One Dark and Stormy Knight

Avalon Café #1

by Hermione Moon, Serenity Woods

Every girl needs a knight in shining armour…

When kitchen witch Gwen Young discovers the spirit of King Arthur in the suit of armour that stands in her café only an hour after finding a dead body in the library, she knows it’s going to be a very strange day…

~

Gwen Young runs The Avalon Cafe in Glastonbury, England, and solves murders with a psychic Labradoodle called Merlin and a boyfriend who only materializes when she’s in trouble. Well, every girl needs a knight in shining armour! Join Gwen, Arthur, and the rest of their friends as they solve mysteries and murders, and fall in love along the way!

If you enjoy books by authors such as Amanda M. Lee, Adele Abbott, Annabel Chase, Kristin Painter, or Charlaine Harris, you might enjoy these cozy witch mysteries with a sprinkle of romance, by USA Today bestselling author Serenity Woods writing as Hermione Moon.

Contains British English spelling and usage. The Avalon Café stories are clean reads with no graphic violence, strong language, or sex.

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Witches

163 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 30, 2020

About the author

Hermione Moon writes cozy witch mysteries with a sprinkling of romance, set in Glastonbury, England. She also writes steamy contemporary romance as Serenity Woods, and is a USA Today bestselling author under that name. She currently lives with her husband in New Zealand.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Avalon Cafe is nestled near the great historic Glastonbury Abbey and the King Arthur legend that features at the nearby museum. Some say the present day land was once Arthurian legendary isle of Avalon and Arthur's final resting place and some whisper that the owner of the cafe is a witch whose muffins are magic for what ails you.

On a wet night when everyone is sensibly headed home and not touring the abbey or museum adventure, Gwen is alone in closing her shop surrounded by her music, her dog Merlin, and one of the mainstays of the cafe, Sir Boss the suit of armor. Cleaning up and winding down, she's interrupted by a childhood and college mean girl who got Gwen's ex, her dream archeological job at the abbey, and now wants a cake to celebrate. Not minutes later, Gwen stumbles over her body and discovers there is more to Sir Boss than she thought.

One Dark and Stormy Knight is a light paranormal cozy mystery and I hadn't gotten past the first page before I knew I was going to love Gwen, her kitchen magic, the setting of the cafe and town with all its lore, Merlin the dog, and the secret of the stunning blue eyed man who appears in Sir Boss' armor.

The murder is introduced early as is the mystery of Arthur appearing in the suit of armor. I thought the author did a wonderful job introducing the world of her books, Gwen's background, and the broader cast of characters while forwarding the two plot mysteries. There is a nice relationship network with Gwen. Her friendship with Imogene who is a police detective, her aunt and uncle, even the annoying reporter Matthew who suspects she's a witch, and of course sweet Merlin her quirky dog and lastly Arthur who is a dreamy man who is patient and understanding with an attractive twinkle and definitely looks like a great warrior of legend.

It was a quick and easy read, but I was hooked from start to finish. All the joy of a new series to love discovery. I had the series recommended and I'm every so glad I finally picked up the first book. I will definitely be pressing forward and recommend it to other paranormal cozy mystery fans.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read, an unexpected find. Many cozy mysteries are just too cozy for me this one wasn't. It was smart, whitty, had fabulous characters and a realistic story. There was an added bonus of Magic, and knights, :P read the book you'll see.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the sort of I thing I usually read at all, so in many ways I was out of my comfort zone but I was in the mood for something light and fluffy as a change from all the dark horror stuff that is my default setting for much of my reading.

Much to my surprise I really enjoyed this; I really liked the Arthurian theme, the setting of Glastonbury (must visit one day) and the whole 'kitchen witch' vibe. The writing is decent and 'easy', which I suppose is just what you want as a reader for this genre. I was actually a bit disappointed to get to the end as I wanted to know what else happens, so I guess I will have to await the next installment!

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy paranormal mystery set in Glastonbury, England. The main Character, Gwen Young, is a kitchen witch who runs the Avalon Cafe. She imbues her baked goods with a touch of magic and healthy ingredients. I found her to be very likable and her best friend, DCI Imogen Hobbs, is a great secondary character who supports Gwen and her magic. A little magic, a murder mystery to solve, and a knight in shiny armor all made for a fun read.

[Berls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad I picked up this series! The combination of history, mystery, and magic is the perfect blend - it pleases this formerly-medieval historian's heart to spend a little time with Arthurian legend combined with a modern setting.

Gwen is a fantastic character - I love the way she honestly dislikes people and wants to do small petty things, but then feels guilty because she was raised to be a good person and does the right thing despite that desire. It makes her such a real person for me, but also a good one. We all have those moments where we just want to be small and petty, right? Her goodness extends beyond not doing harm - she genuinely wants to help and do good for others. And she takes risks to do so. So yeah, I like her a lot.

I also enjoyed her good friend, Imogen, who also happens to be the police inspector. She's smart, strong, loyal, and takes her duty very seriously. I look forward to seeing her grow over the series. And then there's Arthur - we don't know him too well yet, but I like what I've seen. I'm excited to see how he manages in 21st century England and how he wins Gwen's heart.

The mystery was satisfying and I liked the role of magic in Gwen's solving of things, alongside good sleuth work. There's several interesting characters to explore in the series, both magcial and antagonistic, not to mention Merlin her supernatural dog companion.

I have to say, I had read a note that this series uses British English and, when combined with the narration, that was all the more pointed. It was VERY BRITISH - that might be a problem for some readers. For me, it was a treat and I absolutely loved the feeling that I was literally in England. So yeah I adored the narration and will definitely continue listening to the series.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star review One Dark & Stormy Knight by Hermione Moon
 
Hermione Moon is a new author to me. This is a cozy mystery and one that I found thoroughly entertaining. This was a book filled with enough secrets and clues to keep you my detective spirit happy and guessing until the end.
 
There were twists, turns and surprises in One Dark & Story Knight as witch Gwen Young
and her friends follow the clues to solve the mystery and I have to say that I was taken by surprise on occasion.
 
It was entertaining and well written and I loved the sound of The Avalon Cafe in Glastonbury, England. This was a little gem and I cannot wait for more in this series.
 

[Kendra Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy cute read that had a cute relationship hook ups, magic, and a murder mystery all in one. Lots happen in this novella and all of it is very entertaining. It did feel like the author realized there were lots of things that needed to be tied up before she ended the story and so squeezed a lot at the last couple of chapters. Although this is my first novella to read so maybe that’s just a thing to expect.
I will definitely be looking forward to move on with this series!

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty cute, it surprised me at how much I enjoyed it. Looking forward to the rest in the series.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a short, cute, easy read. New spin on King Arthur.

[Priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cozy mystery with lots of history thrown in and featuring King Arthur in a unique way!
This was a fun read with interesting characters and a proper story too.
Looking forward to continuing the series.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Monisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love love love this series..... I really wish the books were bigger...loved all the characters and it is a quick read... Loved it

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Dark And Stormy Knight
bySerenity Woods & Hermione Moon
Avalon Cafe #1

Gwen runs the Avalon Cafe with employees that stand by her side and an ancient suit of armor as décor. She puts a pinch of this and a tad of that into the food she prepares adding in positive magic to help her customers. The suit of armor is a mainstay of the cafe and Gwen, and others, have been known to talk to it. The night she finds a dead body, runs from a killer and is saved by the suit of armor will change her life in more ways than one. As this is a cozy mystery it is a given that Gwen will be on the trail looking for the murderer.

This book is the first in a new cozy mystery series that I believe will be top notch. I can’t wait to read what comes next!

What I liked:
* Gwen Young: a loving, kind, generous and interesting kitchen witch
* Arthur: Sigh...oh my...can’t wait to get to know him better!
* Merlin: canine companion and perhaps a lot more
* Delia, Cooper, Imogen, Christian, Duncan, Uncle Max and Aunt Beatrix – all supporting characters that I look forward to hearing more about in future books
* The paranormal witchy bits
* The plot, writing and story
* The potential for future books in the series
* The budding romance and how right it feels...well...there is more than one romance, actually
* All of it really except…

What I did not like:
* Matthew Hopkins: a dreadful man
* The murderer: seemed to have a screw loose...or some very warped thinking!
* Having to say good bye to Gwen, Arther and all the rest and having to wait for the next book to be ready

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Dark and Stormy Knight is a seriously sweet and romantic cozy mystery. I don't want to give away the plot, but when the suit of armor in the corner of the Avalon Cafe comes to life you will love it! There is a good mystery here with witches curses and lots of old English history and folklore, and it is believable. I could not quit reading until I knew what happened and how the romance would progress. The characters come to life and you will love Gwen and her staff, DCI Imogen who investigates the murder and of course, Gwen's mystery knight and special dog Merlin. This is such a creative and fresh plot. I don't know how (Serenity (Hermione here) keeps coming up with such wonderful romances, but, after reading over 50 of her books, I love them all!

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a Cozy i Loved this, The writing was moreish, The characters were written amazingly with great personalities, i think i need to delve a bit more to give a 5 star but for the first book this was great.

Gwen is a witch who can cook up a anti inflammatory cake in no time, but When Nemesis Liza is Murdered, Gwen has to delve deeper in Her past - Finding more than one surprise.

I love how this was intertwined with the story of Camelot

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect reading for these anxious days when we are of necessity staying at home, and need something light to read to take our mind off the tense world. This is a bit of a change of direction for Serenity Woods, hence the new author name. It is clear that Hermione has done a lot of research for this new paranormal series.

Gwen Young owns a popular cafe close to Glastonbury Abbey, where she does most of the cooking. Gwen is a witch, one of a long line of witches in her family for many generations past. Her magic is used solely in her cooking, the cookies and cakes and muffins she bakes have ingredients to help with various ailments and conditions, with a little spell lovingly added to each batch to help it work. If she knows her customers have a particular issue she encourages them to pick the one that will help them.

Gwen has an enemy, Matthew Hopkins, a direct descendant of Matthew Hopkins, the Witchfinder General in Cromwell’s time. He suspects Gwen is a witch, and is always trying to prove it. She also looks after a dog she calls Merlin, a stray who has become attached to her. He sometimes disappears for the day, but always returns to her. Gwen had studied history at University, and loved the Arthurian period, which is why she stayed in Glastonbury after abandoning university and her ambition to be an archaeologist when her mother became ill, she took over the running of the cafe and nursed her mother until she died.

In the cafe there is an ancient suit of armour that Gwen calls Sir Boss. He stands near the entrance as though greeting all visitors. He plays an important role in this story, which I am sure will continue throughout the series! It is interesting that Merlin often sits in front of the armour, looking up at the helmet as though he is conversing with it.

Gwen is just tidying up ready to close one stormy evening when Liza Banks comes in. They are not the best of friends, they were rivals at school, then at University; and when Gwen was forced to leave to look after her mother Liza took Gowen’s boyfriend Luke, and eventually married him. Now she tells Gwen that she has just been promoted to Head Archaeologist at the Glastonbury Field Unit, a job that has always been Gwen’s dream. A short while after she leaves Gwen is about to go home and notices Lisa’s purse. She knows that Liza was going to the library, so she quickly follows her to hand it back. All is quiet in the library. Gwen makes her way upstairs to the Reading room ... and finds Lisa’s body on the floor. She has been strangled. From there it gets very exciting, and Gwen helps her friend Imogen, a Detective Chief Inspector, In the search for the killer. In the process she finds out startling things about Sir Boss, Merlin, even herself - perhaps especially herself!

It is not really a love story, although it has romantic elements which will doubtless grow through the series. I enjoyed the story very much and look forward to the next episode.

Many thanks to the author for the advance copy. I am delighted to write an honest review, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[KIMBERLEY SHERMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun with a little bit of mystery

A very nice light-hearted read. Believable characters, good pace, good plot, a little romance, a surprise ending, and my favorite…cooking!

If you need something to put you in a good mood, this one did it for me. 😁

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read and cute mystery with interesting characters.

[Katherine "Kj" Joslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving the series, it's a cute, cozy mystery series that not only has a wiccan plotline but also an Arthurian plotline... Love it!

[Cissy Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

ONE DARK AND STORMY KNIGHT is a standalone read to a new cozy mystery series. There are no sex scenes and I don't remember any colorful words so any age can read and enjoy. It has a murder, but the lady was a bit nasty so you aren't too involved with her, there is a bit of light flirting, a history lesson without realizing it and a lot of fun.

Gwen is a kitchen witch, as were her mother and grandmother before her. It means that she helps and heals people with her herbs and potions. Gwen is a young woman and reasonably happy. She inherited her mother's bakery when she passed away. Gwen was studying to one day run the museum in her town. The town is famous for its connection to King Arthur and his knights. In fact, in the cafe right at the front door there is a suit of armor that has been standing guard for decades.

One night Gwen discovers a body in the library. She runs back to her bakery with someone following her. She makes it to the bakery, gets inside and locks the door. She turns out all the lights and waits for her heart to slow down. As she looks at the armor, she sees a set of blue eyes looking back at her. She is sure she is losing her mind. She looks again and they are still there. She slowly walks up to the suit and flips the visor up. The man is standing there staring at her. She asks who he is and he answers, "Arthur".

Certain that she has lost her mind she starts on an adventure that will change her life. This is a fun cozy mystery. Cozy means it is lighthearted, fun, and won't give you nightmares. Merlin is Gwen's dog and he turns out to be more than she imagined. This story is very entertaining and just so you know. The mystery is solved. But some of the other things in the story will carry over to the next book. It is NOT a cliffhanger as the main story ends. But another adventure for Gwen is in the works. It is sure to be as good as this one.

I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 4/4/2020

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Avalon Cafe series by Hermione Moon, who is not a new writer to me as I have read and enjoyed. many of her books under the name Serenity Woods. This book is so far out of my usual genre but I needn't have worried, it was delightful, full of enchantment, legends, and just the right mix of suspense, romance and magic, perfect for anyone who wants a to escape from reality for a while.
Gwen Young had studied archaeology at university, her dream job was to work at the Glastonbury field unit but this dream was denied her when her mother became ill and later died leaving Gwen in charge of the family cafe in the shadow of Glastonbury Abbey.
Gwen was a witch, from a long line of witches, she baked her cakes with love and with herbs and spells for the well being of her customers.
When Lisa Banks, a girl who was at University with Gwen and who had always envied Gwen's top spot in the exam table and eventually stole Gwen's boyfriend, walked into the cafe, Gwen's world was to change. Liza announced that she wanted a celebration cake as she had just become the Head of the Glastonbury Field Unit, a job that Gwen would have loved, Gwen was sad but served her with her usual grace.
When Gwen later found Liza murdered in the centre the first person she contacted was Imogen, her best friend and the local DCI.
The story follows the trail of the murder, it encompasses reporter Mathew Hopkins, Gwen's enemy who is determined to unveil her as a witch. There is also the enchantment of Gwen finding her literal Knight in shining armour in the most magical way.
The characters are so real, including Merlin the dog.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one, the author has obviously done a lot of research into witchcraft and the legends that surround Glastonbury, I would also like to add, as a Yorkshire girl that very often when writers from overseas write about England it doesn't feel right but this one just did. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Severina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A witch who imbues her baking with spells gets caught up in a local murder just as the suit of armour in her café starts to come to life.

Gwen comes from a long line of witches. She owns a café in Glastonbury, the rumored site of Avalon and the final resting place of King Arthur. When Gwen discovers a former school rival has been murdered, she gets caught up in attempting to solve the crime while also dealing with the realization that there is a person trapped with the suit of armour that decorates her café… a person claiming to be Arthur himself.

Overall, this fit nicely into the cozy mystery category. I liked Gwen and found her world believable, although her casualness in chatting with the suddenly-alive suit of armour seemed maybe a little too nonchalant, even for a witch. The writing was clear and fast-paced, but I had to remove a star from my rating because (mild spoiler) there is a scene in which a character who is clearly harassing Gwen kisses her against her will and won't let her go, and it's only her magic that frees her. Although there's a brief mention of charging him, that's never mentioned again and the whole thing is just blown over. In this day and age, in my opinion, brushing off sexual assault like this is simply unacceptable, especially in a book that otherwise features a strong, independent woman.

[Scribbling Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall short and fine. I have a few things to complain about though.

The creep, Matthew. Does this guy have trouble telling fact and fiction apart? He leers at Gwen when talking to her, is surprised she doesn’t want to go on a date with him, then declares he will out her as a witch, then goes back to asking for a date… Of course, he turns into even more of a creep when he tells her that he can’t resist her even though he knows she is a witch and therefore EVIL. Forces a kiss on her and gets slammed.

The other, different creep, Arthur. The idea of two people being destined for each other and finding each other again over various lives might be romantic, a guy who has watched you grow up from elementary school age to grown woman telling you he was just waiting for you, is creepy.

Gwen tells her aunt and best friend that the armour from the cafe contains a several centuries old guy, and everybody just goes with it.

The insta-love. Gwen struggles with the idea of Arthur for about five minutes before she’s smitten.

How has this centuries year old guy taken on modern values? I know little about social structure back then but I don’t see how it fits in seamlessly into to 21st century.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Dark and Stormy Knight is the first book in a new series. I thoroughly enjoyed the mix of mystery, paranormal, history, and humor with a dash of romance. Gwen is a kitchen witch who uses her powers to make food to heal/help people. Sir Boss is a suit of armor with a man trapped inside by magic. Merlin is her faithful dog and so much more. Imogen is her best friend and the detective assigned to solve the murder. There are other characters as well. I hope we get to know everybody a little better as the series goes on. I felt the story was a bit light on character development. I know we weren't supposed to like Matthew but I thought the story would have been better without him. The story held my attention from beginning to end and I was surprised at who the murderer turned out to be as well as the motive. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

There was a free prequel to this story:
Every Dog Has His Day by Hermione Moon--5 Stars
This is a short prequel to the Avalon Cafe series. It explains how Gwen came to have Merlin and how Merlin got his powers. Nice introduction to the series.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Dark and Stormy Knight by Hermione Moon is a wonderful paranormal cozy mystery. It has an original twist to it that I immediately thought of a book I read many years ago. That book is a love story, while One Dark and Stormy Knight is a mystery. However, the hint of romance is strong. The kind of romance that has spanned the centuries with two souls so completely lovingly entwined.

I know this author as one who has written some of my favorite New Zealand romance. However, this time she has outdone herself with this English mystery. Gwen may be my new best book friend. The writing is so easy to read, it felt as if Gwen and I were sitting down to tea with her sharing it all with me personally. So yes, I do believe that Arthur will try to win her over again, just as he said he would.

Trying not to give too much away because this is a book worth reading. I loved it! Honestly I would give it more than 5 stars if I could. Hope several other characters get their main story too.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Diana in SC · Rating 5 out of 5]

King Arthur and a witch are one cute sleuthing couple!

This new cozy mystery series is charmingly wonderful. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes cozy paranormal mysteries, King Arthur, and/or baking. You get to hear about scrumptious baked goods in a quaint café in Glastonbury, England, while you get to know cozy characters and solve a mystery. There is even an adorable psychic dog and my new favorite book boyfriend, the legendary Arthur. This quirky combination of story elements comes together to make a novel to soothe your soul.

The story is told in first person perspective, in the present tense, only from the heroine's point of view. The author is very good at this perspective, and it was lovely getting to know Gwen from her thoughts and actions. She is a good person and very relatable, even though she is a witch who can do positive magic spells on her baked goods. I also love the setting in a cute café in the picturesque and historical English town of Glastonbury. In addition, the mystery plot is well crafted. I am really looking forward to the next volume in this Avalon Café series.

[Rhonda Brant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, there’s one thing I’ve learned about this author over the years I’ve been reading her incredible books, don’t count her out on any genre she tackles. Wasn’t quite sure about this one as I dived into it, started a bit slow for me, but quickly caught on with what you come to expect from the writer. You can tell she does her homework, whether it be on New Zealand history or the mid evil times, she gives you a history lesson without even realizing it because you get caught up in the story. Even though there’s no hot steamy love scenes in this book, it’s inferred, and that’s even more sexy than the real thing. Gwen and Arthur are full of humor and intrigue, and I loved every minute of it. The story is packed full of mystery, suspense, emotion and keeps you guessing until the very end, I certainly didn’t guess it. Loved Imogen and Christian, can’t wait for their story, and my favorite character, Merlin. Very well worth the read, next installment please!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. This is the first book in a new series by a writer who I am already a huge fan of her romances. I don't know what category this book would fall into, but reading it was an enjoyable experience. Maybe a cozy paranormal mystery with a hint of romance? I do love a good cozy mystery.

The book was fast paced as well as interesting with the discussion of magic, herbs, spices, and healing properties. Gwen created magic all around her shop, and discovered magic in Sir Boss.

The mystery was laid out very well. I had a suspicion about the character, but didn't think much about the character again until the murderer was revealed.

There was a sweet attraction between Gwen and Arthur and another one between Immi and Christian. A good mystery and a little touch of romance.

I had no intention of reading this book in one sitting. I was so caught up in the story that I kept reading until the end. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Harmony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming and well-written book.

I loved the heroine. It actually took me a minute to realize that her name is Gwen and what it meant (lol, not my most astute moment). Gwen is a good witch who bakes her magic into her cooking to help others. She also seems to instill a strong sense of loyalty in those around her. That speaks highly of her character. I enjoyed that she wasn't snarky, entitled, or mean. That seems to be the trend lately for these types of books.

I loved the hero. Arthur (again with the duh about Gwen!) is dark and mysterious. This makes him the perfect book boyfriend! He is a true knight-in-shining armor (and not just because he's wearing one!) who comes to her rescue a number of times.

I love most of the characters in this book. Imogene is great and I loved the dog, Merlin.

Loved the story and the setting. It was all so very imaginative.

I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and checking out other books by this author.

[Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I’ve always loved stories about Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and this one did not disappoint. It was so different from the norm and I loved that. There were enough facts to keep any history buff interested and enough surrounding story to keep it entertaining.

I loved Gwen, she was such a likeable character. Someone you could see yourself being friends with. Gwen is a witch who becomes involved in a murder investigation when she stumbles across a dead body. The mystery was compelling and kept me guessing with its twists and turns.

Arthur and Merlin were fantastic. I really hope there is a lot more of them in the rest of the series. I also hope there’s a bit more romance, although I think it was set up in this book that there will be some slow burn romance on the side, which is great.

I was very happy to receive this book as an ARC from the author and leave this honest review voluntarily.