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Witches of Palmetto Point #9
Bad Omens
The dead leave signs...if you know where to look.
After recovering from a near-death experience, Charlie Payne's connection to the dead seems to dry up overnight. But that doesn't stop old ghosts from trying to commune with her. Or a clever serial killer from targeting her and the whole witch community.
When a mysterious letter arrives, the anonymous sender proclaims only one thing: I killed your parents. I killed your aunt. Watch your back, witch.
To find the killer, Charlie must fix her broken link to the dead.
For Charlie, learning to read the signs from the dead is like learning to walk again, and harder than she ever imagined. But failure is not an option. Especially when she finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
The truth will out but it might just kill her to find it.
After recovering from a near-death experience, Charlie Payne's connection to the dead seems to dry up overnight. But that doesn't stop old ghosts from trying to commune with her. Or a clever serial killer from targeting her and the whole witch community.
When a mysterious letter arrives, the anonymous sender proclaims only one thing: I killed your parents. I killed your aunt. Watch your back, witch.
To find the killer, Charlie must fix her broken link to the dead.
For Charlie, learning to read the signs from the dead is like learning to walk again, and harder than she ever imagined. But failure is not an option. Especially when she finds herself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
The truth will out but it might just kill her to find it.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2020
1960 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 8, 2021
I'll admit I've enjoyed this entire series, I think Wendy does a great job developing the characters and getting the reader really invested in their relationships. More than once I've found myself staying up late at night to finish the current story because I have to see how it turns out and each book contains at least one unexpected plot twist. With that said, there are two things that really hold me back from giving this a 5-star rating and, unfortunately, neither of these have improved as I've made my way through the entire series which is disappointing as I'd expect some improvement as the Wendy's style matures:
1) The resolution is usually anti-climactic. By the time you get to the end of each book, you've invested at least a few hours of your time getting immersed into the story only to find the entire mystery/suspense wraps up within one page, maybe two. I've been left wondering "wait, is that is?" more than once which is disappointing.
2) Grammar/spelling. Good grief, this should be table stakes for a writer and certainly an editor. Wendy either needs to use grammar check and/or fire her editor, not one book in this series is free from errors. From incorrect pluralization (the plural of car isn't car's) to just lazy editing ("he look over his her shoulder") - it's like Wendy was editing the story but forgot to change the gender when the focus character changed. This was so distracting it became frustrating at times.
Would I avoid this series because of these issues? No, not necessarily, but they do make for a disappointing experience as a reader.
1) The resolution is usually anti-climactic. By the time you get to the end of each book, you've invested at least a few hours of your time getting immersed into the story only to find the entire mystery/suspense wraps up within one page, maybe two. I've been left wondering "wait, is that is?" more than once which is disappointing.
2) Grammar/spelling. Good grief, this should be table stakes for a writer and certainly an editor. Wendy either needs to use grammar check and/or fire her editor, not one book in this series is free from errors. From incorrect pluralization (the plural of car isn't car's) to just lazy editing ("he look over his her shoulder") - it's like Wendy was editing the story but forgot to change the gender when the focus character changed. This was so distracting it became frustrating at times.
Would I avoid this series because of these issues? No, not necessarily, but they do make for a disappointing experience as a reader.
January 7, 2026
Pleins de rebondissements ! Bien contente que Charlie avait seulement un blocage et non perdu ses dons de clairvoyance.
February 1, 2020
How I love this series!!! Its still as fresh and exciting as the first book. The introduction of this authors version of vampires was thrilling. I can't wait to see what crazy paranormal adventure is next.
November 22, 2023
This was a pretty bad book, tbh. Maybe the author had a deadline or an irl crisis. I feel bad about writing this review but…If this writer was my friend and had me read this book before it was published, I’d have told her all this to try to be a good friend. I also try to always write honest reviews. The story in this book was a bunch of fits & starts with good bits that felt strung together rather than one comprehensive story. Evan is a one-dimensional sullen teenager now which doesn’t fit when he can feel how others feel. Poe is mentioned but not part of the book at all. How is a witch’s familiar an afterthought? No way would Charlie’s family have accepted being pushed away for so long… and no way could she fake being psychic and seeing ghosts. Even Jason would notice that she never talked about seeing ghosts etc.. and her family would feel it… and no mention of Tom even a month later at the end? And why wasn’t she hysterical the instant Tom disappeared? She loves him. He and Evan were her top two reasons to be grateful for being back in the world of the living. If this was an attempt at a cliffhanger, it was lousy and a mean thing to do to readers who are still reading at book nine.
I’m going to read book ten. If it’s also like this, then I guess I’ll stop reading. I hope that book ten will be better. I honestly love this series and think this writer has a ton of talent. These books (except this one) deserve a lot more attention and also would make a fantastic series on Apple TV.
But, please, dear author, don’t publish a book before you know it’s ready. Disappoint your editor/agent/publisher instead. In the long run, it’s better than disappointing your readers.
I’m going to read book ten. If it’s also like this, then I guess I’ll stop reading. I hope that book ten will be better. I honestly love this series and think this writer has a ton of talent. These books (except this one) deserve a lot more attention and also would make a fantastic series on Apple TV.
But, please, dear author, don’t publish a book before you know it’s ready. Disappoint your editor/agent/publisher instead. In the long run, it’s better than disappointing your readers.
March 11, 2020
Reviewed by Angi
This series has been so much fun reading. This is one of those series you stumble upon and becomes one of those rare gems that pull you in from the start. I found this series when I believe 5 books were completed. Thank goodness she writes fast because I can't wait for each new one to be published!! I devoured the first ones in a couple days.
With every book the characters continue to grow. I love getting to know more and more about the family and loved ones, while also meeting new friends and foes each installment. Charlie is our main "witch" but she draws so much from her family. Each witch having her own strength. There are also secondary friends both in human law enforcement and in the DOL, the branch of law enforcement that governs the witches.
If you have read the other books you know we have witches, ghosts (whom Charlie can see and speak to) humans and of course what would be a great supernatural series without reapers?
In the latest book, we ride along as Charlie is dealing with her new silence. She can no longer see and hear the ghosts. For a talent that has made life hard, and caused many issues in her past she soon realises she misses her gift more than she expected. And more than that, what will her family say when they find out? Will the DOL fire her? Is her gift the only reason they want her or can she rely on her intuition to keep her job. Will this be permanent? Or will she get her gift back?
While dealing with this she also has a case. A dead girl and she needs to find the murderer by good old fashion following the leads. She also has a rogue partner that has her help him in vampire hunting. Yes.. Vampire hunting. Add to the already caos that has become her life, now she has a vampire obsessed with her.
As you can see there are many layers to the story. Wendy does an amazing job pulling the story together without losing you or her story, tying everything up in a beautiful bow at the end leaving you satisfied yet yearning for more!
This series has been so much fun reading. This is one of those series you stumble upon and becomes one of those rare gems that pull you in from the start. I found this series when I believe 5 books were completed. Thank goodness she writes fast because I can't wait for each new one to be published!! I devoured the first ones in a couple days.
With every book the characters continue to grow. I love getting to know more and more about the family and loved ones, while also meeting new friends and foes each installment. Charlie is our main "witch" but she draws so much from her family. Each witch having her own strength. There are also secondary friends both in human law enforcement and in the DOL, the branch of law enforcement that governs the witches.
If you have read the other books you know we have witches, ghosts (whom Charlie can see and speak to) humans and of course what would be a great supernatural series without reapers?
In the latest book, we ride along as Charlie is dealing with her new silence. She can no longer see and hear the ghosts. For a talent that has made life hard, and caused many issues in her past she soon realises she misses her gift more than she expected. And more than that, what will her family say when they find out? Will the DOL fire her? Is her gift the only reason they want her or can she rely on her intuition to keep her job. Will this be permanent? Or will she get her gift back?
While dealing with this she also has a case. A dead girl and she needs to find the murderer by good old fashion following the leads. She also has a rogue partner that has her help him in vampire hunting. Yes.. Vampire hunting. Add to the already caos that has become her life, now she has a vampire obsessed with her.
As you can see there are many layers to the story. Wendy does an amazing job pulling the story together without losing you or her story, tying everything up in a beautiful bow at the end leaving you satisfied yet yearning for more!
February 5, 2020
I've read every single one of the books in this series, and I have to say that I like this one the most!I loved that there were two well told storylines, I loved how the characters developed, and I love how even though the plot is fantasy (or maybe we really do have vampires that roam amongst us!) the characters are so dang relatable. I can imagine myself a part of Friday night dinners or stopping by the café.
Wendy Wang outdid herself on this one and I can't wait for the next one!
Wendy Wang outdid herself on this one and I can't wait for the next one!
November 15, 2022
The Witches of Palmetto Point series continues to be a winner.
In this book, Bad Omens, book 9 in the series, we pick up where we left off in the previous book, with Charlie still recovering from the trauma of her near death experience. We also see more from Evan's POV, which is nice to see him fleshed out as a character. This book gives us a lot more vampire lore, which Wendy Wang has successfully put little details into that make her vamps stand out from the norm. By this point in the series, I have grown quite attached to every single character, & my favorite parts are when they all get together to take out a bad guy. If you haven't tried this series yet, I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Haunting Charlie (although each book for the most part could be read as a standalone, there are family ties & character growth that will be best enjoyed if you read all of the books in order. A lot of time when a series goes on for as long as this one, the stories begin to get kind of stale, as of the author has run out of ideas & starts rehashing old ones with slight difference. That is not the case here. While there may be some common elements (which is to be expected, as it is a story after all!) I have been very pleased that each story is a well executed, new idea that expands on the world of Charlie, her friends & family. Looking forward to whatever is next on the agenda.
In this book, Bad Omens, book 9 in the series, we pick up where we left off in the previous book, with Charlie still recovering from the trauma of her near death experience. We also see more from Evan's POV, which is nice to see him fleshed out as a character. This book gives us a lot more vampire lore, which Wendy Wang has successfully put little details into that make her vamps stand out from the norm. By this point in the series, I have grown quite attached to every single character, & my favorite parts are when they all get together to take out a bad guy. If you haven't tried this series yet, I highly recommend you start at the beginning with Haunting Charlie (although each book for the most part could be read as a standalone, there are family ties & character growth that will be best enjoyed if you read all of the books in order. A lot of time when a series goes on for as long as this one, the stories begin to get kind of stale, as of the author has run out of ideas & starts rehashing old ones with slight difference. That is not the case here. While there may be some common elements (which is to be expected, as it is a story after all!) I have been very pleased that each story is a well executed, new idea that expands on the world of Charlie, her friends & family. Looking forward to whatever is next on the agenda.
June 21, 2023
bad omens
A review is not just about the characters in the book!
Not as good as the first book, but certainly better than several of the others I’ve read thus far in the series!
There were still several punctuation errors, but not as many as in a few of the others in the series.
Will (my favorite part of you was your Mustang car) was spirited in more ways than one. He lived and drove fast like many people in real everyday life do. My heart ached when that nasty Roman sunk not only his fans but also others in a nest ganged up on Will and caused great harm to him!
Dan, the county sheriff/detective was also a very likable character. One could almost “feel” his bewildering innocence of what Charlie has to expose him to in solving Ariel’s death.
Jason and Tom continued to be the best part along with Ben.
The ladies were all semi-interesting in their own talents, but these men - just wow.
Next, book 10! Let’s do to it!
A review is not just about the characters in the book!
Not as good as the first book, but certainly better than several of the others I’ve read thus far in the series!
There were still several punctuation errors, but not as many as in a few of the others in the series.
Will (my favorite part of you was your Mustang car) was spirited in more ways than one. He lived and drove fast like many people in real everyday life do. My heart ached when that nasty Roman sunk not only his fans but also others in a nest ganged up on Will and caused great harm to him!
Dan, the county sheriff/detective was also a very likable character. One could almost “feel” his bewildering innocence of what Charlie has to expose him to in solving Ariel’s death.
Jason and Tom continued to be the best part along with Ben.
The ladies were all semi-interesting in their own talents, but these men - just wow.
Next, book 10! Let’s do to it!
June 23, 2024
Another great book
Charlie Payne and her kooky family are back in this next installment of the Witches of Palmetto Point. Charlie is trying to find herself after her near death experience and it's taking a toll on her and her loved ones. She is sent on a case of a Witch killing in Florida with her partner Will and ends up with a whole new slew of problems. Will she be able to help the local detective find the killer before he strikes again? Will he abilities come back or are they lost forever? With so much on her plate, she needs help and she knows just who to call. This was a great story of Charlie's struggle dealing with the aftermath of dying and how she didn't want anyone else to know what was going on. A couple of new characters are introduced and I liked them a lot. Looking forward to the next adventure. Highly recommend
Charlie Payne and her kooky family are back in this next installment of the Witches of Palmetto Point. Charlie is trying to find herself after her near death experience and it's taking a toll on her and her loved ones. She is sent on a case of a Witch killing in Florida with her partner Will and ends up with a whole new slew of problems. Will she be able to help the local detective find the killer before he strikes again? Will he abilities come back or are they lost forever? With so much on her plate, she needs help and she knows just who to call. This was a great story of Charlie's struggle dealing with the aftermath of dying and how she didn't want anyone else to know what was going on. A couple of new characters are introduced and I liked them a lot. Looking forward to the next adventure. Highly recommend
October 27, 2023
it was good
The previous books were great stories and very fast to read, but this book’s story may have had too much of a storyline to be so fast. There were aspects that seemed too much. Like it was stunning to me that Charlie used magic in front of Dan so quickly. And I know Charlie needed to take down the protective spell on Ariel’s house to get in, but the spell was there to protect Chase so it seemed to me that it would have been Charlie’s nature to leave it alone and find another way in. Getting around these things and others like them would have probably caused the book to be longer.
It was still a good story although overall not as good as the previous books. I’m getting the next in the series! Wendy Wang and Charlie are awesome!
The previous books were great stories and very fast to read, but this book’s story may have had too much of a storyline to be so fast. There were aspects that seemed too much. Like it was stunning to me that Charlie used magic in front of Dan so quickly. And I know Charlie needed to take down the protective spell on Ariel’s house to get in, but the spell was there to protect Chase so it seemed to me that it would have been Charlie’s nature to leave it alone and find another way in. Getting around these things and others like them would have probably caused the book to be longer.
It was still a good story although overall not as good as the previous books. I’m getting the next in the series! Wendy Wang and Charlie are awesome!
April 8, 2025
This is the 9th book in the series. I have enjoyed the story and world of this series. I highly recommend it. Charlie has been keeping a secret from her friends, family, and boyfriend. One of the things that she used to hate having is something now she hates losing. The ability to see the dead. They r gone now that she is back from the dead herself. She goes out of town on a case and her and her partner kill a vampires nest before they go. She wasn’t expecting the vampire to follow them. She is working on a case of a witch being killed. While doing that she has to save her partner. There is so much going on in this book. And it just gets better by the minute it’s a must read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
I love this series! The characters are great, and I love the interaction between the them. Most importantly the story line is fun and unique. Usually pretty action packed, Bad Omens seemed to be a bit short, a bit slow and not as intense as the others in the series...but I still liked it.
A sprinkling of vampires would be ok, but hope the series continues to be unique traveling down a road most authors don't follow, which is why I love this series so much. Its uniquely different!
A sprinkling of vampires would be ok, but hope the series continues to be unique traveling down a road most authors don't follow, which is why I love this series so much. Its uniquely different!
May 28, 2020
This is probably my most favorite book in the series. I like that there was a venture out of Charley's comfort zone. I am hoping that we get to see more of Dan.I also like that there is the vampire element added, however, it is not like the sparkly beautiful vampires that people usually think of. I also hope that we get to see more of Will. And lastly, I am wondering how long Tom and Charley will be together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2020
Interesting cases with magical twists.
I have enjoyed this series. Each book the main characters become fuller. The new characters are interesting,and I tended to question whether they were as they appeared to be. There were good plot twists, and usually more than one mystery. I felt that some of the resolutions were a tad anticlimactic. Also, there were a few editing issues. Neither of these stopped me from enjoying the series. I look forward to the next book.
I have enjoyed this series. Each book the main characters become fuller. The new characters are interesting,and I tended to question whether they were as they appeared to be. There were good plot twists, and usually more than one mystery. I felt that some of the resolutions were a tad anticlimactic. Also, there were a few editing issues. Neither of these stopped me from enjoying the series. I look forward to the next book.
June 18, 2021
Another Good Read In This Series
Greatly enjoying the mix of characters and plots that each book has covered so far. This one read really fast for some reason.
I love the fact she doesn’t go into a lot of previous history from prior books. Just short simple reminders of who is who and so on. I also appreciate it that they’ve been clean reads as well. There’s romance without all the sexual tension and language.
Very much looking forward to continuing on with the series.
Greatly enjoying the mix of characters and plots that each book has covered so far. This one read really fast for some reason.
I love the fact she doesn’t go into a lot of previous history from prior books. Just short simple reminders of who is who and so on. I also appreciate it that they’ve been clean reads as well. There’s romance without all the sexual tension and language.
Very much looking forward to continuing on with the series.
November 7, 2021
Terrifying right up to the end
I am a bit tired of the trope of the protagonist keeping his or her problems to himself, but Charlie's habitual "I'm fine" set that issue up several books ago. I can see that Wang is setting up many future story lines and have those to anticipate. I do like a happy ending, and not having a cliff hanger to the next book. The action was skidding in right up to the end!
I am a bit tired of the trope of the protagonist keeping his or her problems to himself, but Charlie's habitual "I'm fine" set that issue up several books ago. I can see that Wang is setting up many future story lines and have those to anticipate. I do like a happy ending, and not having a cliff hanger to the next book. The action was skidding in right up to the end!
August 18, 2022
Tracy struggles with no longer having her psychic abilities after her "death" experience. However, her other skills are strong and her closed cases rate is high. This ninth book primarily focuses on Charlie and a little with the rest of her family. A witch killer case and vampires have her busy. Continuing enjoyment with the quick read and pace of this series has me looking forward to book ten, "Enduring Spirits."
September 7, 2022
The books in this series are generally light reads for me but I enjoy the stories and will continue to read them as they are released. This one introduced vampires into the world of witches, which was interesting but overall I was underwhelmed by it. Usually there is a little something that grabs me and it just wasn’t there this time. The story felt thin to me. I wish the ending would’ve taken a deeper turn. It could’ve gone in an excellent direction for the next book. It was still enjoyable.
February 24, 2023
This book frustrated me. Charlie was whiny and really, really made some poor choices. She ran hot and cold with her feelings about her changes in ability. It should have been a "big deal" and was for maybe a chapter. She cried on someone's shoulder and it was all ok? Her extreme lack of self-esteem was either drowning or she was queen of it all. The immense swings in her moods were just too much this time.
February 7, 2020
Another One Bites The Dust!!
I LOVE this series!! Southern witches based in SC, headquarters in NC... what's not to like!! Charlie and Tom with her family and Ben in tow, can solve ANY problem!! I just hope Charlie gets back to normal and that her new partner, Will, can come to terms with his past and be the DOL agent he's capable of being! Cannot WAIT for book 10!!!!
I LOVE this series!! Southern witches based in SC, headquarters in NC... what's not to like!! Charlie and Tom with her family and Ben in tow, can solve ANY problem!! I just hope Charlie gets back to normal and that her new partner, Will, can come to terms with his past and be the DOL agent he's capable of being! Cannot WAIT for book 10!!!!
February 15, 2020
Bad Omens, Great Book
I've read all the Witches of Palmetto Point books and have a tendency to read them in one or two sittings. This one is no different. Lots of suspense, great synchronicity with the rest of the stories, and additional depth of character. We learn more about Will and Tom, more about Charlie, and grow to dislike Scott even more.
I've read all the Witches of Palmetto Point books and have a tendency to read them in one or two sittings. This one is no different. Lots of suspense, great synchronicity with the rest of the stories, and additional depth of character. We learn more about Will and Tom, more about Charlie, and grow to dislike Scott even more.
February 15, 2020
Another exciting adventure with Charlie and her magical family!
Interesting twist in this book with the addition of vampires. What a great idea. Charlie struggled with the loss of some of her powers in this story and her partners need to hunt vampires! But once again family friends and love saved the day! And Charlie regained what she'd lost in the end.
Interesting twist in this book with the addition of vampires. What a great idea. Charlie struggled with the loss of some of her powers in this story and her partners need to hunt vampires! But once again family friends and love saved the day! And Charlie regained what she'd lost in the end.
February 17, 2020
So not super impressed with this part of the series... it was short and almost boring... For me personally I think it was mistake to move into the vampire genre... this is far removed from what this coven handles, even the DOL... I won't give up however and will order the next book in line but I hope it has more flare and less vampires...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
Good srory
Another great story of Charlie and the family, but a bit disjointed. This story seemed like two separate narrative. The vampire track would have been an exciting stand alone story. The witch finder story was another. Still very entertaining and interesting. Looking forward to the next one. The reapers are cool.
Another great story of Charlie and the family, but a bit disjointed. This story seemed like two separate narrative. The vampire track would have been an exciting stand alone story. The witch finder story was another. Still very entertaining and interesting. Looking forward to the next one. The reapers are cool.
June 1, 2020
Still great reads just not long enough
I love all her books and look forward to the new ones coming out but I just wish a little bit.......oh who am I kidding I wish A LOT that the books were just a bit oh idk thicker, longer. Great reads and would definitely recommend her work to all my friends.
I love all her books and look forward to the new ones coming out but I just wish a little bit.......oh who am I kidding I wish A LOT that the books were just a bit oh idk thicker, longer. Great reads and would definitely recommend her work to all my friends.
September 16, 2020
A struggle to get back
Charlie loses some of her abilities after having nearly died in the last novel. She still is a witch and she investigates using some of the ways Jason has taught her. Flexible, but this is the hard way. She saves her partner from vampties. She saves her son from teenage mental weakness. Good read.
Charlie loses some of her abilities after having nearly died in the last novel. She still is a witch and she investigates using some of the ways Jason has taught her. Flexible, but this is the hard way. She saves her partner from vampties. She saves her son from teenage mental weakness. Good read.
October 5, 2020
New introduction into series
Charlie has had several scary moments in past books but for some reason when she gets surrounded in this one I started to really worry about her. She does make a new friend so that's good. Charlie can never have to many friends. Her son is becoming a little more selfish and that worries me for the future.
Charlie has had several scary moments in past books but for some reason when she gets surrounded in this one I started to really worry about her. She does make a new friend so that's good. Charlie can never have to many friends. Her son is becoming a little more selfish and that worries me for the future.
November 19, 2020
Charlie goes after some vampires
Well this one was a bit different as Charlie teams up with one of her new co-workers by the name of Will and they try to track down a vampire who has kill a little girl. Charlie doesn't really like hunting vampires but she puts her fears aside to help Will because he is a vampire hunter.
Well this one was a bit different as Charlie teams up with one of her new co-workers by the name of Will and they try to track down a vampire who has kill a little girl. Charlie doesn't really like hunting vampires but she puts her fears aside to help Will because he is a vampire hunter.
January 2, 2021
Bad Omens but Great Book
I swear the series just keeps getting better and better. I could not put this book down. Charlie finds herself without the ability to see the dead and a few of her other powers just when she can use them the most to help find a witchhunter and vampires. Sit back grab a coffee or a cold one and enjoy your in for a great ride. Excited to read the next one.
I swear the series just keeps getting better and better. I could not put this book down. Charlie finds herself without the ability to see the dead and a few of her other powers just when she can use them the most to help find a witchhunter and vampires. Sit back grab a coffee or a cold one and enjoy your in for a great ride. Excited to read the next one.
December 17, 2021
Was disappointed
I have read an the serie so fas enjoyed all, however I really did not like this one. I like Charlie having her powers and I read this for witches not vampire's.Charlie is too reckless also!
Debating whether to continue reading. Others my like the new change but not for me. Gifted
I have read an the serie so fas enjoyed all, however I really did not like this one. I like Charlie having her powers and I read this for witches not vampire's.Charlie is too reckless also!
Debating whether to continue reading. Others my like the new change but not for me. Gifted
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews