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Amanda Cadabra Mysteries #3
Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan
An accident waiting to happen. Sunken Madley village church hall seems safe enough for a dance class. Now there’s a body. Or is it two? Only ghosts for witnesses. Covert witch Amanda and her grumpy feline familiar must look for answers in the past. But whose past?
With a spy, a saboteur, an uncooperative ghost, multiple puzzles ,and herself as the number one suspect she’s going to need backup.
There’s only one choice: the personable but intractable Inspector Trelawney. Only if Amanda can dare to trust him can they survive and solve the case before the murderer strikes again.
But who, in this peaceful English village would resort to murder?
In the words of Grandpa: ‘This one is going to be more complicated than the last one. Possibly ... probably. Definitely.’
With a spy, a saboteur, an uncooperative ghost, multiple puzzles ,and herself as the number one suspect she’s going to need backup.
There’s only one choice: the personable but intractable Inspector Trelawney. Only if Amanda can dare to trust him can they survive and solve the case before the murderer strikes again.
But who, in this peaceful English village would resort to murder?
In the words of Grandpa: ‘This one is going to be more complicated than the last one. Possibly ... probably. Definitely.’
- GenresCozy Mystery
312 pages, ebook
First published May 19, 2019
54 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Holly Bell
8 books30 followersCat adorer and chocolate lover, Holly Bell is a photographer and video maker when not writing. Holly lives in the UK and is a mixture of English, Scottish, Cornish and Welsh, among other ingredients.
Whilst being an enthusiastic novel reader, Holly has had a lifetime's experience in writing non-fiction. Amanda Cadabra and The Hidey-Hole Truth was her first official venture into the realms of fiction and after adding a further five books to the series, there is no looking back in the foreseeable future.
Her favourite animal is called Bobby. He is a black cat. Purely coincidental. Of course.
Whilst being an enthusiastic novel reader, Holly has had a lifetime's experience in writing non-fiction. Amanda Cadabra and The Hidey-Hole Truth was her first official venture into the realms of fiction and after adding a further five books to the series, there is no looking back in the foreseeable future.
Her favourite animal is called Bobby. He is a black cat. Purely coincidental. Of course.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2023
Another Magical Adventure In Sunken Madley - I didn't want to leave.
I really love Holly Bell’s writing style; it’s easy to read with intelligent prose and engaging plot-lines that is sprinkled with gentle humour. Her series centres around the purely fictional Sunken Madley which Ms Bell has populated with a host of captivating characters that I found completely believable. In other words, it's quintessentially English!
I have fallen in love with our main characters and am enjoying watching them grow throughout this book; our resilient heroine Amanda Cadabra has got all the qualities that I look for in a female lead (she’s definitely got gumption) and Detective Thomas Trelawney is intelligent and a worthy hero. I can’t talk about our main characters without mentioning my favourite feline, Tempest; he’s Amanda’s familiar and just steals the scenes that he’s in.
With each book, we learn more about the villagers and of Sunken Madley itself; The Flawless Plan features characters from the first two books as well as new villagers and visitors alike. Ms Bell writes her characters with many of the foibles that I see in my family, friends and the people around me. I think that this make her characters more believable for me; I feel I know them which means that it’s much easier to get caught up in the adventure.
I love that this story kept me guessing; there are a few mysteries for our heroine, Amanda, to solve within these pages, but fear not dear reader, no frustrating cliffhangers here (Woohoo!) and there are enough twists and turns during this tale to satisfy any Miss Marple wannabe. ;-)
I loved the fact that Amanda Cadabra and the Flawless Plan had me holding my breath on the edge of my seat, had me feeling all warm and mushy, reaching for the tissues to dry my tears as well as smiling and chuckling out loud.
There wasn’t anything about this story that niggled or didn’t work for me, hence the high rating.
I would just like to take this opportunity to say that much of the world building relating to the amazing history and somewhat mystical properties of Sunken Madley, including Amanda’s standing in the village, how and why the locals have a special place in their hearts for her was beautifully platformed throughout the first book. Jumping straight in with The Flawless Plan may mean that new readers could feel a bit perturbed about this aspect of life in the small village for Amanda.
Also, as this is only the third book in a series there are still questions left to answer about Amanda’s family, her connection to Detective Trelawney and what the future may hold. In my opinion, this is a good thing as it leaves enough of a hook to ensure you're keen to keep reading.
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
I really love Holly Bell’s writing style; it’s easy to read with intelligent prose and engaging plot-lines that is sprinkled with gentle humour. Her series centres around the purely fictional Sunken Madley which Ms Bell has populated with a host of captivating characters that I found completely believable. In other words, it's quintessentially English!
I have fallen in love with our main characters and am enjoying watching them grow throughout this book; our resilient heroine Amanda Cadabra has got all the qualities that I look for in a female lead (she’s definitely got gumption) and Detective Thomas Trelawney is intelligent and a worthy hero. I can’t talk about our main characters without mentioning my favourite feline, Tempest; he’s Amanda’s familiar and just steals the scenes that he’s in.
With each book, we learn more about the villagers and of Sunken Madley itself; The Flawless Plan features characters from the first two books as well as new villagers and visitors alike. Ms Bell writes her characters with many of the foibles that I see in my family, friends and the people around me. I think that this make her characters more believable for me; I feel I know them which means that it’s much easier to get caught up in the adventure.
I love that this story kept me guessing; there are a few mysteries for our heroine, Amanda, to solve within these pages, but fear not dear reader, no frustrating cliffhangers here (Woohoo!) and there are enough twists and turns during this tale to satisfy any Miss Marple wannabe. ;-)
I loved the fact that Amanda Cadabra and the Flawless Plan had me holding my breath on the edge of my seat, had me feeling all warm and mushy, reaching for the tissues to dry my tears as well as smiling and chuckling out loud.
There wasn’t anything about this story that niggled or didn’t work for me, hence the high rating.
I would just like to take this opportunity to say that much of the world building relating to the amazing history and somewhat mystical properties of Sunken Madley, including Amanda’s standing in the village, how and why the locals have a special place in their hearts for her was beautifully platformed throughout the first book. Jumping straight in with The Flawless Plan may mean that new readers could feel a bit perturbed about this aspect of life in the small village for Amanda.
Also, as this is only the third book in a series there are still questions left to answer about Amanda’s family, her connection to Detective Trelawney and what the future may hold. In my opinion, this is a good thing as it leaves enough of a hook to ensure you're keen to keep reading.
You can read my full review on my WordPress blog, Flora's Musings...
March 24, 2022
Rarely have I enjoyed a book series more.
Since I lived there as a child, I’ve been captivated by all things British. In fact, I set aside all but the absolutely necessary and binged the six books in the series so far. As of this writing, Amazon incorrectly repeats Book 1 as Book 7, leaving me bitterly disappointed when I finished Book 6 and immediately wanted to plunge ahead.
The books are delightful. I both feared for the characters’ well-being and laughed along with them. The books are somewhat unusual in the genre because the protagonist isn’t an orphan, hasn’t had her life implode, and doesn’t inherit a bookstore/bakery/mansion/bed and breakfast from an unknown, wealthy relative. She doesn’t come upon her abilities suddenly and with surprise when she turns 16 or 18 or by accident. The books grow gradually and very naturally, expanding along their own storyline while creating new mysteries to be solved, without the repetition of essentially the same theme in book after book after book, ad nauseam.
They are timelessly British. The language and interaction between the characters is formally polite while maintaining affection and familiarity, with little modern popular language to spoil the mood. In other words, courteously old fashioned but set in today’s world. I also congratulate the author on her vocabulary.
The author manages to create depth in each character that I was able to relate to - I would seriously consider moving to Sunken Madly if it actually existed. The languages breathe life into the stories, and the names of places and people deserve a special mention for their creativity. Kudos, too, to the characters for drinking positive gallons of tea and the author’s lovely description of what is included in each meal. What truly British book could realistically leave out these details?
I not only highly recommend this entire series, I am waiting with baited breath for the next book. It can’t come soon enough. And, although he’s not quite a Tempest, my own ‘iddle bo fluffums may need a very special treat, just because.
FYI: To avoid writing six separate reviews, I shall be submitting this one for each of the other five books. I started the next immediately after finishing the previous one and didn’t want to stop my enjoyment of the read.
Since I lived there as a child, I’ve been captivated by all things British. In fact, I set aside all but the absolutely necessary and binged the six books in the series so far. As of this writing, Amazon incorrectly repeats Book 1 as Book 7, leaving me bitterly disappointed when I finished Book 6 and immediately wanted to plunge ahead.
The books are delightful. I both feared for the characters’ well-being and laughed along with them. The books are somewhat unusual in the genre because the protagonist isn’t an orphan, hasn’t had her life implode, and doesn’t inherit a bookstore/bakery/mansion/bed and breakfast from an unknown, wealthy relative. She doesn’t come upon her abilities suddenly and with surprise when she turns 16 or 18 or by accident. The books grow gradually and very naturally, expanding along their own storyline while creating new mysteries to be solved, without the repetition of essentially the same theme in book after book after book, ad nauseam.
They are timelessly British. The language and interaction between the characters is formally polite while maintaining affection and familiarity, with little modern popular language to spoil the mood. In other words, courteously old fashioned but set in today’s world. I also congratulate the author on her vocabulary.
The author manages to create depth in each character that I was able to relate to - I would seriously consider moving to Sunken Madly if it actually existed. The languages breathe life into the stories, and the names of places and people deserve a special mention for their creativity. Kudos, too, to the characters for drinking positive gallons of tea and the author’s lovely description of what is included in each meal. What truly British book could realistically leave out these details?
I not only highly recommend this entire series, I am waiting with baited breath for the next book. It can’t come soon enough. And, although he’s not quite a Tempest, my own ‘iddle bo fluffums may need a very special treat, just because.
FYI: To avoid writing six separate reviews, I shall be submitting this one for each of the other five books. I started the next immediately after finishing the previous one and didn’t want to stop my enjoyment of the read.
July 31, 2022
Another magical read in the Amanda Cadabra series!
Whilst on a repair job, Amanda sees a woman fall to her death & realizes she's being watched! Inspector Thomas Trelawney is called in and he must work with Amanda & the very grumpy & spoiled familiar cat, Tempest, to solve the many puzzles & mysteries involved.
Once again in Sunken Madley, where the villagers seem like neighbors. DI Trelawney will have to figure things out without the help of his supervisor, Amanda's "Uncle" Mike--that's DCI Hogarth to Thomas--as he's "on vacation". A ghost seems to know a lot, but is quite reluctant to help. A saboteur, a spy, and a spot of time travel?!? As Amanda's ghostly Grandpapa puts it,: "this one will be more complicated". Perran knows.
Wonderfully written with fully developed characters and plots! The authoress knows her stuff and sucks readers into the magick world of Sunken Madley. Of course, Amanda & Co solve this mystery without resorting to the dreaded cliffhanger. The larger mysteries are added to, but not everything is neatly tied up by the end of book 3...Book 4 will take our collective breath away--fair warning!
HIGHLY & VERY, VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SERIES! For readers who enjoy a bit of magick with their mysteries! Enjoy!
Whilst on a repair job, Amanda sees a woman fall to her death & realizes she's being watched! Inspector Thomas Trelawney is called in and he must work with Amanda & the very grumpy & spoiled familiar cat, Tempest, to solve the many puzzles & mysteries involved.
Once again in Sunken Madley, where the villagers seem like neighbors. DI Trelawney will have to figure things out without the help of his supervisor, Amanda's "Uncle" Mike--that's DCI Hogarth to Thomas--as he's "on vacation". A ghost seems to know a lot, but is quite reluctant to help. A saboteur, a spy, and a spot of time travel?!? As Amanda's ghostly Grandpapa puts it,: "this one will be more complicated". Perran knows.
Wonderfully written with fully developed characters and plots! The authoress knows her stuff and sucks readers into the magick world of Sunken Madley. Of course, Amanda & Co solve this mystery without resorting to the dreaded cliffhanger. The larger mysteries are added to, but not everything is neatly tied up by the end of book 3...Book 4 will take our collective breath away--fair warning!
HIGHLY & VERY, VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED SERIES! For readers who enjoy a bit of magick with their mysteries! Enjoy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2019
I received a free copy of Amanda Cadabra and the Flawless Plan for an honest review. I LOVED THIS STORY!! Holly Bell has done it again! Amanda is off on another adventure with her familiar, Tempest. Amanda is working on a repair job when she finds out that she is being watched. She turns to her Uncle Mike for help, and he recruits the Inspector to help Amanda out. Of course, they must both learn to trust each other, and the Inspector is learning to accept some changes in himself. With all of the mysteries and unknown spies around, will they survive? Grandpa and Granny are trying to help, but trouble isn't far away.
Holly has done an amazing job with the next part in this series. You can not help but love and support Amanda, the Inspector, and the residents of Sunken Madley. I kept finding myself reading "just one more page". So hard to stop and do other things. This story keeps you hooked from the beginning, and at the end you are wanting and waiting for the next one. Keep up the great work Holly! I strongly recommend the entire series.
Holly has done an amazing job with the next part in this series. You can not help but love and support Amanda, the Inspector, and the residents of Sunken Madley. I kept finding myself reading "just one more page". So hard to stop and do other things. This story keeps you hooked from the beginning, and at the end you are wanting and waiting for the next one. Keep up the great work Holly! I strongly recommend the entire series.
May 21, 2019
The old barn
Awesome. What a great read to add to the others. A wonderful plot of magic, murder and conspiracies. The characters are enthralling and the romance is very olde worlde which charms the reader even more.
The rector has decided to use the old barn as a dance studio and thus fund the repairs needed to bring it up to scratch. However even though she is worried about the floor supports (the original builders left each construction with enough flaws to be called back time and time again for repairs) but tells the rector that she will have someone look at them. Especially after viewing several deaths caused by the floor and the ghosts that are left. But she is more worried about the remark made that someone is spying on her. With Mike on holiday, the Inspector is called back into action. Ghosts, acid, murder and magic ensue as they try to figure out who is the killer and the spy whilst also trying to delve into the past and the fatal mini bus accident.
Awesome. What a great read to add to the others. A wonderful plot of magic, murder and conspiracies. The characters are enthralling and the romance is very olde worlde which charms the reader even more.
The rector has decided to use the old barn as a dance studio and thus fund the repairs needed to bring it up to scratch. However even though she is worried about the floor supports (the original builders left each construction with enough flaws to be called back time and time again for repairs) but tells the rector that she will have someone look at them. Especially after viewing several deaths caused by the floor and the ghosts that are left. But she is more worried about the remark made that someone is spying on her. With Mike on holiday, the Inspector is called back into action. Ghosts, acid, murder and magic ensue as they try to figure out who is the killer and the spy whilst also trying to delve into the past and the fatal mini bus accident.
September 8, 2020
Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan The Amanda Cadabra Cozy Paranormal Mysteries #3 Review
The Sunken Madley village church hall seems to be in good shape, other than the floor; however, things are not always as they seem and things are heating up.
The magic she has used in her previous cases has tripped some alarms and brought some attention to her village. She needs to be careful and not use her magic on a human again; how hard can it be? As the case develops there are questions of crooked builders, spirits, accidents, and the cold case that haunts the entire series.
Can Amanda solve the latest case, help the Inspector on his own journey of discovery, and protect her secrets? Read and find out.
The book is well written, the characters are well-drawn, the plot is fantastic, and the humor is wonderful. It is full of memorable and quotable lines. I recommend the book and the series highly.
The Sunken Madley village church hall seems to be in good shape, other than the floor; however, things are not always as they seem and things are heating up.
The magic she has used in her previous cases has tripped some alarms and brought some attention to her village. She needs to be careful and not use her magic on a human again; how hard can it be? As the case develops there are questions of crooked builders, spirits, accidents, and the cold case that haunts the entire series.
Can Amanda solve the latest case, help the Inspector on his own journey of discovery, and protect her secrets? Read and find out.
The book is well written, the characters are well-drawn, the plot is fantastic, and the humor is wonderful. It is full of memorable and quotable lines. I recommend the book and the series highly.
February 19, 2020
Wonderful
I'm such of fan of Holly Bell after reading the Amanda Cadabra books. The books are cozy paranormal mysteries but with more depth than a typical short cozy. The books definitely built up the series plot with each book. Book one in the series lays a strong foundation for the entire series. Each book has a plot that concludes at the end of the book but there is a overall plot that drops more more clues along the way. The books are beautifully written descriptive language. The use of British English gives the books the feel of being in England. The flashbacks to the past are expertly written with the feeling of truely traveling back in time.
I'm such of fan of Holly Bell after reading the Amanda Cadabra books. The books are cozy paranormal mysteries but with more depth than a typical short cozy. The books definitely built up the series plot with each book. Book one in the series lays a strong foundation for the entire series. Each book has a plot that concludes at the end of the book but there is a overall plot that drops more more clues along the way. The books are beautifully written descriptive language. The use of British English gives the books the feel of being in England. The flashbacks to the past are expertly written with the feeling of truely traveling back in time.
February 7, 2023
Not floorless
I want to know what happens but would like to not have to keep painstakingly covering unnecessarily detailed trips into Amanda's childhood.
Fair enough to set the background in the initial two novels but we're drawing it out a little excessively at this point... we know Senara and Peran enough to understand what they would and wouldn't encourage...
I think I am missing something with the "humour" a few over the top surnames and village names doesn't really qualify it as a humorous novel... we c
British can, and frequently do, do far, far better than this.
I want to know what happens but would like to not have to keep painstakingly covering unnecessarily detailed trips into Amanda's childhood.
Fair enough to set the background in the initial two novels but we're drawing it out a little excessively at this point... we know Senara and Peran enough to understand what they would and wouldn't encourage...
I think I am missing something with the "humour" a few over the top surnames and village names doesn't really qualify it as a humorous novel... we c
British can, and frequently do, do far, far better than this.
June 11, 2019
Past and Present
Amanda is present when a woman falls to her death, via an old church floor. Time to call her Detective Inspector Trelawlay. Puzzle pieces are coming together and Amanda and the Detective are being to realize that they are very much alike. Now if they would just stop fighting their attraction for each other. Waiting for book four! Magical!
Amanda is present when a woman falls to her death, via an old church floor. Time to call her Detective Inspector Trelawlay. Puzzle pieces are coming together and Amanda and the Detective are being to realize that they are very much alike. Now if they would just stop fighting their attraction for each other. Waiting for book four! Magical!
July 30, 2019
Love this series of books
I have read all three of this series, I really enjoyed reading about Amanda and Inspector Trellawney and their adventures, the way they dance around each other neither revealing very much, and of course Tempest the cat who I'm sure more will be revealed about as the series continues, I can't wait to read the next book
I have read all three of this series, I really enjoyed reading about Amanda and Inspector Trellawney and their adventures, the way they dance around each other neither revealing very much, and of course Tempest the cat who I'm sure more will be revealed about as the series continues, I can't wait to read the next book
February 9, 2025
Was a bit lost at times because I started with the third book in the series. However the characters are well written and the mystery was well plotted. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to finding out what else Miss Cadabra gets into.
December 31, 2019
Fun cozy.
December 5, 2021
Magical escapism with nary a hint of reality! Love these books!
July 9, 2022
I might be hooked
Well, this series is growing in me. This one kept my curiosity aroused and now I think I have to keep you reading to find out what the dicken s is going on.
Well, this series is growing in me. This one kept my curiosity aroused and now I think I have to keep you reading to find out what the dicken s is going on.
November 9, 2025
Enjoying the series so far!
It was nice to learn more about the inspector in this book and learn that he too has magical abilities.
It was nice to learn more about the inspector in this book and learn that he too has magical abilities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2021
I may be biased with this one, as Holly asked me to edit it. However, I'd already become a fan of her writing style while reading the previous two Amanda Cadabra books. I think this it the best adventure to date for Amanda and Detective Trelawney.
I'd recommend Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan to those of you who love reading cosy mysteries. Especially if you like a paranormal or magical aspect woven into the story. I'm looking forward to see what adventures Holly writes for Amanda and her fabulous cat, Tempest, next.
I'd recommend Amanda Cadabra and The Flawless Plan to those of you who love reading cosy mysteries. Especially if you like a paranormal or magical aspect woven into the story. I'm looking forward to see what adventures Holly writes for Amanda and her fabulous cat, Tempest, next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews