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Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series #1
Magic, Mayhem & Murder
Charm McCall, armed with a library full of Agatha Christie stories and her unique witchy gifts, knows how to solve a small-town murder…
Charm McCall, the oldest of the McCall triplets by a whole day—or one minute before midnight if one’s being picky—is the designated driver for her whole town. Why, if it wasn’t for her Snowy Lake would incinerate or fall into Hudson’s Bay. Now add her Salem Witch heritage that’s gifted her with some unique abilities and she’s all set to keep her family and town safe and on its proper course.
That is, until a hot Mountie moves into town, a busload of strippers breaks down on Main Street and Mrs. Hurst goes and gets herself murdered with poisoned jam. Jam crafted by Charm’s family at the Tea & Tarot café. Now it’s up to her to solve the murders—yes, plural, when another local business owner ends up dead.
Charm knows just what to do. What’s breaking a few laws if she can sleuth out the culprit? She knows the people of Snowy Lake better than any new lawman possibly could. So why can’t he just leave her be to get on with things?
And why does he have to be so darn hot?
General Release Date: 9th July 2019
Charm McCall, the oldest of the McCall triplets by a whole day—or one minute before midnight if one’s being picky—is the designated driver for her whole town. Why, if it wasn’t for her Snowy Lake would incinerate or fall into Hudson’s Bay. Now add her Salem Witch heritage that’s gifted her with some unique abilities and she’s all set to keep her family and town safe and on its proper course.
That is, until a hot Mountie moves into town, a busload of strippers breaks down on Main Street and Mrs. Hurst goes and gets herself murdered with poisoned jam. Jam crafted by Charm’s family at the Tea & Tarot café. Now it’s up to her to solve the murders—yes, plural, when another local business owner ends up dead.
Charm knows just what to do. What’s breaking a few laws if she can sleuth out the culprit? She knows the people of Snowy Lake better than any new lawman possibly could. So why can’t he just leave her be to get on with things?
And why does he have to be so darn hot?
General Release Date: 9th July 2019
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2019
3 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
January Bain
85 books1,105 followersLessons my Grandma taught me.
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:
(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.
(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!
(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.
(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.
(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.
(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.
Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2019
Charm McCall has a problem. A big one.
The town busybody and generally not nice Mrs. Hurst has been poisoned..... by Charm's apricot jam. Who would want to murder Mrs. Hurst? That's easy, most everyone she met. However, why is Charm and her Tea and Tarot Cafe being framed? Not so easy to figure out!
Charm is a triplet and I enjoyed the differences between the sisters- Charm the responsible one and devoted to the tea shop business, Tulip the blogger and Star the musician/singer who is looking elsewhere for her career goals. The women were raised by their grandmother , "Granny" who was their touchstone. The dialogue between the sisters is witty and filled with sibling angst and love.
I love mysteries with humor and this one was perfect - between a group of strippers in town, a handsome Mountie, quirky and lovable townspeople, this book was perfect!
The lovable and feisty cat, Baby Ling Ling was a princess of a character and added to the story! Long live Baby Ling Ling!
If you enjoy paranormal cozies, I know you'll love this book!
I received an ebook, from the author, for a fair and honest review.
The town busybody and generally not nice Mrs. Hurst has been poisoned..... by Charm's apricot jam. Who would want to murder Mrs. Hurst? That's easy, most everyone she met. However, why is Charm and her Tea and Tarot Cafe being framed? Not so easy to figure out!
Charm is a triplet and I enjoyed the differences between the sisters- Charm the responsible one and devoted to the tea shop business, Tulip the blogger and Star the musician/singer who is looking elsewhere for her career goals. The women were raised by their grandmother , "Granny" who was their touchstone. The dialogue between the sisters is witty and filled with sibling angst and love.
I love mysteries with humor and this one was perfect - between a group of strippers in town, a handsome Mountie, quirky and lovable townspeople, this book was perfect!
The lovable and feisty cat, Baby Ling Ling was a princess of a character and added to the story! Long live Baby Ling Ling!
If you enjoy paranormal cozies, I know you'll love this book!
I received an ebook, from the author, for a fair and honest review.
July 9, 2019
Paranormal/romance/mystery. This story is fun and quirky, unique and mysterious. I enjoyed reading it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 4, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. I look forward to reading more in this series.
July 31, 2019
Snowy Lake is a small town where everybody knows everybody. On the surface Snowy Lake seems to be a quiet, cozy little town where everyone is real nice and all get along with one another very well until the bodies start to pile up.
Someone in cozy Snowy Lake is a murderer and all the evidence is pointing to Charm McCall’s family and their little café the Tea & Tarot café and it looks as if they are being poisoned with jam made by the McCall family.
Charm is sure she can solve the murders before her family is arrested for the murders if only the new constable in town will stay out of her way. As Charm figures it she knows the people and the Snowy Lake better than he does and can get the people of Snowy Lake to confide in her.
Magic, Mayhem, & Murder is a cozy little read that drew me in from the first page and into its depths wondering who would want to kill the nice people in Snowy Lake. I kept asking myself all these questions and more while I was reading Magic, Mayhem, & Murder: One who is the murderer? And two why did they kill them? And three if Charm and her family were being set up how did they do it? And four when did it happen?
Magic, Mayhem, & Murder has enough suspense and mystery to keep you glued to your seat trying to guess what is going on with all the twists and turns it likes to hold on to its secrets only giving you a little bit at a time just enough to keep you charmed and wrapping you into its coziness like a warm blanket. I can’t wait to see where Charm, Star, Tulip and the rest of the characters take us in the next little cozy mystery from the Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series.
If you like murder and mystery with plenty of suspense then you are going to love Magic, Mayhem, & Murder. Pick up your copy today!
Someone in cozy Snowy Lake is a murderer and all the evidence is pointing to Charm McCall’s family and their little café the Tea & Tarot café and it looks as if they are being poisoned with jam made by the McCall family.
Charm is sure she can solve the murders before her family is arrested for the murders if only the new constable in town will stay out of her way. As Charm figures it she knows the people and the Snowy Lake better than he does and can get the people of Snowy Lake to confide in her.
Magic, Mayhem, & Murder is a cozy little read that drew me in from the first page and into its depths wondering who would want to kill the nice people in Snowy Lake. I kept asking myself all these questions and more while I was reading Magic, Mayhem, & Murder: One who is the murderer? And two why did they kill them? And three if Charm and her family were being set up how did they do it? And four when did it happen?
Magic, Mayhem, & Murder has enough suspense and mystery to keep you glued to your seat trying to guess what is going on with all the twists and turns it likes to hold on to its secrets only giving you a little bit at a time just enough to keep you charmed and wrapping you into its coziness like a warm blanket. I can’t wait to see where Charm, Star, Tulip and the rest of the characters take us in the next little cozy mystery from the Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series.
If you like murder and mystery with plenty of suspense then you are going to love Magic, Mayhem, & Murder. Pick up your copy today!
December 3, 2019
Readers will feel welcome in this charming little town with a host of characters. Charm is the oldest of three triplets who run a little tea café. When an unpopular neighbor is found dead, Charm tries to discover who could have done such a thing. Why does this matter so much to her? It’s personal. The murder weapon was poison, poison slipped into the scrumptious jam that Charm and her family make and sell in their café.
Charm’s handsome new friend, Ace, a lawman, is on the case, but the townsfolk are probably more likely to talk to her. Besides, the victim was last seen at her café. Charm and Ace are an unlikely couple, but the chemistry is there. However, they clash as each tries to solve the murder.
During each of their investigations, they are led down the path of danger, and then a second person is murdered. Why? And are the two murders connected? Charm reveals just how clever she is as she looks into this. It get a little scary though. Could she or someone she loves be next?
What complicates things is the fact that perhaps someone she likes might be involved. An interesting secondary cast gets introduced, one-by-one, adding plenty of people to suspect.
Charm accidently discovers that she has an amazing gift. Will this come in handy? It’s great seeing this gift in action, and serves to fill out her characterization. She has other gifts as well, which she will use to try to solve the case.
Eventually, Charm finds herself face-to-face with the killer. Will she get out of this alive and be able to continue to help people?
The theme of suspense against the mood of urgency is enhanced with a dash of humor. Throw in yummy treats, and you get good, escapist reading.
This story is the first in a series and is a worthy introduction to the other books. The characters and the town are intriguing and different, yet cozy. Cozy mystery readers who like a little magic mixed in are sure to enjoy this one.
Charm’s handsome new friend, Ace, a lawman, is on the case, but the townsfolk are probably more likely to talk to her. Besides, the victim was last seen at her café. Charm and Ace are an unlikely couple, but the chemistry is there. However, they clash as each tries to solve the murder.
During each of their investigations, they are led down the path of danger, and then a second person is murdered. Why? And are the two murders connected? Charm reveals just how clever she is as she looks into this. It get a little scary though. Could she or someone she loves be next?
What complicates things is the fact that perhaps someone she likes might be involved. An interesting secondary cast gets introduced, one-by-one, adding plenty of people to suspect.
Charm accidently discovers that she has an amazing gift. Will this come in handy? It’s great seeing this gift in action, and serves to fill out her characterization. She has other gifts as well, which she will use to try to solve the case.
Eventually, Charm finds herself face-to-face with the killer. Will she get out of this alive and be able to continue to help people?
The theme of suspense against the mood of urgency is enhanced with a dash of humor. Throw in yummy treats, and you get good, escapist reading.
This story is the first in a series and is a worthy introduction to the other books. The characters and the town are intriguing and different, yet cozy. Cozy mystery readers who like a little magic mixed in are sure to enjoy this one.
July 9, 2019
The McCall triplets were left on the doorstep on their granny’s house as children, but that hasn’t crushed their spirits. Now all these years later they are running the Manitoba Tea and Tarot cafe, each having their own special gift. The oldest Charm has the gift of seeing. She has the knack of being able to help her customers find lost items just by holding their hand.
Things are off to a great start with the girls bringing in a tidy sum of money from their baked goods, tasty jams, tarot readings, etc. until Mrs. Hurst is found dead and the new hot Mountie suspects it was poisoned jam from their shop. Charm isn’t going to let a murder ruin her family business and decides (against the lawman’s wishes) to find the culprit. She just has to manage doing so without getting caught for the few minor laws she is breaking to catch the bad guy. If only the handsome lawman could turn the other cheek and let her get on with her sleuthing.
This is an adorable new cozy paranormal romance mystery that is sure to enthrall the mystery reader that loves humor, madcap adventure, romance, paranormal elements, quirky characters, and a story with a twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things are off to a great start with the girls bringing in a tidy sum of money from their baked goods, tasty jams, tarot readings, etc. until Mrs. Hurst is found dead and the new hot Mountie suspects it was poisoned jam from their shop. Charm isn’t going to let a murder ruin her family business and decides (against the lawman’s wishes) to find the culprit. She just has to manage doing so without getting caught for the few minor laws she is breaking to catch the bad guy. If only the handsome lawman could turn the other cheek and let her get on with her sleuthing.
This is an adorable new cozy paranormal romance mystery that is sure to enthrall the mystery reader that loves humor, madcap adventure, romance, paranormal elements, quirky characters, and a story with a twist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 3, 2019
Tulip, Star, and Charm are triplets who own the Tea & Tarot Cafe. Charm;s powers help her to help people find things. She is the one who tells the stories. Tulip is really excited about the upcoming marijuana legalization and wants to prepare for making laced goodies for their cafe. And Star is a singer. You can't help but like them and feel for them and Granny Toogood who raised them.
Charm meets a man named Ace early on in the story, when they run into a bear. It's almost symbolic of their relationship that you know is coming. I admit that I read the second book in this series before this one, so I have a bit of advance knowledge of what's to come. But I loved reading the story of how this threesome got started and the background of their lives.
In this one, a client is murdered and Charm's apricot jam is to blame. Her powers are just starting to appear, so she stars using them to help solve this murder to clear her own name. In some ways, it helps that she is also a big Agatha Christie fan, so she really feels like an amateur sleuth.
This book, and the second one, are both fun and amusing reads. I love the antics of the sisters and all of the banter between them and the other characters. I look forward to continuing this series.
Charm meets a man named Ace early on in the story, when they run into a bear. It's almost symbolic of their relationship that you know is coming. I admit that I read the second book in this series before this one, so I have a bit of advance knowledge of what's to come. But I loved reading the story of how this threesome got started and the background of their lives.
In this one, a client is murdered and Charm's apricot jam is to blame. Her powers are just starting to appear, so she stars using them to help solve this murder to clear her own name. In some ways, it helps that she is also a big Agatha Christie fan, so she really feels like an amateur sleuth.
This book, and the second one, are both fun and amusing reads. I love the antics of the sisters and all of the banter between them and the other characters. I look forward to continuing this series.
July 11, 2019
A magical start to a new cozy series! What is a must for me with cozy mysteries are characters that have a lot of personality. And January Bain does a fantastic job creating characters I want to get to know more. For a first book, they are nicely developed and I look forward to seeing them grow even more in future books.
The McCall family is a perfect combo; gentle and wise grandma, crazy aunt, responsible oldest, middle child who just wants to keep the peace, and the youngest who wants to get all the attention. And the other characters, especially Ivana, the Russian renter and Christine, the rich woman, add another fun layer to the novel. Of course, I can’t forget Baby Ling Ling, with her sass and fluffy white fur.
I’m enjoying the relationship between Ace and Charm. Bain doesn’t make us wait books and books until they decide to kiss. Although the twist that she throws in may still keep us waiting for more, but I’m fine with that…. For now!
Looking forward to future books in the series to see how all of their powers develop, what happens when their mother returns, and who’ll get murdered next when the Witches and Wolves movie starts filming in their town.
The McCall family is a perfect combo; gentle and wise grandma, crazy aunt, responsible oldest, middle child who just wants to keep the peace, and the youngest who wants to get all the attention. And the other characters, especially Ivana, the Russian renter and Christine, the rich woman, add another fun layer to the novel. Of course, I can’t forget Baby Ling Ling, with her sass and fluffy white fur.
I’m enjoying the relationship between Ace and Charm. Bain doesn’t make us wait books and books until they decide to kiss. Although the twist that she throws in may still keep us waiting for more, but I’m fine with that…. For now!
Looking forward to future books in the series to see how all of their powers develop, what happens when their mother returns, and who’ll get murdered next when the Witches and Wolves movie starts filming in their town.
July 15, 2019
Cute cozy involving a family owned bakery with a few added items to sell. Items like helping your love life and finding your lost necklace. You got it…this is a magic bakery full of good pastries and good witches too. Or at least one very talented witch with a name like Charm. The name of the bakery is the Tea & Tarot Café. You can get fed and find out when you’ll get the payment you need for your car all in the same “sitting” so to speak. I’m not making light of this. It was a cute, enjoyable read. It did have all of the elements of a cozy, an amateur sleuth determined to save her business, a VERY handsome cop or so the author said, a small town on a body of water, a Festival, a delightful family of nutty characters and a dead body of course.
So, I can’t say there were any surprises but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It was well written, quick to read, and fun. It was one of those books that makes you feel good when you’re finished.
The author, January Bain, has several other books published, even in different genres. All appear to have good reviews.
So, I can’t say there were any surprises but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It was well written, quick to read, and fun. It was one of those books that makes you feel good when you’re finished.
The author, January Bain, has several other books published, even in different genres. All appear to have good reviews.
August 5, 2019
When a murder occurs in her small town, our heroine sets out to solve the case, much to the annoyance of the local constable.
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series featuring a small town, three witchy sisters and the constable. The story is very well written and easy to read, with the usual cast of interesting characters that make up small towns. Everyone knows everyone and is in each other's business. That's certainly fits the cozy part.
My problem with the story is that we also get presented with the "small town, small minds" aspect, with jealousies, bigotry, and prejudice. Not a lot, fortunately, but just enough to put a damper on my enthusiasm.
Overall it was a good story and I am looking forward to the next story. I am just hoping we can avoid some of these more negative aspects.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is the first book in a new cozy mystery series featuring a small town, three witchy sisters and the constable. The story is very well written and easy to read, with the usual cast of interesting characters that make up small towns. Everyone knows everyone and is in each other's business. That's certainly fits the cozy part.
My problem with the story is that we also get presented with the "small town, small minds" aspect, with jealousies, bigotry, and prejudice. Not a lot, fortunately, but just enough to put a damper on my enthusiasm.
Overall it was a good story and I am looking forward to the next story. I am just hoping we can avoid some of these more negative aspects.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
July 9, 2019
A lot of fun for a new series! Charm McCall is an interesting protagonist, with a mission - to protect her family above all else. And with a murder that points to her as a suspect, her work is cut out for her. Add to that the new lawman in town, and you have a setup for a whole new bunch of problems. Can Charm do it? Can she protect her family? And what about the new guy in town?
This is a great start, and I’m looking forward to more in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great start, and I’m looking forward to more in the series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2020
A charming tale with a great mystery that kept me hooked since there were so many suspects. I love Charm’s special powers and her newly arrived one is so awesome. And speaking of newly arrived, Constable Ace is a mystery all in himself. Can’t wait to find out more about him. He seems to have a special awareness. A town of interesting folks. Good tale of strong family bonds. Looking forward to finding out more about all of them.
July 13, 2019
At first I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the book, but as I kept reading, I got more into it. I really got to know the characters and can’t wait to learn more about them as the series progresses.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2019
This is a wonderful start to a new series. Great characters and a wonderful storyline. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2019
Fun, quirky characters in a sweet little town. A murder, a handsome Mountie and a darling little cat. Cannot wait to read more by this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews