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Ophelia & Abby Mystery #5
The Witch Is Dead
Life is busier than ever for witch Ophelia Jensen. In addition to her day job at the library, she—with the help of her grandmother Abby—is preparing to officially adopt Tink, the young medium she's taken under her wing. So when Ophelia's elderly Aunt Dot, eager for adventure, wants to investigate the murder of a funeral director in the neighboring town, Ophelia tries to say no. But then Tink's dog pulls a skull out of the woods—a skull that may belong to a murder victim.
Finding mysterious bones in the woods isn't the only strange thing that's happened to Tink lately. She's been having visions of ghastly ghosts imploring her for help. But before Ophelia can connect the apparitions with the murder, Tink is kidnapped! Ophelia and Abby will have to battle a creepy crematorium owner and an invasion from some modern-day body snatchers to find their protégé . . . or else they'll have to hold a séance just to speak to her again.
Finding mysterious bones in the woods isn't the only strange thing that's happened to Tink lately. She's been having visions of ghastly ghosts imploring her for help. But before Ophelia can connect the apparitions with the murder, Tink is kidnapped! Ophelia and Abby will have to battle a creepy crematorium owner and an invasion from some modern-day body snatchers to find their protégé . . . or else they'll have to hold a séance just to speak to her again.
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
21 people are currently reading
1054 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Damsgaard
16 books439 followersI’ve read many bios that start with the words “I wanted to be a writer all of my life and wrote my first story at the age of five.” I honestly can’t say that’s true for me—at the age of five, as an only child growing up on a farm, my career goal was to be a princess. Unfortunately, all those positions happened to be filled, so I followed the path so many other women have traveled—marriage, children, a career outside of the home—in my case, with the United States Postal Service. It wasn’t until the tender of age of 48 that I really decided to try my hand at writing.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
September 2, 2020
I enjoy reading about witches, and when paranormal happens to be the theme of the Ophelia & Abby cozy mystery series, it's definitely on the top of my list to read. I finished the fifth book, The Witch Is Dead, from Shirley Damsgaard, this week and already ordered the sixth and seventh. The series ends with the seventh one, but I heard a strong rumor from a reliable source that the author is writing again... will it be an eighth in the series? Here's hoping the answer is YES!
Ophelia is a ~32ish witch who is still understanding all her skills. Her mother did not inherit this same power that most of the women have in their family, but Abby, her grandmother, did. Together, they solve crimes in Iowa despite the sheriff always wanting to stop them. In the last book, Ophelia adopted Tink, a teenage witch whose family was abusive, and is trying to be a good role model. With the court date approaching to grant her custody, Ophelia is worried something bad will stand in the way. Tink begins having premonitions and dreams about something horrible, then she goes missing. A dead body turns up, Aunt Dot comes for a visit, and a romance blossoms. These are all the balls Ophelia's got bouncing around her, but she's determined to keep them in the air.
The series started out a little rocky for me, but it got better with each book. At times, it can be a little slow and light. The witches don't really use any powers; it's more about premonitions and analyzing runes. If Damsgaard amp'd up the paranormal just a bit (still keeping within the light theme) and had more supporting characters with connections to Abby and Ophelia in their town, it would be a very solid series I'd rush out to read. As it stands, it's a very good one that I enjoy cozying up to for a few hours... worth a read, but missing a truly standout component. That's still a good thing tho... as I find myself thinking about the characters and plots after I'm done.
I enjoy learning about witchcraft. The writing is simple yet descriptive. Ophelia is flawed and admirable. Tink is a typical rebellious teenager with some good banter for her new adoptive mom. Aunt Dot was hilarious with her fairy obsession. And the thought of meeting Great Aunt Mary at some point is scary! Kudos for another fun story. On to #6...
Ophelia is a ~32ish witch who is still understanding all her skills. Her mother did not inherit this same power that most of the women have in their family, but Abby, her grandmother, did. Together, they solve crimes in Iowa despite the sheriff always wanting to stop them. In the last book, Ophelia adopted Tink, a teenage witch whose family was abusive, and is trying to be a good role model. With the court date approaching to grant her custody, Ophelia is worried something bad will stand in the way. Tink begins having premonitions and dreams about something horrible, then she goes missing. A dead body turns up, Aunt Dot comes for a visit, and a romance blossoms. These are all the balls Ophelia's got bouncing around her, but she's determined to keep them in the air.
The series started out a little rocky for me, but it got better with each book. At times, it can be a little slow and light. The witches don't really use any powers; it's more about premonitions and analyzing runes. If Damsgaard amp'd up the paranormal just a bit (still keeping within the light theme) and had more supporting characters with connections to Abby and Ophelia in their town, it would be a very solid series I'd rush out to read. As it stands, it's a very good one that I enjoy cozying up to for a few hours... worth a read, but missing a truly standout component. That's still a good thing tho... as I find myself thinking about the characters and plots after I'm done.
I enjoy learning about witchcraft. The writing is simple yet descriptive. Ophelia is flawed and admirable. Tink is a typical rebellious teenager with some good banter for her new adoptive mom. Aunt Dot was hilarious with her fairy obsession. And the thought of meeting Great Aunt Mary at some point is scary! Kudos for another fun story. On to #6...
January 27, 2016
The Ophelia and Abby series attempts to embrace quirky characters as it's shining draw. To be honest the elderly Abby never worked for me as a convincing quirky character - there's something about her that can irritate or overwhelm. She's charming and she's wise, but she's a little cliche. We now have an aunt introduced, her sister from the mountains, and even if she is cliche as well, she works much better as a quirky player.
She downright amused me with her eagerness to jump into the crime-solving gig. On the lookout for crime, excitement, and her moonshine drinks, she adds lots of charm. Ophelia is uneven in her relationships still, which is unfortunate. Tink is still a fun introduction that brings a maternal instinct out of Ophelia, who needed another dimension of believability as a character.
The mystery works well not because it is intricately layered, but because it tugs on the heartstrings as we wonder about the characters abilities and what's going on with them, what guilt may rise for Tink, what Ophelia needs to keep discovering about herself to save the day.
When the culprit is revealed, one comes out of the blue, one is obvious. The idea behind it is rather cheesy but the build-up mystery climbing toward it works well enough.
September 19, 2016
Wow, just when I think things in the book are bogging down a new twist or two pops up and I cannot put the book down. Ophelia has custody of Tink. Tink has dreams/visions of dead people. Funeral director is killed. Tink's dog finds a skull. Tink is kidnapped. Cobra/Ethan visits. Body harvesting with parts being illegally sold. Bad Doctor. Lots of dead bodies that should have been cremated found. Oh, yes, Ophelia's aunt, Dot, visits from up in the mountains wanting an adventure. She gets one. Bad guys finally get turned up and arrested. Tink found and rescued by Ophelia (and Ethan).
And, since Ethan has appeared in two books my guess (probably wrong) is that he will appear in another. Looking forward to it.
And, since Ethan has appeared in two books my guess (probably wrong) is that he will appear in another. Looking forward to it.
September 28, 2017
I loved this book, very hard to put down.
December 24, 2014
I love Shirley Damsgaard’s cast. In an odd paradox: her narrative is too visually-inclined for my taste, including over-used verbs that I loathe. Notwithstanding, I enjoy the premise! Previously Ophelia rescued a child from a cult and wishes to adopt Tink / Titania. We saw her acclimatized to Iowa life, in a mystery fraught with danger. This time, a large portion of the novel felt lacklustre; even though I approved Ophelia’s avoidance of a police investigation. It would have pushed a ‘cozy mystery’ cliché to attach themselves to events in another town. She had no connection with it, except that her family met one victim at an airport and Tink had unsettling dreams in line with his fate.
Their visiting Great-Aunt made a delightful addition to the series and was fun to meet. We had heard about her. I like that she took Tink under her wing and I’m willing to believe she might be keen on exploring a mystery with them. When their family does fall in with suspicious events, it is with an excellent degree of plausibility that the author thought out very well. What I found lacklustre was the minimal presence of magick or the paranormal. Anyone can have unsettling dreams. I seek fiction like this especially for mystical components; exciting, well-written forays that aren’t abundant enough in adult literature. Merely mentioning fairies for instance, does not provide readers with an extraordinary experience.
The later chapters were excellent, even with one culprit obvious to me. Two alarming situations took place so closely together, it was difficult to discern if they were separate and how to solve them all. One plot was unusually gruesome and I’m uncertain those ramifications would cause anyone to kill. However I credit them for belatedly lending eeriness and for being unquestionably original.
Their visiting Great-Aunt made a delightful addition to the series and was fun to meet. We had heard about her. I like that she took Tink under her wing and I’m willing to believe she might be keen on exploring a mystery with them. When their family does fall in with suspicious events, it is with an excellent degree of plausibility that the author thought out very well. What I found lacklustre was the minimal presence of magick or the paranormal. Anyone can have unsettling dreams. I seek fiction like this especially for mystical components; exciting, well-written forays that aren’t abundant enough in adult literature. Merely mentioning fairies for instance, does not provide readers with an extraordinary experience.
The later chapters were excellent, even with one culprit obvious to me. Two alarming situations took place so closely together, it was difficult to discern if they were separate and how to solve them all. One plot was unusually gruesome and I’m uncertain those ramifications would cause anyone to kill. However I credit them for belatedly lending eeriness and for being unquestionably original.
February 13, 2017
2.5 (I can't blame the book because someone told almost everything in the blurb)
The kidnapping mentioned in the blurb doesn't happen until half way into the story. Half! Also, the part of the blurb which mentions a creepy crematorium owner and an invasion from some modern-day body snatchers is also too much information. There was only one thing which was not mentioned in the blurb and even that was predictable.
One of Abby's aunts is visiting and the woman can't hide anything. She basically tells everyone what they do. Abby was the only one who wasn't acting stupid. I am beginning to think it's because she wasn't in the story that much. I'll forgive Tink since she is an annoying teenager (sort of an excuse).
So I'll be shallow a bit and give one star more because this story has a hot DEA agent. It's a reason enough. Great reason, I know.
There's always the possibility that I wasn't in the right mood for it. It doesn't matter.
The kidnapping mentioned in the blurb doesn't happen until half way into the story. Half! Also, the part of the blurb which mentions a creepy crematorium owner and an invasion from some modern-day body snatchers is also too much information. There was only one thing which was not mentioned in the blurb and even that was predictable.
One of Abby's aunts is visiting and the woman can't hide anything. She basically tells everyone what they do. Abby was the only one who wasn't acting stupid. I am beginning to think it's because she wasn't in the story that much. I'll forgive Tink since she is an annoying teenager (sort of an excuse).
So I'll be shallow a bit and give one star more because this story has a hot DEA agent. It's a reason enough. Great reason, I know.
There's always the possibility that I wasn't in the right mood for it. It doesn't matter.
December 28, 2014
I like the addition of Tink and would love to read more about the DEA Agent. Missed book four; I didn't want to wait to read this one anyway. I enjoyed it but was irritated that Ophelia did not respect ...'s feelings. She has proven herself astute at reading people and has been a great help in the past.
I like that Ophelia is realizing when she gets off as she did in the first rune reading. At first I thought, "Oh, come one now," but once she caught herself interpreting them the way she wanted, I could easily accept the whole bit.
I loved the aunt and found it interesting they this group would doubt her talents. Having an eccentric aunt would be really tough for people trying to hid so much.
I am terrible with names and she is one of my favorite characters. Have to get back to this one too.
I like that Ophelia is realizing when she gets off as she did in the first rune reading. At first I thought, "Oh, come one now," but once she caught herself interpreting them the way she wanted, I could easily accept the whole bit.
I loved the aunt and found it interesting they this group would doubt her talents. Having an eccentric aunt would be really tough for people trying to hid so much.
I am terrible with names and she is one of my favorite characters. Have to get back to this one too.
May 7, 2009
Ophelia, Abby, Darci and Tink are up to their happy small town routine and trying not to get into trouble, when Aunt Dot comes to town for a visit. Upon arrival, she promptly informs them that she is there for an adventure. Ophelia is heartly hoping Aunt Dot doesn't get her adventure because the last few have nearly killed her, Tink's just trying to be a teenager, and Abby and Darci are amused by Aunt Dot talking about her fairies.
Bumbling psychic messages, a hinky date, a new assistant librarian, a murdered mortician and a the retreival of a human skull send this book all over the board. The plot just isn't as focused as her previous novels, but it's still a fun who-done-it? Over all a solid read, I'm looking forward to more of Ophelia, Abby, Tink and Darci.
Bumbling psychic messages, a hinky date, a new assistant librarian, a murdered mortician and a the retreival of a human skull send this book all over the board. The plot just isn't as focused as her previous novels, but it's still a fun who-done-it? Over all a solid read, I'm looking forward to more of Ophelia, Abby, Tink and Darci.
April 28, 2013
I liked the idea of bringing in more of Abby's family to round out the characters. Personally I find Abby more interesting than Ophelia. I hope someday Damsgaard writes about Abby's life when she was a young woman. Aunt Dot is so hilarious. Lots of funny scenes in the book. I still wonder why after all that Ophelia has experienced & seen she's still skeptical about supernatural things like Aunt Dot's fairies. Ophelia's getting better at learning her lessons but she's still very dense in my opinion. Tink will outpace her soon. Anyway, when I finished reading this book the title didn't make any sense to me since there was no "witch" that died.
May 13, 2015
I like these books, quick, easy reads. Filled with quirky characters. Though I will admit I would like to smack Ophelia up side the head from time to time. For someone who is suppose to be so smart, (she runs a library for pete's sake) she sure can be dense. I realize the author is trying to set the stage but at the same time couldn't she give her characters a bit more instinctive smarts? I do love Aunt Dot, I think she was my favorite of the characters. She at least seems to understand the “Gifts”. I will add Ethan is a nice addition, one can only hope he shows up regularly. Read these strictly for escape don't try to get anything out of it!
December 28, 2010
I love reading about new characters with powers. Abby's Aunt Dot comes to visits and she wants to have "an adventure" AKA "solve a crime". Aunt Dot's power? Seeing and talking to fairies. She is funny. Aunt Dot meets a nice funeral director on the plane and the next day he was killed. Aunt Dot wants on the case. The Sherif tells Ophelia to stay out of it. Later on Tink gets kidnapped. A friend from the last book comes to help and I was so excited about it!
http://www.roseysreview.com/2010/12/b...
http://www.roseysreview.com/2010/12/b...
April 19, 2011
Ophelia's stubbornness and inability to believe is starting to get old. You'd think she'd be willing to try anything to save Tink.
What I enjoyed:
* Aunt Dot. She was a hoot.
* Ethan. I wish he'd been around for more of the book.
What could have been better:
* The book was practically shouting the answer and Ophelia managed to ignore it as usual.
* Ophelia. For a hereditary witch with a medium daughter, she is sure reluctant to believe anything outside her realm of knowledge. In fact, the books should focus on Tink or Darci in the future if Ophelia doesn't get more likable.
What I enjoyed:
* Aunt Dot. She was a hoot.
* Ethan. I wish he'd been around for more of the book.
What could have been better:
* The book was practically shouting the answer and Ophelia managed to ignore it as usual.
* Ophelia. For a hereditary witch with a medium daughter, she is sure reluctant to believe anything outside her realm of knowledge. In fact, the books should focus on Tink or Darci in the future if Ophelia doesn't get more likable.
October 21, 2008
Shirley Damsgaard did it again. This book is wonderful. I love Ophelia and Abby. These books are so good. This is the second one I’ve read, I’m looking forward to reading the entire series. Highly recommended.
January 26, 2016
I seem to say this after each book I read in this series BUT this definitely is my favourite book so far. I loved the character of Aunt Dot and her fairies. This series still remains my guilty pleasure. I am going to be sad when this cosy mystery series ends.
February 2, 2017
Another fun read from Shirley Damsgaard. Enjoying this series. The plots are simple but love the characters and style of writing.
November 5, 2012
The fifth book in this remarkable series did not disappoint me in the least. Ms. Damsgaard managed to grow the characters and move the series forward with a solid murder mystery. I especially enjoyed having the main character, Ophelia Jensen, showing true emotions and blurting out the families secrets to the two men that would handle the news properly!
Ophelia, Abby (grandmother,)and Tink (Foster Child) are eagerly awaiting Auntie Dot. Auntie Dot's 'talent' is a hoot and no, I'm not going to tell you what it is. It is just too much fun to discover. Tink gets an 'icky' feeling as Auntie Dot rushes up to the trio at the airport...is it a premonition?
At the Library where Ophelia works, there is change going on also. Darci, the main assistant, announces that she is returning to college. While Ophelia is excited for her, the challenge of training and finding a new assistant is daunting. Darci instantly dislikes Ophelia's choice, but, is it a premonition?
When going on a camping trip with Tink and friends, Tinks' doggie T.P. offers a dirty human skull to Tink as a gift...is it a...you get the point.
Something is amiss and no matter how many times Ophelia attempts to reassure the Police Chief, Bill that she will mind her own business...the events won't allow it.
I have been greatly enjoying this series for the past months book by book. It is such a rewarding experience to seek out an older recommended series and just enjoy it at your reading leisure. I have two more to read, but, I hope they aren't the end.
Ophelia, Abby (grandmother,)and Tink (Foster Child) are eagerly awaiting Auntie Dot. Auntie Dot's 'talent' is a hoot and no, I'm not going to tell you what it is. It is just too much fun to discover. Tink gets an 'icky' feeling as Auntie Dot rushes up to the trio at the airport...is it a premonition?
At the Library where Ophelia works, there is change going on also. Darci, the main assistant, announces that she is returning to college. While Ophelia is excited for her, the challenge of training and finding a new assistant is daunting. Darci instantly dislikes Ophelia's choice, but, is it a premonition?
When going on a camping trip with Tink and friends, Tinks' doggie T.P. offers a dirty human skull to Tink as a gift...is it a...you get the point.
Something is amiss and no matter how many times Ophelia attempts to reassure the Police Chief, Bill that she will mind her own business...the events won't allow it.
I have been greatly enjoying this series for the past months book by book. It is such a rewarding experience to seek out an older recommended series and just enjoy it at your reading leisure. I have two more to read, but, I hope they aren't the end.
April 22, 2012
It's been almost 4 years since I last read anything in this series and, quite frankly, I remember ... not much of what came before. There was possibly a summer camp. Or maybe it was a beach cottage. Or... a cabin? No, that doesn't seem right. The point I'm trying to make is that I vaguely remember the characters. You know, if I tilt my head and squint. I mean, I did remember that Abby was Ophelia's grandma and Ophelia had rescued Tink from some very bad goings on but beyond that ... *deer in the headlights stare*
So... there's a murder. Ophelia's known for stumbling over dead bodies and, sure enough, bodies start popping up. Skulls and ghostly visitations are flying left and right. Not literally. Ophelia and her grandma have to deal with the pesky Appalachian aunt who never comes down off the mountain and wants some adventure before heading home. Tink disappears! More bodies! Sexy dude from the previous book (or possibly the one before that) that I don't remember at all but now want Ophelia to hook up with!
Enjoyable and nicely gruesome, I probably could have used a refresher course before slipping back into this series. One of the mysteries completely stymied me since I had such a vague recollection of the previous books. Which goes to show you that after 4 years I have no memory. Sad.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So... there's a murder. Ophelia's known for stumbling over dead bodies and, sure enough, bodies start popping up. Skulls and ghostly visitations are flying left and right. Not literally. Ophelia and her grandma have to deal with the pesky Appalachian aunt who never comes down off the mountain and wants some adventure before heading home. Tink disappears! More bodies! Sexy dude from the previous book (or possibly the one before that) that I don't remember at all but now want Ophelia to hook up with!
Enjoyable and nicely gruesome, I probably could have used a refresher course before slipping back into this series. One of the mysteries completely stymied me since I had such a vague recollection of the previous books. Which goes to show you that after 4 years I have no memory. Sad.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 28, 2011
How can you make Ophelia Jensen's life just a little more insane? Add Aunt Dot, who sees fairies, an undercover DEA agent, a pending adoption of her foster daughter tink, and a human skull found in the woods. Yep, Ophelia is once again around for the finding of a dead body.
In this fifth installment of the series, we are introduced to Abby's Aunt Dot, who comes to visti from the Appalachia area in the homes of finding some adventure. Does she ever. This is a wacky, 90 some year old woman who is able to brind some family history to the storyline. She also manages to drive Abby and Ophelia bonkers while stretching even their idea of reality.
We are also delighted to have the return of Cobra, or is that Ethan, and his ability to enjoy Ophelia and all her quirks is very enjoyable.
Like many of Damsgaard's books, the back cover description pretty much gives away the storyline, but it is always fun to see how she is going to get to the end. What will Darci convince Ophelia to do this time? How will Ophelia trip over yet another dead body? Who all will get drug into the mess?
Enjoyable read, great to pick up for some light weekend reading. Perfect for those that enjoy humor, the supernatural, and a good mystery.
In this fifth installment of the series, we are introduced to Abby's Aunt Dot, who comes to visti from the Appalachia area in the homes of finding some adventure. Does she ever. This is a wacky, 90 some year old woman who is able to brind some family history to the storyline. She also manages to drive Abby and Ophelia bonkers while stretching even their idea of reality.
We are also delighted to have the return of Cobra, or is that Ethan, and his ability to enjoy Ophelia and all her quirks is very enjoyable.
Like many of Damsgaard's books, the back cover description pretty much gives away the storyline, but it is always fun to see how she is going to get to the end. What will Darci convince Ophelia to do this time? How will Ophelia trip over yet another dead body? Who all will get drug into the mess?
Enjoyable read, great to pick up for some light weekend reading. Perfect for those that enjoy humor, the supernatural, and a good mystery.
August 14, 2018
The Witch is Dead by Shirley Damsgaard
Tink is being haunted by “shadows” - her description of the wraiths that seek her out, hoping her burgeoning talent as a medium will assist them in their plights. Ophelia has happened upon a DEA agent she met during one of her off kilter murder investigations. Abbey is with them, at the airport, waiting for their Appalachian aunt Dot to arrive.
Over breakfast, Ophelia suffers a hangover from Dot’s spiked elderberry wine, Abbey regrets a little too much information told, Tink sleeps in and Dot hopes to get involved in a murder investigation. It’s a long historied family of varied paranormal talents. One farmhouse full of bubbling potential, so you know something is bound to happen.
Dreams continue to haunt Tink, giving clues to something they cannot yet understand, but when Tink disappears, they are all Ophelia (and crew) have to go on. Frustrated that they cannot find answers themselves, (a psychic glitch) they sleuth about and wind up uncovering quite the crime scheme before the signs they did receive, and misinterpreted, become as obvious as Aunt Dot’s faeries.
With the help of DEA Ethan, Ophelia solves the mystery, has a few incarceration’s added to her resume and learns to deeper listen... even if it’s to Aunt Dot.
Tink is being haunted by “shadows” - her description of the wraiths that seek her out, hoping her burgeoning talent as a medium will assist them in their plights. Ophelia has happened upon a DEA agent she met during one of her off kilter murder investigations. Abbey is with them, at the airport, waiting for their Appalachian aunt Dot to arrive.
Over breakfast, Ophelia suffers a hangover from Dot’s spiked elderberry wine, Abbey regrets a little too much information told, Tink sleeps in and Dot hopes to get involved in a murder investigation. It’s a long historied family of varied paranormal talents. One farmhouse full of bubbling potential, so you know something is bound to happen.
Dreams continue to haunt Tink, giving clues to something they cannot yet understand, but when Tink disappears, they are all Ophelia (and crew) have to go on. Frustrated that they cannot find answers themselves, (a psychic glitch) they sleuth about and wind up uncovering quite the crime scheme before the signs they did receive, and misinterpreted, become as obvious as Aunt Dot’s faeries.
With the help of DEA Ethan, Ophelia solves the mystery, has a few incarceration’s added to her resume and learns to deeper listen... even if it’s to Aunt Dot.
May 9, 2011
Shirley Damsgaard has carved a new niche in the market: Appalachian Paranormal Fiction! Being a West Virginia gal, I love how Appalachia figures into the books without all the negative stereotyping that usually goes along with it!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
November 3, 2016
I don’t know why that name? What did I miss Shirley?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
So I enjoyed another book in the series. This one had a different twist that made it stand out for me. It made it my favorite so far of the series.
My Favorite line from the book:
” I didn’t expect to find you like this, I expected distraught and disheveled, not attractive with attitude. Got a date?”
There was some focus on ‘Tink’ in the beginning that reminded me of another series. I don’t know if you have read the ‘Darkest Powers Series’ by Kelley Armstrong.
I again enjoyed Ophelia’s independence and her active imagination. You know I had the thought while reading this – it is rare to find a strong female character that doesn’t have a love interest in each book.
Bravo! to the author Shirley Damsgaard for sticking with the witch theme for her books. I do love the hint of a love affair. But we don’t need a man with our leading lady to make her important.
Hmm, should I continue with the series or begin another book?
What would you do?
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
So I enjoyed another book in the series. This one had a different twist that made it stand out for me. It made it my favorite so far of the series.
My Favorite line from the book:
” I didn’t expect to find you like this, I expected distraught and disheveled, not attractive with attitude. Got a date?”
There was some focus on ‘Tink’ in the beginning that reminded me of another series. I don’t know if you have read the ‘Darkest Powers Series’ by Kelley Armstrong.
I again enjoyed Ophelia’s independence and her active imagination. You know I had the thought while reading this – it is rare to find a strong female character that doesn’t have a love interest in each book.
Bravo! to the author Shirley Damsgaard for sticking with the witch theme for her books. I do love the hint of a love affair. But we don’t need a man with our leading lady to make her important.
Hmm, should I continue with the series or begin another book?
What would you do?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2009
Book 5 of this series! In this one, wacky Aunt Dot who sees faries that no one else can and enjoys her very strong homemade wine shows up for a visit but wants an adventure in the form of solving a mystery. Ophelia is preparing to adopt Tink who is fighting with controlling her own gift.
Tink's puppy, TP, brings her a skull, she has visions of ghosts begging for help and then finally she is kidnapped.
This book, while still a mystery, seems to be more character development than anything. Ophelia continues to grow in her powers, Tink is learning to control hers but still experiments like any Teen would, Dot is introduced and you learn more about Aunt Mary even though you don't get to meet her yet. Abby, as always, is the rock. That being said, the mystery part was very predictable to me in this one. I knew who took Tink the moment she disappeared. Once again, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book in the least.
Tink's puppy, TP, brings her a skull, she has visions of ghosts begging for help and then finally she is kidnapped.
This book, while still a mystery, seems to be more character development than anything. Ophelia continues to grow in her powers, Tink is learning to control hers but still experiments like any Teen would, Dot is introduced and you learn more about Aunt Mary even though you don't get to meet her yet. Abby, as always, is the rock. That being said, the mystery part was very predictable to me in this one. I knew who took Tink the moment she disappeared. Once again, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book in the least.
January 26, 2016
This was a fast, easy & entertaining read.
Ophelia's soon to be adopted daughter Tink (Titania) has been kidnapped after Tink has a series of terrifying visions (ghosts with missing body parts reaching out to her and asking for help). To add further to Tink's visions, her puppy T.P. comes running out of the woods with a new ball (a human skull)!
Abby's Aunt Dot (who talks to the Faeries) comes to visit from Appalachia and near drives Abby & Ophelia crazy.
The new library helper is too good to be true...Cobra turns back up...and Darci aids & abets the craziness.
Although I knew from the beginning what was going on...this wasn't as violent as the others I read in the series, so I rated it higher. I like the bits of information on the paranormal that is presented in the book, and there was a piece of information regarding purification that is actually quite important in real life that I had forgotten about.
Ophelia's soon to be adopted daughter Tink (Titania) has been kidnapped after Tink has a series of terrifying visions (ghosts with missing body parts reaching out to her and asking for help). To add further to Tink's visions, her puppy T.P. comes running out of the woods with a new ball (a human skull)!
Abby's Aunt Dot (who talks to the Faeries) comes to visit from Appalachia and near drives Abby & Ophelia crazy.
The new library helper is too good to be true...Cobra turns back up...and Darci aids & abets the craziness.
Although I knew from the beginning what was going on...this wasn't as violent as the others I read in the series, so I rated it higher. I like the bits of information on the paranormal that is presented in the book, and there was a piece of information regarding purification that is actually quite important in real life that I had forgotten about.
October 5, 2013
I liked this one better than the others I've read. Halfway through I considered giving up when Tink was kidnapped and none of the psychics could figure out the culprit. She wasn't quite hiding in plain sight (as I originally thought) but acting through a third party. I kept reading to see how the other occurrences fit together.
What I really liked was the change in Ophelia from distant and aloof to an emotional virago confronting those she thinks are behind Tink's kidnapping. The reappearance of Ethan/Cobra was also a good addition. Of course Ophelia figures it out in the end but only after barreling down a few blind alleys.
What I really liked was the change in Ophelia from distant and aloof to an emotional virago confronting those she thinks are behind Tink's kidnapping. The reappearance of Ethan/Cobra was also a good addition. Of course Ophelia figures it out in the end but only after barreling down a few blind alleys.
April 29, 2018
I liked the story, but am getting tired of the elderly-woman-who-butts-in-and-causes-pandemonium cliche. Abby and Ophelia are trying to find the teen Tink, while working cautiously in the human world of guns and police and dead people.
The whimsical addition of speed dating, a weird library employee and a few too many appearances of the local law add up to an interesting storyline that keeps getting my attention!
The whimsical addition of speed dating, a weird library employee and a few too many appearances of the local law add up to an interesting storyline that keeps getting my attention!
November 15, 2008
This is a super cozy series with a paranormal tweak.
July 13, 2017
These stories are really great. Enjoying this series very much.
October 21, 2017
It's a really fun, light read. The swerves are nice and keep you engaged. Witches solving crimes are always fun! I definitely will be reading the rest of the Ophelia and Abby mysteries!
February 27, 2018
Love the Abby and Ophelia mysteries, and especially with Tink. It was great to learn more about Abby’s family, and the mysteries were solved in a satisfying way.
February 21, 2023
/spoilers
It was quite a surprise to see that Ethan would appear in this book again. He seems rather charming and have a sense of humour I could relate to. I would hope that Ethan will appear in the next book again. But that's a certain doubt that it wouldn't happen as this author just doesn't seem to have Ophelia settle with guy. (After so many histories of like Charles and Christopher)
It's an easy guess at the start of the book that the kidnaping will have to do with Winnie. Like come on? She's like the latest villain in the book that had escaped. Though Gert was a surprised, I did think that Darci may be right on how she feels about Gert. Gert just feels like someone too good to be true, she's an amazing collegue in fact.
I still don't like that Ophelia doesn't like her aunt talking about fairies. It just felt like she's shunning her aunt's ability when it could be helpful. She may be eccentric but at least hear her out. Her fairies was correct most of the time. Ophelia, you might really fall off your broom this time.
It was quite a surprise to see that Ethan would appear in this book again. He seems rather charming and have a sense of humour I could relate to. I would hope that Ethan will appear in the next book again. But that's a certain doubt that it wouldn't happen as this author just doesn't seem to have Ophelia settle with guy. (After so many histories of like Charles and Christopher)
It's an easy guess at the start of the book that the kidnaping will have to do with Winnie. Like come on? She's like the latest villain in the book that had escaped. Though Gert was a surprised, I did think that Darci may be right on how she feels about Gert. Gert just feels like someone too good to be true, she's an amazing collegue in fact.
I still don't like that Ophelia doesn't like her aunt talking about fairies. It just felt like she's shunning her aunt's ability when it could be helpful. She may be eccentric but at least hear her out. Her fairies was correct most of the time. Ophelia, you might really fall off your broom this time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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