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Witches of Keyhole Lake #1
Sweet Murder
Librarian note: An alternative cover edition for this ASIN can be found here.
What's a witch to do when the meanest man in the county drops dead in his coleslaw during her shift at the local barbecue joint? Noelle does what any good Southern girl would do: she flicks a wrist to clean up the mess, then thanks the stars for doing the world a favor. But that's just the beginning.
She has the Magical Oversight Committee on her back because she can't keep her unruly little sister in line and the hunky new city-slicker sheriff would like to take her to dinner, except he suspects her of murder. To top it off, her possessed miniature donkey is being particularly calamitous and the old hens at the local beauty parlor are laying bets on her love life.
A skydiving best friend and a bossy, living-impaired aunt become the least of her worries when the killer decides to bump up the plan by bumping her off. Can she figure it out in time to save all that she holds dear, or will Noelle be next on the list of folks who've turned up dead?
What's a witch to do when the meanest man in the county drops dead in his coleslaw during her shift at the local barbecue joint? Noelle does what any good Southern girl would do: she flicks a wrist to clean up the mess, then thanks the stars for doing the world a favor. But that's just the beginning.
She has the Magical Oversight Committee on her back because she can't keep her unruly little sister in line and the hunky new city-slicker sheriff would like to take her to dinner, except he suspects her of murder. To top it off, her possessed miniature donkey is being particularly calamitous and the old hens at the local beauty parlor are laying bets on her love life.
A skydiving best friend and a bossy, living-impaired aunt become the least of her worries when the killer decides to bump up the plan by bumping her off. Can she figure it out in time to save all that she holds dear, or will Noelle be next on the list of folks who've turned up dead?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2017
1981 people are currently reading
1312 people want to read
About the author
Tegan Maher
98 books342 followersI was born and raised in the South and even hung my motorcycle helmet in Colorado for a few months. I've always had a touch of wanderlust and have never feared just packing up and going on new adventures, whether in real life or via the pages of a great book.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to grow up to be a writer—I wanted to raise unicorns and be a superhero. When those gigs fell through, I chose the next best thing: creating my own magical lands filled with adventure, magic, humor, and romance.
I live in Florida with my two dogs and when I'm not writing or reading, I'm racing motorcycles with my taller, more handsome half, hanging out at the beach, or binge-watching anything magical on Netflix.
I'm eternally grateful for all the people who help make my life what is today - friends, readers, family. No woman is an island.
To become a part of my readers group and learn about my new releases, giveaways, and other exciting news, check out my website at www.teganmaher.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 316 reviews
February 16, 2021
Sweet Murder by Tegan Maher was a cute paranormal cozy set in a small southern community where witches and ghosts seem to be the norm and accepted by the community. The mystery was just intricate enough to keep guessing and turning the pages. I'll definitely be continuing the series so that I can visit with Noelle, Shelby, Aunt Adelaide and Hunter once again.
October 27, 2017
“Sweet Murder” earns 5/5 All-You-Can-Eat Buffets with a Side of Magic!
My introduction to Tegan Maher’s work was through her delightful short story, “Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble,” in the 2017 “Witch and Treat: A Collection of Paranormal Cozy Shorts.” So, I was very comfortable entering her world of Witches of Keyhole Lake. I can be finicky about my paranormal stories, no juvenile hocus-pocus for me. I’d like the magic to weave easily into the character’s lives and the community, and Tegan does just that with magic almost being a behind the scenes issue. Every first book in a series, of course, introduces a backstory and character connections that determine whether or not a reader will become a fan, so here we learn about a delightful dynamic and community full of dramatic possibilities which have entertained and made me eager for more. Our main character Noelle Flynn is a witch, not something everyone knows for sure, who lost her mother as a pre-teen and ‘dumped’ at her Aunt Adelaide’s farm by her dad. Now years later and after the sudden death of her aunt, she has taken possession of the farm, is guardian to her often contentious sixteen-year-old sister Shelby, haunted by Aunt Addy who chose to not cross over but remain in her non-corporeal form, and frustrated with a miniature donkey Max who had been cursed into his current form by angering a sixteenth-century witch. It all works…just your typical ‘dysfunctional, yet loving’ family who can do a bit of magic!
This first story grabbed my interest right off with Noelle rushing to get to work in her reliable, yet seemingly junky, pick-up truck. However, the brakes go out, and her fear keeps her from even attempting to use her magical talents to stop the impending crash. She is curiously saved from ultimate injury by a little maple tree, but as she escapes from the truck, she has a creepy feeling she’s being watched. But, the biggest ‘creepy’ feeling comes when she learns the brakes weren’t just worn out, but the lines were cut…it was on purpose! Wow, Tegan, I couldn’t put the book down from there: Fourth of July culinary competitions? Crooked, mean-sprinted sheriff nemesis dead? New, handsome with a capital ‘H,’ deputy? A whole town of suspects? Tegan entwines all this together in a well-written mystery with a myriad of delightful characters, a couple of “Oh my!” twists, and even a few giggles out loud. I loved it!
My introduction to Tegan Maher’s work was through her delightful short story, “Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble,” in the 2017 “Witch and Treat: A Collection of Paranormal Cozy Shorts.” So, I was very comfortable entering her world of Witches of Keyhole Lake. I can be finicky about my paranormal stories, no juvenile hocus-pocus for me. I’d like the magic to weave easily into the character’s lives and the community, and Tegan does just that with magic almost being a behind the scenes issue. Every first book in a series, of course, introduces a backstory and character connections that determine whether or not a reader will become a fan, so here we learn about a delightful dynamic and community full of dramatic possibilities which have entertained and made me eager for more. Our main character Noelle Flynn is a witch, not something everyone knows for sure, who lost her mother as a pre-teen and ‘dumped’ at her Aunt Adelaide’s farm by her dad. Now years later and after the sudden death of her aunt, she has taken possession of the farm, is guardian to her often contentious sixteen-year-old sister Shelby, haunted by Aunt Addy who chose to not cross over but remain in her non-corporeal form, and frustrated with a miniature donkey Max who had been cursed into his current form by angering a sixteenth-century witch. It all works…just your typical ‘dysfunctional, yet loving’ family who can do a bit of magic!
This first story grabbed my interest right off with Noelle rushing to get to work in her reliable, yet seemingly junky, pick-up truck. However, the brakes go out, and her fear keeps her from even attempting to use her magical talents to stop the impending crash. She is curiously saved from ultimate injury by a little maple tree, but as she escapes from the truck, she has a creepy feeling she’s being watched. But, the biggest ‘creepy’ feeling comes when she learns the brakes weren’t just worn out, but the lines were cut…it was on purpose! Wow, Tegan, I couldn’t put the book down from there: Fourth of July culinary competitions? Crooked, mean-sprinted sheriff nemesis dead? New, handsome with a capital ‘H,’ deputy? A whole town of suspects? Tegan entwines all this together in a well-written mystery with a myriad of delightful characters, a couple of “Oh my!” twists, and even a few giggles out loud. I loved it!
December 26, 2017
What a fun and interesting read! In the style of a cozy mystery with just enough witch and ghost action to add a twinkle. Good mystery, lovable characters and lots of potential in the relationships. My only critique is the editing needs to improve. Nothing major but enough to notice. I am looking forward to reading the next book!
October 9, 2020
Sweet and funny and almost real, the first witches story I really enjoyed. And the romance is absolutely sweet and entirely clean!
March 20, 2020
I really like this author's style! The book was so funny, like a magical comedy mystery. I love how the ghosts hang around town, and people can interact with them. It didn't take long to like these crazy and fun characters.
I had a small idea of who the perp was but not why. The showdown was pretty exciting, and it showed that ghosts hanging around can definitely come in handy. It'll be interesting to watch Hunter and Noelle's new relationship develop now that the murder case is over. I'm planning to continue reading this awesome series!
I had a small idea of who the perp was but not why. The showdown was pretty exciting, and it showed that ghosts hanging around can definitely come in handy. It'll be interesting to watch Hunter and Noelle's new relationship develop now that the murder case is over. I'm planning to continue reading this awesome series!
February 1, 2021
I loved this book!! I like the characters and getting to know them and their special talents, add in a simple murder and a little love story and I'm hooked! I'll definitely be reading the next one.
October 23, 2018
.
I read books 1-7 of this series through Kindle Unlimited. However, the in-between books are not available through this program.
I so thoroughly enjoyed this series...especially the humor, the shenanigans, and the quirky characters. Ghosts (living impaired individuals) were more prevalent in this book than any magic.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to get to know the lovable characters better and to discover what happens with this eclectic group. The depth of atrocious deceit and ruthlessness of the former sheriff makes me appreciate my peaceful and tranquil lifestyle very much indeed.
This is a clean read that is able to stand on its own. However, you definitely see the bigger picture if you read the entire series in the order they were written.
This book concludes with a pit stop of peace and quiet but lacks any details what so ever about the week-long vacation the H/H spent in an isolated cabin getting to know one another.
I read books 1-7 of this series through Kindle Unlimited. However, the in-between books are not available through this program.
I so thoroughly enjoyed this series...especially the humor, the shenanigans, and the quirky characters. Ghosts (living impaired individuals) were more prevalent in this book than any magic.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series to get to know the lovable characters better and to discover what happens with this eclectic group. The depth of atrocious deceit and ruthlessness of the former sheriff makes me appreciate my peaceful and tranquil lifestyle very much indeed.
This is a clean read that is able to stand on its own. However, you definitely see the bigger picture if you read the entire series in the order they were written.
This book concludes with a pit stop of peace and quiet but lacks any details what so ever about the week-long vacation the H/H spent in an isolated cabin getting to know one another.
December 9, 2017
Funny and intriguing
Regan Maher serves up delectable treats and a believable murder mystery. Not many books keep me guessing about who the murderer was while being thoroughly entertained anymore but here is the proof.
Great attention to detail of the characters thoughts, the scenery and dialogue. This book flows like Regan is sitting next to me telling me the story herself. All that was missing was a bear claw and a cup of coffee.
Regan Maher serves up delectable treats and a believable murder mystery. Not many books keep me guessing about who the murderer was while being thoroughly entertained anymore but here is the proof.
Great attention to detail of the characters thoughts, the scenery and dialogue. This book flows like Regan is sitting next to me telling me the story herself. All that was missing was a bear claw and a cup of coffee.
March 12, 2024
Keyhole Lake is the small southern town that you think about when you hear it's a one horse town. Unfortunately, it was being run by the worst kind of sheriff. Until it wasn't.
Noelle has a air about her that makes you want to be her best friend and see what antics she is going to get into next. Raeann is her partner in crime and is always down to help a girl out when she needs it! Shelby isn't your typical teenager, and I loved seeing her grow into her powers!
Hunter is a hunky new sheriff in town who is in wayyy over his head. But with some help along the way I can't wait to see how he adapts and grows in not only the town but the sheriff's office.
I absolutely loved the paranormal aspect of the book!! I loved that Addie was still able to be around her family and guide them along their path in life!!
I can't wait to read more in this series!
Noelle has a air about her that makes you want to be her best friend and see what antics she is going to get into next. Raeann is her partner in crime and is always down to help a girl out when she needs it! Shelby isn't your typical teenager, and I loved seeing her grow into her powers!
Hunter is a hunky new sheriff in town who is in wayyy over his head. But with some help along the way I can't wait to see how he adapts and grows in not only the town but the sheriff's office.
I absolutely loved the paranormal aspect of the book!! I loved that Addie was still able to be around her family and guide them along their path in life!!
I can't wait to read more in this series!
March 2, 2020
Noelle is trying to keep the family farm she inherited going, and keep her unruly little sister in line while helping her learn to harness her powers as a witch, or face the wrath of the Magical Oversite Committee. The local town sheriff drops dead after eating at the local BBQ joint on Noelle’s shift, just after she wishes him ill (and he deserved it, by the way), and she’s worried the law will be coming after her. Of course the hunky new non-magical deputy considers her a person of interest because she served the dead guy his last meal. And watched him get swallowed up by demons and dragged down to the Hot Place (and if anyone ever deserved to get sucked down to the Hot Place, it was this guy).
This was a surprisingly fun read. Ok, the plot has been done before, a lot – a witch with mad baking skills, a sibling who needs her help, a dead relative who pops in to keep everything going – but this was a particularly well-done version. The characters are dimensional, the settlings well-described, the dialogue snappy, the mystery well-plotted, and with just a hint of possible romance. The paranormal angle is plausible and entertaining. I liked this enough that I purchased book 2 as soon as I finished book 1.
This was a surprisingly fun read. Ok, the plot has been done before, a lot – a witch with mad baking skills, a sibling who needs her help, a dead relative who pops in to keep everything going – but this was a particularly well-done version. The characters are dimensional, the settlings well-described, the dialogue snappy, the mystery well-plotted, and with just a hint of possible romance. The paranormal angle is plausible and entertaining. I liked this enough that I purchased book 2 as soon as I finished book 1.
March 31, 2020
A fun. quick read with interesting characters
August 28, 2020
What I immediately liked about this one is that the MC for once isn't an outsider in her community but the opposite, full-on gossiping with the other ladies at the hair salon and totally owning it.
I've never been a fan of this small town gossip culture, neither in books nor in reality, but the way it is portrayed here is just fine with me and I even find it entertaining. On top of that, it is really refreshing as I am kind of tired of the whole "nobody likes me, me against all the odds spiel" especially in books that have "cozy" in their genre description.
I have two main problems with this book.
First, the love interest is a dense douche which is being acknowledged and even point out to his face but there never is any kind of redemption or even an apology or anything on his part.
All his jerk behaviour is just forgiven after the bad guys have been found out despite him not only not helping but actively preventing progress with his ignorance, boneheadedness and pure stupidity even tho he is supposed to be the one in charge of the investigation.
Her attraction to him really reminds me of this:
My second problem is the convenient uselessness of all that supposed magic.
We are told there is such a thing as "pulling in defensive magic" but it never amounts to anything. Not even a spark regardless of the seriousness of the situation. We know there is such a thing as "Wards" but they are conveniently absent everywhere they might prevent anything bad from happening and it's all like that. The magic really only exists as a plot device and nothing else. The book doesn't in the slightest considers the consequences and implications of all the things this magic is supposed to be able to do not to mention what implications ghosts that are able to show themselves to normal people at will would be.
In essence, an interesting and refreshing premise but a lazy execution.
I think my 3-star rating is generous.
I've never been a fan of this small town gossip culture, neither in books nor in reality, but the way it is portrayed here is just fine with me and I even find it entertaining. On top of that, it is really refreshing as I am kind of tired of the whole "nobody likes me, me against all the odds spiel" especially in books that have "cozy" in their genre description.
I have two main problems with this book.
First, the love interest is a dense douche which is being acknowledged and even point out to his face but there never is any kind of redemption or even an apology or anything on his part.
All his jerk behaviour is just forgiven after the bad guys have been found out despite him not only not helping but actively preventing progress with his ignorance, boneheadedness and pure stupidity even tho he is supposed to be the one in charge of the investigation.
Her attraction to him really reminds me of this:
My second problem is the convenient uselessness of all that supposed magic.
We are told there is such a thing as "pulling in defensive magic" but it never amounts to anything. Not even a spark regardless of the seriousness of the situation. We know there is such a thing as "Wards" but they are conveniently absent everywhere they might prevent anything bad from happening and it's all like that. The magic really only exists as a plot device and nothing else. The book doesn't in the slightest considers the consequences and implications of all the things this magic is supposed to be able to do not to mention what implications ghosts that are able to show themselves to normal people at will would be.
In essence, an interesting and refreshing premise but a lazy execution.
I think my 3-star rating is generous.
March 15, 2018
Noelle and Shelby Flynn have already had a rough start. Aunt Abby and Uncle Cal provide them a home in Keyhole Lake and things are as normal as they can be in a small paranormal community. With the changes that come to pass and inheriting Aunt Abby's land times get tough.
Not everyone is obliged to be part of the paranormal, but there is talk. Fortunatley Keyhole is tightknit and secrets are contained. That is until the seedy sheriff keels over in his coselaw and unsavory secrets are threatening to come to light.
The suspect pool is large and the new Sheriff has no ties to the community that will help him crack the case.
Sometimes friendships are a little close for comfort and sometimes to gain comfort secrets have to surface. Get ready for a cozy paranormal case that will keep you up till all hours of the morning.
Not everyone is obliged to be part of the paranormal, but there is talk. Fortunatley Keyhole is tightknit and secrets are contained. That is until the seedy sheriff keels over in his coselaw and unsavory secrets are threatening to come to light.
The suspect pool is large and the new Sheriff has no ties to the community that will help him crack the case.
Sometimes friendships are a little close for comfort and sometimes to gain comfort secrets have to surface. Get ready for a cozy paranormal case that will keep you up till all hours of the morning.
July 29, 2018
Welcome to the South, y’all
Yeehaw! I received this book as a freebie and absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the South complete with sayings and witches, ghosts and other quirky characters. It is well written and chock full of humor and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!!!
Yeehaw! I received this book as a freebie and absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves the South complete with sayings and witches, ghosts and other quirky characters. It is well written and chock full of humor and I can’t wait to read the next in the series!!!
December 8, 2020
Adorable characters!
I love the premises of this series and the mystery is so good! I've become very attached to the characters and can't wait to binge read their adventures. There are a couple of continuity issues, but nothing disruptive.
I love the premises of this series and the mystery is so good! I've become very attached to the characters and can't wait to binge read their adventures. There are a couple of continuity issues, but nothing disruptive.
January 30, 2020
Fun and interesting mystery
Great characters, fun town and setting. The mystery was interesting and rather novel. I'm on to read the next one!
Great characters, fun town and setting. The mystery was interesting and rather novel. I'm on to read the next one!
March 24, 2021
“Sweet Murder”, first in the Keyhole Lake series by Tegan Maher has a great sense of humour, lots of baking, a multitude of ghosts, and a dead Sheriff, Hank Doolittle, who was deservedly and recently sent to to Hell. He was murdered and, as he was universally hated, the list of suspects includes just about everyone in the little town of Keyhole Lake. It's a place where everyone knows your name as well as just about everything you ever did, with the exception of your magical abilities.
Hank it turns out was a sumbitch with a hand in every pie from extortion to blackmail.
Noelle Flynn, baker and witch, is standing next to Sheriff Doolittle when he bites the dust. She's lucky to be standing at all, because someone just cut her brakes and she ended up a few inches from being as flat as a pancake.
Someone wants her farm by fair means or foul.
Noelle doesn't so much investigate the crimes as tune into Keyhole Lake's highly developed gossip network, and there's always these handy ghosts.
When the Sheriff's killer is finally unmasked it comes in a totally unexpected way.
Ditto with the solution to Noelle's problems.
And it has a really sappy ending.
It's well written but could have done with a tighter proofing – one particular error stood out, confusing telepathy and telekinesis (Chapter 18, Section 2).
"Sweet Murder" to some extent is a classic example of why cosies work and why sometimes they don't. A lot of the plot is actually about the very things cosies will only ever allude to and never explore - murder, infidelity and blackmail.
Hank it turns out was a sumbitch with a hand in every pie from extortion to blackmail.
Noelle Flynn, baker and witch, is standing next to Sheriff Doolittle when he bites the dust. She's lucky to be standing at all, because someone just cut her brakes and she ended up a few inches from being as flat as a pancake.
Someone wants her farm by fair means or foul.
Noelle doesn't so much investigate the crimes as tune into Keyhole Lake's highly developed gossip network, and there's always these handy ghosts.
When the Sheriff's killer is finally unmasked it comes in a totally unexpected way.
Ditto with the solution to Noelle's problems.
And it has a really sappy ending.
It's well written but could have done with a tighter proofing – one particular error stood out, confusing telepathy and telekinesis (Chapter 18, Section 2).
"Sweet Murder" to some extent is a classic example of why cosies work and why sometimes they don't. A lot of the plot is actually about the very things cosies will only ever allude to and never explore - murder, infidelity and blackmail.
June 19, 2018
Noelle a really great character
Keyhole Lake is a unique place, it's in the South and has all the eccentrics and eccentricities that come along with living in a fictional southern state. This town comes complete with ghosts who only come out when the tourists are not around, nobody wants the TV cameras and Ghosthunters to descend on them so the ghosts are a well kept secret. Mason is the new sheriffs deputy he's only been in town for a few months and hasn't yet been told about the ghosts. Then the sheriff died and Mason is left to investigate his death, Noelle a waitress who just happened to be serving Hank when he dropped dead is also a witch, Noelle her cousin Raeann and sister Shelby are all very strong witches although only close friends are in on the family secret. Noelle hated Hank as did a lot of other Keyhole Lake residents he was very corrupt and extorted money from many of the residents but nothing could be done to have him removed from office as he also seemed to have blackmailed many of the town officials so when it's discovered he was murdered there's no end of suspects to choose from, including Noelle, the last person to speak to him. Written with great style and wit this book flows from start to do ish i could hardly bare to put it down. An excellent read.
Keyhole Lake is a unique place, it's in the South and has all the eccentrics and eccentricities that come along with living in a fictional southern state. This town comes complete with ghosts who only come out when the tourists are not around, nobody wants the TV cameras and Ghosthunters to descend on them so the ghosts are a well kept secret. Mason is the new sheriffs deputy he's only been in town for a few months and hasn't yet been told about the ghosts. Then the sheriff died and Mason is left to investigate his death, Noelle a waitress who just happened to be serving Hank when he dropped dead is also a witch, Noelle her cousin Raeann and sister Shelby are all very strong witches although only close friends are in on the family secret. Noelle hated Hank as did a lot of other Keyhole Lake residents he was very corrupt and extorted money from many of the residents but nothing could be done to have him removed from office as he also seemed to have blackmailed many of the town officials so when it's discovered he was murdered there's no end of suspects to choose from, including Noelle, the last person to speak to him. Written with great style and wit this book flows from start to do ish i could hardly bare to put it down. An excellent read.
June 1, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Read past my bedtime to finish it and then got up the next morning to read the last 5 chapters in case I missed any details!
Noelle and her younger sister Shelby were taken went to live with their aunt and uncle in a small Georgia town after their mother died. (Dad then disappears.) Uncle dies and then aunt died and Noelle is trying to keep control of 16-year-old Shelby. Small paranormal features (telepathy, some control of moving things and seeing ghosts) - just enough to add interest to the story but it doesn't overwhelm the story.
Noelle has a degree in criminology which seems to stop her from doing unlawful things as she tries to sort out the murder mystery. The story includes the obligatory new deputy sheriff but he's a good person beneath the gruffness and disbelief in the "unusual" abilities.
Great story, very good characters, a believable plot, some wonderful ghost characters, and a delightful beauty salon which is the HQ for all the gossip in this terrific small Southern town. Oh - don't miss the miniature donkey (?) Max with a great personality - not much in this book but I can see his character developing over a few books. I'm ready for the next one and relieved to see that a number of sequels have already been published. Jackpot!
Noelle and her younger sister Shelby were taken went to live with their aunt and uncle in a small Georgia town after their mother died. (Dad then disappears.) Uncle dies and then aunt died and Noelle is trying to keep control of 16-year-old Shelby. Small paranormal features (telepathy, some control of moving things and seeing ghosts) - just enough to add interest to the story but it doesn't overwhelm the story.
Noelle has a degree in criminology which seems to stop her from doing unlawful things as she tries to sort out the murder mystery. The story includes the obligatory new deputy sheriff but he's a good person beneath the gruffness and disbelief in the "unusual" abilities.
Great story, very good characters, a believable plot, some wonderful ghost characters, and a delightful beauty salon which is the HQ for all the gossip in this terrific small Southern town. Oh - don't miss the miniature donkey (?) Max with a great personality - not much in this book but I can see his character developing over a few books. I'm ready for the next one and relieved to see that a number of sequels have already been published. Jackpot!
October 30, 2024
The writing itself was a breeze; it was quite enjoyable. I enjoyed the small town setting and loved the small paranormal elements here and there. I quite liked how normal it was for this town to have ghosts, for example, I thought that was a really nice touch.
However, Noelle rankled me a bit, as I thought she came across as quite judgemental at multiple occasions, especially towards her best friend and her sister. Worse, though, were the plot-related issues that were woven throughout. Hunter has supposedly been in this small town "for a couple of months", but in that time has not ... been seen around town? Has not learned anything about the community? Has not even realized how much the sheriff is hated? It's such a weird way of introducing him to the story, why not just say he's been asked to come in because of the murder?
I also really loathed the way Shelby's (the sister) storyline is wrapped up, mostly because I thought there was so much potential. I really loved how she struggled with her powers, and how she wanted to figure out what was wrong with her, because no matter what Noelle might think, she really was trying so hard.
However, Noelle rankled me a bit, as I thought she came across as quite judgemental at multiple occasions, especially towards her best friend and her sister. Worse, though, were the plot-related issues that were woven throughout. Hunter has supposedly been in this small town "for a couple of months", but in that time has not ... been seen around town? Has not learned anything about the community? Has not even realized how much the sheriff is hated? It's such a weird way of introducing him to the story, why not just say he's been asked to come in because of the murder?
I also really loathed the way Shelby's (the sister) storyline is wrapped up, mostly because I thought there was so much potential. I really loved how she struggled with her powers, and how she wanted to figure out what was wrong with her, because no matter what Noelle might think, she really was trying so hard.
August 1, 2018
A splendid, witchy, splendid murder mystery!!!
Going by the cover, I expected the book to be enjoyable but this book turned out to be much more so than my anticipation.
The enchanting Noelle, a criminal defense graduate by qualification and a superlative baker by choice is someone that is extremely intelligent, full of humor, helpful and considerate of others, beautiful and endowed with a lot of witchy, telepathic , other worldly qualities. She faces challenges with equanimity and courage. She is ably supported by her teen sister Shelby, cousin and best friend Reeann and all others of Keyhole Lake village.
When the much detested sheriff Hank is murdered, everyone in the village including Noelle is a suspect as he is hated and abhorred by all!
How Noelle solves the murder aided by a few ghosts, the gossiping staff of the Salon despite the obstacles thrown in by the new sheriff Hunter constitutes the theme of this captivating book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!!!
Going by the cover, I expected the book to be enjoyable but this book turned out to be much more so than my anticipation.
The enchanting Noelle, a criminal defense graduate by qualification and a superlative baker by choice is someone that is extremely intelligent, full of humor, helpful and considerate of others, beautiful and endowed with a lot of witchy, telepathic , other worldly qualities. She faces challenges with equanimity and courage. She is ably supported by her teen sister Shelby, cousin and best friend Reeann and all others of Keyhole Lake village.
When the much detested sheriff Hank is murdered, everyone in the village including Noelle is a suspect as he is hated and abhorred by all!
How Noelle solves the murder aided by a few ghosts, the gossiping staff of the Salon despite the obstacles thrown in by the new sheriff Hunter constitutes the theme of this captivating book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!!!
November 11, 2018
Very much liked the story, sans the faux witches. Being a telepathic is not being a witch, as witches have powers other than reading people's minds or communicating telepathically. So, if you designate someone as a witch, then that person is able to do things magically (for use of any other word) and would , therefore, be more than capable of rising to their own defense. Aside from other instances (the brakes failing and all that had to be done was make the car stop, an easy thing for a witch to do), when they were tied up with gas pouring into the house, simply causing the windows to break so the gas dissipated would have been the simplest of matters to anyone who was, in reality, a witch. If they could levitate a vase and cause it to crash onto someone's head, the windows would have been a snap. So, the plot is good, the characters likeable, BUT, either you're a witch or your not. I really don't know that there is an in between.
If it hadn't been for this witch or not a witch thing, I would have given it 5 stars.
If it hadn't been for this witch or not a witch thing, I would have given it 5 stars.
November 14, 2020
When the crooked sheriff is murdered, Noelle helps the newcomer interim sheriff, Hunter, solve the case. Actually, there are two mysteries to be solved and one of them is directly related to Noelle and her family. The characters are likable and the plot was engaging. Hunter is competent and romance blooms between him and Noelle. I had the murderer figured out as well as who was behind the second mystery. That didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. I couldn't give it 5 stars for several reasons. The sheriff dies while eating but the only food in his stomach is from what he ate earlier in the day. The 2nd mystery just sort of left me hanging. It was never stated if the culprits were caught or how the spouse knew what had happened. The mystery of Shelby's powers was never wrapped up. A town as big as Keyhole Lake would have more than one plumber, etc. The sheriff had too much power: he wouldn't have authority over property appraisals and all the other things he controlled. The town was too big for him to have that kind of control. I read the book using KU.
October 27, 2022
This is a fun paranormal cozy mystery.
You have to be OK with just casual witch powers and a LOT (I mean a LOT) of Southern mannerisms. The author is definitely mining that trope hard. Which is fine, but fairly thick.
The slow burn romance is very, very slow. Like "a kiss" by the end of the book. New acting sheriff Hunter is quite amusing as an urban, northern guy completely out of his element.
There are some plot elements that I found confusing. I suppose the first one is that a sheriff who is abusing and threatening everyone in the town (including witches) should not be still around after 20 years. The main character, after all, did demonstrate at the beginning that she could covertly choke him to death if she wanted to -- so I wonder why she didn't simply do so at one time or another. Also the last (almost lethal) confrontation had some elements that were perplexing -- I doubted that the crime scene would look all that much like an accident afterwards.
But those are sort of minor issues for a simple, fun read. I will definitely visit Keyhole Lake again.
You have to be OK with just casual witch powers and a LOT (I mean a LOT) of Southern mannerisms. The author is definitely mining that trope hard. Which is fine, but fairly thick.
The slow burn romance is very, very slow. Like "a kiss" by the end of the book. New acting sheriff Hunter is quite amusing as an urban, northern guy completely out of his element.
There are some plot elements that I found confusing. I suppose the first one is that a sheriff who is abusing and threatening everyone in the town (including witches) should not be still around after 20 years. The main character, after all, did demonstrate at the beginning that she could covertly choke him to death if she wanted to -- so I wonder why she didn't simply do so at one time or another. Also the last (almost lethal) confrontation had some elements that were perplexing -- I doubted that the crime scene would look all that much like an accident afterwards.
But those are sort of minor issues for a simple, fun read. I will definitely visit Keyhole Lake again.
January 21, 2019
Noelle is a witch in a small town of Keyhole Lake. Hank, the sherif is crooked, a bully and the meanest man in town. Hank drops dead in his coleslaw during Noelle's shift at the local barbecue joint? Noelle does what any good Southern girl would do: she flicks a wrist to clean up the mess, then thanks the stars for doing the world a favor. But that's just the beginning.
Noelle meets the new deputy, Hunter who came from a big city and they start seeing each other. After Hank dies Hunter takes over as sherif but does not work well in the small town and Noelle offers to help but he doesn't want her help at first. The old hens at the local beauty parlor are laying bets on her love life. Noelle's aunt, Adelaide is a ghost that pops up from time to time to help out and check on Noelle and her sister Shelby.
This was a fun cozy mystery to read and I enjoyed reading it on these snowy days.
Noelle meets the new deputy, Hunter who came from a big city and they start seeing each other. After Hank dies Hunter takes over as sherif but does not work well in the small town and Noelle offers to help but he doesn't want her help at first. The old hens at the local beauty parlor are laying bets on her love life. Noelle's aunt, Adelaide is a ghost that pops up from time to time to help out and check on Noelle and her sister Shelby.
This was a fun cozy mystery to read and I enjoyed reading it on these snowy days.
June 3, 2019
Carma
Noelle bakes sweet treats and each one has a little magic in every bite,I'ts because Noelle is a witch and that's not all she also see's gohsts,read minds, talk to you with her mind..She's not alone with her gifts ,her sister and other woman in thier small southern town. So when the corrupt town sheriff falls dead at the fourth of July town barbecue there's plenty of suspects in fact most residents had cause to want him dead. Who ever killed him seemed to have done a deed for the town. Tegan Maher captures you attention in the first paragraph and keeps it through vivid caracters amazing storey telling of corruption,blackmail, a murder or two, mystery's abounding, then it's all blended with gohsts, witch craft, mayhem, and possibly a blossoming romance. Have I cot your attention I hope so, you really will enjoy this cozey murder mystery Sweet Murder. Kat
Noelle bakes sweet treats and each one has a little magic in every bite,I'ts because Noelle is a witch and that's not all she also see's gohsts,read minds, talk to you with her mind..She's not alone with her gifts ,her sister and other woman in thier small southern town. So when the corrupt town sheriff falls dead at the fourth of July town barbecue there's plenty of suspects in fact most residents had cause to want him dead. Who ever killed him seemed to have done a deed for the town. Tegan Maher captures you attention in the first paragraph and keeps it through vivid caracters amazing storey telling of corruption,blackmail, a murder or two, mystery's abounding, then it's all blended with gohsts, witch craft, mayhem, and possibly a blossoming romance. Have I cot your attention I hope so, you really will enjoy this cozey murder mystery Sweet Murder. Kat
November 10, 2021
Tegan Maher, bless her heart, has written a fun little paranormal cozy mystery with a southern theme. The formula is familiar, witch is poor but good hearted, is in the middle of a murder mystery, meets the handsome new Sherriff in town, has to help the stubborn muggle to not only understand her powers but to listen to her about why he is chasing the wrong bad guy. Classic cozy with the classic witchy twist. Add the new guy is from a city and is now in the backend of nowhere Georgia.
My only real complaint about the novel is how short it is. I would have like a bit more, especially in the denouement department. I do like that there are little tidbits of foreshadowing about future direction of the stories in the series (like the missing Magical Oversight Committee lady) but would have liked some more of that in this short book.
Let's just hope there isn't a love triangle somewhere in the future (the sure sign that a series has run out of gas).
My only real complaint about the novel is how short it is. I would have like a bit more, especially in the denouement department. I do like that there are little tidbits of foreshadowing about future direction of the stories in the series (like the missing Magical Oversight Committee lady) but would have liked some more of that in this short book.
Let's just hope there isn't a love triangle somewhere in the future (the sure sign that a series has run out of gas).
March 30, 2023
So good!
Who doesn't need a little lighthearted fluff reading in their lives? Sweet Murder definitely fit the bill! We meet Noelle, a witch who is just trying to keep her head above water while the corrupt sheriff keeps pulling her down with trumped-up taxes and whatnot. After Noelle is almost killed by cut break lines, the evil sheriff sees her at her work and practically admits to being behind it. Not two minutes later, the cretin drops dead right in front of her, and the new hunky deputy, Hunter, is tasked to take over and fund out what happened. The only thing is, how can Hunter find a needle in a haystack of an entire town who loathed the sheriff, and everyone was glad he was dead?
This book was laugh-out-loud funny, with a cast of interesting and fun characters. One of my absolute favorite lines was when Noelle was thinking the town should put up a statue of whoever poisoned the sheriff.
So good!
Who doesn't need a little lighthearted fluff reading in their lives? Sweet Murder definitely fit the bill! We meet Noelle, a witch who is just trying to keep her head above water while the corrupt sheriff keeps pulling her down with trumped-up taxes and whatnot. After Noelle is almost killed by cut break lines, the evil sheriff sees her at her work and practically admits to being behind it. Not two minutes later, the cretin drops dead right in front of her, and the new hunky deputy, Hunter, is tasked to take over and fund out what happened. The only thing is, how can Hunter find a needle in a haystack of an entire town who loathed the sheriff, and everyone was glad he was dead?
This book was laugh-out-loud funny, with a cast of interesting and fun characters. One of my absolute favorite lines was when Noelle was thinking the town should put up a statue of whoever poisoned the sheriff.
So good!
November 15, 2023
Color me surprised.
The writing was good, excellent even, the flow too. And at the start I thought I’d like it, for sure. But then… it just wasn’t to my liking, too negative in tone, too rude. I tried to finish, but that tone really ruined everything for me. Like with Camille, she basically just wants to help, but Noe is so rude! Noe is actually rude to everyone. She’s so rough around the edges! I need more kindness! Some kindness would have gone a long way. Sarcasm is fine when it’s balanced with something positive, something fun, but not when it’s only negative. And I missed the fun element that I had been expecting. A talking donkey! Why was that not more fun? But it just wasn’t! To me, anyway. It left me weirdly unmoved. The fact that I never started liking Noe meant that I didn’t care much for her story. The negativity started draining me, and I knew, this is just not for me. It’s really not bad! Just not my thing. And that surprised me!
The writing was good, excellent even, the flow too. And at the start I thought I’d like it, for sure. But then… it just wasn’t to my liking, too negative in tone, too rude. I tried to finish, but that tone really ruined everything for me. Like with Camille, she basically just wants to help, but Noe is so rude! Noe is actually rude to everyone. She’s so rough around the edges! I need more kindness! Some kindness would have gone a long way. Sarcasm is fine when it’s balanced with something positive, something fun, but not when it’s only negative. And I missed the fun element that I had been expecting. A talking donkey! Why was that not more fun? But it just wasn’t! To me, anyway. It left me weirdly unmoved. The fact that I never started liking Noe meant that I didn’t care much for her story. The negativity started draining me, and I knew, this is just not for me. It’s really not bad! Just not my thing. And that surprised me!
May 22, 2024
I enjoyed the mystery in this book quite a bit, but I struggled with the very Southern dialect and some of the slang that was used. The characters are very likeable and relatable, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the relationship with Noelle and Hunter goes, as they had a rocky beginning.
The town is not a magical town exactly, but the main character, Noelle Flynn, is a witch who can see ghosts, and she comes from a family of witches. There are many people in the town who know about her being a witch, but it's unclear who or why. I think some other people in the town can also see ghosts, but again, not sure who or why at this point.
Noelle's younger sister, Shelby, also has an interesting plotline developing regarding how her witchy powers don't always work the right way. I know there's a spin-off series later that centers Shelby, so that will be interesting to see as we go.
I read this book from Kindle Unlimited using the Alexa text-to-speech app.
The town is not a magical town exactly, but the main character, Noelle Flynn, is a witch who can see ghosts, and she comes from a family of witches. There are many people in the town who know about her being a witch, but it's unclear who or why. I think some other people in the town can also see ghosts, but again, not sure who or why at this point.
Noelle's younger sister, Shelby, also has an interesting plotline developing regarding how her witchy powers don't always work the right way. I know there's a spin-off series later that centers Shelby, so that will be interesting to see as we go.
I read this book from Kindle Unlimited using the Alexa text-to-speech app.
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