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Magic & Mystery #1–3

Magic and Mystery: Bundle Book 1

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Welcome to Moon Grove, where magic and murder are in the air!

When broke, desperate reporter Zoe Clarke takes a job in a tiny town to reboot her life, she discovers her new home is overflowing with magic, supernatural beings — and paranormal mysteries!

This box set includes the first 3 full-length novels in Lily Webb's spellbinding Magic & Mystery series of paranormal cozy mysteries:

Broomsticks and Burials
Spellbooks and Stakings
Alchemy and Arson


Broomsticks and Burials, Book 1:



Reporter Zoe Clarke's life has lost its magic. So when she gets a job offer in the middle of nowhere, Zoe jumps at the chance to make a name for herself only to find her new home is teeming with magic and paranormal beings—and those aren't its only secrets.

During a heated election for Head Witch, the most powerful position in town, Zoe’s predecessor was buried alive—and accusations are flying faster than broomsticks. Despite her editor’s orders to leave the story alone, Zoe can’t resist.

From the front-running witch with a secret to the mysterious vampires pulling strings in the shadows, Zoe knows the truth is just under the surface. So after she discovers she has rare telepathic abilities, Zoe realizes she's the only one who can keep digging.

Will Zoe’s powers lead her to the murderer and the scoop of a lifetime? Or will they send her to an early grave?



Spellbooks and Stakings, Book 2:



Zoe Clarke is going back to school. After learning she’s telepathic and risking her life to solve a paranormal murder, she’s been invited to the prestigious Veilside Academy of Magic to sharpen her newfound powers.

But not all the students are spellbound by Zoe, and it isn’t long before she realizes the Academy is brimming with exceptional witches and warlocks—who are as cutthroat as they are talented.

So when Zoe’s new favorite vampire professor is found in a pile of ash, all spell breaks loose.

Between troublemaking witches and a jealous staff, Zoe knows whoever the murderer is, they aren’t finished handing out suspensions.

Can Zoe work her magic to reveal the killer? Or will she fail the ultimate test?



Alchemy and Arson, Book 3:



Zoe Clarke’s life just keeps getting better. After repeatedly risking her life to solve a rash of paranormal murders in Moon Grove, Zoe’s become a household name.

But her newfound attention isn’t all magic. Zoe knows she’s made enemies along the way and that they aren’t above pouring gas on her troubles.

So when one of Moon Grove’s most prominent witches dies in an inexplicable house fire, hysteria ignites—and Zoe finds herself standing in the ashes.

From the psychedelic new alchemist in town to the werewolves running shady businesses, Zoe’s certain someone’s trying to torch her reputation. And when another building spontaneously combusts, Zoe knows she’ll have to walk through fire and brimstone to stop the arsonist.

Can Zoe stamp out the killer before they strike again? Or will she go up in flames?


Other Books in the Magic & Mystery Series:

Heists and Homicides, Book 4
Covens and Coffins, Book 5
Voodoo and Vanishings, Book 6

666 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2019

620 people are currently reading
318 people want to read

About the author

Lily Webb

29 books110 followers

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5 stars
237 (55%)
4 stars
111 (26%)
3 stars
62 (14%)
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14 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
September 10, 2019
The first book in this boxset, Broomsticks & Burials was my introduction to Lily Webb. I really like Zoe and Luna. Zoe is smart but currently unemployed and staying with her grandma. A job, though, isn’t the only thing Zoe has lost. She has lost her magic. She’s talking to her grandma when she receives the call that changes things. The next day she is off for Moon Grove and a new job! Pretty normal, right? Except Moon Grove is anything but normal. For starters, Luna, her gorgeous cat, can talk. Claude, the bus driver, appears to be a vampire. Her new boss is a werewolf. And how did she come to be petting a man’s bare stomach?
This book was incredibly fun to read! The snark had me rolling! Seriously, do not read this book at night laying next to someone trying to sleep. Particularly if they tend to be grouchy when woken by howling laughter. The characters are some of the most interesting I have met, the mystery was well done and I adored the surprises. I couldn’t wait to read book two, Spellbooks & Stakings. Would it be just as good? Luckily this is a boxset so I didn’t have to wait to find out. In this book Zoe goes to magic school! Very cool, right? I want to go, though I might not want to go through the mean girls thing again, with mean witches this time! We meet more interesting characters, there are plenty of surprises, a mystery to solve and the snark goes on. The answer to my question, would this book as good as the first is a resounding yes! Alchemy & Arson is the title of book three. I’m going to be vague again because I want to start talking up a storm. Spoiler free reviews mean a lot to me though. If I tell you everything there is no reason to read the books. This book finds Zoe getting turned down for having her grandma visit. Her friend, and one of the two council members to vote yes to the visit, Circe has spoken to her about running for Head Witch. Will she or won’t she? There is a Blood Moon rising and grandma is on the way, not knowing the council said no.
I love this series! The boxset is definitely what you want to get if your in the mood for cozy mysteries with a paranormal smorgasbord at a snark fest. Once you start this series, you won’t want to stop. Make sure you either have plenty of free time to read or you are super good at being sick when you find you need to call work for a reading day off or two.
*I received a copy of this boxset through BookSprout. I voluntarily gave a review out of love for this series.*
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
September 4, 2019
This box set includes the first 3 novels in Lily Webb's spellbinding Magic & Mystery series of paranormal cozy mysteries, which includes: Broomsticks and Burials, Spellbooks and Stakings, and Alchemy and Arson. Set in Moon Grove, magic and murder keep reporter Zoe Clarke busy learning about her magic and solving crimes. You will love this wonderful set!

*** Reviewing “BROOMSTICKS AND BURIALS (BOOK 1)” ***
Zoe Clarke was sitting on the porch with her Grandma Elle, watching the beautiful sunset. She had been laid off from her journalism job and couldn’t seem to find another in this rural area. Her grandma tried to encourage her, but she had little enthusiasm after 3 months. Just then, her cell phone rang and Mitch Harris, editor in chief at the Moon Grove Messenger, identified himself. She didn’t remember applying there, and had no idea where Moon Grove was! Mitch said he had an opening for the town and government beat, and the job was hers if she accepted. He told her to be at the bus station at 6 AM and to watch for a big silver bus which she would recognize when she saw it. It would take her to Moon Grove. She did a search on her phone, but could not find Moon Grove. Odd.

The bus was prompt, but the driver and passengers were very strange. When they arrived, someone called her name. She looked down to see that her cat, Luna, was actually talking to her! As they stood on the grass, a beautiful golden retriever approached. She rubbed his belly and suddenly the dog became a young man – and she fainted! Beau Duncan told her he was a shifter and her boss was a werewolf. He told her that she was replacing Harper Woods as a reporter. It soon became obvious that while Zoe was seeing dilapidated buildings and ruin all around, Luna and Beau saw a much different scene. Beau led her through an old gate, and suddenly a lovely, bustling little town appeared. Beau was relieved because only paranormals can see the town and he had been afraid she might not be one of them.

Beau walked her to The Messenger and warned her not to ask about Harper. Then Mitch was there and grumpily took her inside the office to get started. At least back in the news world, she would be comfortable navigating and know what she was doing. In short order, Zoe begins to investigate the death of the reporter she replaced, even though it was obvious that her efforts were not appreciated. She even discovers that she has some magical powers that may help her solve this mystery. What is in store for Zoe? Will she solve the mystery or become the next reporter to disappear?

*** Reviewing “SPELLBOOKS AND STAKINGS (BOOK 2)” ***
Zoe Clarke was new to the paranormal town of Moon Grove, and new to magic. She is invited to attend Veilside Academy of Magic to become more proficient with her skills. But explaining this on the phone to Grandma Elle is not as easy as she had hoped. Just the part of telling her she is a witch did not go well. Encouraging Grandma to visit her -- if the Council of witches and warlocks approves it -- also did not calm Grandma down. Maybe this phone call had been a bad idea?

Beau arrived to walk her to the school. She was a bundle of nerves. Raina Woods, Headmistress of the Academy and Zoe’s magical mentor, met her and took her to meet Delia Frost, Professor of Kinesis — and vampire witch. Raina told her that each of the five branches of witchcraft has a tower dedicated to its study: Alchemy to the southwest, Divination to the northwest, Transmutation to the northeast, Kinesis to the southeast and Aether study (healers and necromancers) takes place in the central tower since the magic of life is at the center of all witchcraft. With Zoe having a strong specialty in Kinesis, Raina wanted her to see the common room and meet the professor. Delia was kind and helpful. Zoe even made a friend in class, Mallory, who walked her to her next class and made arrangements to take her to buy a wand. But not everyone was kind and she would have to watch her back!

As roll call was being taken in the next class, a piercing scream was heard! The hallway was in chaos as people ran screaming. Zoe remembered Delia was meeting with a troublesome, angry student, so she and Mallory ran out into the hallway and headed for Delia’s office. Phoebe hurtled out of the door spouting nonsense, and ran into Zoe, taking them both to the floor. Zoe untangled herself and ran into the office. She found a heap of ash smoking on top of a pile of powder-blue robes, which she recognized as Delia’s! Someone had murdered her! She picked up a journal off the floor thinking it may have been the journal Delia confiscated from Seth in class. It contained apparently blank pages, but Zoe put it in her bag anyway. Delia’s assistant, Phoebe, was still on the floor making gibberish sounds. Raina had arrived by then and recognized that Phoebe had been cursed! Zoe was deep into another murder mystery! Would she be able to solve this one? Had she just put herself into terrible danger by getting involved?

*** Reviewing “ALCHEMY AND ARSON (BOOK 3)” ***
Zoe Clarke, having been in Moon Grove for a little over a month now, had a big favor to ask the Council. With only paranormals being allowed to be here, she wanted to know if they would allow an exception to invite Grandma Elle, her only family, to visit. Heath Highmore, the Head Warlock, felt it wasn’t a good time for visitors. Things were much too unsettled. Of the 12 members, 10 voted against her grandmother’s visit. Unfortunately when Zoe called Gram to tell her, she didn’t have the heart to tell her, so she lied and said she could come.

When Zoe got to work the next day, her boss told her the Council had a big announcement. Since that was Zoe’s beat, she left to report on the big news. The meeting started and Heath Highmore stated that tonight the Blood Moon would rise and present unknown challenges to the residents. He introduced a gifted witch seer to tell them what might be coming – and she predicted a death! As a precaution, the Council set a curfew for that evening – precisely when Zoe was to sneak Grandma Elle into town! Regardless, she would need to be out that night in the ominous, eerie light of that blood red moon. Grandma Elle needed her – and what if she couldn’t get through the magic gate?

As Zoe and Gram stood by the gate, Circe angrily approached and zapped them to her home. She was furious that Zoe had disobeyed and put her Grandma in danger. Gram would stay with Circe and she zapped Zoe back to her home. The next evening, as she went to visit Gram, she saw a green glow. Rounding the corner, Circe’s house was on fire, green flames everywhere!

Gram croaked out her name from the bushes next to the house. Zoe went toward her, stepping on a gold top of a vial which she put in her pocket so no one else would trip. Gram had crawled across the floor to the door to escape. Circe had been in the kitchen. Firefighters arrived but their efforts with water and sand did nothing to douse the fire. The chief went inside under a magical spell and came out with Circe’s body. One of Zoe’s few friends was dead. Someone was setting Zoe up and her life was in danger – could she find the murderer or would this be the end for her too?

I love this series! Zoe is a strong woman who can deal with surprises and still come up smiling. The story lines are filled with laughter, fun, and mystery. Twists and turns will keep the reader “buried” in this enjoyable box set! Grab your copy and enjoy fun mysteries that never stop – the Purr-fect collection!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,374 reviews
September 26, 2020
Enjoyed reading this and liked Zoe and group

Zoe is offered a job she doesn't recall applying for in Moon Grove, NC. Unemployed and living with her grandma, she decided to take it and begins a journey of discovery, both as a new witch and star reporter who solves several murders.

In the first book, she is intrigued with learning what happened to the reporter before her and finds herself embroiled in a political bid that results in another murder. After lots of interviews and discussions with friends, she eventually finds the killer and nearly ends up dead too if not for those latent magical talents that led to her acceptance in a Moon Grove.

The second book picks up with Zoe attending night school to better learn her craft when her 1st day results in a murder of 1 of her teachers.With the help of her new friend Mallory, her boyfriend Beau, and her roommate Flora, Zoe again leads the charge to find who murdered the teacher and put her assistant in the hospital without her memory.

The last book places Zoe in the hot seat when she decided to go against the council's edict and sneak her grandmother into Moon Grove during a Blood moon. Not having thought things through results in her getting caught, Grandma hiding out, and her hostess being murdered. Zoe must again track down the killer after someone else is murdered. With the help of a new vampire friend and fellow journalist, Zoe again finds herself having to use her new skills to defend herself and stop another killing.
218 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2020
I have to go against the current majority

Because for me, it's barely "OK". I had already read the first book in this series. When I noticed this bundled set, I thought I'd download it in the hopes that books 2 and 3 would get better. The first book had some potential, but unfortunately, the other books never carried through.

The adult Heroine acts like a spoiled teen. She has no sensitivity, no ethics, and no personality. She feels entitled, and she pulls stupid stunts in hopes of solving the rather ridiculous murder mysteries. The promise of a romance never really materializes, other than she now has a "boyfriend". Sorry....but I simply don't like her. The supporting characters do show some promise, and I like the town of Supernaturals--but it just wasn't enough.

It's possible that it's a YA, even though it's not described as such. Perhaps a young reader would enjoy it more than I did.
Profile Image for Judi Easley.
1,496 reviews48 followers
June 27, 2021
This was an extremely enjoyable fantasy cozy bundle. The first three books in the Magic and Mystery series by Lily Webb starring Zoe Clarke, who has no idea she's a witch until she accepts a job at the Messenger in Moon Grove, North Carolina, a town not even other map. The first indication that something is different are the people on the big silver bus that picks her up at 6 o'clock in the morning, including Claude the bus driver who acts as if he'd like to just eat her up. Then there's the beautiful golden retriever...but that would be telling.
Let's just say that the characters are well written with interesting personalities that grow and adapt along with circumstances. The plots are interesting and make sense in this world the author has created. The world building is creative. The mysteries make you work for the solutions right to the end. The books are fast paced and bundling them by three is a great idea. Recommended.
40 reviews
December 24, 2020
I would read more

Just completed the first 3 books of this series. They were enjoyable easy reads. They have small editing errors that did not impact the story. For example, 2 people are side by side, initially sitting, then standing. That sequence concludes with one running to the other and they hug. How! One should have turned to the other and hugged. Don't know how running could happen. When did they separate?
Each story stood on its own. The third had a premise I did not care for, but people do stupid things at least once in their life. There is an overarching storyline that is left a bit hanging at the end of the third book. It is making me consider getting more of the series. But does not leave me upset like the story did not resolve.
Profile Image for Leigh.
5 reviews
February 16, 2021
I like the premise behind the books, but the execution is not great. It drives me insane that she's supposed to be a reporter, but she never actually reports. She's constantly uncovering things under the guise of being a journalist, but she never writes a single story. POSSIBLE/PROBABLY NOT SPOILER ALERT... She solves the town's biggest two murders, then goes home and goes to bed and doesn't tell her editor about it until the next afternoon? And another incident happens where she's an eye witness, and she just goes to work and looks to see if other media outlets are breaking the story? No journalist on the planet would behave that way. It's beyond annoying. And tampering with crime scenes is beyond unforgivable.
1,572 reviews7 followers
September 19, 2020
Don’t pay for this

There was a growing romance but by the third book, we only heard of on a few occasions with cheek pecking involved. I didn’t want open bedroom doors, but cheek peckin only! There was plenty of crime which the main character uncovered by firstly coming up with outlandish scenarios of who done it, only to be proved wrong each time. Then suddenly is aware of the true villain by thinking about it. The characters were one dimensional but were by far the most interesting thing about the stories. Which were all badly edited, very badly edited or proof read. So really, don’t bother.
Profile Image for Cory Cravens.
182 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2020
Really enjoyed these books

This series is good. To suddenly find out your a witch then move to a magical town with a job waiting..., now that is a way to hook the reader in. The story's are fun, but lord have mercy! People are dying like crazy. Every book has bodies hitting the floor. The mysteries are good, but if I lived in this town I would be scared to death. Anyone could die and the killers are right under your nose. The way the town is it could be a baby or a shitz su out to kill.
514 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2020
Fantastic bundle

This three-book bundle follows Zoe the fiesty witchy reporter as she discovers her magic and embarks on a series of amazing adventures and misadventures. Murders magic and mayhem abound as she finds herself drawn into one crazy situation after another tag along as she encounters witches warlocks shifters and werewolves and every other magical being in this supposedly "safe" town. Well written, great characters and a brilliant storyline make these books a joy to read, Highly recommended, Baz.
Profile Image for Allisha Drahos.
11 reviews5 followers
December 20, 2022
A Clean and Full of nonstop action and mystery

The characters are memorable and fun to think about and make curious of what is coming next or could be coming next. The who done it and why did they events make you forget that your just reading a book or 2 or 3.. you can go from 1 book to the next and not be lost or forget characters and there is a lot going on but not so much you get bored or lost! I'm not one to give spoilers.. so your just gonna have to read for yourself and I promise it is so worth the ride with Zoe, Luna, Flora and Beau and Mitch!!
Profile Image for Bernadette Hutton.
435 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2020
Go on give it a try

Totally five stars. I had already read the first book so getting two and three in a bundle was great. Yes these books can follow on from each other so do so. The characters are a little slow in their development but with each book a new character is introduced usually as another character us killed off. These books are great reading by the pool or lazing on the couch.
931 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2020
Could have been great but instead was really really lame. A Harry Potter fan but she has no idea what a familiar is. She is reckless not brave. These so called powerful witches but they need a green 21 yr old to save them?! Unrealistic. And all she has to do is ask questions and everyone is honest with her and she solves the crimes. Complete waste of my time. And it so badly need a complete edit. Zoe's mother has one name in book 1 and a completely different one in book 3.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,542 reviews14 followers
January 13, 2021
Zoe is a reporter who finds out first that magic and its many varied wonders exists and second that she herself is a witch. A rather powerful witch too. While she comes to Moon Grove to be a newspaper reporter she winds up in all sorts of jams and valiantly tries to extricate herself from them and save the town at the same time.
This collection is the first three books in the series. They are witty, entertaining, and excellent mysteries as well. A great value and three great reads.
210 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2020
Family and Friends

Zoe learns of Abilities that she knew nothing about. It started with a new job that she did not apply for in a town she had never heard about. But she found love and friendship and information on her family. Well worth the read to find out how Zoe accomplished her move and was accepted by the town. Plus you want to find out about her grandma. Enjoy.
931 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2020
So good.

I read the first book in this series awhile ago, so getting to re-read it was quite the joy. The following two books were just as interesting. The story and characters were intriguing and engaging. I look forward to continuing to reading more about their adventures. This series is definitely worth reading.
Profile Image for Of Butterflies & Books.
821 reviews25 followers
Read
October 20, 2020
So this is one of those reads where I’m not quite sure how or if I’ll rate it just because of how unsure I am about it. I really liked the concept and the characters were charming, but I think one of my issues was how when the main character gets to the town and finds out what is going on she seems to accept everything very quickly. Again, this wasn’t bad I just don’t know if it was for me.
480 reviews5 followers
November 24, 2020
Witches, Werewolves, Vampires, Oh My!

I really, really enjoyed these books. Zoe is a better investigator than the local police. She does this without using any of her witchy powers. These books contain two of the type of books that I enjoy the most. Witches and murder mysteries. If you enjoy them, then I highly recommend this series
Profile Image for Sherry Vaughan.
842 reviews10 followers
June 22, 2021
Entertaining

Even though witches not knowing they are witches seems to be trending as a trope, the author makes her character believable. Her stories are funny and serious by turn. Her main character is a complete innocent and the mysteries are a mixture of the supernatural and the mundane. A truly entertaining series.
Profile Image for Marissa Shortt.
140 reviews
November 10, 2025
This was a series that grabbed you and didn't let go throughout the series! All of the characters in Moon Grove prove themselves to be more than what they appear, and while Zoe is figuring out her magical family, the town is putting her through its paces. Murders, conspiracies, and green flames are just the beginning. The next ones in this series are a definite must read!!
263 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2020
Magical stories for all ages

I loved these books. They are magical and exciting. Full of mystery and intrigue. Great characters and plenty of adventures. Brilliant stories for any age group.
104 reviews
March 20, 2022
Wonderful Series!

Zoe gets into a lot of scrapes. Being a reporter is a license to ask questions and she does it well! She's spontaneous and puts herself in peril but she's also fierce and determined! Great combo for a reporter and crime investigator.
18 reviews
July 31, 2023
Entertaining and funny

I very much enjoyed reading the first three books in the series. They were light hearted and funny. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I would highly recommend.
489 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2020
A fun romp of a book, Zoe doesn't know what she's getting into when she takes a job in Moon Grove as a reporter, she finds out quickly that it is a magic place and she fits right in.
139 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2020
Fantasy at its best.

A fun read for the young and old. A good example of mystery and dreams .Happy endings are always a good thing.
Profile Image for Vicki.
229 reviews
September 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this bundle of books. I found them to move along nicely, the characters are believable. The plots were well planned. I have a few laughs along the way. Thank you.
Profile Image for Katherine Wales.
42 reviews
October 1, 2020
Magic and mayhem

Lots of magic with witches, warlocks, vampires and shifters. Plenty of mystery and a sweet romance as well. It's well written and fast paced
29 reviews
October 9, 2020
Love Zoe and especially Beau her "golden retriever". Moon Grove is wonderful. Wish I could live there! Ms Webb really has an imaginarion. Can't wait to start book #4.

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