🅶🅷🆃🆂: 🄰🅄🄳🄸🄾🄱🄾🄾🄺
Omg... I just couldn't stop devouring this unputdownable ride as it grabs you right from the start.
Suzy maycomber has no idea that her usual trip to the vet with her cat, snowball was going to turn into an unimaginable one, when she hears a voice and goes to cross the cemetery and once she does she finds herself on a road that she's never seen before and when she tries to turn her car back, she reads the inscription on the dome entrance that says, ONE WAY ONLY.
I was freaked out when this happened and couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
So somehow Suzy has unknowingly crossed into a magical town of Nightshade and everyone is shocked to see a person come to their town from the other side.
Somehow Suzy tries to find clues and help for a way back home and when she finds it, she also finds that the Librarian who can help has become a victim to a crime.
Ahhh... I can't tell you how exciting this one was start to end. Suzy's totally unknown to her duties as a new Librarian but also meeting the town's magical folks living like normal people is shocking to her.
Along with Snowball, her cat and familiar, Alfie the assistant dwarf, a sheriff who's an elf and finding that her broom is no ordinary broom but one that is very powerful indeed, Suzy goes on to find the spell that will take her back while also running from the Villain who brought her to this town..
Wow...I'm freaking glad that I came across this series. It's a delicious urban fantasy with a tiny bit of romance, as we have Val the handsome vampire and the other one who's the town's vet but the real story is taking this wild roller-coaster magical ride with Suzy, Snowball and Broom Helda and I had oh so much of freaking fun.
I can't wait to dive into the second book in this series. Abso-freaking-lutely loved loved this one. ♥️♥️♥️
November 7, 2021
Is it cliché? Yes.
Is it over the top at times? Yes.
Can one eye roll occasionally? Yes. Definitely.
Could the characters have been fleshed out more? Heck, yeah!
But in all honesty it was exactly what I needed! I wanted a fun, light, quick read, and that's what I got!
Suzy was hilarious and fun to read about but I will admit that at times she was a bit much. Also, there could have been more of a reaction on her behalf discovering she was a witch and in a whole different verse. There is also the trope of not knowing there is magic within but being able to summon and use it instantly.
Broom Hilda starts out fiesty yet ironically sweet, Snowball -Suzy's familiar and talking cat- is plain adorable and silly! Alfie ends up being such a wonderful addition and I wanted to hug him at times!
I will say the dialogue needed to be tweaked at times and reconsider some character names along the way. Also, not rely heavily on dialogue to provide the backstory; instead have a mix of writing styles.
Overall, I will continue with the series since it has captured my intrigue.
Is it over the top at times? Yes.
Can one eye roll occasionally? Yes. Definitely.
Could the characters have been fleshed out more? Heck, yeah!
But in all honesty it was exactly what I needed! I wanted a fun, light, quick read, and that's what I got!
Suzy was hilarious and fun to read about but I will admit that at times she was a bit much. Also, there could have been more of a reaction on her behalf discovering she was a witch and in a whole different verse. There is also the trope of not knowing there is magic within but being able to summon and use it instantly.
Broom Hilda starts out fiesty yet ironically sweet, Snowball -Suzy's familiar and talking cat- is plain adorable and silly! Alfie ends up being such a wonderful addition and I wanted to hug him at times!
I will say the dialogue needed to be tweaked at times and reconsider some character names along the way. Also, not rely heavily on dialogue to provide the backstory; instead have a mix of writing styles.
Overall, I will continue with the series since it has captured my intrigue.
January 7, 2022
Well, it’s a quick read. Or in my case listen.
I am surprised to see such a high average rating, but perhaps the author has a dedicated fan base.
I don’t want to give away too much plot, but if I feel paranormal romance readers need some warnings. I’m always desperate to find series that I can try and listen to at my library, and this book was recommended through their algorithms based on my other readings. And admittedly I read for pleasure not intellect….but the author has presented us with childish, petulant characters. Yet the content does not appear to be for children or even YA. Even the adult lead being called Suzy….what grown woman wants to be called Suzy (and my name can be shortened to Suzy…so I speak with some authority).
So…as to the romance…it’s barely there. I guess it’s paranormal in that there are witches, dwarves, vampires, and weres…..but so far not building a romance other than she thinks men are either gorgeous or to be laughed at.
However….I’m desperate for content….so yes, on to book 2 I go.
I am surprised to see such a high average rating, but perhaps the author has a dedicated fan base.
I don’t want to give away too much plot, but if I feel paranormal romance readers need some warnings. I’m always desperate to find series that I can try and listen to at my library, and this book was recommended through their algorithms based on my other readings. And admittedly I read for pleasure not intellect….but the author has presented us with childish, petulant characters. Yet the content does not appear to be for children or even YA. Even the adult lead being called Suzy….what grown woman wants to be called Suzy (and my name can be shortened to Suzy…so I speak with some authority).
So…as to the romance…it’s barely there. I guess it’s paranormal in that there are witches, dwarves, vampires, and weres…..but so far not building a romance other than she thinks men are either gorgeous or to be laughed at.
However….I’m desperate for content….so yes, on to book 2 I go.
May 10, 2019
As Suzy is taking her cat Snowball to the vet for her shots, she takes a short cut through the cemetery and ends up in Nightshades, a small town that is full of magical creatures and she finds out she is a witch. To get any information of how to get back to the other side she has to go to the Library where she will find out that many things are not what they seem to be and her live will take a new and exciting direction. I love her cat Snowball and think she is a riot. I thought this was a good read and couldn't wait to get to book two. Also I bought the box set of this series, I am doing a review on each book as I finish them.
October 25, 2019
Awesome book! Fun read & the witchy humor & mystery I have come to love...hearing a voice, seeing a dark figure with a silver cup...driving through a cemetery & ending up in a world you don’t know & not sure you like...finding out you’re a witch & a powerful one at that...having no one to trust & your cat turns into a snotty brat that can talk if it wants to...finding you’re the librarian with books that don’t like people! Then on top of all that you have to find the bad dude & vanquish him forever just to get things back to normal & find you like your new life & you’re not going anywhere
December 26, 2019
This was fun!
I really enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. The synopsis was very intriguing- I’ve never come across a one way cemetery drive ending with a job as a librarian - and much to my surprise, the author made it work.
The characters were funny, and the plot unfolded at a decent pace, culminating in a battle that had me more than a little worried about the protagonist and her companions. Favourite characters would have to be Snowball and Broom Hilda 🧹
3.5 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. The synopsis was very intriguing- I’ve never come across a one way cemetery drive ending with a job as a librarian - and much to my surprise, the author made it work.
The characters were funny, and the plot unfolded at a decent pace, culminating in a battle that had me more than a little worried about the protagonist and her companions. Favourite characters would have to be Snowball and Broom Hilda 🧹
3.5 stars ⭐️
February 19, 2020
White Witch Trouble
I really enjoy a good clean cozey murder mystery especially when there are witches involved and even more when other paranormals get in the act. So I was happy to discover a delightful load of vivid and bold caracters to top things off. "Witch You Were Here "has ever faced you could ask for. A great mystery, dastardly evil villen ,charming charismatic support to a spunky witchy heroin. Time now for you to aquier a copy and start enjoying this fabulous cozey mystery as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄😏😀☺ Kat
I really enjoy a good clean cozey murder mystery especially when there are witches involved and even more when other paranormals get in the act. So I was happy to discover a delightful load of vivid and bold caracters to top things off. "Witch You Were Here "has ever faced you could ask for. A great mystery, dastardly evil villen ,charming charismatic support to a spunky witchy heroin. Time now for you to aquier a copy and start enjoying this fabulous cozey mystery as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄😏😀☺ Kat
April 2, 2020
With all the craziness going on in the world right now I just needed something quick, fun and a light read. Witch You Were Here was perfect for that. I enjoyed being along for the ride so to speak with Suzy, Snowball, and of course Broom Hilda. My only "complaint" would be that the story moved by so fast since it was a shorter book. It sometimes felt like there should be more to the situation or some time for the idea to fully flesh out. Still a fun read that I enjoyed and I will be reading the next book of the series soon.
May 9, 2018
A fun and exciting witch tale!
Suzy is hilarious! Her adventure begins by taking a side trip through the cemetery. She finds finds herself in another world. Her cat Snowball and new friends help her to discover her new calling! Fighting to save herself and her new friends, Suzy escapes death and discovers her true calling. Read this cute and hilarious mystery for a good change of pace!
Suzy is hilarious! Her adventure begins by taking a side trip through the cemetery. She finds finds herself in another world. Her cat Snowball and new friends help her to discover her new calling! Fighting to save herself and her new friends, Suzy escapes death and discovers her true calling. Read this cute and hilarious mystery for a good change of pace!
June 29, 2018
Who is the host?
A good start to a new series. Driving through the cemetery proves to be a mistake as it takes her to a different plane. Who, what and where are the questions on her lips as she tries to come to terms with new powers, lots of supernatural beings and a deadly killer. Will she survive this culture shock. A great mix of characters and a great fantasy plot. Not really a cozy per se as we all know who the killer is (even if we don't know the host) but a great little read.
A good start to a new series. Driving through the cemetery proves to be a mistake as it takes her to a different plane. Who, what and where are the questions on her lips as she tries to come to terms with new powers, lots of supernatural beings and a deadly killer. Will she survive this culture shock. A great mix of characters and a great fantasy plot. Not really a cozy per se as we all know who the killer is (even if we don't know the host) but a great little read.
June 22, 2019
This story was ok. I feel some parts could have been expanded more. Some parts of the story were great and it was an overall good read but I just feel that someone coming into the world the main character was quite accepting and things went too fast. I'm unsure right at this moment if I will read more in the series, not that there was too much wrong with it. Maybe it just wasn't for me at this moment in time.
March 21, 2021
This book has an interesting outline of a story, but it really needed a fierce editor to go several rounds with the author and make them flesh it out. I was honestly relieved to finally be done even though it's short. It relies on dialogue for all real information, and none of the characters' emotions or motivations feel sincere. Any potential growth in the characters feels false since it lacks both time and detail to support it.
June 23, 2022
After losing her way, via a cemetery road, to Nightshade, Suzy adjusts to life as head librarian. After quickly realizing that supernatural creatures are real, she also realizes they behave just like any other human. The small town vibe means everyone knows everyone, and she has a hard time suspecting anyone as the killer.
It’s a quick read but the limited use of contractions takes getting used to.
It’s a quick read but the limited use of contractions takes getting used to.
April 23, 2024
OMG - Suzy is uber hilarious! Her adventure begins by taking a side trip through the cemetery. She finds herself in another world, a witchy world and to add to it - Snowball (her cat) talks!!!
Suzy has to fight to save herself, her cat and her new friends - can she figure out witchy stuff and who done it before it's tooooooooo late???
I loved this hilarious (yet cute) mystery and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series!
Suzy has to fight to save herself, her cat and her new friends - can she figure out witchy stuff and who done it before it's tooooooooo late???
I loved this hilarious (yet cute) mystery and am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series!
April 28, 2025
This.... Was not good
There were times I was enjoying it and considered giving it a higher rating, but then the main character was so incredibly shallow and just incompetent.
Also a broom addiction? The inability to respect people and mocking them for being short EVEN WHILE HE'S SAVING YOUR LIFE? The entire reason for the "plot" being exposition at the end.
She finds a dead body and is like, yea I'll take dead lady's job, seems like a safe thing to do.
There were times I was enjoying it and considered giving it a higher rating, but then the main character was so incredibly shallow and just incompetent.
Also a broom addiction? The inability to respect people and mocking them for being short EVEN WHILE HE'S SAVING YOUR LIFE? The entire reason for the "plot" being exposition at the end.
She finds a dead body and is like, yea I'll take dead lady's job, seems like a safe thing to do.
October 28, 2018
4 stars for crazy!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Talk about crazy, this book is the craziest. Take a drive through the cemetery, go straight through the back gate and find yourself in Nightshade. Just 1 thing, you can't leave!
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Talk about crazy, this book is the craziest. Take a drive through the cemetery, go straight through the back gate and find yourself in Nightshade. Just 1 thing, you can't leave!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews