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Witches of Shadow Lane #1
Witchy Business
Defeated and down on her luck, recently heartbroken witch, Shay Graves, seizes the opportunity to pack up her daughter and moves back to the enchanted island of Spellbourne to work for her family's funeral business. With a teenage daughter about to come into her witchy powers, a family of eccentric witches only a stone’s throw away, and a job where the dead always have a say in their funeral arrangements, Shay's got her hands full.
Her first job as the cosmetologist for Graves’ Funeral and Crematorium is readying the Witch Council’s High Priestess after a tragic accident. But in a strange turn of events, the ghost of the High Priestess latches onto Shay’s daughter and claims that her death was no accident. With no witnesses and no evidence, local law enforcement is less than helpful. In order to free her daughter from the whims of the callous old witch and possibly bring a murderer to justice, Shay is forced to investigate on her own. Lucky for her, she has a family of capable witches ready to help and a few new friends she can enlist. Throw in the ghost of a thousand-year-old vampire for a roommate, a cat with an attitude, and murderous mayhem brewing up all over town.
If you thought your family was crazy, meet the witches of Shadow Lane.
Her first job as the cosmetologist for Graves’ Funeral and Crematorium is readying the Witch Council’s High Priestess after a tragic accident. But in a strange turn of events, the ghost of the High Priestess latches onto Shay’s daughter and claims that her death was no accident. With no witnesses and no evidence, local law enforcement is less than helpful. In order to free her daughter from the whims of the callous old witch and possibly bring a murderer to justice, Shay is forced to investigate on her own. Lucky for her, she has a family of capable witches ready to help and a few new friends she can enlist. Throw in the ghost of a thousand-year-old vampire for a roommate, a cat with an attitude, and murderous mayhem brewing up all over town.
If you thought your family was crazy, meet the witches of Shadow Lane.
224 pages, Paperback
Published August 27, 2019
1106 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Misty Bane
27 books117 followersMisty Bane is the author of Paranormal Cozy Mysteries filled with witches, shapeshifters, snarky ghosts, and a talking animal or two.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Misty is a Pacific Northwest native currently living between the mountains and the beach with her husband, three children, and golden retriever, Lou. She sometimes fantasizes about living in a world where she could clean the house and whip up a four-course meal with just a twirl of her finger.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 6, 2020
A fun fast read with great characters
October 1, 2020
2.75
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see 3* differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see 3* differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
March 23, 2020
I completely enjoyed this story! It has several actual laugh-out-loud moments. It was hard to pick out a favorite character, but Steve is the front-runner for the title.
This one is well written and self-contained! NO CLIFFHANGER and I'm so grateful for that! The characters are relatable and likable (the ones you're supposed to like anyway) and the story is not cookie-cutter witch/cozy/formula.
I like this one so much, I immediately downloaded the second book in the series. I hope there will be more to come!
A couple of grammatical errors that I can't overlook because it is a pet peeve of mine to use "I" when it should be "me" but that's probably the only reason it stuck out to me in the first place.
This one is well written and self-contained! NO CLIFFHANGER and I'm so grateful for that! The characters are relatable and likable (the ones you're supposed to like anyway) and the story is not cookie-cutter witch/cozy/formula.
I like this one so much, I immediately downloaded the second book in the series. I hope there will be more to come!
A couple of grammatical errors that I can't overlook because it is a pet peeve of mine to use "I" when it should be "me" but that's probably the only reason it stuck out to me in the first place.
July 17, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of hectors an entertaining storyline. Your mother who left her supernatural hometown to move out into the human world with her new husband who then died six days after being married raises her daughter for 15 years on her own in the human world. Her daughter coming up on her 15th birthday is about to come into her own magic and she decides to move back to her hometown. Once she arrives back in town with all of her family and begins working in the family funeral home. The top which is murdered. Follow along as she tries to figure out who done it. Her and her friends search for the truth. Entertaining funny and a great read.
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of hectors an entertaining storyline. Your mother who left her supernatural hometown to move out into the human world with her new husband who then died six days after being married raises her daughter for 15 years on her own in the human world. Her daughter coming up on her 15th birthday is about to come into her own magic and she decides to move back to her hometown. Once she arrives back in town with all of her family and begins working in the family funeral home. The top which is murdered. Follow along as she tries to figure out who done it. Her and her friends search for the truth. Entertaining funny and a great read.
March 18, 2020
Errors
Several errors where the author has used the wrong word, e.g. "pierced her lips" instead of "pursed her lips", typos, and missing words. It makes for an irritating read because even a half decent proofreader should have picked them up. I reported several but frankly as a reader it's not my job to have to point out the errors and I stopped when it became obvious that it's been written and published with a lack of care and attention to detail.
I hope that the next book improves radically.
Several errors where the author has used the wrong word, e.g. "pierced her lips" instead of "pursed her lips", typos, and missing words. It makes for an irritating read because even a half decent proofreader should have picked them up. I reported several but frankly as a reader it's not my job to have to point out the errors and I stopped when it became obvious that it's been written and published with a lack of care and attention to detail.
I hope that the next book improves radically.
October 3, 2020
Witch Business is a fun beginning to a new series. 4.6 stars
Okay, I agree with the author that it would be terrific to be able to clean and cook with a circling of your finger. This is a cute story of a mom and her daughter moving back to the family's island home with primarily magical beings. Fortunately the mom, Shay, works at the family's funeral parlor so there is lots of entertaining material. This is lots of fun!!
Okay, I agree with the author that it would be terrific to be able to clean and cook with a circling of your finger. This is a cute story of a mom and her daughter moving back to the family's island home with primarily magical beings. Fortunately the mom, Shay, works at the family's funeral parlor so there is lots of entertaining material. This is lots of fun!!
June 9, 2025
Witchy Business- BASIC GRAMMAR REVIEW On book needed
Good storyline, but the author needs a refresher on pronoun usage. I can handle the fragments and run-ons, but not misplaced pronouns. There were many of each of the above listed.
Never is the pronoun “I” used in the predicate of a sentence. Yet, Ms. Bane, you did indeed do so. This is basic grammar.
I’m starting the second one in the series and sure hope to find improvements all around.
Good storyline, but the author needs a refresher on pronoun usage. I can handle the fragments and run-ons, but not misplaced pronouns. There were many of each of the above listed.
Never is the pronoun “I” used in the predicate of a sentence. Yet, Ms. Bane, you did indeed do so. This is basic grammar.
I’m starting the second one in the series and sure hope to find improvements all around.
December 1, 2019
What's not to love
This felt like a breathe of fresh air, in my favourite genre many of these books can have the similar starts, person's life goes down toilet, person suddenly receives a legacy from a will from an unknown or forgotten relative, they discover magical powers and more often than not a dead body! This was different and it blew other books in the paranormal cosy out of the water (in a good way! I promise)
Shay Graves is a Witch, who has lived amongst humans for over 15 years. Newly divorced from her sleaze ball ex husband who she caught with the receptionist of their Funeral Home business. Though the funeral home was a joint business, it was technically in his name, meaning after the divorce Shay was left with nothing. She has her daughter from her first husband a fellow Witch, James who tragically died at 18 when he and Shay left the small paranormal town they grew up in to get married and see the world, sadly he never got to meet his daughter, who now nearly 15 will be coming into her witchy powers. I
It seems fate has a part to play because the cosmologists at her family's funeral home is retiring, meaning it is the perfect time for Shay to take Ember and return to the paranormal island of Mystic Key where she grew up, never heard of it? That would be because your human and humans can't access paranormal towns, but they are here dotted all around accessible to only the Shifters, (from Wolves to Rodents) Angels, Witches, Mermaids... I could go on but you catch the drift right? If you're not paranormal you're not getting in. You don't know it exists in the first place.
Shay is returning not a moment to soon, the High Priestess of the Witches Council, Evanora Thornes has met with a sad accident and passed away. With her funeral imminent Shay has arrived home just in time to make her look good for her final appearance, except this is when things go from sad to tragic Evanora didn't fall down the stairs as everyone believes, she says she was pushed, yes SHE Evanora TELLS Shay she was murdered, pushed down the stairs. Rather than appearing as a ghost to tell Shay (All Graves Witches can see ghosts) Evanora possesses Ember who as a new Witch is unable to stop it happening, and not only is Evanora using Ember to tell of her fate she's going to hold Ember's body hostage until Shay or her brother who is a police deputy solve her murder... except the Police Cheif has ruled the death an accident and has no plans to reopen the case, so what's a mum to do? Together with friends old and new she will investigate and solve this one way or another!
As i said this is such a good entry book, it's different i love Shay l love that she takes no nonsense and says what she thinks. I highly recommend, I'm already downloading the sequel as i write this review. The characters are so good, despite having just "met" then, you feel as if you know them, and you care for them. Misty Bane can certainly write well. I really hope she keeps up the quality for future books in this series.
The Witches of Shadow Lane has definitely made it to my must read list!
This felt like a breathe of fresh air, in my favourite genre many of these books can have the similar starts, person's life goes down toilet, person suddenly receives a legacy from a will from an unknown or forgotten relative, they discover magical powers and more often than not a dead body! This was different and it blew other books in the paranormal cosy out of the water (in a good way! I promise)
Shay Graves is a Witch, who has lived amongst humans for over 15 years. Newly divorced from her sleaze ball ex husband who she caught with the receptionist of their Funeral Home business. Though the funeral home was a joint business, it was technically in his name, meaning after the divorce Shay was left with nothing. She has her daughter from her first husband a fellow Witch, James who tragically died at 18 when he and Shay left the small paranormal town they grew up in to get married and see the world, sadly he never got to meet his daughter, who now nearly 15 will be coming into her witchy powers. I
It seems fate has a part to play because the cosmologists at her family's funeral home is retiring, meaning it is the perfect time for Shay to take Ember and return to the paranormal island of Mystic Key where she grew up, never heard of it? That would be because your human and humans can't access paranormal towns, but they are here dotted all around accessible to only the Shifters, (from Wolves to Rodents) Angels, Witches, Mermaids... I could go on but you catch the drift right? If you're not paranormal you're not getting in. You don't know it exists in the first place.
Shay is returning not a moment to soon, the High Priestess of the Witches Council, Evanora Thornes has met with a sad accident and passed away. With her funeral imminent Shay has arrived home just in time to make her look good for her final appearance, except this is when things go from sad to tragic Evanora didn't fall down the stairs as everyone believes, she says she was pushed, yes SHE Evanora TELLS Shay she was murdered, pushed down the stairs. Rather than appearing as a ghost to tell Shay (All Graves Witches can see ghosts) Evanora possesses Ember who as a new Witch is unable to stop it happening, and not only is Evanora using Ember to tell of her fate she's going to hold Ember's body hostage until Shay or her brother who is a police deputy solve her murder... except the Police Cheif has ruled the death an accident and has no plans to reopen the case, so what's a mum to do? Together with friends old and new she will investigate and solve this one way or another!
As i said this is such a good entry book, it's different i love Shay l love that she takes no nonsense and says what she thinks. I highly recommend, I'm already downloading the sequel as i write this review. The characters are so good, despite having just "met" then, you feel as if you know them, and you care for them. Misty Bane can certainly write well. I really hope she keeps up the quality for future books in this series.
The Witches of Shadow Lane has definitely made it to my must read list!
March 26, 2020
This book was fun to read, so many ups and downs.
It started with shay's second husband cheating on her but some how getting a divorce and her business. Shay and her daughter Ember going to shay's home town of Mystic Keys a hidden paranormal town. Then the adventure really begins.
I so recommend this book, the series is going to be great to read!
It started with shay's second husband cheating on her but some how getting a divorce and her business. Shay and her daughter Ember going to shay's home town of Mystic Keys a hidden paranormal town. Then the adventure really begins.
I so recommend this book, the series is going to be great to read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2020
Cute
A cute witchy cozy mystery. When Shay Graves and her daughter Ember move to her paranormal hometown, Shay suddenly has to find out who killed the head of the witch council... so she’ll stop possessing Ember.
A quick, cozy mystery, simple whodunnit with a tiny speck of romance.
A cute witchy cozy mystery. When Shay Graves and her daughter Ember move to her paranormal hometown, Shay suddenly has to find out who killed the head of the witch council... so she’ll stop possessing Ember.
A quick, cozy mystery, simple whodunnit with a tiny speck of romance.
July 9, 2020
Shay moves back home with her teenage daughter after her heart is broken. Her daughter is about to come into her witch powers and Shay will be working at the family funeral home. The High Priest dies and her death is declared an accident until her ghost appears and she says she was pushed down the steps. Shay has to help solve the mystery of her death .
September 6, 2020
Thinking about it, I’m not really one to reach for a cozy mystery but I was drawn to this one because it’s witchy. I admit there were times I zoned out as I needed more edge-of-the-seat suspense and drama but there were moments throughout the book that made up for it. Will be checking out the rest of this series as some point. Interested in seeing where these books take the characters.
December 3, 2021
When Shay and her daughter return home after fifteen years, there is no rest for the weary. The high priestess ghost wants justice and uses Shay's daughter to communicate. When her daughter is in danger it, Shay takes on the role of investigator to find the truth and expose the killers. Its a fun read, with unusual characters.
October 15, 2024
Witch Business
What a delight! This was such a fun cozy mystery. I loved every bit of it! Characters were wonderful well thought out and just such kooky fun. What a great family. Makes you wish they were real and that you knew them. Its 2:45 am but I'm gonna start the next book anyway. Read! You won't be sorry.
Kathy
What a delight! This was such a fun cozy mystery. I loved every bit of it! Characters were wonderful well thought out and just such kooky fun. What a great family. Makes you wish they were real and that you knew them. Its 2:45 am but I'm gonna start the next book anyway. Read! You won't be sorry.
Kathy
January 12, 2020
Too much fun
I loved this story line, it was to interesting to put down, I couldn't even get my kitchen packed up for my new cabinets that are due tomorrow. Anyway it was clean and a great find, I recommend this read for young adults and up. Thanks
I loved this story line, it was to interesting to put down, I couldn't even get my kitchen packed up for my new cabinets that are due tomorrow. Anyway it was clean and a great find, I recommend this read for young adults and up. Thanks
February 6, 2020
Good story but please edit well
Misty needs an editor who knows the difference between hoard/horde, and exercise/exorcise. Loved it otherwise. I'm available to edit copy if needed!
Misty needs an editor who knows the difference between hoard/horde, and exercise/exorcise. Loved it otherwise. I'm available to edit copy if needed!
February 16, 2020
Witchy Business
This is a fun read of a magical land and the return home of a mother with her daughter. This is a good start for a series, but it could be read as a stand alone book.
This is a fun read of a magical land and the return home of a mother with her daughter. This is a good start for a series, but it could be read as a stand alone book.
March 24, 2020
A fun light hearted read. I thought this was well written as I was able to imagine the scenery and the characters clearly and I enjoyed that it was funny with lots of different characters who at times where snarky but all funny. Definitely a light hearted read in the current climate!
April 17, 2020
Loved this book and enjoying the series.
Fun and interesting characters. A plot with a fast pace, that still gives elbow room to develop a mystery.
And Aunt Hattie. Everyone needs Aunt Hattie in their life!
Fun and interesting characters. A plot with a fast pace, that still gives elbow room to develop a mystery.
And Aunt Hattie. Everyone needs Aunt Hattie in their life!
April 23, 2020
Heading home and murder happens
What would you do if you returned home and your daughter is possessed by a murdered witch? You solve the mystery and make sure your daughter is spirit free for her high school years.
What would you do if you returned home and your daughter is possessed by a murdered witch? You solve the mystery and make sure your daughter is spirit free for her high school years.
May 3, 2020
Ghosts and murder
Great story - magic and murders when a move back home for Shay and her daughter becomes quickly a crazy time.
Liked this story and recommend to all who like witches, faries, magic and murder.
Great story - magic and murders when a move back home for Shay and her daughter becomes quickly a crazy time.
Liked this story and recommend to all who like witches, faries, magic and murder.
May 22, 2020
Great story
Just finished book one of the series and ordered the rest.
Even though the island is fictitious, or is it, it's a place I'd feel right at home at. I'm looking forward to see what other adventures Shay and her daughter get into.
Just finished book one of the series and ordered the rest.
Even though the island is fictitious, or is it, it's a place I'd feel right at home at. I'm looking forward to see what other adventures Shay and her daughter get into.
May 26, 2020
Funny and sassy
This is a completely new to me author, but after reading this book that will change she has the ability to draw you in and this new world that I lost myself in is one I truly would love to live in
This is a completely new to me author, but after reading this book that will change she has the ability to draw you in and this new world that I lost myself in is one I truly would love to live in
November 7, 2020
A fun and entertaining book
I love this authors other works so I knew that this one would be equally enjoyable. Shay and her teen daughter arrive back in her hometown and she’s involved in solving a murder from the start. I loved the family, the familiars and the town folk.
I love this authors other works so I knew that this one would be equally enjoyable. Shay and her teen daughter arrive back in her hometown and she’s involved in solving a murder from the start. I loved the family, the familiars and the town folk.
March 3, 2021
Just found a fun new series!
Decided to try this series on the recommendation of my favorite paranormal author. Love the heroine, family, town, and mystery. Looking forward to the next!
Decided to try this series on the recommendation of my favorite paranormal author. Love the heroine, family, town, and mystery. Looking forward to the next!
February 16, 2020
The scene is set
We got to meet most of the players and a murder was solved so let’s go on to our next book even though no hook was set for the next book or was it?
We got to meet most of the players and a murder was solved so let’s go on to our next book even though no hook was set for the next book or was it?
February 17, 2020
Who done to whom?
Cool book with interesting cast of family and characters. Shay has her hands full at the funeral home and solving murders. Enjoy the read.
Cool book with interesting cast of family and characters. Shay has her hands full at the funeral home and solving murders. Enjoy the read.
February 19, 2020
Cute story
Great characters and a fun story! Nice cozy that had me second guessing myself to the end! Can't wait to start the next one!
Great characters and a fun story! Nice cozy that had me second guessing myself to the end! Can't wait to start the next one!
February 21, 2020
Very good 👍book and I would love to see more of your books 📚on my tablet for free books I don't have kindle unlimited On my tablet so I can only get free books but the book was very good 👍
March 5, 2020
Great read
What a great read for teens and adukts ! Can't wait to start the next one! Humor mystery this book has it all!
What a great read for teens and adukts ! Can't wait to start the next one! Humor mystery this book has it all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews