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Hillcrest Witch Mysteries #10

The Case of the Spirit Spell

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It's softball season in Hillcrest and someone has a score to settle... but who?

It's softball season in the little mountain town of Hillcrest, Colorado. Penny and her witchy friends just want to enjoy the games. That becomes impossible when a dead body turns up! Penny, an amateur PI, knows that she has to help the police figure out who's responsible.

Could it be a werewolf woman with anger issues? Or maybe the grumpy catcher with a score to settle? Penny and her quick-witted familiar Turkey follow the clues... all the while trying to make heads or tails of the spell they're supposed to be mastering.

Can Spirit Magic help them brew up some answers — before it's too late?

Would you like to read the Hillcrest Witch Mystery series in order? Here’s your guide:

Prequel: The Case of the Love Spell
Book #1: The Case of the Power Spell
Book #2: The Case of the Banishing Spell
Book #3: The Case of the Desire Spell
Book #4: The Case of the Trust Spell
Book #5: The Case of the Vision Spell
Book #6: The Case of the Voice Spell
Book #7: The Case of the Earth Spell
Book #8: The Case of the Water Spell
Book #9: The Case of the Air Spell
Book #10: The Case of the Spirit Spell

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2019

62 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Amorette Anderson

66 books163 followers

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5 stars
148 (76%)
4 stars
39 (20%)
3 stars
6 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
111 reviews
September 15, 2019
Amorette keeps getting better and better as this series progresses. I love her books and her writing. I could not pick my favourite book because all of the books that I have read are my favorites, but if you want a series to read pick any of hers, better start from the beginning though. As in all her books Penny has to solve a murder and work on a spell, and find something about herself. That is all that I am telling you, if you want to find out more get the book or better yet, get the series. Thank you
1,297 reviews23 followers
September 16, 2019
I enjoyed reading this latest installment of Penny and her witchy sisters as they set out to uncover who killed the umpire of the local baseball team.

Amorette leads us through a list of suspects dropping clues so the reader can form his/her conclusion and see if he/she was right when the murderer is revealed.

This is a great series to read and I urge you to start this series. I think you will find like I did that you’ll want to read more from this gifted author. I love her characters and her stories.



Profile Image for Crystal.
522 reviews24 followers
January 8, 2022
Excellent Book. Easy to read, page turner and the best part is everyone can read it. The book is also entertaining, funny and witty and suspenseful.
I just read the paperback version and it's so much easier to read than a kindle version. You get so much more reading the paperback version. I love this book. Will read and have. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,906 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2019
Such is the life of a witchy PI!

It’s like eating popcorn out of a bottomless bowl: I just couldn’t seem to stop! I loved every minute of it!

Arthur French is dead. Who killed him? Who wanted him dead? Penny and her witch friends try to find his killer, while working on cycle 10 of becoming a witch: the Spirit Spell. And Cora is heavily pregnant with triplets.

Penny is so funny. I can’t help but smile the whole time while reading about her. She has grown so much throughout the series, but luckily she’s still funny and a bit silly sometimes, and blunt as ever! But she did come a long way. And I’d just love to be able to eat like she does!!!

The tone of the story is light-hearted, but don’t be fooled by that! There are some real wisdom-gems in this book! Some interesting facts about good and evil within all of us. As always, the story is a good mix between things to learn and funny, light-hearted things. A mystery to solve, things to learn, but a whole lotta smiles in between! Chicklit with magic and murder! Speaking about the mystery: that had a surprising ending, one that I didn’t see coming!

And Turkey: he can’t stay unmentioned. He has developed quite the online shopping habit, but since he brings in most of the money, Penny lets him. Not that he would accept her objections in this anyway, LOL.

You could read this as a standalone, things are explained well, but why would you want to? This series is too amazing to miss out on any of the installments! Start with the prequel.
793 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2019
I've read every book Ms. Anderson has written and she continues to amaze me. Her characters are so fun and lovable that I feel like they are my friends.. The storylines in this series are as entertaining as the characters. The only disappointment I felt at the end of end of this book is that I finished it and can't wait for the next book in the series.
372 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2019
When it’s discovered that Art was killed by having his brake lines cut, it’s up to Penny with the help of her coven sisters to solve the mystery. Excellent plot development and I just love the characters and their familiars. A very enjoyable read. I received an ARC copy of this book and i’m Leaving a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Tammy.
640 reviews7 followers
July 28, 2022
Penny and her witch friends have formed a coven and are learning from the book of magic. In this installment they learn about the spirit spell. While the ladies are gathering items they need and learning as much as they can about this next spell they run into some bumps in the road.
The umpire of the home talent softball tournament is murdered and the main suspect is a werewolf, problem with that is if you blame one werewolf then you blame the whole pack and Pennys witch friend Cora, who is part of the coven and is needed to do the spirit spell with the rest of the coven, is also married to a werewolf and is a member of this pack. Penny has to tread lightly and be a bit sneaky gathering clues to solve this case.
I love this series and this author and am looking forward to the next book and the craziness that Penny, Turkey and her witch friends get mixed up in.
122 reviews
April 15, 2023
The magical adventure continues!

This book was exciting, funny and entertaining. Three new babies show up, or are they pups? I don't want to spoil it. There is also a murder to be solved and a Dad to get to know. The spell work was continued and there were some other exciting changes to be dealt with. These books are always a magical escape from day to day life. I am excited to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Krista Walsh.
764 reviews
March 21, 2020
Loved the entire series. Great characters- can't get enough of these books!
891 reviews
May 27, 2020
Another awesome book in this series! Don’t want to spoil the book for anyone else but there are some new magical beings that arrive! On to the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
148 reviews2 followers
February 4, 2020
Loved it!!!! Great read...great evolution of the characters....fuzzy and warm.
Profile Image for Lybo Buchanan.
259 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2020
Good book. When the umpire of the local softball game dies in a car crash just after the game, clues quickly point to a member of Cora's pack. If something is not done soon, the pack has decided to return to the water realm, taking Cora with them.

Can Penny solve who the actual killer is before that happens? And even if they should find the killer would not guarantee that the pack would want to remain where they are not wanted. Will Penny's father be happy living in Hillcrest? Will he miss his travels? Will he be bored? Will the coven be successful with the Spirit spell? So many questions.

As Penny works her way through all of this, she finally starts to grow up in her maturity. Her thought processes are no longer black or white, but contain shades of gray. She thinks more logically, notices more clues, & is able to better put them together. Her interview technigues have definitely improved. I'm liking this new Penny.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
January 21, 2020
When a game leads to murder or does it?

A decent read. Still think Penny needs to grow up a bit more.
A game with two teams that desperately want to win, an umpire tat abused for a call and a car accident that turns fatal. Was it really an accident or was it caused by the fact that the brake line was cut? Who is guilty? The player who argued about the call, the werewolf who has issues or could it have something to do with an accident that happened 50 years ago (to the day). As she investigates she discovers that the dead man hadn't caused the long ago accident, in fact he hadn't even been driving although he had spent 4 years in jail for the crime. If he wasn't driving then who was? Then there is the next spell and the fact that the pack seems to be having second thoughts about staying when a member comes under suspicion. Can she resolve the issues and can the coven pull off another successful spell?
920 reviews31 followers
October 13, 2019
The Case of the Spirit Spell is a fun story with lots of twists and turns. It will keep you wondering until the very end “who-dun-it” I had been positive that I’d figured out the culprit by halfway through the book, but the progression of the plot proved me very wrong when things moved in a very different direction.

This episode in the series sees The Terra Coven working on perfecting the Spirit Spell. When they master it, the spell allows them to see themselves in everyone and everything. It brings about compassion. As they work on this spell, the witches are reminded of the three Ps of witchcraft: playfulness, precision, and patience. I think those are not only good for the witches, but for everyone. The world could do with more of those qualities.

We also get to see Penny reunited with her long absent father. He has come to join her, so that they can get to know each other. It’s interesting to see how they move from awkwardness to a more comfortable relationship. He’s a laid back kind of guy who shares some bits of wisdom. At one point, Penny’s father tells her:

Staying here wasn’t an option. That felt like death to me. That’s what happens when you move away from your destiny, by the way. It feels like you’re dying.


I think we’d all be better off if we were taught that and remembered that.

We also get to watch as Penny works her way through an investigation into the death of an amateur softball umpire. Things come close to home when one of the suspects is a female werewolf from Penny’s friend, and fellow coven member, a very pregnant Cora’s pack. Things progress to the point where Cora is worried that she and her husband, also a werewolf, and their pack will need to move out of Hillcrest because of the suspicion the murder investigation casts over them. But there are quite a few other suspects to keep the reader guessing.

The writing of this book, of this series, is very good. I love the characters, and how they form such wonderful, supportive bonds. We get to see how paranormal beings of all sorts, witches, vampires, and werewolves, can get along and work together for positive outcomes. In this book, I particularly enjoyed Penny riding her mop because her father had borrowed her broom. Oh, and I’d love to learn the spell Penny uses to turn unhealthy goodies into food that’s good for you.

I thought this was a delightful cozy mystery. I enjoyed it very much. It left me feeling happy. I recommend it.

I received an ARC of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review express my true and honest reactions to reading this book.
Profile Image for John Shrek Walters.
148 reviews
September 26, 2019
🧛‍♀️🧙🏿‍♀️👩‍🍳⚾️⚖️ 5 stars ✨

“ARC THE CASE OF THE SPIRIT SPELL: HILLCREST WITCH MYSTERY (BOOK #10)

First edition. September 14, 2019.

Copyright © 2019 Amorette Anderson.”

Read on: iBooks, KyBook (1, 2, & 3), SmashWords, Kobo, Good Reads, and others as I find them. This book was presented to me for an ARC review.

Started: 14 September 2019.
Finished: 15 September 2019.
Amazon: ?

Title:
Releasing the weight of time and finding secrets . . . .

Well Penelope is starting to be very observant of her surroundings and the weather. She now needs to work on being able to focus on people and events. In other words: no more lame excuses for Chris after seeing the aftermath of a wreck.

Starting to get to work on the murder case, we find out that Penelope may have the perfect diet solution “ Healthy Sprinkles. “ Now, I, just need to find either the recipe or find a witch to buy it from.

This case is such an enjoyable way to visit Hillcrest, while learning about pack life. Who and why the senior has her position was also interesting. Cora actually lasted till her baby shower. Actually that s not quite right, a bit past the baby shower, she had her triplets.

The Coven even managed to solve a fifty plus year old crime as well as the current murder mystery. This book is just too good not to get and enjoy yourself. I ll probably line up a bunch of these CozyMysteries up for next year on today s date < Happy Birthday Agatha Christie! > Even the recipe in the back of the book sounds delicious, even better is I both can make it and enjoy them. { The last book had what sounded like a very unique way of committing suicide < I m diabetic. > So there really was no viable way to rate it, however, I hope you enjoyed them. }

Live life,
John Shrek Walters
Profile Image for John Shrek Walters.
148 reviews
September 16, 2019
🧛‍♀️🧙🏿‍♀️👩‍🍳⚾️⚖️ 5 stars ✨

“ARC THE CASE OF THE SPIRIT SPELL: HILLCREST WITCH MYSTERY (BOOK #10)

First edition. September 14, 2019.

Copyright © 2019 Amorette Anderson.”

Read on: iBooks, KyBook (1, 2, & 3), SmashWords, Kobo, Good Reads, and others as I find them. This book was presented to me for an ARC review.

Started: 14 September 2019.
Finished: 15 September 2019.
Amazon: ?

Title:
Releasing the weight of time and finding secrets . . . .

Well Penelope is starting to be very observant of her surroundings and the weather. She now needs to work on being able to focus on people and events. In other words: no more lame excuses for Chris after seeing the aftermath of a wreck.

Starting to get to work on the murder case, we find out that Penelope may have the perfect diet solution “ Healthy Sprinkles. “ Now, I, just need to find either the recipe or find a witch to buy it from.

This case is such an enjoyable way to visit Hillcrest, while learning about pack life. Who and why the senior has her position was also interesting. Cora actually lasted till her baby shower. Actually that s not quite right, a bit past the baby shower, she had her triplets.

The Coven even managed to solve a fifty plus year old crime as well as the current murder mystery. This book is just too good not to get and enjoy yourself. I ll probably line up a bunch of these CozyMysteries up for next year on today s date < Happy Birthday Agatha Christie! > Even the recipe in the back of the book sounds delicious, even better is I both can make it and enjoy them. { The last book had what sounded like a very unique way of committing suicide < I m diabetic. > So there really was no viable way to rate it, however, I hope you enjoyed them. }

Live life,
John Shrek Walters



358 reviews1 follower
January 16, 2020
It's not easy being witchy

This was interesting and just as I thought I knew the who and the why Nope...... It was a huge surprise. I know this is only going to 13 but I feel like I will need at least an annual update on the babies and everyone
230 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2019
Wow, this book has so much going on. It starts out with a very competitive softball game and it seems like the whole town of Hillcrest is either playing or watching. There is a disagreement at the end of the game and one of the umps is involved in a car accident afterwards, and is found barely alive. Was it an accident or did it have something to do with the game, or was it because of another accident he had years ago that changed people's life's forever? Art passes away and Penny decides to investigate, since Cora overheard something that points to one of the woman from the werewolf pack as suspicious. So many suspects, and with Penny's dad moving to Hillcrest, she has her hands full. On top of all of this the Annie, Marley, Cora and Penny must complete the next spell which sounds more complicated than the previous ones. Does Cora give birth in this book? Who murdered Art? How are things going between Penny and her dad? How is she coping with her move to the mansion? How are the new werewolves to Hillcrest adjusting to their new life on Earth? As always Turkey is a delight. Amorette Anderson has another hit, but I think I say that with every book I read in this series. I received an ARC from the Author and am leaving an honest and unbiased review because I want to. If you haven't started ready this series yet, I would recommend it, it really is one of the best paranormal cozies out there.
323 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2019
Amorette Anderson has written Book #10 The Case of the Spirit Spell. As the friends, AKA as the Terra Coven, are in their tenth step of their witch training. I love how the characters and their familiars have grown throughout this series.
The softball game between Black Wolf Construction and the O.P. (The Other Place) with the winner receiving the trophy and bragging rights. Arthur French is the umpire. He makes a call against the O.P. that ends the game with them losing. On Arthur's way home something goes wrong with his truck and he hits a tree and is killed. Penny Banks, who is a private investigator, feels it wasn't an accident and begins to investigate his death. As usual she enlists the help of her friends, Cora, Marley and Annie. Cora Switchback is pregnant with three babies who could be human and/or werewolf.
When Penny begins questioning those who were at the ball game she finds that there is quite a history among some of those attending. Ted "Rocko" Rockozowski, the catcher for the O.P. has known Art for many years.
Julia Weatherby dated Art before the accident that put their friend, Buddy McKnight, in a wheelchair and sent Art to prison for a few years.
Penny has suspects and just wants to find justice for Art. This series just keeps getting better and better as we watch the characters and their relationships grow. This is a must read series.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.
53 reviews
September 26, 2019
I really liked visiting with Penny and the gang again in this one. I love to see the evolution of the characters as the series progresses, especially Turkey. I’ve always been a cat person, and Turkey makes me giggle. He is truly wonderful! I’m happy to see Penny forging a relationship with her father, and I’m enjoying getting to know him. I’m fascinated by the concept of magical food! That is truly an inspiration! Oh, how I would LOVE to have the ability to make things that are safe for me to eat taste really yummy – I’ve got celiac disease and am intolerant to dairy, eggs, and starches to boot. That doesn’t leave a lot of options! The idea of magical food really speaks to me. I’m also excited to begin getting to know Cora’s babies and what “powers” each one of them possesses. I’m also curious to know what Chris is going to make of magic when he can no longer deny its existence. As always, I’m impressed with Amorette's ability to share insight about the fears and doubts that we all have. It’s inspiring to watch the growth and change that Penny experiences as she gets to know herself better – there are lessons for us all in her experiences. That alone sets these mystery books apart from so many other cozy mysteries. Yes, they are a fun romp through a magical land, but they are also so much more.
53 reviews
September 26, 2019
I really liked visiting with Penny and the gang again in this one. I love to see the evolution of the characters as the series progresses, especially Turkey. I’ve always been a cat person, and Turkey makes me giggle. He is truly wonderful! I’m happy to see Penny forging a relationship with her father, and I’m enjoying getting to know him. I’m fascinated by the concept of magical food! That is truly an inspiration! Oh, how I would LOVE to have the ability to make things that are safe for me to eat taste really yummy – I’ve got celiac disease and am intolerant to dairy, eggs, and starches to boot. That doesn’t leave a lot of options! The idea of magical food really speaks to me. I’m also excited to begin getting to know Cora’s babies and what “powers” each one of them possesses. I’m also curious to know what Chris is going to make of magic when he can no longer deny its existence. As always, I’m impressed with Amorette's ability to share insight about the fears and doubts that we all have. It’s inspiring to watch the growth and change that Penny experiences as she gets to know herself better – there are lessons for us all in her experiences. That alone sets these mystery books apart from so many other cozy mysteries. Yes, they are a fun romp through a magical land, but they are also so much more.
141 reviews
October 18, 2019
Hillcrest erupts in a case of inter-realm prejudice, bigotry, murder and suspicion!
The werewolf pack moved to Hillcrest when Cora married Silas, but has never fit in. Residents jump to judgement when the baseball umpire is found murdered after he made a ruling that gave the win to the shifters in the hotly-competitive town championship. A random clue points to a wolf and it’s an open-and-shut case, as far as the resentful locals are concerned. A tearful Cora — due to deliver her triplets at any minute — prepares to leave Hillcrest and the Earth Realm with the pack. Luckily, the ace team of Penny & Turkey are on the case, with common sense help from the Terra Coven. They face so many changes in this book: Penny settles in after inheriting the Terra Mansion, her new connection grows with the father she just met, investigation and magic skills are honed, relationships deepen and any pregnant woman can tell you emotions are on high even when not faced with threats to her lifetime home. This series’ plots continue to expand with the characters, yet are still highlighted by the original whimsical, comical and imaginative premise. Even the witches’ familiars make bigger contributions to the action. AND — Max the vampire is still hot, and the triplets are adorable. You need to read this series!
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,158 reviews132 followers
September 24, 2019
“When this spell is complete, you will see your reflection in all things.”

Penny Banks, Hillcrest PI, recently reunited with her father, new resident of her grandmother’s mansion, member of the Terra coven, neophyte vampire, growing in confidence with accomplishing each chapter of “Art and Science of Becoming a Witch”. This time, the Coven is dealing with the Spirit Spell and the confidence it suggests will help every member in their group.

Then yet another mystery looms that could affect everyone, and Penny takes on finding the real killer before it causes a major shift in the life of Cora and her new pack. The outcome of Penny’s investigations could also affect the Terra Coven...and Cora’s impending birth. Can Penny rescue the situation? Will Jack- her father- stay in her new home? And how are things with Max... and Captain Chris?

You’ll just have to read The Case of the Spirit Spell and find out! Highly recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it]
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,898 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2019
Hard to believe this little coven has been learning magic for ten months now! Still quirky and going strong, it’s quite an enjoyable witch cozy.

Penny has been living in her inherited mansion for a month now. Such a short time ago she didn’t even know that the woman she received her witch’s guidebook from was her grandmother. And now the father she just recently met is moving to Hillcrest to get to know her better.

Cora is soon to deliver triplets. Annie and Marley both have steady boyfriends and Penny and Max are madly in love. Learning to be witches has changed so much in these ladies’ lives.

When the umpire is murdered shortly after an upset ending to a softball tournament, Penny and her coven are pulled into another crime. When someone from Cora’s pack is accused of the crime, Cora and her pack may be forced to the Water Realm.

Will Penny uncover the true killer in time to stop the move?
Profile Image for Alice.
174 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2019
Another enjoyable adventure with Penny and her kniting group. Penny inherited a book on how to become a witch and they are following it, The spell they are working on it the Spirit Spell. The tiny town of Hillcrest. takes it's baseball seriously, The umpire makes the call on the last play and the the winner. A team member of the other tem become irate and it ends in a physical fight. The upire has an accident on the way home and is killed, They find out the accident wasn;t an accident but murder, The police ask for Penny;s help She has solved several murders for them. With her group of witches and there familars they solve th mystery after some interesting twists and turns that Amorette does so well. It is a lighthearted easy read but with enough meat to be interesting. I enjoy the series/
121 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2019
The Case of the Spirit Spell has some quirky characters, some humor, and drama. The story is fluent and an enjoyable read. Each of the four main characters has a familiar. Each of the familiars is their alter-ego, companion, and an aid in their transformation into the best witches they can be. There is a death after the baseball game which leads to an investigation. Penny uses her investigative skills to find the killer. She is becoming a very good detective. She uses her magic to create healthy foods that look and taste like what ever she is in the mood to eat. That is a bonus that everyone would love to have.

The investigation helps the town to become more tolerant of outsiders. The outsiders are the werewolf pack that has moved into the Earth Realm. Cora has her babies not long after they successfully master the Spirit spell.
55 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review. So easy to do so with this, because it was a delight. Penny has grown and developed as both a witch and a PI in each of the books in this series (and you really should read them in order), but this one was definitely the best one yet. We get to know Penny's dad who was introduced briefly in book 9, we discover a likely reason Penny was so ditsy in the early books, and although I suspected the murderer I have to admit the motive when Penny figures it out caught me totally by surprise. Good appearances by the usual supporting characters both human and animal familiars, and a lovely ceremony to perform the Spirit Spell at the end to tie things up neatly. Highly recommend this very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Eve Jones.
487 reviews6 followers
September 23, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
This is book 10 of the series and I'm completely in love with it 😍😍
The way that Amorette had written these book's is wonderful.
The characters are brilliant, the 4 main character's Penny, Annie, Cora and Marley are all studying witchcraft and in each book they have a spell to complete. They all also have familiars, with whom they are able to communicate with, which I think is pretty amazing 🙀🙀
Penny who is also a PI, investigates when Art, an elderly gentleman, dies in a car accident. But was it an accident?? If not, who would want to kill him??
This book is a really well written cozy mystery, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes.
I would absolutely recommend this book/series 💜💜
1,187 reviews4 followers
September 27, 2019
What a great cozy paranormal mystery full of amazing characters and humorous situations, and oh yes a wonderful mystery. The characters are well developed, full of life, personality, human frailties that make them pop off the page. These characters are like family to those of us who have read this amazing series from the beginning. The storyline is complex and full of suspense, humour, creative scenes, a wonderful mystery complete with interesting clues, all weaved together to keep the reader engaged until the last page. It is well written and creative and definitely a page turner. If you like paranormal series with great characters, romance, humour and complex mysteries, then give this book and the whole series a read.

I received an advanced copy in exchange for this honest review.
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