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Witches of Keyhole Lake #12

Murder without Mercy

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What's a fall festival without a murder?

For a hundred years, Keyhole Lake's Fourth of July Festival and Barbecue Cook-Off has drawn people from all over the south, and this year's no exception. Historically, though, some have been better than others for Noelle and crew.

This year, she's hoping for the best. She and Hunter are newly engaged, her powers are leveling out, and life is good - at least until a woman turns up murdered in the fortune teller's tent. The case takes a turn for the strange when Hunter discovers she's an heiress that was reported missing three years ago.

Once word gets out, "beloved" family members start crawling out of the woodwork, and the situation goes from strange to downright nerve-wracking when the woman's ghost shows up and starts pointing fingers.

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2020

376 people are currently reading
145 people want to read

About the author

Tegan Maher

98 books342 followers
I 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,769 reviews154 followers
August 20, 2020
20 stars!!!! Not even kidding!!!!!
I have been anxiously waiting for the release of this book and it was totally worth it!

Murder Without Mercy is Book 12 in the Witches of Keyhole Lake Series by Tegan Maher.
First off, this can be read as a stand alone, but y'all definitely want to start with the first book in the series Sweet Murder.

Noelle and gang are back and its the annual fourth of July festival with all of the yummy BBQ to go with it. Noelle discovers a mystic (a real one) has been murdered in her tent.

Noelle and her hunky now fiance Sheriff Hank are on the case. All of my favorite characters that I have grown to love SO much make an appearance.

The murderer totally shocked me I was like wait no what! Yep, she gets me every time.

I love the small town feel of the setting of Keyhole Lake and I absolutely love the community in the town of everyone supporting each other.

I LOVE this series so much!!!!! Another can't miss story from Tegan Maher.
Profile Image for Catherine.
485 reviews
August 20, 2020
On a rare weekend for Noelle and Hunter to be together, they decide to visit the Spring Festival Keyhole Lake throws every year. While sitting out the carnival rides, Noelle decides to visit the fortune-teller's tent. Finding the lady just setting up due to an interruption, Noelle feels her out to see if she's the real thing. Mercy is a true psychic but very hesitant to reveal more than her name. Noe turns back to wandering the carnival but feels uneasy. Sure enough, the fortune teller is murdered. When the murdered woman is discovered to have a fake ID, Hunter and Noelle must dig deeply to uncover who she it even when Mercy's ghost shows up. Finding out she's a rich heiress brings all sorts of the kind of people that stand out in Keyhole Lake, rude, entitled, underhanded and sneaky. Meanwhile, Anna Mae is about to pop her kid out and Bobbie Sue's diner needs a new waitress. Can Noelle and friends discover the murderer while helping out those who need her? Small town life can be deadly but that's when you find out who your friends really are!
A marvelous addition to the Keyhole Lake Mysteries and the stories of the close-knit community that's always got your back. This was such an engrossing book that I finished it in about four hours. These are stand alone books but starting at the beginning of the series with 'Sweet Murder' is a plus. You definitely will be glad you did.
1,142 reviews18 followers
August 22, 2020
Another great instalment in the goings on at Keyhole Lake

I love these books, there is always a murder to be solved but it isn’t the main story and is usually resolved fairly easily. No, for me it’s the characters. From the central to the supporting characters —- living or dead—— they are all wonderful. Noelle Flynn is the main lead, a witch who can see and speak to ghosts, as can a lot of the town, (it’s up to the ghost if you can see them) Bobbie-Sue who runs the barbecue restaurant Coralee who runs the beauty salon and Anna Mae, Noelle friend, to name but a few then there’s also Aunt Addy and Cherri Lynn who happen to be two fo the deceased still involved in the goings on around town. These are all strong independent women with good hearts and strong ties of friendship and loyalty, always ready to help out anybody in need and the circle of friends can always widen to include another. As I said at the beginning I love these books, for me it’s like watching an episode of a long running series seeing what everyone is up to and getting to solve a murder mystery at the same time. Good clean wholesome fun.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,043 reviews4 followers
January 22, 2023
Unfortunately, someone was murdered in this read and it was a very nice person, at that. When you find out the reason behind the murder you’ll know just how senseless it was. Sigh.

There are many fun things here, including a carnival and corn dogs and cotton candy! I can just smell all the fried goods and hear the laughter of all the people around.

Noe helps one of her friend’s with two things they desperately need and all Noe wants in return is some help cleaning out the stalls a couple days a week, so she can sleep in on those days. Noe has a good heart. Noe met the person that was killed and liked them a lot, so she is bound and determined to make sure justice is served by assisting law enforcement in questioning suspects and various others for clues on whodunnit.

A new person is introduced, too, that will surely be in the next couple of books. This person is sure to be a life changer!

What I do wish is that there was more magic by Noelle and her other witchy friends, but at least we have Addy and Cheri pretty consistently and I do enjoy that a lot.

Next is book 13 Murder at Midnight.
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
August 22, 2020
Always an entertaining and spectacular supernatural cozy mystery series

Entertaining and spectacular supernatural cozy mystery series. An outstanding cast of characters and a very entertaining storyline. A small Georgia town that loves its festivals and it’s local people. A family of which is who live there as well as a few other supernatural‘s. Including a booming post life community. Yes ghosts. Most of the town people are human but there are a number which is an ghosts and occasional shifter and if you others around. You can’t forget the talking miniature donkey either. As he was cursed hundreds of years ago when he was a nobleman who did not treat women very well and he Ticked off the wrong which. Follow along as our group of characters solve murders mysteries and other trouble in their small town. Always entertaining a bit of humor a bit of sarcastic wit and forever entertaining. You will end up loving the characters and looking forward to every book.
1,995 reviews
September 5, 2021
I enjoyed this book in this very good series. The further development of characters is well done and new characters are interesting. I love the humor and some of the snarky characters and comments!

Noelle and crew are setting up the hundred-year-old Spring Festival that draws peok=ple from all over the South. This year, she's hoping for the best. She and Hunter are newly engaged, her powers are leveling out, and life is good - at least until a woman turns up murdered in the fortune teller's tent. The case takes a turn for the strange when they discover that she's an heiress that was reported missing three years ago.

Once word gets out, "beloved" family members start crawling out of the woodwork, and the situation goes from strange to downright nerve-wracking when the woman's ghost shows up and starts pointing fingers.
Profile Image for Dave Nicoll.
84 reviews
January 22, 2021
Noelle's Carnival Trip

Once again Noelle Flynn tries to go somewhere to relax, only for someone to be murdered. Her fiance, the sheriff of Keyhole Lake, is therefore busy as Noelle has much to do within her own life, even with a new ghost showing up.
The story is well-paced, as all of the Keyhole Lake series has been, and easily readable in a day, IF you want the story over that quickly. (I make it last a few days by reading another book inbetween times.) There is a really good ending to this one, hut I won't spoil it for you, especially if you're about to read this story next.
I've enjoyed reading this series and will start on Shelby's story next, and Cori Sloane's, a character mentioned in an earlier book.
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
625 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2020
When the fair comes to town for the one hundred year, Joelle and her finance Hunter are in attendance when a murder happens in the Fortune Teller's tent. When word gets out, faster than a spreading fire, of a "beloved" family member being killed, people start coming out of the woodwork and want answers. This was a great book with almost all the old crew of Keyhole Lake trying to be helpful. I read this book straight through as it was a page turner and I just couldn't put it down. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
339 reviews2 followers
February 12, 2021
Book 12

(I think you need to delete General Thaddeus Washburn from future books, even if he was with the underground rail road.)
The Spring fair is going on and that's were Noelle and Hunter are. In the past Noelle had met the Medium who was NOT a fake and she wanted to get in touch again. This time though the Medium had take time off to go on vacation with her son. A new young woman was at the Medium's tent. A murder at the fair grounds has Hunter as well as the rest of the gang looking for the culprit!
Profile Image for Renee Arthur.
433 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2020
Noelle and friends are enjoying the spring festival and the free food at Bobbi Sue's. Noelle met Mercy, the new psychic filling in for Serena, and she was the real deal. They're having a good time until someone is murdered on the carnival side of things. So much for Noe and Hunter enjoying some time off. This book is filled with wonderful characters, snark, laughter and good friendships. And awesome ghosts too! I love this book and enjoyed every minute of reading it!
Profile Image for Myra Ball.
649 reviews
August 21, 2020
Another excellent mystery

Maher never disappoints. She gets her southern dialect authentic which I appreciate as a southerner. It's never over the top and outlandish. The mystery plots are always unique. The characters are diverse and fun. This book is especially touching with life lessons included. I'm always excited to read the next installment from this author.
Profile Image for Regina De Los Reyes.
340 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2020
Another great story in the Witches of Keyhole Lake series. Noelle is back along with her family and friends. She is engaged, one if her best friends is pregnant and Shelby is off at college. Noelle is enjoying the local carnival when murder strikes, she uses her witchy powers and help from the local spirits to help solve the mystery. A fun quick read.
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2021
One died, one born.

The team is working to solve the murder of the medium from the carnival in town. Anna Mae is close to her due date, and Noe is about to get a new renter. The live characters are as zany and endearing as always, and the living impaired are still ruling the roost.
450 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2023
Sometimes it’s the little things

This was another interesting story from the keyhole lake crew. It’s nice that there are more than one issue happening in each book. I love seeing peripheral characters growing in each book. The new reaper character was interesting and will hopefully return. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jennifer Goliash.
283 reviews1 follower
August 21, 2020
Loved it!

I Loved this book. These characters are so well written & likable. The plot was good & I just really love this series. It mentions stuff from other series that I haven't read yet but that's okay. I highly recommend this book & series.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
211 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2020
Wonderful!

Absolutely love Noelle and the girls! Wonderfully crafted story. Ms. Maher once again draws the reader directly into her story. Great plot, world building and characters.
233 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2020
Great addition

Good storyline, love the characters and the crossover. The characters are well developed and I love the family feeling. I would like to have more backstory on the father. Maybe the next one!
3 reviews
September 8, 2020
A fun series

I blew through this entire series in a couple of days and then couldn’t wait for #13. It did not disappoint. Noelle Flynn and her friends make me laugh. They are all strong, independent women with good hearts who evolve as people. So much fun to read.
128 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2021
Sweet Cozy Mystery

I’ve loved all the Witches of Keyhole Lake books and this one followed suit. We’ve come full circle and it’s time for the fair. Hunter gets pit to work, and we get introduced to a new character- Faye Amelia. Loved it!
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,794 reviews
May 5, 2021
I have read several of the books in this series. It has strong and well developed characters that you will fall in love with and root for throughout the books. The stories flow and are engaging, before you know it your at the end. Great Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for warywolf3.
222 reviews5 followers
November 21, 2021
Love this series

This series is wonderful. You get to watch characters grow evolve and have a wonderful family vibe. I wish all towns could have that family vibe its rare but does happen and when it foes its amazing!
Profile Image for Tonya Peterson.
1,596 reviews3 followers
January 30, 2025
Spring festival

Noelle once again is at the spring festival when someone dies, and it's some Noelle had just gotten done talking to. Things take a turn when they realise that the name everyone knew was not her real name, so finding the killer is going to be challenging.
27 reviews
August 28, 2025
what a storyline

I’ve just reread all the books in this series and now starting on catching up on new ones. Why didn’t I read them before! Super characters, vivid writing painting the scene in your head and loving the storylines making you feel you are there. On to next
14 reviews
August 20, 2020
Love this series ☺

Love this series of book's the characters are so well written .and they are happy loving and snarky .my kind of book's can not wait for the next one 😁😍
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
August 21, 2020
Enjoyed

I always enjoy your books and all your series of books and I am really looking forward to your next book.
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,084 reviews12 followers
August 22, 2020
Great book

What a great book. I love all of the characters and all of the action. And there is a new little one in town.
158 reviews
August 22, 2020
She’s the best writer

Have read everything she’s publish. Entertaining intriguing and simply impossible to put down.

Each series gets better as the stories intertwine.

Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
659 reviews8 followers
August 23, 2020
Loved it!

I can't get enough of the Keyhole Lake bunch and the mysteries they solve. Magical items, ghosts, witches, and just down home people.
68 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2020
Loved it.

Wow, I was way off course on the murderer, but that's okay. All of the twist and turns were great!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews

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