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Perfect Brew #1
The Perfect Brew
An unexpected inheritance turns Cassie Black’s world upside-down, and she finds herself the owner of a sentient coffee-house that comes with an inter-dimensional portal and a side of ancient curse. When Cassie is summoned to attend the funeral of her great-aunt, Ophelia, she finds the picturesque village on the edge of the ocean is not at all what it seems. Her benefactor’s death is suspicious, and to make matters worse, after Ophelia’s lawyer explains her will to Cassie, he drops dead in a plate of cookie crumbs. That makes two unexplained deaths, which is two too many for a good witch to swallow.
Up to her neck in mysteries, and weighed down with a curse, Cassie canvases the town to find the murderer. Of course, there are many unusual suspects, a tall, dark and annoying human detective keeps getting in her way, and a seductive warlock offers his assistance.
Will Cassie catch the villain before he kills again? Will she be able to free herself from the curse? Will Sid, her beloved cat familiar with a naughty mind, convince her to play dirty with the boys?
This is the first story in The Perfect Brew paranormal, cozy mystery series, set in the modern world where magic remains hidden or at least tries to. There’s no sex or violence on the page, but be prepared for some serious romance, mystery, and magic. The Perfect Brew can be read as a stand-alone.
Up to her neck in mysteries, and weighed down with a curse, Cassie canvases the town to find the murderer. Of course, there are many unusual suspects, a tall, dark and annoying human detective keeps getting in her way, and a seductive warlock offers his assistance.
Will Cassie catch the villain before he kills again? Will she be able to free herself from the curse? Will Sid, her beloved cat familiar with a naughty mind, convince her to play dirty with the boys?
This is the first story in The Perfect Brew paranormal, cozy mystery series, set in the modern world where magic remains hidden or at least tries to. There’s no sex or violence on the page, but be prepared for some serious romance, mystery, and magic. The Perfect Brew can be read as a stand-alone.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2019
593 people are currently reading
862 people want to read
About the author
Jo-Ann Carson
38 books370 followersJo-Ann Carson
~A little bit of magic~
Jo-Ann Carson is an award-winning author who loves the magic of storytelling. She writes evocative settings, strong characters, and fast-paced plots. Her current project, Fangsters, is a six book, urban fantasy series about a sorceress blackmailed into running an academy for delinquent, teenage vampires.
To date, Jo-Ann Carson has published 37 stories. Her latest series are: Fangsters, the Dial Witch Trilogy, The Perfect Brew Trilogy, the Ghost & Abby Mysteries, and the Gambling Ghosts Novellas.
A firm believer in the magic of our everyday lives, Jo-Ann loves watching sunrises, walking the beaches with her poodle near her home in the Pacific Northwest, and reading books by a crackling wood fire. You can find more about her on her website.
Website / Goodreads / BookBub / Facebook / Pinterest
~A little bit of magic~
Jo-Ann Carson is an award-winning author who loves the magic of storytelling. She writes evocative settings, strong characters, and fast-paced plots. Her current project, Fangsters, is a six book, urban fantasy series about a sorceress blackmailed into running an academy for delinquent, teenage vampires.
To date, Jo-Ann Carson has published 37 stories. Her latest series are: Fangsters, the Dial Witch Trilogy, The Perfect Brew Trilogy, the Ghost & Abby Mysteries, and the Gambling Ghosts Novellas.
A firm believer in the magic of our everyday lives, Jo-Ann loves watching sunrises, walking the beaches with her poodle near her home in the Pacific Northwest, and reading books by a crackling wood fire. You can find more about her on her website.
Website / Goodreads / BookBub / Facebook / Pinterest
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
September 26, 2019
I've really enjoyed this authors previous work and was looking forward to this new series about Cassie a Witch who inherits a coffee shop in a very quirky town. This is basically the foundation of the world the author is introducing her readers to with murder, mystery and what to me felt like the oddest romance.. Cassie is attracted to law hunk Gavin and also pernickety Warlock Sanjay which clearly muddies the romantic waters. There are some explanations here but for this reader it just lacked something and I didn't really believe in the way the various characters behaved. Still it is just setting up the series so hopefully these characters will become more realistic in the next book because it looks like Cassie has a job to do !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
June 8, 2020
This is a fun book to read! It is a fast-paced cozy mystery that provides humor, suspense, and a bit of romance.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2020 June issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 25, 2020
Had all the makings of a 4 star read until the sudden end - not a cliffhanger - just sudden.
Cassie Black is a witch and arrives in a small coastal village on the north-west coast of the USA. She is just visiting to attend the funeral of a great aunt who she has never met. It seems her great aunt had other plans though. Cassie finds she is a part owner of a small coffee shop which is built on a portal. She and her partner are cursed to stay in residence or the portal will open and that is never a good thing. Turns out her great Aunt has been murdered - and the lawyer drops dead as he is reading the will. He has been murdered. Cassie solves the mystery of the lawyers death - but her great aunts death is ongoing.
There is potential for character growth - Cassie has a past which I have no doubt will affect her in future books, and a love triangle is being set up between a human cop and her magical partner.
Cassie Black is a witch and arrives in a small coastal village on the north-west coast of the USA. She is just visiting to attend the funeral of a great aunt who she has never met. It seems her great aunt had other plans though. Cassie finds she is a part owner of a small coffee shop which is built on a portal. She and her partner are cursed to stay in residence or the portal will open and that is never a good thing. Turns out her great Aunt has been murdered - and the lawyer drops dead as he is reading the will. He has been murdered. Cassie solves the mystery of the lawyers death - but her great aunts death is ongoing.
There is potential for character growth - Cassie has a past which I have no doubt will affect her in future books, and a love triangle is being set up between a human cop and her magical partner.
February 7, 2023
Not a stand alone
Only a long preface to the actual story, whatever that might be. The writing is awful. Mistakes in elementary grammar, dialog full of non sequiturs, humorless, heroine dumb as a brick. This is one the color-by-numbers plots where the challenge is to write so well that the cliches seem original. This book fails miserably at that.
Only a long preface to the actual story, whatever that might be. The writing is awful. Mistakes in elementary grammar, dialog full of non sequiturs, humorless, heroine dumb as a brick. This is one the color-by-numbers plots where the challenge is to write so well that the cliches seem original. This book fails miserably at that.
February 10, 2024
I loved this so much and am excited to read the new one! Sitting here crying because my library doesn't have the others in the series and they aren't on Amazon Kindle Unlimited. I might just have to go buy them. I don't have enough books :)
September 30, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Perfect Brew paranormal cozy mystery series by Jo-Ann Carson.
Okay, this was just a fun read. It is quirky and sometimes you roll your eyes at the over-the-top-ness of it all but you can’t deny that you get hooked by all the weird and wonderfulness of it.
Cassie Black thinks she is going to blow into town and get the inheritance from a relative she never knew and go back to Amsterdam but things don’t always work out like she planed in this story.
The lawyer falls over dead while he is explaining the details of the will, Cassie runs into the classic car of the town police officer not once but twice and a wayward warlock has forced Cassie into a blood oath she is not sure she is ready for. This book is filled with so much I wonder what they have left for book two in the series.
I didn’t quite understand the entire dynamic behind the sentient brew house but I am sure more will be revealed in other books. This was fun and I look forward to chillin’ with my favorite coffee drink with Cassie and her friends.
If you are looking for a serious mystery, go look to another book. You need to take this for what it is, a fun cozy romp that takes your mind off your troubles and makes you chuckle while you follow along with the drama.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Perfect Brew paranormal cozy mystery series by Jo-Ann Carson.
Okay, this was just a fun read. It is quirky and sometimes you roll your eyes at the over-the-top-ness of it all but you can’t deny that you get hooked by all the weird and wonderfulness of it.
Cassie Black thinks she is going to blow into town and get the inheritance from a relative she never knew and go back to Amsterdam but things don’t always work out like she planed in this story.
The lawyer falls over dead while he is explaining the details of the will, Cassie runs into the classic car of the town police officer not once but twice and a wayward warlock has forced Cassie into a blood oath she is not sure she is ready for. This book is filled with so much I wonder what they have left for book two in the series.
I didn’t quite understand the entire dynamic behind the sentient brew house but I am sure more will be revealed in other books. This was fun and I look forward to chillin’ with my favorite coffee drink with Cassie and her friends.
If you are looking for a serious mystery, go look to another book. You need to take this for what it is, a fun cozy romp that takes your mind off your troubles and makes you chuckle while you follow along with the drama.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 2, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: There is no surprise. I loved Sid, the cat and familiar of Cassie who has inherited her great-aunt’s coffee shop and all her worldly goods. She also inherits her other worldly goods including a warlock business partner, a portal to another dimension and a curse. It’s a good thing she is a witch, although she continually tells everyone she is a pretty pathetic witch. Part of her problem may be she is not quite sure if she is a good witch or a bad one.
She’s a highly successful art forger but dismisses her crimes because it’s only rich people or insurance companies who end up paying. This is bit one example of her rather elastic morality. That, and her klutziness in magic, are traits that might make her loveable or annoying depending on where this series is going. The jury is out so far. She’s definitely got some serious quirkiness as do some of the other characters.
In this first book she has two murders to solve. One is her aunt’s and the other is the lawyer who handled the estate. Is there a connection between the two? While the one killer is revealed, the other remains a mystery so it is going to be interesting to see if the two are related at all.
Certainly the choices in her personal life will be fodder for future books but the best parts of the book involve Sid.
Snarky and cranky and very feline, she is the star of the story. For her I will give it four purrs and one paw up.
She’s a highly successful art forger but dismisses her crimes because it’s only rich people or insurance companies who end up paying. This is bit one example of her rather elastic morality. That, and her klutziness in magic, are traits that might make her loveable or annoying depending on where this series is going. The jury is out so far. She’s definitely got some serious quirkiness as do some of the other characters.
In this first book she has two murders to solve. One is her aunt’s and the other is the lawyer who handled the estate. Is there a connection between the two? While the one killer is revealed, the other remains a mystery so it is going to be interesting to see if the two are related at all.
Certainly the choices in her personal life will be fodder for future books but the best parts of the book involve Sid.
Snarky and cranky and very feline, she is the star of the story. For her I will give it four purrs and one paw up.
November 15, 2019
This was a fun little escape into a witchy world in the Pacific Northwest. Cassie had inherited her great aunt's coffee shop and was trying to figure out why she was such a lousy witch sometimes and why her spells worked at other times. Her aunt's lawyer died in front of her, and she was able to help find the killer for him, but that still left her wondering about her aunt's death which didn't seem like any accident to her. Cancer simply didn't grow overnight and kill someone in two days. Little by little, her two new friends Sanjay and Stormy helped her to realize the importance of her staying in Mystic Keep. I absolutely loved the character of Sid (short for Lady Obsidian) the cat familiar. She was snarky and just fun to read what she was saying.
Cassie found the interest of two handsome guys, one warlock and one human, so it'll be interesting to see how this series progresses. I was just curious about it, so I started reading it shortly after downloading it the other day. I'm definitely interested in reading the other two books in the series. I really wish that someone would fix all the spelling errors in the book though. I never rate books on errors like that, but I like to mention them so that hopefully a better edit will be made someday. Other than those errors, the book was well-written and plotted.
Cassie found the interest of two handsome guys, one warlock and one human, so it'll be interesting to see how this series progresses. I was just curious about it, so I started reading it shortly after downloading it the other day. I'm definitely interested in reading the other two books in the series. I really wish that someone would fix all the spelling errors in the book though. I never rate books on errors like that, but I like to mention them so that hopefully a better edit will be made someday. Other than those errors, the book was well-written and plotted.
October 12, 2019
**I received an E-arc from Netgalley in exchange for a review
Reading The Perfect Brew also contributes to #FraterfestRAT and #SpooktasticReads 2019
The Perfect Brew guarantees to conjure ideas of coffee, magic and a side taste of paranormal.
I really love how much creativity and mystery unfold in The Perfect Brew.
Cassie Black inherits a coffee shop from her great aunt Ophelia, whom she has never met before. Dangerous things keep happening even to the detriment of the people inside. Actually, we suspect everyone is in danger.
There is more mystery to uncover when it comes to Cassiopeia's real identity. After arriving in Mystic Keep, Cassie literally runs into a police officer and is soon introduced to a couple of Ophelia's friends: A sea witch who is older than Ursula probably, and a handsome warlock.
The Perfect Brew is a great cozy mystery to read anytime. I loved it.
Reading The Perfect Brew also contributes to #FraterfestRAT and #SpooktasticReads 2019
The Perfect Brew guarantees to conjure ideas of coffee, magic and a side taste of paranormal.
I really love how much creativity and mystery unfold in The Perfect Brew.
Cassie Black inherits a coffee shop from her great aunt Ophelia, whom she has never met before. Dangerous things keep happening even to the detriment of the people inside. Actually, we suspect everyone is in danger.
There is more mystery to uncover when it comes to Cassiopeia's real identity. After arriving in Mystic Keep, Cassie literally runs into a police officer and is soon introduced to a couple of Ophelia's friends: A sea witch who is older than Ursula probably, and a handsome warlock.
The Perfect Brew is a great cozy mystery to read anytime. I loved it.
October 15, 2019
The Perfect Brew was a truly enjoyable paranormal romance. I really liked the main character, Cassie Black, an art forger and a witch. She travels to the town of Mystic Keep in the Pacific Northwest to attend to her great-aunt's funeral only to discover that she has inherited The Perfect Brew, a coffee house owned by her great-aunt and hunk warlock, Sanjay, who I also liked. Even the police officer Gavin was a likeable character who is investigating the death of her aunt and of Mr. Darringer, the lawyer who read Cassie her great-aunt's will.
The Perfect Brew has charm, mystery, and magic. It's a comfortable, interesting read. I've enjoyed all of Jo-Ann Carson's books. She has such a creative imagination. This is one of my favorites, I think because of liked the main character so much.
The coffee quotes were a nice touch. I especially liked the quote on Chapter 3.
The Perfect Brew has charm, mystery, and magic. It's a comfortable, interesting read. I've enjoyed all of Jo-Ann Carson's books. She has such a creative imagination. This is one of my favorites, I think because of liked the main character so much.
The coffee quotes were a nice touch. I especially liked the quote on Chapter 3.
October 28, 2021
This book tried to do too much. Two murders and one attempted murder, an amateur sleuth main character, multiple suspects, an international art forgery ring involving dangerous mobsters, a mystical portal and destiny, a discussion of a version of a higher power and world order, world building, witch and warlock history, a vampire (ex?) boyfriend, a love triangle, a magical building with a mind of its own, and a cat whose thoughts we can hear and who is also a demon. All in under 200 pages. Just pick two of those, three at most. It's a series so we can tackle everything else later. Also, was I supposed to like any of the love interests? Like was I supposed to be rooting for any of them? They were both annoying and it didn't even seem like she really liked either of them so what was the point?
September 27, 2019
I thought this was an interesting book. It's premise is a little different than the usual. I liked the characters although they might have had a little more depth to them. I liked the cat, of course. I'm disappointed that all the issues/answers aren't given, so I guess we have to wait for the next book to come out. ThePerfectBrew #NetGalley
April 10, 2023
I liked this book. It was mostly a good read and it definitely had its moments but I can't say I loved it. It was fine but not great.
I felt like there were a lot of cliches here about magic and witches and other supernaturals.
The writing also felt a bit. . .unpolished, I guess. I don't know how long this author has been writing g but this felt like a first book with the author still fi ding her writing style and approach.
Again, I liked this story but I am not sure I would seek out other books by this author.
I felt like there were a lot of cliches here about magic and witches and other supernaturals.
The writing also felt a bit. . .unpolished, I guess. I don't know how long this author has been writing g but this felt like a first book with the author still fi ding her writing style and approach.
Again, I liked this story but I am not sure I would seek out other books by this author.
February 16, 2020
Search for a murderer. Or two.
Cassie comes to a small town to wrap up the estate of her great-aunt, who died under suspicious circumstances. One murder is solved. The other isn't yet. Cassie learns things about herself; she's not going back to Amsterdam any time soon. Suspense and a little romance.
Cassie comes to a small town to wrap up the estate of her great-aunt, who died under suspicious circumstances. One murder is solved. The other isn't yet. Cassie learns things about herself; she's not going back to Amsterdam any time soon. Suspense and a little romance.
January 1, 2020
The Perfect Brew by Jo-Ann Carson
Book #1: Perfect Brew Series
Source: NetGalley and JRT Publications
Rating: 4/5 stars
Cassie Black has enough on her mind, thank you very much! Her lukewarm love affair seems to be headed towards full-on frozen, she’s fairly certain there’s an angry mobster looking to kill her, and she’s had to cross the ocean in order to settle the estate of her great-aunt, Ophelia.
For the entirety of her life, Cassie has felt like the black sheep in her family. Her magic, comparatively speaking is quite weak and often backfires, and her chosen profession, art forger is not much for her family to be proud of. Even among all the disappointments, Cassie has never quite crossed over the line as far as her legendary great-aunt, Ophelia. Known far and wide in the magical community for her shenanigans, antics, and magic, Ophelia was a bright and giving personality who was the darkest of black sheep and the one witch the family never, ever talks about. For some reason Cassie can’t even begin to understand, Ophelia has left her entire estate to Cassie.
From the moment Cassie steps into the Perfect Brew she knows in her bones something is different about the place. With only a few questions to the right people, Cassie discovers the Perfect Brew isn’t just a safe place for supernatural beings but is also home to an interdimensional portal that has previously been both supported and defended by Cassie’s aunt and one very surly and sexy warlock. Though Cassie fully intends to settle the estate and sell the coffee shop, she quickly finds it won’t at all be that easy especially once the lawyer she was working with to settle everything drops dead in her presence. By the time its all said and done, Cassie has more problems than she knows what to do with.
The Bottom Line: I rarely dislike an anti-hero and Cassie Black feels very much like an anti-hero to me. She walks a little on both sides of the line between right and wrong and I find that to be one of her best character traits. I also like the fact Cassie is bold, strong, and determined to do what she can to solve her own problems; if it means solving some other problems along the way and helping a few others, then so be it. Finally, I am quite fond of the fact the Perfect Brew is perfectly sentient and willing to help Cassie in her endeavors and there are familiars! I believe this is my first Jo-Ann Carson book and I’m quite glad this is where I chose to start. I see a bright future for Cassie Black and the Perfect Brew!
Book #1: Perfect Brew Series
Source: NetGalley and JRT Publications
Rating: 4/5 stars
Cassie Black has enough on her mind, thank you very much! Her lukewarm love affair seems to be headed towards full-on frozen, she’s fairly certain there’s an angry mobster looking to kill her, and she’s had to cross the ocean in order to settle the estate of her great-aunt, Ophelia.
For the entirety of her life, Cassie has felt like the black sheep in her family. Her magic, comparatively speaking is quite weak and often backfires, and her chosen profession, art forger is not much for her family to be proud of. Even among all the disappointments, Cassie has never quite crossed over the line as far as her legendary great-aunt, Ophelia. Known far and wide in the magical community for her shenanigans, antics, and magic, Ophelia was a bright and giving personality who was the darkest of black sheep and the one witch the family never, ever talks about. For some reason Cassie can’t even begin to understand, Ophelia has left her entire estate to Cassie.
From the moment Cassie steps into the Perfect Brew she knows in her bones something is different about the place. With only a few questions to the right people, Cassie discovers the Perfect Brew isn’t just a safe place for supernatural beings but is also home to an interdimensional portal that has previously been both supported and defended by Cassie’s aunt and one very surly and sexy warlock. Though Cassie fully intends to settle the estate and sell the coffee shop, she quickly finds it won’t at all be that easy especially once the lawyer she was working with to settle everything drops dead in her presence. By the time its all said and done, Cassie has more problems than she knows what to do with.
The Bottom Line: I rarely dislike an anti-hero and Cassie Black feels very much like an anti-hero to me. She walks a little on both sides of the line between right and wrong and I find that to be one of her best character traits. I also like the fact Cassie is bold, strong, and determined to do what she can to solve her own problems; if it means solving some other problems along the way and helping a few others, then so be it. Finally, I am quite fond of the fact the Perfect Brew is perfectly sentient and willing to help Cassie in her endeavors and there are familiars! I believe this is my first Jo-Ann Carson book and I’m quite glad this is where I chose to start. I see a bright future for Cassie Black and the Perfect Brew!
December 27, 2019
This was kind of a fun, quirky read. Cassie gets drawn in to a slew of things he never saw coming and isn't at all prepared for, but she manages to handle most of them with great care.
This is a series starter, so there is a lot of backstory and world-building that occurs. Still, the overall story kind of falls flat. There just doesn't seem to be as much substance to things as there could be, and the problems don't seem to be as worrisome or urgent as you would think they should.
The characters were all kind of flat, and I had a hard time relating to any of them. And I really don't understand the whole love triangle thing, because none of them seemed to have much of a connection.
Overall, this book wasn't great, but it was okay for a quick read when you want something vaguely in the paranormal mystery arena but also very light. I wouldn't mind trying future volumes in the series to see if it improves any.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review originally appeared on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...!
This is a series starter, so there is a lot of backstory and world-building that occurs. Still, the overall story kind of falls flat. There just doesn't seem to be as much substance to things as there could be, and the problems don't seem to be as worrisome or urgent as you would think they should.
The characters were all kind of flat, and I had a hard time relating to any of them. And I really don't understand the whole love triangle thing, because none of them seemed to have much of a connection.
Overall, this book wasn't great, but it was okay for a quick read when you want something vaguely in the paranormal mystery arena but also very light. I wouldn't mind trying future volumes in the series to see if it improves any.
I received a free eBook copy of this title from NetGalley, and have willingly provided an honest review.
This review originally appeared on the So Few Books blog at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2019/...!
September 15, 2025
Aunt Ophelia was a witch who had built up a respectable business in a Pacific Northwest coffeehouse enjoyed by humans and supernaturals alike. Her death brought Cassiopeia Black to Mystic Keep for the will reading. Cassie is shocked when the lawyer drops dead in front of her. Though she had no thoughts of remaining in town, Cassie must now find a killer. And also fend off the interests of a handsome police officer and a lustful warlock.
Though there was entirely too much "romance" in this mystery for my taste, I adored the main character for her klutzy nature with which I could identify. Her wild backstory had me completely intrigued. However, the story had a superficial treatment to all its aspects. I would have liked to delve into the sentience of the coffeehouse, the relationships between established town characters, and the investigation itself. When the murder was solved, I thought it was a smokescreen, but, no, that was the wrap up. As part of a trilogy, not all the mysteries were put to bed, leaving a sense of things undone.
5 stars for Cassie, 3 stars for the story - averaged out to 4 stars.
Though there was entirely too much "romance" in this mystery for my taste, I adored the main character for her klutzy nature with which I could identify. Her wild backstory had me completely intrigued. However, the story had a superficial treatment to all its aspects. I would have liked to delve into the sentience of the coffeehouse, the relationships between established town characters, and the investigation itself. When the murder was solved, I thought it was a smokescreen, but, no, that was the wrap up. As part of a trilogy, not all the mysteries were put to bed, leaving a sense of things undone.
5 stars for Cassie, 3 stars for the story - averaged out to 4 stars.
October 28, 2019
The author has some intriguing paranormal concepts. A sentient building that has been cursed, A nexus that can safely attract other worldly beings who can mingle with the mundane population. A protagonist who blends a romantic lead with the amateur sleuth. Carson has a lovely light writing style that invites the reader towards the next chapter. Like Charlene Harris, she the small town ambience and characters are a large part of the plot. As with many romance /mystery hybrids, the solution to the crime is fairly quickly resolved.
More importantly, The Perfect Brew is Act one for a trilogy that will pit the dark forces against Cassie Black, and the inhabitants of this Pacific Northwest village.
All this with a coffee house complete with Kitchen Witches who brew your perfect cuppa. What is not to love.?
I look happily towards reading more about Cassie and her familiar, Sid.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC copy from netgalley and JRT Publications in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.
More importantly, The Perfect Brew is Act one for a trilogy that will pit the dark forces against Cassie Black, and the inhabitants of this Pacific Northwest village.
All this with a coffee house complete with Kitchen Witches who brew your perfect cuppa. What is not to love.?
I look happily towards reading more about Cassie and her familiar, Sid.
Full disclosure: I received an ARC copy from netgalley and JRT Publications in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you for this opportunity.
November 6, 2019
Cassie Black has been volunteered by her family to attend her great-aunt Ophelia’s funeral and handle the estate. However, things are not that simple and she soon finds herself the inheritor of a paranormal coffee shop and smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation. All she wanted was to get to town and handle the estate within a few days. She never thought she would be inheriting anything. Instead, Cassie witnesses the estate lawyer die from poisoning and herself bound in business with a seductive warlock. She also appears to be stuck in town as she is part of a curse which she and said Warlock are in charge of taking care of.
Can Cassie solve the murder mystery? Is she stuck in town in a partnership with a Warlock forever? Will they ever find a way around the curse and save the paranormal community?
This is a new cozy mystery filled with a mix of paranormal, magic, mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Can Cassie solve the murder mystery? Is she stuck in town in a partnership with a Warlock forever? Will they ever find a way around the curse and save the paranormal community?
This is a new cozy mystery filled with a mix of paranormal, magic, mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2019
Ms. Carson treats us to another delightful series populated by supernatural beings. A long-time fan of her books, I knew that I would have trouble putting this novella down. Thankfully, I had an entire evening set aside for reading The Perfect Brew. From the start, I was intrigued by the beautiful but klutzy witch (Cassie Black) and her familiar (Sid), a sarcastic cat with a mind of her own.
Planning to stay only long enough to attend her great-aunt’s funeral, Cassie finds herself moored in Mystic Keep, a picturesque tourist town on the Pacific northwest coast. Two deaths, the inheritance of a unique coffee shop, a gorgeous police officer, and a seductive warlock keep Cassie too busy to even contemplate leaving.
An entertaining read filled with more than enough twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled. Adding coffee quotes was a nice touch. My favorite: “Coffee is a hug in a mug.”
Planning to stay only long enough to attend her great-aunt’s funeral, Cassie finds herself moored in Mystic Keep, a picturesque tourist town on the Pacific northwest coast. Two deaths, the inheritance of a unique coffee shop, a gorgeous police officer, and a seductive warlock keep Cassie too busy to even contemplate leaving.
An entertaining read filled with more than enough twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled. Adding coffee quotes was a nice touch. My favorite: “Coffee is a hug in a mug.”
September 17, 2019
It's alive!
This is an ongoing tale so don't expect any answers in this one to the main question . At times slightly misleading and the proofing needs looking at but overall should be an exciting series. That's if the books aren't too far apart so you loose the thread. The characters still need some development but the foundations are strong.
She has been sent as the family representative to her. Great Aunt's funeral. However apart from some run in with the law (namely dinging the local detective's car) she is amazed to find that she is the sole heir. Just before the lawyer keels over and dies. Then there is the fact that her aunt was murdered as well, a coffee shop with a mind of it's own, a portal to other world's and someone gives a good attempt at killing her. Who and why? After all she's a witch with barely any power and no great lose to her family?
This is an ongoing tale so don't expect any answers in this one to the main question . At times slightly misleading and the proofing needs looking at but overall should be an exciting series. That's if the books aren't too far apart so you loose the thread. The characters still need some development but the foundations are strong.
She has been sent as the family representative to her. Great Aunt's funeral. However apart from some run in with the law (namely dinging the local detective's car) she is amazed to find that she is the sole heir. Just before the lawyer keels over and dies. Then there is the fact that her aunt was murdered as well, a coffee shop with a mind of it's own, a portal to other world's and someone gives a good attempt at killing her. Who and why? After all she's a witch with barely any power and no great lose to her family?
October 28, 2019
Bumpy Start Morphs Into Good Read
I enjoy a good cozy mystery. This one, unfortunately, started off with an information dump, which I never like in any sort of fiction that I read. It did get better after that. The heroine got more than she bargained for when she came to a small town in the Pacific Northwest to settle her great-aunt's affairs. The now-deceased lady has left the heroine a coffee shop... and a curse. Soon, a second body drops, and the heroine has determined to help figure out who the murderer is. She's got a little something going on the romance front as well, or at least potentially. I found this novel a quirky and enjoyable read, which is how I like my paranormal cozy mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I enjoy a good cozy mystery. This one, unfortunately, started off with an information dump, which I never like in any sort of fiction that I read. It did get better after that. The heroine got more than she bargained for when she came to a small town in the Pacific Northwest to settle her great-aunt's affairs. The now-deceased lady has left the heroine a coffee shop... and a curse. Soon, a second body drops, and the heroine has determined to help figure out who the murderer is. She's got a little something going on the romance front as well, or at least potentially. I found this novel a quirky and enjoyable read, which is how I like my paranormal cozy mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 27, 2019
This looks like it is going to be a good start to a new Paranormal Cozy Mystery. I have read a lot of them lately (seems like they are the new thing) and this one is pretty good. Needs a bit of tightening up, but a good start anyway. This book can be read as a stand alone. The mystery is solved, but the story is open ended.
For now we have a love triangle. Not sure who I want Cassie to end up with, if any of them.
Contains a good story line, nice characters, okay descriptions of details. Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with an open ending.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
For now we have a love triangle. Not sure who I want Cassie to end up with, if any of them.
Contains a good story line, nice characters, okay descriptions of details. Written as a 3rd person, multi pov with an open ending.
All in all, a good read.
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Would I read more from this author? Yes
Sassy Beta Reading and Review
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 29, 2019
Cassie Black’s great aunt dies and leaves her an inheritance that includes a coffee house with a twist. Hoping to pop into the seaside town for a few days to settle her aunt’s estate and return to Amsterdam as quickly as possible, Cassie is instead sucked into a criminal investigation. She witnesses the murder of her lawyer in his plate of cookies during the reading of her aunt’s will, and soon finds out that her magic is required to keep the earth safe.
This book has of my favorites: coffee, witches, murder mysteries and a bit of romance. The quirky characters are lovable and intriguing. I’m glad this is the first in a series, because I want to read more about this quaint and unusual town and its inhabitants.
This book has of my favorites: coffee, witches, murder mysteries and a bit of romance. The quirky characters are lovable and intriguing. I’m glad this is the first in a series, because I want to read more about this quaint and unusual town and its inhabitants.
September 23, 2019
Book Review: The Perfect Brew
Author: Jo-Ann Carson
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
New to me author.
This is a fantastic light paranormal read.
We get mystery and basically a who done it.
Cassie finds herself having to go deal with her great aunts' estate.
And that leads to things she wasn't prepared for.
Something witchy this way comes is kinda how it feels reading this story.
Grab this cute, sweet read and get lost in the mystery.
I truly enjoyed it.
Jo-Ann Carson
Author: Jo-Ann Carson
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
REVIEW
New to me author.
This is a fantastic light paranormal read.
We get mystery and basically a who done it.
Cassie finds herself having to go deal with her great aunts' estate.
And that leads to things she wasn't prepared for.
Something witchy this way comes is kinda how it feels reading this story.
Grab this cute, sweet read and get lost in the mystery.
I truly enjoyed it.
Jo-Ann Carson
October 21, 2019
When her aunt passes away from cancer, Cassie Black, a witch, inherits a coffee house that has a mind of its own. Her original plan was to sell everything and leave town as fast as she can. Between the house, the curse and other things at play her plans have changed. She has major issues with backing up her car, both times she hits the same car belonging to a local cop who is hot. She keeps dropping her gun at the most inappropriate moments, which is also funny. I loved her snarkiness and her familiar, this book had me laughing and I hated to see it end. I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2019
The author has some fascinating ideas, a town with a hidden portal, residents who have magical abilities, a dark presence, a murder mystery. This is the start of a series, and this book focuses on the set up for a larger plot. There are limited character development and the introduction of a series of plot points that have no resolution in this book.
As a standalone, this book is weak with limited growth, but the premise is exciting, and its definitely got potential as a series. I'm going to stick with it as I'm intrigued by the concept.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As a standalone, this book is weak with limited growth, but the premise is exciting, and its definitely got potential as a series. I'm going to stick with it as I'm intrigued by the concept.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2023
Good grief
A star for effort, and a star for an interesting concept. However, this book suffered from a severe lack of editing and proofreading. SO MANY misplaced commas and typos! Don't even get me started on the plot holes and contradictions.
The story also suffered from a chronic case of the 'cutesies,' with character names that were down-right silly. To add insult to injury, the characters spent more time lusting for one another than actually solving the murder mystery.
All in all, it read like the first draft of a harlequin romance written by a thirteen-year-old trying to sound 'grown-up.'
A star for effort, and a star for an interesting concept. However, this book suffered from a severe lack of editing and proofreading. SO MANY misplaced commas and typos! Don't even get me started on the plot holes and contradictions.
The story also suffered from a chronic case of the 'cutesies,' with character names that were down-right silly. To add insult to injury, the characters spent more time lusting for one another than actually solving the murder mystery.
All in all, it read like the first draft of a harlequin romance written by a thirteen-year-old trying to sound 'grown-up.'
January 4, 2024
A new-to-me author, as I have not read any of Jo-Ann Carson's work 'til now. And I am really glad that I have discovered this author. I have enjoyed this first in series; it is full of fun, quirky characters and a good storyline. I would love to see how these develop as it is early days yet. I do like the ambivalence that both the possible love interests feel - they sort of know that they should leave her well alone, but cannot help themselves being attracted to Cassie! Looking forward to her next book.
December 20, 2019
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest reivew. This was a fun story to reach. I have never read any of Jo-Ann Carson's books before but this novella makes me think that I should read more. The Perfect Brew is the story of Cassie Black who in her great aunt's will gains a coffee house and a curse. With two mysterious deaths, two hot guys and a curse how could Cassie even think of leaving the coast town of Mystic Keep. She has her hands full and so what is a witch to do but solve the case.
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