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Sonoma Witches #2
Hex at a House Party
Sometimes it takes a magic touch to solve a murder.
Twenty-six-year-old witch Alma may be a failed demon hunter, but she’s never lacked magical ability—just an Incurable Inability to kill. Recovering from defending her small town from a recent supernatural attack, Alma has sworn off working for the Protectorate, the witch governing body, to devote herself to learning and teaching the old ways of magic—without hurting anyone.
But soon she’s drawn out of her cozy house in the redwoods to investigate a high-society witch at a week-long house party on the remote coast north of San Francisco. When the party turns deadly, she’s forced to summon old powers and new, make allies she might not be able to trust, and face a shocking truth about her own identity. And maybe—if she can survive long enough—unmask a killer.
Twenty-six-year-old witch Alma may be a failed demon hunter, but she’s never lacked magical ability—just an Incurable Inability to kill. Recovering from defending her small town from a recent supernatural attack, Alma has sworn off working for the Protectorate, the witch governing body, to devote herself to learning and teaching the old ways of magic—without hurting anyone.
But soon she’s drawn out of her cozy house in the redwoods to investigate a high-society witch at a week-long house party on the remote coast north of San Francisco. When the party turns deadly, she’s forced to summon old powers and new, make allies she might not be able to trust, and face a shocking truth about her own identity. And maybe—if she can survive long enough—unmask a killer.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2019
339 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Galway
27 books367 followersGRETCHEN GALWAY is a USA Today bestselling author who writes mystery, fantasy, and romance. She lives in Sonoma County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 22, 2020
Alma is a witch, a former employee of the Protectorate, a magical police force. She and her student, Birdie, are asked to attend a fancy house party of a powerful couple residing on the California coast, but when there is a murder, questions arise. Did the deceased really commit suicide? Was there someone powerful and vindictive enough to cause her death? The world building in this novel is really well done, so if you are a fan of paranormals with believable characters, I think you'd like this enjoyable escapist Kindle freebie.
June 24, 2019
Just like the previous book, this one left me speechless. It also successfully kept me second guessing myself all the way to the end. I am not ashamed to admit that I didn’t see any of that coming. I loved watching the partnership between Alma and Birdie deepen. It was especially fun to watch Alma playing the role of “wise old witch” while training her friend. I’m fascinated by the all the new things we’re learning about Alma’s abilities as well as those of the people and beings around her. I’m already looking forward to seeing what mischief Alma’s going to get into next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
July 22, 2019
So still not sure I like the new not her Boss ....
Also is her Mom dead or just anonymous & wandering around?
Also is her Mom dead or just anonymous & wandering around?
October 25, 2020
What a fun read!
Never a dull moment. Characters that care do each other and make you want to know more. Can’t wait for the next book and adventure.
Never a dull moment. Characters that care do each other and make you want to know more. Can’t wait for the next book and adventure.
January 5, 2024
Again, so good and easy to read. And i haven't heard anyone talk about these books. This Series is all i'm going to be reading when i want to get out of a slump
November 7, 2023
I liked it a bit more than book 1. Overall I would give it just shy of a 4/5 stars. A nice little murder mystery with a spice of magic that will keep you guessing. On to book 3……
February 21, 2021
Alma Bellrose just wants to be left alone, tucked safely in her cottage surrounded by herbs and crafting her focus beads. But fate in the form of The Protectorate just will not let this hearth witch be. Forced by the head of the San Fran office to go undercover at a week-long party hosted by well-known witches, Alma finds not only drama and danger but a little bit more about herself!
To say this series is bewitching is an understatement! While the first book introduced to the characters, Silverpool and the magical world of the series, this second book now focuses more on Alma. Sent up the coast to this house party at Hawk Ranch, Alma finds herself surrounded by powerful witches, including one from a family as old as the Bellrose name. Alma is clearly outside her comfort zone in more ways than one - far from the home where her powers are the strongest. It is up to her to unravel the mysteries swirling like the mist around the Mendocino coast. So what is the Protectorate investigating and why do they need her here at this gathering? What is this “bond” she has with Raynor, head of the San Fran Protectorate office? Like peeling back the layers of an onion, Alma begins to discover new truths about herself along with deep questions about her roots and background.
I found the story well-written and so engrossing - I loved that we get a glimpse of Alma’s time with The Protectorate as Alma once again finds herself in the company of her former partner, Darius Ironford. I remain more fascinated than ever by Birdie, who is exploring her “witch” powers she never knew she had. And Raynor and Seth.....they have a strong link to Alma, but why? Are they romantic interests? Are they related? The questions remain for the reader, and for Alma, as Malcolm Bellrose once again throws Alma’s life in turmoil at the end! I am craving, yes CRAVING, the next phase in Alma’s life!
To say this series is bewitching is an understatement! While the first book introduced to the characters, Silverpool and the magical world of the series, this second book now focuses more on Alma. Sent up the coast to this house party at Hawk Ranch, Alma finds herself surrounded by powerful witches, including one from a family as old as the Bellrose name. Alma is clearly outside her comfort zone in more ways than one - far from the home where her powers are the strongest. It is up to her to unravel the mysteries swirling like the mist around the Mendocino coast. So what is the Protectorate investigating and why do they need her here at this gathering? What is this “bond” she has with Raynor, head of the San Fran Protectorate office? Like peeling back the layers of an onion, Alma begins to discover new truths about herself along with deep questions about her roots and background.
I found the story well-written and so engrossing - I loved that we get a glimpse of Alma’s time with The Protectorate as Alma once again finds herself in the company of her former partner, Darius Ironford. I remain more fascinated than ever by Birdie, who is exploring her “witch” powers she never knew she had. And Raynor and Seth.....they have a strong link to Alma, but why? Are they romantic interests? Are they related? The questions remain for the reader, and for Alma, as Malcolm Bellrose once again throws Alma’s life in turmoil at the end! I am craving, yes CRAVING, the next phase in Alma’s life!
October 22, 2025
I love the smooth and easy writing style of this book. It's not so flowery that it's distracting, nor so plain that it's boring. Along with the characters, the style kept me absorbed in the story.
The plot kept me guessing, but it's the characters that made me invested. I found all of them interesting for different reasons, but Birdie was such a sweetheart. Sometimes when she talked, her comments would get away from her, much to her embarrassment. But she was never truly rude or mean-spirited. Her honesty, and kindness won me over.
I also enjoyed the magic. Magic is everywhere, but for a witch to use it effectively, they need objects to help channel it. Most witches use metals, like gold and silver, but Alma, the main character is a hearth witch, and prefers plants, feathers and small items she picks up in nature. Her way is considered old-fashioned.
The story had plenty of drama, but there was something cozy about it, mainly due to Alma and her confidence in herself, and her magic.
Series like this is why I keep going back to urban-fantasy.
The plot kept me guessing, but it's the characters that made me invested. I found all of them interesting for different reasons, but Birdie was such a sweetheart. Sometimes when she talked, her comments would get away from her, much to her embarrassment. But she was never truly rude or mean-spirited. Her honesty, and kindness won me over.
I also enjoyed the magic. Magic is everywhere, but for a witch to use it effectively, they need objects to help channel it. Most witches use metals, like gold and silver, but Alma, the main character is a hearth witch, and prefers plants, feathers and small items she picks up in nature. Her way is considered old-fashioned.
The story had plenty of drama, but there was something cozy about it, mainly due to Alma and her confidence in herself, and her magic.
Series like this is why I keep going back to urban-fantasy.
June 26, 2019
Having read and loved the first book in the Sonoma Witches series, I couldn’t wait to read the second. I NOT disappointed! Galway always creates richly fleshed out characters and worlds, and in this series it’s the hidden world of witches, gnomes, fairies and other supernatural creatures both good and bad. I love the main character, Alma Bellrose, with her ethical spunk and big heart—and master thief father.
In Hex at a House Party she again has to deal with the Protectorate, which dispelled her but whose new director is trying to pull her back in by giving her a mission she’s compelled to take to protect the life of a friend. At the house party, there’s a wonderful who done—and continues doing—it mystery that really kept me guessing until the end.
Now, sadly, I must wait for the next book in the series.
In Hex at a House Party she again has to deal with the Protectorate, which dispelled her but whose new director is trying to pull her back in by giving her a mission she’s compelled to take to protect the life of a friend. At the house party, there’s a wonderful who done—and continues doing—it mystery that really kept me guessing until the end.
Now, sadly, I must wait for the next book in the series.
October 6, 2020
Against her own self-preservation, Alma attends a house party as a "spy" for the protectorate while teaching a new witch her way around a spell. Things become tense, and with the unexpected suicide of the hostess, it's up to the houseguests to take care of themselves. But what can they do against an unsuspecting hexer?
Here's what I didn't like: could've been proofread better. Things like her getting in her car, a few paragraphs about relevant topic, then her getting in her car. Sometimes the pacing was a little slow.
Here's what I liked: this was a fun house party mystery, and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I liked the characters and what / why the antagonist did what they did and how. I like the little bit Alma learns about herself and how she learned it.
Overall, this was fun. I'll probably read the next one, too.
Here's what I didn't like: could've been proofread better. Things like her getting in her car, a few paragraphs about relevant topic, then her getting in her car. Sometimes the pacing was a little slow.
Here's what I liked: this was a fun house party mystery, and I enjoyed that aspect of it. I liked the characters and what / why the antagonist did what they did and how. I like the little bit Alma learns about herself and how she learned it.
Overall, this was fun. I'll probably read the next one, too.
June 5, 2021
It takes me so long to find an author I really like and then i get really nervous because i think it might be a one book wonder. Well I'm happy to report that book two exceeded my expectations. The characters are well developed and very nuanced with no sudden revelations or superpowers. The story combines fantasy with crime / whodunit and that makes it unique. The best part is that neither side manages to detract from the other and as I am a fan of both, I'm totally hooked. Somehow the author manages to keep me wondering who the murderer is till the end. Only a hint of romance so far,not sure if it will go any further, this is more about friendships. I have now bought book 3 and can't wait to immerse myself in it. Highly recommended.
October 19, 2025
Interesting
A demon hunter fired because she couldn't kill the possessed. Now she's living near a sacred spring trying to make a living with her handcrafted necklaces. Unfortunately her old company won't let go of her that easily. She's blackmailed into a house party where people, starting with the hostess leave the mortal or immortal plane.
I really enjoyed all of the characters with exception of Birdie. For someone who was about her same age Birdie was not just "goofy" she was obnoxious and potentially dangerous.
A demon hunter fired because she couldn't kill the possessed. Now she's living near a sacred spring trying to make a living with her handcrafted necklaces. Unfortunately her old company won't let go of her that easily. She's blackmailed into a house party where people, starting with the hostess leave the mortal or immortal plane.
I really enjoyed all of the characters with exception of Birdie. For someone who was about her same age Birdie was not just "goofy" she was obnoxious and potentially dangerous.
April 3, 2020
Mystery 4 stars, Magic 2
This book is good but a little disappointing. The characters and plot are fine but the magic systems isn’t that exciting in this book. The book summery said the MC would draw on “old magic and new” but honestly the MC used very little magic and all of it was magic she used in the first book. She did find out interesting things about her blood but overall the magic aspect of the book was 2 stars.
This book is good but a little disappointing. The characters and plot are fine but the magic systems isn’t that exciting in this book. The book summery said the MC would draw on “old magic and new” but honestly the MC used very little magic and all of it was magic she used in the first book. She did find out interesting things about her blood but overall the magic aspect of the book was 2 stars.
July 3, 2019
Detailed
Galway is crafting her witching world in small detailed bites in combination with a Northern California setting. Her heroine is very closed off but her investigations pry a little life out of her each time. Looking forward to getting to know more about her and the beings that inhabit her world.
Galway is crafting her witching world in small detailed bites in combination with a Northern California setting. Her heroine is very closed off but her investigations pry a little life out of her each time. Looking forward to getting to know more about her and the beings that inhabit her world.
May 18, 2020
I loved this second installment of Alma's adventures. I like her so much! She knows who she is and what is important to her. The secondary characters are really well done. The writing is excellent. The world is one in which I would like to live. She has the potential for many adventures and I hope there are many books to come!
October 25, 2020
Fantastic!
From the first page , it gets your attention .when you start reading this amazing book, don't plan on putting it down anytime soon! I got so caught up in it, I almost forgot to cook supper and later go to bed! This author understands how to get and keep you riveted to the book! *****
From the first page , it gets your attention .when you start reading this amazing book, don't plan on putting it down anytime soon! I got so caught up in it, I almost forgot to cook supper and later go to bed! This author understands how to get and keep you riveted to the book! *****
November 6, 2020
Very good entertainment
Excellent world building and character development. The storyline is intriguing and kept me guessing. I hope we see more of the fae in coming books, as the taste was a bit of a tease in this book. I love how she gives gifts to the garden gnomes. There is so much more to learn about this fascinating world.
Excellent world building and character development. The storyline is intriguing and kept me guessing. I hope we see more of the fae in coming books, as the taste was a bit of a tease in this book. I love how she gives gifts to the garden gnomes. There is so much more to learn about this fascinating world.
October 11, 2021
Excellent beginning and ending
This is the second book in the series and it was good, just not as great as the first one. It had an excellent story line and more fun characters but it dragged on. There were way to many drawn out stories in the story. The end was great as well. I hope book three is better.
This is the second book in the series and it was good, just not as great as the first one. It had an excellent story line and more fun characters but it dragged on. There were way to many drawn out stories in the story. The end was great as well. I hope book three is better.
October 14, 2020
Demon hunting! It
This is a different type of witch story. It shows that being a witch doesn't mean all power and flying on brooms. This shows another side of the tale. Really interesting. Read it!
This is a different type of witch story. It shows that being a witch doesn't mean all power and flying on brooms. This shows another side of the tale. Really interesting. Read it!
September 2, 2023
Not what I expected
When I started reading this, I expected a fluff story. Boy was I wrong! This Has a very good storyline. It has a little bit of romance in it, some suspense, and is all over a good read!
When I started reading this, I expected a fluff story. Boy was I wrong! This Has a very good storyline. It has a little bit of romance in it, some suspense, and is all over a good read!
October 8, 2023
really enjoyed the read. Thanks, Gretchen!!
Well written and I didn’t catch on until the end. Very enjoyable and held my attention from rhe beginning to the very last chapter ending. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
Well written and I didn’t catch on until the end. Very enjoyable and held my attention from rhe beginning to the very last chapter ending. I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
November 1, 2025
fun read
Catchy and “spellbinding “ ;) without being too complicated to follow the twists and turns. Also refreshing to have just a hint of possible romance without the sordid details being written out… I enjoyed it more than expected and look forward to the next in the series:)
Catchy and “spellbinding “ ;) without being too complicated to follow the twists and turns. Also refreshing to have just a hint of possible romance without the sordid details being written out… I enjoyed it more than expected and look forward to the next in the series:)
June 27, 2019
Good series
I like the series, the characters, and the setting. Interesting mysteries, complex world, and lots of magic. Good female protagonist, faced with many challenges.
I like the series, the characters, and the setting. Interesting mysteries, complex world, and lots of magic. Good female protagonist, faced with many challenges.
April 13, 2020
DNF at like, 10%. I can't read another book of Alma telling Seth, "You CAN'T be into me. You simply CAN'T be. I just don't beeeeeliiive it." JFC. Tedious.
May 19, 2020
Hex at a House party
There were so many plot twists my head is still spinning. Alma is stubborn and even when it seems all is solved she is not convinced.
There were so many plot twists my head is still spinning. Alma is stubborn and even when it seems all is solved she is not convinced.
May 25, 2020
I enjoyed this writers books. I have read the first two in this series and loved them both. If you enjoy witches, fae, etc., you will enjoy them too. They kept me guessing until the end of the story.
October 16, 2020
Fun read. I enjoyed the mix of new magic rules with the classic mystery.
October 26, 2020
Really cute light read!
December 2, 2020
Like this series...apparently my libraries don’t have the third book yet...
January 1, 2021
A fun, witchy murder mystery. Engaging, fun; I was sorry when it was over
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews