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Beezley and the Witch #1
Selective Spells
Just because the coven excommunicated me, doesn't mean I'm a bad witch.
Those ladies should learn to take a joke. In the meantime, though, it's left me in a bind. I need to get a real job, in a normal human occupation. Yuck.
But when I see a sign at the community centre asking for an assistant—only witches need apply—I feel like my fortunes might be trending up. Sure, there's a murder to solve, a killer on my tail, and a pittance in my bank account, but at least it's not working checkout in a supermarket.
And did I mention my new co-worker? Or "boss" as he likes to call it. He's a detective sergeant with years of specialised training under his belt.
Somewhere along the way he also hacked off some powerful people. At least, I think that's why they turned him into a dog.
Hm. Maybe the supermarket would be a better bet after all.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2019
552 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
Willow Mason
25 books49 followersWillow Mason is the author of Witchy Paranormal Cozy Mysteries.
She lives in a small town in New Zealand, far too close to the beach and fantastic walking trails to get nearly as much work done as she should. Until someone bestows magic powers on her, she'll just keep hoping for the invention of self-cleaning dishes and self-washing clothes.
She lives in a small town in New Zealand, far too close to the beach and fantastic walking trails to get nearly as much work done as she should. Until someone bestows magic powers on her, she'll just keep hoping for the invention of self-cleaning dishes and self-washing clothes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
July 20, 2025
Selective Spells
Beezley and the Witch, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: #14Books14Weeks - Owned Edition
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Chirp
Dates Read: 7/13/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Erin O’Flaherty
The Story:
Some good elements but some of the execution seemed off. There are a lot of characters and several different plots but they do roll up together in the end. I think I will continue the series.
Beezley and the Witch, Book 1
I Picked Up This Book Because: #14Books14Weeks - Owned Edition
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Chirp
Dates Read: 7/13/25
Rating: 3 Stars
Narrator(s): Erin O’Flaherty
The Story:
Some good elements but some of the execution seemed off. There are a lot of characters and several different plots but they do roll up together in the end. I think I will continue the series.
February 7, 2022
"A true hero would use her earlier failure as fuel for a victory!"
I have had this book for a while. I wasn't impressed with the storyline ( better books have since been written with the same premise). I wanted to choke the main character, which isn't a good sign. I'd not get anything else by this author.2/5
I have had this book for a while. I wasn't impressed with the storyline ( better books have since been written with the same premise). I wanted to choke the main character, which isn't a good sign. I'd not get anything else by this author.2/5
July 22, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining story line. A young woman who happens to be a witch but never quite fits in. Is excommunicated from her Coven. While looking for a job she goes to work fora person looking for a witch to assist a private investigator. Follow along as her and her new boss start looking into a case and find a lot more than they bargained for. Entertaining story and a fun read. Check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. Great cast of characters and an entertaining story line. A young woman who happens to be a witch but never quite fits in. Is excommunicated from her Coven. While looking for a job she goes to work fora person looking for a witch to assist a private investigator. Follow along as her and her new boss start looking into a case and find a lot more than they bargained for. Entertaining story and a fun read. Check it out
May 27, 2022
Fun!
The way it’s written I immediately felt pulled into the story. A witch who is excommunicated from the coven, a dog who isn’t a dog but a cursed cop, Glynda the wicked witch, and lots of mayhem! Okay, maybe the main character was a little bit rude sometimes, but I enjoyed the story anyway. Because it was so much fun! So entertaining! Sarcasm? Check! Fun? Check! Me wanting to read the rest of the series? Big check! Five stars for sure!
Favorite quote: “Like most advice, I ignored it and pushed the door open.”
The way it’s written I immediately felt pulled into the story. A witch who is excommunicated from the coven, a dog who isn’t a dog but a cursed cop, Glynda the wicked witch, and lots of mayhem! Okay, maybe the main character was a little bit rude sometimes, but I enjoyed the story anyway. Because it was so much fun! So entertaining! Sarcasm? Check! Fun? Check! Me wanting to read the rest of the series? Big check! Five stars for sure!
Favorite quote: “Like most advice, I ignored it and pushed the door open.”
May 30, 2025
This was a fun cozy mystery! I wasn't sure what to expect since I found the audiobook for free, but it was really good. I enjoyed the narrator, and she brought life to the characters.
The mystery was elusive, and I didn't figure it out.
I will check out the other books in this series
The mystery was elusive, and I didn't figure it out.
I will check out the other books in this series
June 30, 2019
A very different slant on the witchy PI business
A wonderful read. A great new take on how a witch gets into the PI business and the first case she has to deal with. The murder of what seem to be unrelated people. Her partner (or boss) is a former detective now transferred into a dog. Great characters, that have some snappy dialogue and interactions that, to be honest, tend to be less then friendly. I still think that Prissy used the situation to make things worse for her and not sure if she deserved a new familiar with that attitude.
She has been kicked out of the coven and now she needs to find a job and fast if she wants to eat and pay the rent. The only opening she can find is as an assistant to a PI. The surprise is that the PI is a dog. Or rather he has been transformed into a dog. His former career - the police force. Unrelated deaths, a bumbling associate, a magic stamp, a wicked warlock, being stripped of her magic, a soul eater and much more. Can she and the dog find the common link between the victims and get the souls back? Will she be strong enough without her magic?
A wonderful read. A great new take on how a witch gets into the PI business and the first case she has to deal with. The murder of what seem to be unrelated people. Her partner (or boss) is a former detective now transferred into a dog. Great characters, that have some snappy dialogue and interactions that, to be honest, tend to be less then friendly. I still think that Prissy used the situation to make things worse for her and not sure if she deserved a new familiar with that attitude.
She has been kicked out of the coven and now she needs to find a job and fast if she wants to eat and pay the rent. The only opening she can find is as an assistant to a PI. The surprise is that the PI is a dog. Or rather he has been transformed into a dog. His former career - the police force. Unrelated deaths, a bumbling associate, a magic stamp, a wicked warlock, being stripped of her magic, a soul eater and much more. Can she and the dog find the common link between the victims and get the souls back? Will she be strong enough without her magic?
September 10, 2019
Tragic not Magic
Oh dear. This book needs magic. I would reread several sentences because they
didn't flow or make sense. Editing or writing style?? Also the main character is such a ditz that she runs around here and there with no clue till about 89% of the book and then abracadab, figures it all out and everything is tied with a bow. Oh yeah, and the main character has Daddy issues. Eye roll.
Not funny, not cozy, not mysterious, not going to read the next one.
Oh dear. This book needs magic. I would reread several sentences because they
didn't flow or make sense. Editing or writing style?? Also the main character is such a ditz that she runs around here and there with no clue till about 89% of the book and then abracadab, figures it all out and everything is tied with a bow. Oh yeah, and the main character has Daddy issues. Eye roll.
Not funny, not cozy, not mysterious, not going to read the next one.
July 7, 2019
Uhhh
Almost a cute idea. The writing is not good, especially the dialogue. I wanted to at least enjoy this, but it was just slow and stupid at the times it could have been witty and clever.
Almost a cute idea. The writing is not good, especially the dialogue. I wanted to at least enjoy this, but it was just slow and stupid at the times it could have been witty and clever.
October 20, 2021
When you're a witch whose been excommunicated from your coven for misbehavior where do you go to find employment? Well to the ad that says, "Only witches need apply." This is how "Selective Spells" the first in the Beezley and the Witch series by Willow Mason begins. When she shows up at the job for her interview she's shocked to see it's not a man or woman interviewer but a French Bulldog and he's talking! Of course she can hear him only because she's a witch and he hasn't always been a dog He has his own experience with a witch that obviously didn't end well for him. Anyway, she gets the gig and is now solving crimes with her boss, the bulldog.
This was a very cute story with lots of humor, witchy spells and wonderful characters. I'm a huge fan of witch stories whether they're based in fact like the Salem trials or one like this where it's fun, funny at times and all around cute. Not sure if I'll continue the series it was good but not stellar and I've got so many other witch stories to get to, but did enjoy reading/listening to this one. I'd never heard of the series before I found it on audible and I'm always game for something new, so I happily jumped in! The witch here is someone I could see being a friend, she's mischievous, she's got a bit of a smart mouth and doesn't mince her words. My kind of gal! I enjoyed this one and think, if you like cozies and especially cute witch stories then try this series out, it's really fun!
This was a very cute story with lots of humor, witchy spells and wonderful characters. I'm a huge fan of witch stories whether they're based in fact like the Salem trials or one like this where it's fun, funny at times and all around cute. Not sure if I'll continue the series it was good but not stellar and I've got so many other witch stories to get to, but did enjoy reading/listening to this one. I'd never heard of the series before I found it on audible and I'm always game for something new, so I happily jumped in! The witch here is someone I could see being a friend, she's mischievous, she's got a bit of a smart mouth and doesn't mince her words. My kind of gal! I enjoyed this one and think, if you like cozies and especially cute witch stories then try this series out, it's really fun!
Read
March 28, 2024A white witch is unceremoniously excommunicated from her coven over a practical joke gone bad; now she has to look for a “human” job although she retains some of her magical powers. She answers an ad for a job in a detective agency that specifies one of the lob requirements is being a witch. The detective in question is Detective Sergeant Beezley, an experienced policeman who, unfortunately, has had a spell cast on him that has converted him into a dog; a French Bulldog at that. To most normals Beezley can only bark but witches can understand him. Together they embark on a caper to try solving a series of unrelated deaths that they soon discover are connected in the magical witch realm. Lighthearted and humorous this is the first book in the series Beezley and the Witch. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 7, 2020
Fun, short story
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story flowed along nicely without gaps. A witch is having a really tough week. She continues to stay positive no matter what goes wrong. Most of it is her fault. She is not very good at thinking things through. Beezley is pretty tough too for a man who was turned into a dog the prior week. Glynda is the head of the coven but she fails often in training her coven. I normally can figure the case out pretty fast but not this one.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy paranormal mysteries.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are well developed and interesting. The story flowed along nicely without gaps. A witch is having a really tough week. She continues to stay positive no matter what goes wrong. Most of it is her fault. She is not very good at thinking things through. Beezley is pretty tough too for a man who was turned into a dog the prior week. Glynda is the head of the coven but she fails often in training her coven. I normally can figure the case out pretty fast but not this one.
I would recommend this book to those who enjoy paranormal mysteries.
July 13, 2022
If you happen to be snacking on cheese, while reading this book, expect to have a lot of "whine" coming at you. That is basically the personality of the main character, she whines about everything! She acts more like an entitled millennial that didn't get her way, and is blaming everyone else for her faults.
The talking do reminds me of the commercial for an anti-itch pill for dogs. If you've seen the commercial, you'll understand.
The talking do reminds me of the commercial for an anti-itch pill for dogs. If you've seen the commercial, you'll understand.
May 15, 2025
The narrator for this audiobook really brought the story to life! Loved the accent! - The story was an interesting little witchy mystery with lots of quirky banter and moments. Despite dealing with murders and and not so nice witches, it was a feel-good type of book overall. Or at least that’s how I felt by the end! Now onto the next book!!
Read
March 13, 2021This was one of the funniest laugh out loud story ever. I really enjoyed it. Loved that the dog can talk and he makes smart remarks that are hilarious. Actually the witch does toi. Going to read the next ones too! Recommend it highly.
Want to read
January 26, 2022[led here by GoodReads member; some reviews give me doubt but, on the other hand, some make it sound interesting...worth a try I guess // whoops...library only has audio book...may have trouble getting this one kindle or hardcopy...]
November 8, 2022
A witchy cozy mystery (as you can tell) with a French Bulldog companion. Worth the read, the MCs were funny and the mystery was quite good. I liked the storyline of how and why she was excommunicated. And honestly the killer was surprising.
April 25, 2020
A fun witchy mystery
A lighthearted mystery involving a witch who finds it hard to behave and Beezely the police detective who has been turned into a dog.
A lighthearted mystery involving a witch who finds it hard to behave and Beezely the police detective who has been turned into a dog.
August 6, 2020
Not sure about this one
I enjoyed the story, & the development of the characters. What i found disheartening was the turn to dark magic that the story took.
I enjoyed the story, & the development of the characters. What i found disheartening was the turn to dark magic that the story took.
August 8, 2020
It's a fun way for you to be witched.
I had a hard time trying to figure out who was the murderer.I couldn't put down the kindle. I wanted to find out what was next.
I had a hard time trying to figure out who was the murderer.I couldn't put down the kindle. I wanted to find out what was next.
August 12, 2020
I found this to be a cute book. Story went along nicely and tied everything up in the end.
August 17, 2020
A hairy tail :-)
This entertaining, fast paced read is imaginative. I liked the main characters and was irritated with the ones who made life harder for her.
This entertaining, fast paced read is imaginative. I liked the main characters and was irritated with the ones who made life harder for her.
September 29, 2020
Great boom
Loved it can't wait for the next one I loved the familiar and the detective as a dog definitely different can't wait to see where the story line leads.
Loved it can't wait for the next one I loved the familiar and the detective as a dog definitely different can't wait to see where the story line leads.
March 27, 2021
Great read
The book was cute and enjoyable. All the questions of what happened were answered. Really enjoyed Beezley and Barnard. Future reads ahead.
The book was cute and enjoyable. All the questions of what happened were answered. Really enjoyed Beezley and Barnard. Future reads ahead.
March 28, 2021
Interesting and funny
This story has a wonderful mix of humor and surprise. It has a well written plot that will keep your interest.
This story has a wonderful mix of humor and surprise. It has a well written plot that will keep your interest.
April 7, 2021
Wonderful paranormal cozy mystery.
May 7, 2021
Cleverly written.
May 24, 2021
Delightful fun
Quick and easy read that lives up to the promise of a cozy paranormal mystery. Great characters, lots of hilarious dialogue, and an interesting plot.
Quick and easy read that lives up to the promise of a cozy paranormal mystery. Great characters, lots of hilarious dialogue, and an interesting plot.
September 16, 2021
Fun author
I really have enjoyed these. There is some humor and a nice mystery to solve, food weekend reading. On to the next.
I really have enjoyed these. There is some humor and a nice mystery to solve, food weekend reading. On to the next.
September 27, 2021
Good Witchy Mayhem
A very good and well written book. This is fast mystery read with some witchy mayhem. Recommended if you like cozy mysteries.
A very good and well written book. This is fast mystery read with some witchy mayhem. Recommended if you like cozy mysteries.
dnf-not-for-me
October 11, 20211/10: Couldn't get past the first few chapters; not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews