What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches of Shadow Lane #3
Witchy Secrets
All Shay Graves is worried about is helping her daughter, Ember, prep for her starring role in the upcoming musical at the local community theater.
All Alvin Graves is worried about is passing his continuing education course at Mystic Key University.
But when Shay’s father falls ill, she agrees – albeit begrudgingly – to attend on his behalf and take copious notes. It’s only an hour out of her day, after all. What could possibly go wrong?
As luck would have it, it just so happens to be the day all spell breaks loose on campus.
Now, Shay is left shaken and an unexplainable rash of suicides has the town in a tizzy. Even more troubling, the spirits have descended on Shadow Lane and they are adamant that foul play is involved. What’s worse, they aren’t going anywhere until they find out what – or who – is responsible.
But with a mystery more convoluted and a killer more subtle than any she’s faced before, Shay will have to think fast before someone close to her becomes the next victim.
All Alvin Graves is worried about is passing his continuing education course at Mystic Key University.
But when Shay’s father falls ill, she agrees – albeit begrudgingly – to attend on his behalf and take copious notes. It’s only an hour out of her day, after all. What could possibly go wrong?
As luck would have it, it just so happens to be the day all spell breaks loose on campus.
Now, Shay is left shaken and an unexplainable rash of suicides has the town in a tizzy. Even more troubling, the spirits have descended on Shadow Lane and they are adamant that foul play is involved. What’s worse, they aren’t going anywhere until they find out what – or who – is responsible.
But with a mystery more convoluted and a killer more subtle than any she’s faced before, Shay will have to think fast before someone close to her becomes the next victim.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 19, 2019
About the author
Misty Bane
27 books118 followersMisty Bane is the author of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries filled with witches, shapeshifters, snarky ghosts, and a talking animal or two.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
December 31, 2019
Another fun read in the series. I really enjoy getting to know Shay and her family and Aunt Hattie is my favorite. Shay's father falls ill and she has to sit in a class for him at thr local university. Things seem to be going well until the girl that Shay met and was talking to got up and jumped out of the class window. Similarly 4 others did the same thing throughout campus. As usual the lackluster chief chalks it up to a suicide pact, despite the fact that there are no notes or reasoning left. Case is closed but Shay and her hunky reporter friend Roman investigate further and find out the truth.
February 29, 2020
All Shay Graves is worried about is helping her daughter, Ember, prep for her starring role in the upcoming musical at the local community theater.
All Alvin Graves is worried about is passing his continuing education course at Mystic Key University.
But when Shay’s father falls ill, she agrees – albeit begrudgingly – to attend on his behalf and take copious notes. It’s only an hour out of her day, after all. What could possibly go wrong?
As luck would have it, it just so happens to be the day all spell breaks loose on campus.
Now, Shay is left shaken and an unexplainable rash of suicides has the town in a tizzy. Even more troubling, the spirits have descended on Shadow Lane and they are adamant that foul play is involved. What’s worse, they aren’t going anywhere until they find out what – or who – is responsible.
But with a mystery more convoluted and a killer more subtle than any she’s faced before, Shay will have to think fast before someone close to her becomes the next victim.
This is a wonderful addition to this amazing series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great humour and a mystery that adds so much to the story.
Such a wonderful read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
All Alvin Graves is worried about is passing his continuing education course at Mystic Key University.
But when Shay’s father falls ill, she agrees – albeit begrudgingly – to attend on his behalf and take copious notes. It’s only an hour out of her day, after all. What could possibly go wrong?
As luck would have it, it just so happens to be the day all spell breaks loose on campus.
Now, Shay is left shaken and an unexplainable rash of suicides has the town in a tizzy. Even more troubling, the spirits have descended on Shadow Lane and they are adamant that foul play is involved. What’s worse, they aren’t going anywhere until they find out what – or who – is responsible.
But with a mystery more convoluted and a killer more subtle than any she’s faced before, Shay will have to think fast before someone close to her becomes the next victim.
This is a wonderful addition to this amazing series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great humour and a mystery that adds so much to the story.
Such a wonderful read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
April 18, 2021
Witchy Secrets was fun, with a capital F. By far the shortest book in the series, it centres around preparations for the opening night of Wicked starring Shay's daughter Ember. When Shay's Father comes down with the flu Shay ends up taking his place in a University class. Midway through the class, a group of students all commit suicide at the same time. While Captain Leach, the police chief, is quick to dismiss it as a suicide pact, Shay is not so sure. With the help of Roman and Aunt Hattie - who quite frankly I think would be a great star of her own series - Shay investigates the six deaths, and when a 7th occurs just days later, Shay and Roman are determined to find out what is happening before any more young students lose their lives.
Well written, the characters are fabulous, from the war between Kiki and Aunt Hattie to Bruce the Goat. Even the animal characters have distinct and well-drawn characters. I'll be buying the rest of this series when I get paid, and I hope Misty Bane keeps on writing the Witches of Shadow Lane books for years to come.
Well written, the characters are fabulous, from the war between Kiki and Aunt Hattie to Bruce the Goat. Even the animal characters have distinct and well-drawn characters. I'll be buying the rest of this series when I get paid, and I hope Misty Bane keeps on writing the Witches of Shadow Lane books for years to come.
December 19, 2019
Suicide Pact or was there a more serious reason for the deaths
A great little read. Okay not really a warm cozy as it covered the deaths of a number of bright students at the local college. Was it suicide, as the police thought (and then refused to investigate), or was it murder, as she and several others think. If it was murder why pick on the brightest stars at the college. All the students were relatively popular and seemed to have everything to live for. A message on social media, drugs, jealousy and spite are all mixed into the read as are the events if her normal life. Learning magic, coping with a teenager, getting used to family and a possible new romance (if she can let go of old hurts). Will the answer become clear?
The characters are really changing as the books progress although the familiars attitudes seem to be going backwards (although I must admit I do enjoy some of their snarkier remarks).
A great little read. Okay not really a warm cozy as it covered the deaths of a number of bright students at the local college. Was it suicide, as the police thought (and then refused to investigate), or was it murder, as she and several others think. If it was murder why pick on the brightest stars at the college. All the students were relatively popular and seemed to have everything to live for. A message on social media, drugs, jealousy and spite are all mixed into the read as are the events if her normal life. Learning magic, coping with a teenager, getting used to family and a possible new romance (if she can let go of old hurts). Will the answer become clear?
The characters are really changing as the books progress although the familiars attitudes seem to be going backwards (although I must admit I do enjoy some of their snarkier remarks).
March 18, 2020
Weak but fewer errors
Shay has to take a class at the university to cover for her father who is ill. While there she witnesses one of her classmates commit suicide, at the same time 5 others also commit suicide.
The police chief refuses to look into it as he's done every book in the series.. so Shay and Roman decide to solve it themselves.. ditto.
There's no further reference to Shay's reason for being there, no mention of her father resuming his place, that's just left hanging like wet washing in the rain.
No further mention of the drugs creator either. Or Aisling's background, she's just buried beside a friend by the friends parents.
Neither do we know what the guilty party actually did to make them commit suicide. We only know who and sort of why.
All these plot holes.. it would be really nice if the author would get a shovel (pen) and start filling in all the blanks.. it would make it a far better read..
Shay has to take a class at the university to cover for her father who is ill. While there she witnesses one of her classmates commit suicide, at the same time 5 others also commit suicide.
The police chief refuses to look into it as he's done every book in the series.. so Shay and Roman decide to solve it themselves.. ditto.
There's no further reference to Shay's reason for being there, no mention of her father resuming his place, that's just left hanging like wet washing in the rain.
No further mention of the drugs creator either. Or Aisling's background, she's just buried beside a friend by the friends parents.
Neither do we know what the guilty party actually did to make them commit suicide. We only know who and sort of why.
All these plot holes.. it would be really nice if the author would get a shovel (pen) and start filling in all the blanks.. it would make it a far better read..
July 28, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. Shay Graves works in the families funeral home as a cosmetologist. Her family is also witches. Some of them can see ghosts. So imagine trying to do the makeup and prepare someone for burial when there goes just standing next to you telling you how to do it. Shea graves moved back to Mystic Cove her hometown after a bad second marriage in the human world and trying to raise her daughter. Her daughter turned 15 a couple days after they moved back and came into her powers as well. Follow along as she and her family and friends solve mysteries murders and trouble in town. Watch out for her great aunt who is A bit wild and has a miniature dragon for a familiar. Entertaining quirky and funny and awesome to read. Check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. Shay Graves works in the families funeral home as a cosmetologist. Her family is also witches. Some of them can see ghosts. So imagine trying to do the makeup and prepare someone for burial when there goes just standing next to you telling you how to do it. Shea graves moved back to Mystic Cove her hometown after a bad second marriage in the human world and trying to raise her daughter. Her daughter turned 15 a couple days after they moved back and came into her powers as well. Follow along as she and her family and friends solve mysteries murders and trouble in town. Watch out for her great aunt who is A bit wild and has a miniature dragon for a familiar. Entertaining quirky and funny and awesome to read. Check it out
December 23, 2019
Misty has done it again! This is a great cozy mystery to curl up with on a cold winter’s night with a fire burning and a cup of hot chocolate! There’s a rash of student deaths at the community college while she is sitting in a class for her ailing father. Is it a suicide pact they all made or is it murder? That’s what Shay, Roman and Aunt Hattie must find out!
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest whodunnit from Misty as I pondered all the clues given and try to guess the who and why of these occurrences myself.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to young adult and adult readers of all ages. I think you’ll be
caught up in the stories as much as I am and have fun solving the mysteries as well. It’s a great escape from all the negative news we hear every day!! I hope that you’ll join me in these great stories!
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest whodunnit from Misty as I pondered all the clues given and try to guess the who and why of these occurrences myself.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to young adult and adult readers of all ages. I think you’ll be
caught up in the stories as much as I am and have fun solving the mysteries as well. It’s a great escape from all the negative news we hear every day!! I hope that you’ll join me in these great stories!
March 22, 2020
Wow!!
This book was so interesting that i had to read it all the way through. I couldnt put it down at all.
The story begins on Shay who has to attend a class at the university as her dad isnt well and cannot attend.
During the class, the young girl sitting next to her walks up to the window and jumps out. Unbeknown to Shay, 6 other students committed suicide at that precise moment. It was really bad.
The police label it as a suicide pact but Shay and Roman believe there was something else going on. They decide to investigate.
The investigation was very interesting and I figured out who the culprit was quite early on but didnt understand the how until the end.
I loved how the story played out. It was shocking.
I loved how Shay and Roman interact with each other during this investigation. Cant wait til they finally get together.
This book was so interesting that i had to read it all the way through. I couldnt put it down at all.
The story begins on Shay who has to attend a class at the university as her dad isnt well and cannot attend.
During the class, the young girl sitting next to her walks up to the window and jumps out. Unbeknown to Shay, 6 other students committed suicide at that precise moment. It was really bad.
The police label it as a suicide pact but Shay and Roman believe there was something else going on. They decide to investigate.
The investigation was very interesting and I figured out who the culprit was quite early on but didnt understand the how until the end.
I loved how the story played out. It was shocking.
I loved how Shay and Roman interact with each other during this investigation. Cant wait til they finally get together.
December 23, 2019
Shay has her hands full when Ember (her daughter) has a lead role in the community play. Then her Dad comes down with the 'flu and he asks Shay to step into his shoes at the University because he needs her to take notes so he can pass a test in order to keep his business in operation. But things get really messed up when there is a rash of sucides by students that don't seem to make any sense. Can Shay figure this all out, help Ember and her Dad and manage to keep the Funeral Home going? It seems like a big mess but Shay seems to fall into a bigger mess with each book. I really liked this book and per usual with Misty's books, I had to read it straight through before I could go to sleep. It was worth missing a few hours sleep for a great book.
December 26, 2019
Shay was concentrating on her daughter's upcoming part in in the local community theater and was trying to organize a costume for the part. Unfortunately, Shay's dad had fallen ill and needed Shay to attend a lecture at he university on his behalf. The lecture was part of a requirement for his business license, so it had to happen. Unfortunately that was the day that all hell broke loose at the university when a number of students jumped to their deaths in an apparent suicide pact. Shay found herself in the middle of everything when the spirits of the dead students all visited her at the funeral home run by her family. They insisted that they did not have any such pact and that they weren't leaving until Shay found out exactly what happened.
February 23, 2020
Surprising
Poor Shay! Instead of being allowed to enjoy the opportunity to slack off, she finds herself back in college...and the unwilling witness to a suicide! This mystery is surprisingly complex because of the various levels of culpability shared by the participants; in addition, the multiple targets help to obscure the motive. The pacing is appropriate: the measured unraveling of the crime, the gradual improvement of Shay's relationship with her brother, and the sometimes irritatingly slow return of Shay's magical prowess are all reasonable. Even the pace of her potential romance makes sense, and the visual provided of Roman is a bonus treat!
Poor Shay! Instead of being allowed to enjoy the opportunity to slack off, she finds herself back in college...and the unwilling witness to a suicide! This mystery is surprisingly complex because of the various levels of culpability shared by the participants; in addition, the multiple targets help to obscure the motive. The pacing is appropriate: the measured unraveling of the crime, the gradual improvement of Shay's relationship with her brother, and the sometimes irritatingly slow return of Shay's magical prowess are all reasonable. Even the pace of her potential romance makes sense, and the visual provided of Roman is a bonus treat!
December 20, 2019
Favorite series
Another excellent cozy mystery by Misty Bane. Bane has a gift for writing believable paranormal books that combine parts of real life and fantasy in a mystery plot. Her books are never full of unnecessary filler. Mystic Key is a paranormal town that seems like an interesting and fun place to live. I've read all of Bane's books and loved every single one. She's truely gifted especially in the mystery genre.
Another excellent cozy mystery by Misty Bane. Bane has a gift for writing believable paranormal books that combine parts of real life and fantasy in a mystery plot. Her books are never full of unnecessary filler. Mystic Key is a paranormal town that seems like an interesting and fun place to live. I've read all of Bane's books and loved every single one. She's truely gifted especially in the mystery genre.
December 23, 2019
Suddenly the top students at the college all commit, what the police chief believes is, suicide. Shay witnesses one of the students, a fairy, jump out of a window without making any effort to flap her wings. Shay doesn’t believe for a second that this was a suicide pact, and along with Roman, sets out to prove that the students were actually murdered. This is a fun and fast read. The characters are wonderful and Aunt Hattie is too funny!
January 4, 2020
Great book, well written! It was very shocking to have 6 suicides, and there were some serious topics in this book. So it wasn’t all fun. But it was a very good book, written in a way that made me turn those pages. I did find Shay a bit too snarky sometimes. And the familiars are a bit too snarky at times as well. That was the only tiny negative I have, but it also made for some fun moments, so it’s not all that negative! And I do love Aunt Hattie!
August 14, 2020
I can not put these books down. I have not payed any attention to any other books while reading these. I just love how Shay is going to help her friends and family when they seem to be in trouble. How much do we want her and Roman to be together? He is super hot and seems to be the person Shay needs and Ember likes him so that is a plus. I think if you have not read these books and like a good witch book then this is it.
October 4, 2020
Witchy Secrets is a worthy part of the series. 4.6 stars
Although the main plot in this book is a sad topic, Shay and her daughter are the center of her family and makes certain the solve the mysteries. Friends and neighbors also jump in to assist (as well as the familiars). This is a close knit family of witches living and an island of paranormals, so there is always some drama for entertainment.
Although the main plot in this book is a sad topic, Shay and her daughter are the center of her family and makes certain the solve the mysteries. Friends and neighbors also jump in to assist (as well as the familiars). This is a close knit family of witches living and an island of paranormals, so there is always some drama for entertainment.
December 23, 2019
Exceptionally Good
This book is so good, i could not put it down. I kind of hot the who dunnit, but i love the way it's solved.
Great characters, great writing a really solid series. I'm looking forward to more. If you haven't started then you should go to book 1 though it can be read as a stand alone i think you get the inside jokes better if you read it from the start!
This book is so good, i could not put it down. I kind of hot the who dunnit, but i love the way it's solved.
Great characters, great writing a really solid series. I'm looking forward to more. If you haven't started then you should go to book 1 though it can be read as a stand alone i think you get the inside jokes better if you read it from the start!
December 27, 2019
I loved this fun, witchy cozy mystery. A wave of suicides hits a Mystic Key and Shay is determined to get to the bottom of it. This book is skillfully written with a fun plot and great characters. It kept me guessing until the end and I’m looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 8, 2020
I loved Witchy Secrets! This is a fun and interesting mystery. I did not want to put the book down. I love the characters. They are witty and entertaining. The plot is engaging. The mystery has many twists and turns. I like the setting of the magical town. I highly recommend this book series!
September 28, 2020
Excellent!
Paranormal romantic suspense series is great! I have tried others and usually return without finishing because they are silly, ridiculous, and boring! These are funny, entertaining, great characters, all with some type of paranormal power, living a regular life with a few extra problems. Great read!
Paranormal romantic suspense series is great! I have tried others and usually return without finishing because they are silly, ridiculous, and boring! These are funny, entertaining, great characters, all with some type of paranormal power, living a regular life with a few extra problems. Great read!
November 8, 2020
A fantastic series
I love this series and each book is much fun. Shay fills in for her dad at a college class and she ends up trying to solve some murders that were disguised as suicides. Roman is her crime fighting partner and I love how they relate to each other. Let’s hope for a romantic connection in the next book!
I love this series and each book is much fun. Shay fills in for her dad at a college class and she ends up trying to solve some murders that were disguised as suicides. Roman is her crime fighting partner and I love how they relate to each other. Let’s hope for a romantic connection in the next book!
December 21, 2019
Just getting better & better
This Shadow lane book is my favourite, so far & i read this one in a matter of hours & loved every minute of it. Now i have to wait ages for the next one #thisstruggleisreal ❤❤❤❤
This Shadow lane book is my favourite, so far & i read this one in a matter of hours & loved every minute of it. Now i have to wait ages for the next one #thisstruggleisreal ❤❤❤❤
December 22, 2019
Brilliant as usual. Couldn't put it down . Fantastic twist couldn't work out who did it until right at the end .slightly different story than usual but still enjoyed it . Definitely a rereadable book . Cant wait until the next one
December 23, 2019
This is the third book in the series... I don't know where Misty Bane gets her ideas but bravo! It is a good funny mystery. I just love aunt Hetty! She's fun to follow... So is Shay! I like the writing, the characters and the story.
December 25, 2019
Happenstance puts Shay next to a girl that commits suicide minutes later!
The Chief of Police is not interested in investigating.
The Witches of Shadow Lane will not take it lying down.
An unique cast of characters make the story
The Chief of Police is not interested in investigating.
The Witches of Shadow Lane will not take it lying down.
An unique cast of characters make the story
December 26, 2019
I've enjoyed all in this series so far
Very entertaining. I love books about witches and folklore. Light hearted, a little romance and a nice mystery. Only complaint is they're not long enough!
Very entertaining. I love books about witches and folklore. Light hearted, a little romance and a nice mystery. Only complaint is they're not long enough!
January 18, 2020
Yay
I only have one negative thing to say about this read, it had 3 blank pages though out the book, thankfully they where easy to fill in
As always the author did a great job, a clean story line and I recommend this read for young adults and up. Thank you
I only have one negative thing to say about this read, it had 3 blank pages though out the book, thankfully they where easy to fill in
As always the author did a great job, a clean story line and I recommend this read for young adults and up. Thank you
February 20, 2020
Witchy Secrets
Enjoyable! The Witches of Shadow Lane always leave one wanting more. Each volume is a well developed part of the series, however they could also be read as a stand alone. This series is pure escapism and also very comforting.
Enjoyable! The Witches of Shadow Lane always leave one wanting more. Each volume is a well developed part of the series, however they could also be read as a stand alone. This series is pure escapism and also very comforting.
March 9, 2020
This book is part of a series that is quite an enjoyable
New twists to old Mysteries help this book along. Little romance along with some witching mysteries. Are you leaving a review or you leaving a review
New twists to old Mysteries help this book along. Little romance along with some witching mysteries. Are you leaving a review or you leaving a review
May 27, 2020
Fabulous
I love these witchy characters, they are filled with sass, love, mischief, and know when to follow their instincts. I hope you will give this series a try and find out for yourself
I love these witchy characters, they are filled with sass, love, mischief, and know when to follow their instincts. I hope you will give this series a try and find out for yourself
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews