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Deepwood Witches Mysteries #1
Potions, Poisons, and Peril
Deepwood, Oregon Cozy. Magical. Deadly.
Emory Chastain, owner of Healing Herbs, sells everything from love potions to herbal tea blends. She is also the most powerful witch of the modern era. When a stranger drops dead in her shop, Emory is left with no choice but to investigate.
Enlisting the help of her friends and the very handsome Noah, she soon discovers that someone is using magic to poison people, turning them stark raving mad. The clock is ticking, can Emory stop the killer? Or will time run out for the residents of Deepwood?
Potions, Poisons, and Peril is the first book in the paranormal cozy mystery series, Deepwood Witches Mysteries.
Emory Chastain, owner of Healing Herbs, sells everything from love potions to herbal tea blends. She is also the most powerful witch of the modern era. When a stranger drops dead in her shop, Emory is left with no choice but to investigate.
Enlisting the help of her friends and the very handsome Noah, she soon discovers that someone is using magic to poison people, turning them stark raving mad. The clock is ticking, can Emory stop the killer? Or will time run out for the residents of Deepwood?
Potions, Poisons, and Peril is the first book in the paranormal cozy mystery series, Deepwood Witches Mysteries.
201 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 9, 2019
705 people are currently reading
2240 people want to read
About the author
Shéa MacLeod
134 books454 followersShéa MacLeod has dreamed of writing novels since before she could hold a crayon. She totally blames her mother.
Her favorite poem as a child was ‘Jabberwocky’, and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.
After a six year sojourn in London, England, a dearth of good donuts has driven her back to her hometown. She now resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, Ancient Aliens reruns, lemon curd, and dragons.
Because everything's better with dragons.
Shéa is the author of the SUNWALKER SAGA (a fast paced urban fantasy series with a kick-ass heroine published by Montlake) and DRAGON WARS (a post-apocalyptic series with dragons)as well as the Cupcake Goddess novelettes.
Her favorite poem as a child was ‘Jabberwocky’, and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.
After a six year sojourn in London, England, a dearth of good donuts has driven her back to her hometown. She now resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, Ancient Aliens reruns, lemon curd, and dragons.
Because everything's better with dragons.
Shéa is the author of the SUNWALKER SAGA (a fast paced urban fantasy series with a kick-ass heroine published by Montlake) and DRAGON WARS (a post-apocalyptic series with dragons)as well as the Cupcake Goddess novelettes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
December 11, 2022
Emory Chastain was a powerful witch and owner of Healing Herbs in the town of Deepwood. When a distressed man rushed into her shop, then dropped dead at her feet, Emory knew she needed to investigate - the aura of magic surrounded the man. With the help of her fellow coven members, as well as Noah, cousin of her best friend, they dug deeply into the unnatural situation.
When two more men died, and people were showing signs of mania across the town, Emory knew they needed to work quickly. Would they discover what magic spells had been cast? And why?
Fun and entertaining, Potions, Poisons & Peril is the 1st in the Deepwood Witches Mysteries by Shea MacLeod, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great characters filled the story, and I'm keen to check out book 2 soon. Recommended.
When two more men died, and people were showing signs of mania across the town, Emory knew they needed to work quickly. Would they discover what magic spells had been cast? And why?
Fun and entertaining, Potions, Poisons & Peril is the 1st in the Deepwood Witches Mysteries by Shea MacLeod, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great characters filled the story, and I'm keen to check out book 2 soon. Recommended.
September 28, 2020
Perfect mystery with a magical twist. Really enjoyed being introduced to the characters and look forward to getting to know each of them better and seeing how things progress.
July 21, 2023
Absolute hidden Gem!!! 😍
I literally devoured this book in 24 hours. The mystery was so good! The romance plot was great and I really loved the characters.
Great Small town read with the right amount of witchy vibes 😍
Also bought the physical copy for my bookshelf right away.
On to the second book 😍
I literally devoured this book in 24 hours. The mystery was so good! The romance plot was great and I really loved the characters.
Great Small town read with the right amount of witchy vibes 😍
Also bought the physical copy for my bookshelf right away.
On to the second book 😍
May 3, 2021
I didn't care for this book.
The characters are under developed, flat, and boring. The conversations between them felt stilted and forced. There was almost no chemistry between the MC, the potential love interest, and/or her friends. The only character I liked was the chinchilla familiar and it didn't even speak!
I was also confused that the MC is supposed to be "the most powerful witch EVAH!" according to the book description and yet she couldn't even defend herself? She can open portals, she can "spellwalk" which is supposed to be major. Yet, she can't protect herself from being attacked. Over and over.
I didn't like her love interest. The second he met her, he was in her face with demands and pretty much insta-love except it wasn't. I don't have an issue with insta-love but this one just didn't work. This was as forced as everything else in this book.
The world felt confused. I kept forgetting what part of the world the book was set in because the author seemed to forget. One moment if felt like the Pacific Northwest and then another I could have sworn that it was a Southern small town.
I didn't finish the book. I can see that the author can write, it just didn't come together correctly for me in this book.
I feel bad leaving a 1-star rating. However, according to the Good Reads rating system that means I don't like the book. Since I didn't like it enough to finish it? Anyways, others love it so give it a try. This is just my opinion.
The characters are under developed, flat, and boring. The conversations between them felt stilted and forced. There was almost no chemistry between the MC, the potential love interest, and/or her friends. The only character I liked was the chinchilla familiar and it didn't even speak!
I was also confused that the MC is supposed to be "the most powerful witch EVAH!" according to the book description and yet she couldn't even defend herself? She can open portals, she can "spellwalk" which is supposed to be major. Yet, she can't protect herself from being attacked. Over and over.
I didn't like her love interest. The second he met her, he was in her face with demands and pretty much insta-love except it wasn't. I don't have an issue with insta-love but this one just didn't work. This was as forced as everything else in this book.
The world felt confused. I kept forgetting what part of the world the book was set in because the author seemed to forget. One moment if felt like the Pacific Northwest and then another I could have sworn that it was a Southern small town.
I didn't finish the book. I can see that the author can write, it just didn't come together correctly for me in this book.
I feel bad leaving a 1-star rating. However, according to the Good Reads rating system that means I don't like the book. Since I didn't like it enough to finish it? Anyways, others love it so give it a try. This is just my opinion.
August 19, 2023
4.5⭐️
The vibes: immaculate.
The fact that I started this book the day after I got my chinchillas: unbelievably amazing.
I want to live in Deepwood! A supernatural town (with vampires mentioned but not shown 😔) based on small businesses such as bakeries and bookstores and herbal store. What else could a girl wish for?
Emory was a nice main character, strong minded and powerful, with a fun chinchilla.
Noah’s whole personality was that he was hot 😭 but he was charming anyway ❤️🩹.
Veri and Lene were a little cringe but very supportive, and edwinas outfits kind of traumatized me .
-“He followed her through the portal, and it occurred to him he’d follow her anywhere.”
-“‘I never threaten.’ His voice was cold. ‘I promise.’”
The vibes: immaculate.
The fact that I started this book the day after I got my chinchillas: unbelievably amazing.
I want to live in Deepwood! A supernatural town (with vampires mentioned but not shown 😔) based on small businesses such as bakeries and bookstores and herbal store. What else could a girl wish for?
Emory was a nice main character, strong minded and powerful, with a fun chinchilla.
Noah’s whole personality was that he was hot 😭 but he was charming anyway ❤️🩹.
Veri and Lene were a little cringe but very supportive, and edwinas outfits kind of traumatized me .
-“He followed her through the portal, and it occurred to him he’d follow her anywhere.”
-“‘I never threaten.’ His voice was cold. ‘I promise.’”
September 4, 2022
Potions, Poisons, and Perils by Shea McLeod is the first book in the Deepwood Witches Mystery series. However, my first read for McLeod was book 5 in this series called Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis.
The book opens with Emory Chastain readying her tea shop for the day. Emory is a witch. And I liked the way she calms herself with her teas and herbal concoctions. It’s something I do personally sometimes.
“That was the thing Deepwood. It wasn’t just a quaint, charming town. It was a town of witches. Mostly.”
There are several points of view in the book, though all are in the third person.
Bit by bit, we meet the characters, learn about their magic – or rather different types of magic – and it works. We also learn that Edwina – from book 5 – came to her magic ‘later in life,’ as opposed to Emory and the others who are “natural-born” witches.
Though I found the different types of magic and how each one works interesting, it was also quite confusing. For example, Emory is both a portal witch and a spellwalker, while her friend Lene is a deathwalker.
“Lene wasn’t just any witch. She was a deathwalker, a type of witch near as rare as a spellwalker. She sensed when death was near, which meant she could find bodies people didn’t want found.”
In Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis, the main view point was Edwina’s, another Deepwood witch. But book 1, surprisingly, opens with Emory Chastain and her point of view, which isn’t as enjoyable as Edwina’s.
Since starting Potions, Poisons, and Perils, I was on the lookout for any references to Edwina Gale from book 5. Naturally, I loved the way she is introduced and how Emory sees her:
“Edwina Gale was an Amazon of a woman, at least six feet tall with the shoulders of a linebacker and build of solid muscle. Her hair, once a rich dark brown, was now streaked with iron gray and tied back in a think braid. Her gray eyes were bright and intelligent. At sixty-something, she had more strength and energy than Emory had at thirty.”
Having started with book 5, I felt that the book was clearer and more fun. When I finished Potions, Poisons, and Perils, I felt that Emory wasn’t a smart or witty character like Edwina. I instantly – and involuntarily – compared the two different characters. And you can tell I like one more than the other.
I know that Shea McLeod has launched a new spin-off series starring Edwina Gale. And I’m looking forward to getting my hand on the first book Day of the Were-Jackal.
Unlike Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis, Potions, Poisons, and Perils has several memorable lines, conversations, and quotes. However, the book is longer and much slower.
“Do you believe in…Do you believe in visions?...I’ve been having them lately. All the time.”
“What do you see?”
She glanced around. “This shop.” She eyed Emory. “You.”
“And a dead body?”
“Yes.”
In terms of characters and development, Emory maneuvers the whole mystery thing very slowly. She even calls in Edwina for help. Edwina, on the other hand, is a fully-developed character – I think. In this book, she’s a secondary character.
The book offers a touch of romance but there’s more focus on the magic, which is something I like when I read paranormal cozy mysteries.
Overall rating for Potions, Poisons, and Perils by Shea McLeod: 3.5 stars.
The book opens with Emory Chastain readying her tea shop for the day. Emory is a witch. And I liked the way she calms herself with her teas and herbal concoctions. It’s something I do personally sometimes.
“That was the thing Deepwood. It wasn’t just a quaint, charming town. It was a town of witches. Mostly.”
There are several points of view in the book, though all are in the third person.
Bit by bit, we meet the characters, learn about their magic – or rather different types of magic – and it works. We also learn that Edwina – from book 5 – came to her magic ‘later in life,’ as opposed to Emory and the others who are “natural-born” witches.
Though I found the different types of magic and how each one works interesting, it was also quite confusing. For example, Emory is both a portal witch and a spellwalker, while her friend Lene is a deathwalker.
“Lene wasn’t just any witch. She was a deathwalker, a type of witch near as rare as a spellwalker. She sensed when death was near, which meant she could find bodies people didn’t want found.”
In Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis, the main view point was Edwina’s, another Deepwood witch. But book 1, surprisingly, opens with Emory Chastain and her point of view, which isn’t as enjoyable as Edwina’s.
Since starting Potions, Poisons, and Perils, I was on the lookout for any references to Edwina Gale from book 5. Naturally, I loved the way she is introduced and how Emory sees her:
“Edwina Gale was an Amazon of a woman, at least six feet tall with the shoulders of a linebacker and build of solid muscle. Her hair, once a rich dark brown, was now streaked with iron gray and tied back in a think braid. Her gray eyes were bright and intelligent. At sixty-something, she had more strength and energy than Emory had at thirty.”
Having started with book 5, I felt that the book was clearer and more fun. When I finished Potions, Poisons, and Perils, I felt that Emory wasn’t a smart or witty character like Edwina. I instantly – and involuntarily – compared the two different characters. And you can tell I like one more than the other.
I know that Shea McLeod has launched a new spin-off series starring Edwina Gale. And I’m looking forward to getting my hand on the first book Day of the Were-Jackal.
Unlike Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis, Potions, Poisons, and Perils has several memorable lines, conversations, and quotes. However, the book is longer and much slower.
“Do you believe in…Do you believe in visions?...I’ve been having them lately. All the time.”
“What do you see?”
She glanced around. “This shop.” She eyed Emory. “You.”
“And a dead body?”
“Yes.”
In terms of characters and development, Emory maneuvers the whole mystery thing very slowly. She even calls in Edwina for help. Edwina, on the other hand, is a fully-developed character – I think. In this book, she’s a secondary character.
The book offers a touch of romance but there’s more focus on the magic, which is something I like when I read paranormal cozy mysteries.
Overall rating for Potions, Poisons, and Perils by Shea McLeod: 3.5 stars.
October 9, 2024
It was cute :)
Nothing extremely ground breaking but perfect for a chill cozy read during October.
Nothing extremely ground breaking but perfect for a chill cozy read during October.
October 11, 2025
A hidden gem of a book! So glad I read this cozy magical mystery perfect for this time of year!
September 27, 2020
Shea MacLeod is a "new to me" author and I am so glad that I found this series. Ms. MacLeod descriptive narrative brought me into Deepwoods, Oregon. The story is fast paced with several magical twists. I enjoyed meeting Emory, Lene, Veri, Mia and Noah and their character development seemed organic as the story progressed. I'm looking forward to the next three books in the series so I can get to know Lene, Veri and Mia better.
August 27, 2019
Unimpressive
The characters are flat and boring. The storyline childish. The only thing I can get behind, it takes 90 minutes to read.
The characters are flat and boring. The storyline childish. The only thing I can get behind, it takes 90 minutes to read.
October 12, 2021
This is a great start to a fun new cozy mystery series, the Deepwood Witches Mysteries. This was a neat story about three witches in Deepwood, Orgeon. Emory Chastain owns a herbal shop in town and has a penchant for designer donuts from the shop next door. One day a distressed teenager came in her shop to talk about some visions that she has been having.
As the teen is there, a man staggers into the shop begging for help. He has been magically poisoned and dies there on the floor. The local police are no help because they don't understand the supernatural, despite living in a fairly witchy city. Soon, two more townspeople die, all with the same symptoms and magical signature attached. Emory along with her friends Lene, Veri and the handsome Noah, take the investigation on themselves.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story and it felt like a quick read. The characters are charming (ha ha) and I really am excited to read more about them. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a witchy cozy mystery.
As the teen is there, a man staggers into the shop begging for help. He has been magically poisoned and dies there on the floor. The local police are no help because they don't understand the supernatural, despite living in a fairly witchy city. Soon, two more townspeople die, all with the same symptoms and magical signature attached. Emory along with her friends Lene, Veri and the handsome Noah, take the investigation on themselves.
I really enjoyed the pace of the story and it felt like a quick read. The characters are charming (ha ha) and I really am excited to read more about them. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a witchy cozy mystery.
January 18, 2022
First in a series. An herb/amulet store owner in a town of witches is surprised one morning when a young woman rushes in saying she is having visions of a dead man in her shop. And then a few minutes later a man rushes in saying he has been poisoned and needs help. Then he drops dead on the floor and the visions have been realised. With the help of her fellow shop owners and the hot cousin of the shop owner next door they find the man has been murdered by magic before they dispose of the body. Soon other mysterious deaths occur, all with the same signs. And weirdly people in town are going mad and attacking other people. Of course they find the culprit and turn them over to the authorities. Interesting characters and dynamics. I expect this series to be great as it matures.
January 24, 2022
Interesting entry into the genre. Lots of subdivisions of paranormal can be confusing, but appear to be well-enough explained for a first book. Plenty of room for character growth.
And yet another loud cry for a proofreader or copyeditor. The editor seems to have done a reasonable job of ensuring consistency, but word misuse abounds. Really, a "merengue" pie? Does it dance across your tongue? A copyeditor, if not a proofreader, should know the act is HIPAA, not HIPPA.
I really liked the idea that the characters are of various sizes and skin colors - not all are Vanna White-size and white. I suspect Lene and Veri will have greater roles in future volumes. Not sure I'll read them; word misuse is my strongest pet peeve.
And yet another loud cry for a proofreader or copyeditor. The editor seems to have done a reasonable job of ensuring consistency, but word misuse abounds. Really, a "merengue" pie? Does it dance across your tongue? A copyeditor, if not a proofreader, should know the act is HIPAA, not HIPPA.
I really liked the idea that the characters are of various sizes and skin colors - not all are Vanna White-size and white. I suspect Lene and Veri will have greater roles in future volumes. Not sure I'll read them; word misuse is my strongest pet peeve.
August 13, 2024
Aranyos, gyors és laza. Egy újabb boszorkányos krimi ami kikapcsol ha épp erre van szükséged. Semmi komoly dráma de épp ez a jó benne. Ha a kezembe akad a többi rész szívesen elolvasom őket. 4/5⭐️
Cute, fast and relaxing. Another witch crime thriller that relaxes you when you need it. No serious drama, but that's what's good about it. If I can get hold of the other parts, I will gladly read them. 4/5⭐️
Cute, fast and relaxing. Another witch crime thriller that relaxes you when you need it. No serious drama, but that's what's good about it. If I can get hold of the other parts, I will gladly read them. 4/5⭐️
February 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I got it on stuff your kindle day and picked it because I wanted a nice, easy read. This book definitely delivers and was so cozy. I enjoyed the story line and the incorporation of the far world into the human (mundane). I only wish it had been longer and had a bit more foreshadowing or clues thrown in.
July 27, 2024
Potions, Poisons & Peril - 2.75
Wisteria, Witchery & Woe - 2.75
Magic, Moonlight & Murder - 2.25
Dreams, Divination & Danger - 2.25
Alchemy, Arsenic & Alibis - 2.50
Crystal, Cauldrons & Crimes - 2.75
Was okay over all though I probably wouldn't recommend them to anyone.
Wisteria, Witchery & Woe - 2.75
Magic, Moonlight & Murder - 2.25
Dreams, Divination & Danger - 2.25
Alchemy, Arsenic & Alibis - 2.50
Crystal, Cauldrons & Crimes - 2.75
Was okay over all though I probably wouldn't recommend them to anyone.
October 16, 2022
Another perfect cozy witchy read.
May 13, 2024
This was a fun, whimsical read.
May 24, 2024
Very enjoyable
I smudge characters, getting to know them I'll be reading further into this series to see how they develop, and to see how their red develop
I smudge characters, getting to know them I'll be reading further into this series to see how they develop, and to see how their red develop
November 6, 2024
Easy read
This book was awesome. It had just enough back story and a good pace. I will search for the other books in the series.
This book was awesome. It had just enough back story and a good pace. I will search for the other books in the series.
June 3, 2025
Witches, romance, and a murder mystery. it’s a fun quick read. Perfect for a cozy autumn day. I didn’t love it enough to continue the series but it was cute.
July 8, 2023
Witchcraft gone awry
Emory is a witch in a town filled with them. When a young girl comes to tell her she's had a vision of a man dying, Emory tries to help. This proves to be the first step in her involvement in the mystery.
I wasn't sure about this story at the beginning, but Emory, Noah and her friends grew on me. Interesting world-building and promising storylines. Nice, clean romance too.
Emory is a witch in a town filled with them. When a young girl comes to tell her she's had a vision of a man dying, Emory tries to help. This proves to be the first step in her involvement in the mystery.
I wasn't sure about this story at the beginning, but Emory, Noah and her friends grew on me. Interesting world-building and promising storylines. Nice, clean romance too.
September 7, 2023
This book was just astonishingly bad but I needed to finish it because it's so short. It uses words like "expresso" and everything is just so convenient. It tries to do too much with such a small page count.
September 30, 2021
Fabulous
Great story with wonderful characters lots of magic mayhem and witchy murders toss in a little humor and a pinch of romance and you truly have this page-turner of a book. I particularly like the interaction between the different forms of magic along with the logical explanation as to how they work, well thought out and convincing. Highly recommended a must-read can't wait to read the next in this series, Baz.
Great story with wonderful characters lots of magic mayhem and witchy murders toss in a little humor and a pinch of romance and you truly have this page-turner of a book. I particularly like the interaction between the different forms of magic along with the logical explanation as to how they work, well thought out and convincing. Highly recommended a must-read can't wait to read the next in this series, Baz.
August 12, 2023
A swing and a miss
(Contains spoilers at the end)
I'll start by saying I really struggled to finish this book. It was oh so slow, with descriptions that (though accurate and well-written) didn't offer anything to the plot and made me want to skim over. Noah seemed overbearing and controlling to me. I disliked Emory for bespelling people (customers and friends) without their consent even if it was in her opinion for their own good. One of the inconsistencies I noted was that in the beginning Mia seemed clueless about magic, then towards the end of the book, she casts a spell and knows about backfires and the rule of threes. Also, I wouldn't call this a cozy mystery. It's a paranormal romance with a few murders in between. Almost the entire book is about magic, witches and the heroes' backstories, then in the last three chapters, they remember they have a mystery to solve. And the answer to the mystery, who the culprit was (Binder) and how he did it makes zero sense. And Emory then says she knows who he is but is surprised when she faces him. What the heck?!
In general, quite a few things didn't make sense.
(Contains spoilers at the end)
I'll start by saying I really struggled to finish this book. It was oh so slow, with descriptions that (though accurate and well-written) didn't offer anything to the plot and made me want to skim over. Noah seemed overbearing and controlling to me. I disliked Emory for bespelling people (customers and friends) without their consent even if it was in her opinion for their own good. One of the inconsistencies I noted was that in the beginning Mia seemed clueless about magic, then towards the end of the book, she casts a spell and knows about backfires and the rule of threes. Also, I wouldn't call this a cozy mystery. It's a paranormal romance with a few murders in between. Almost the entire book is about magic, witches and the heroes' backstories, then in the last three chapters, they remember they have a mystery to solve. And the answer to the mystery, who the culprit was (Binder) and how he did it makes zero sense. And Emory then says she knows who he is but is surprised when she faces him. What the heck?!
In general, quite a few things didn't make sense.
November 1, 2021
Easy fun read, G love story.
I really,really want to rate this higher. Interesting characters, interesting world building, decent cozy mystery but…. The explanations sometimes interrupted the story. It felt disjointed. All the characters needed background and somehow the explanations didn’t flow. I hope to read more in what is obviously a series to see if these issues smooth out.
I really,really want to rate this higher. Interesting characters, interesting world building, decent cozy mystery but…. The explanations sometimes interrupted the story. It felt disjointed. All the characters needed background and somehow the explanations didn’t flow. I hope to read more in what is obviously a series to see if these issues smooth out.
September 18, 2023
Honestly perplexed as to how this has an average of 4 stars. The idea was so cute, the execution was terrible. I only finished this book because it was short and felt weird to dnf it. I couldn't make myself care about a single one of these characters, the murder mystery was anticlimactic, and the romance aspect was so so bad. It felt so forced and cheesy. I'm giving two stars just because the idea of a magical little town seemed so cozy and had potential but ultimately was a huge let down.
October 3, 2023
Meh. I finished it so I guess there’s that. But if it was any longer I would have chucked it. I learned a lot about witches and doughnuts. That is all I have to say.
September 18, 2024
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Series: Deepwood Witches Mysteries (Book 1)
It's about Emory Chastain, who resides in Deepwood-a magical town that is simply enchanting. She has a store where she sells potions and tinctures-mostly those of true magical property. At the very start of the story, the novel gives an insight into the life of Emory: how she tries to live a quiet life, manage the store, and tries to live quietly with her chinchilla Fred. This gets rudely shaken when one mysterious customer insists that she concoct a love potion, and things start spiraling into a noose of dangerous events. Emory becomes entangled in a murder mystery linked with magical elements, showing secrets and dark sides of this supposedly idyllic town of witches, supernatural beings, and mortals.
The actual key plot within the story deals with a mysterious death with which Emory gets involved, not only as an inquisitive resident but also as someone with powers that might be important to solve the case. Given that this is a cozy mystery, the stakes are personal and intimate, placing the reader perfectly with elements of magic, charm, and suspense.
Emory Chastain is a very balanced heroine who rightly combined her love of nature and spiritualism with the responsibility of running a store. She is warm, considerate, protective, and strong-willed when need be. The changes in her throughout the book are very real: she grows more confident when different moral dilemmas face her-for instance, when, how much, and how far she should go with the use of her magic, and particularly how deeply to involve herself in dangerous situations. Quite often, she weighs between light and darker magic during times of hard or hostile clients.
Fred: A most charming angle to the storyline, Fred is. His association with Emory serves for comic relief and showcases how nurturing and affectionate Emory is.
Such a great supporting cast peppers the storyline, including Lene, Emory's best friend and part of the coven, Veri, who owns a plus-size lingerie shop, bringing such confidence and humor into Emory's life. It can also be said that neither of the women is the sidekick type; both are major players in the journey of Emory. There are power imbalances, most specifically with the antagonist figures, like the demanding customer in search of a love potion, and it is those interactions that really drive the choices of Emory, begging her to stand up for herself and others.
Really, this is a book about friendship and loyalty; the bond between the witches of Deepwood. Emory, Lene, and Veri are an enmeshed trio, and their support for one another drives much of the action through the arc of the novel.
Magic and Morality: There is a very thin strand of contemplation on moral magical usage. Often, Emory is burdened by moral inquiries about when it is appropriate to use her powers in instances where that magic has the potential to harm others-even though it may be unconsciously done.
Underlying these themes is that of power: who shall have it, with whom it shall be shared, and who shall govern. The plot is interwoven with an imbalance-powerful or mundane-or humankind with supernatural beings-as Emory works her way through what the community expects of her.
Shéa MacLeod writes with a very smooth and accessible style, making this book cozy and comfortable. Descriptive is her language; it sets the reader into a warm and inviting world full of magical details. First-person narration MacLeod uses with Emory managed to add to the story such warmth and closeness, literally setting the readers into the thoughts and feelings of Emory. The pacing within the novel is measured, not too fast or too slow, which speaks to the cozy mystery tone, but she still manages to keep the reader interested through subtle twists and reveals.
MacLeod crafts with ease a paranormal cozy mystery oozing in warmth, sprinkled with magic, and unraveling a completely intriguing mystery. The prevalent themes in this tale-lies, power, morality-are smoothly woven in and never weigh too heavily on the storyline. Strengths would include the well-developed friendships and community of Deepwood; slight depths in some secondary characters might be their one weakness. This series is a little different from many cozy mysteries in that it involves witchcraft and supernatural elements in a small-town setting. This will be an interesting read for people who like magical realism and witchy paranormal tales.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Fave Quote:
“I am the daughter of the ones you didn’t burn.”
Series: Deepwood Witches Mysteries (Book 1)
It's about Emory Chastain, who resides in Deepwood-a magical town that is simply enchanting. She has a store where she sells potions and tinctures-mostly those of true magical property. At the very start of the story, the novel gives an insight into the life of Emory: how she tries to live a quiet life, manage the store, and tries to live quietly with her chinchilla Fred. This gets rudely shaken when one mysterious customer insists that she concoct a love potion, and things start spiraling into a noose of dangerous events. Emory becomes entangled in a murder mystery linked with magical elements, showing secrets and dark sides of this supposedly idyllic town of witches, supernatural beings, and mortals.
The actual key plot within the story deals with a mysterious death with which Emory gets involved, not only as an inquisitive resident but also as someone with powers that might be important to solve the case. Given that this is a cozy mystery, the stakes are personal and intimate, placing the reader perfectly with elements of magic, charm, and suspense.
Emory Chastain is a very balanced heroine who rightly combined her love of nature and spiritualism with the responsibility of running a store. She is warm, considerate, protective, and strong-willed when need be. The changes in her throughout the book are very real: she grows more confident when different moral dilemmas face her-for instance, when, how much, and how far she should go with the use of her magic, and particularly how deeply to involve herself in dangerous situations. Quite often, she weighs between light and darker magic during times of hard or hostile clients.
Fred: A most charming angle to the storyline, Fred is. His association with Emory serves for comic relief and showcases how nurturing and affectionate Emory is.
Such a great supporting cast peppers the storyline, including Lene, Emory's best friend and part of the coven, Veri, who owns a plus-size lingerie shop, bringing such confidence and humor into Emory's life. It can also be said that neither of the women is the sidekick type; both are major players in the journey of Emory. There are power imbalances, most specifically with the antagonist figures, like the demanding customer in search of a love potion, and it is those interactions that really drive the choices of Emory, begging her to stand up for herself and others.
Really, this is a book about friendship and loyalty; the bond between the witches of Deepwood. Emory, Lene, and Veri are an enmeshed trio, and their support for one another drives much of the action through the arc of the novel.
Magic and Morality: There is a very thin strand of contemplation on moral magical usage. Often, Emory is burdened by moral inquiries about when it is appropriate to use her powers in instances where that magic has the potential to harm others-even though it may be unconsciously done.
Underlying these themes is that of power: who shall have it, with whom it shall be shared, and who shall govern. The plot is interwoven with an imbalance-powerful or mundane-or humankind with supernatural beings-as Emory works her way through what the community expects of her.
Shéa MacLeod writes with a very smooth and accessible style, making this book cozy and comfortable. Descriptive is her language; it sets the reader into a warm and inviting world full of magical details. First-person narration MacLeod uses with Emory managed to add to the story such warmth and closeness, literally setting the readers into the thoughts and feelings of Emory. The pacing within the novel is measured, not too fast or too slow, which speaks to the cozy mystery tone, but she still manages to keep the reader interested through subtle twists and reveals.
MacLeod crafts with ease a paranormal cozy mystery oozing in warmth, sprinkled with magic, and unraveling a completely intriguing mystery. The prevalent themes in this tale-lies, power, morality-are smoothly woven in and never weigh too heavily on the storyline. Strengths would include the well-developed friendships and community of Deepwood; slight depths in some secondary characters might be their one weakness. This series is a little different from many cozy mysteries in that it involves witchcraft and supernatural elements in a small-town setting. This will be an interesting read for people who like magical realism and witchy paranormal tales.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Writing Style: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
Fave Quote:
“I am the daughter of the ones you didn’t burn.”
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