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Crystal Springs #4

A Witch Too Dead

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Dead Witch Walking . . .

Someone or something is leaving gruesome death markers for the citizens of Crystal Springs.

It’s the curse, the townspeople whisper. And to Cascade Lorne, brand new witch at fifty, it sounds ridiculous. Until two days before the opening of her business, when she stumbles across a corpse wearing her face.

The message is clear. She and other people in town have been marked for death—and payment will come due on All Hallows Eve.

Has Crystal Springs’ troubled past unleashed a ghoul with a homicidal bag of tricks no one will be able to escape?

Cas decides she’s the best woman to set things right. But will she scare up the truth in time or end up a dead witch walking?

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2019

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Paula Lester

142 books105 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
372 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2019

Someone has been leaving scary death markers for the citizens of Crystal Springs. With All Hallows Eve only a few short days away, rumor has it that it’s a curse cast years ago coming to fruition. Cascade, a new witch at 50 years old, discovers a corpse wearing her face. Can she figure out who is behind this before All Hallows’ Eve? I love this series! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books33 followers
March 9, 2021
I loved this book and moaned every time I got interpreted while listing to it. This is book four of an excellent and fresh series, so if you haven't heard the rest of the book it isn't necessary but I highly recommend that you if only for the amusement factor. I love the unique and quirky characters, they are what makes the series and all work so well together, they are also good for a chuckle. The mystery was interesting and took a few twists in the plot to get to the unmasking of the killer, although I had worked out who the killer was. I did miss a few of the clues because so much is going on in this story, good job Cascade Lorne was on the case. I like the fact that the whole town is part of the paranormal community but still have to hide it from tourist and with a paranormal hotel anything can and usually does happen, especially when magic is involved.and that is even before the guests start to arrive. I can't wait to find out what does happen when it opens.
Cascade Lorne is busy with trying to get her hotel up and running, as well as come up with a name. With permits and mini accidents happening she is behind schedule and fast running out of money to fix them. The only option is to get a loan from the bank but not even that job is easy, when the man she is meant to have the meeting suddenly goes on holiday and deathwish beetles swam the town. Then someone leaves a dead body on her driveway, one wearing her face. Cascade thinks it is a Halloween prank taken to far until several people also find there own and everybody starts talking about curses. Can Cascade find out what is going on before she or one of her friends really get hurt?
I really like the narrator she has a pleasing voice that she uses well to bring the story to life.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
1,087 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2020
Fantasy

Another interesting murder mystery. Beginning to lose interest in the heroine, first she didn't like Jack but was willing to use him for her own benefit, then started to be his friend, but as soon as she didn't need him she stopped helping him and no further mention of him for two or three stories. Second she's got too much teenage angst and was so jealous over her boyfriend maybe having other girlfriends that she almost breaks up with him twice but agrees to keep trying after just making a date with another guy.
Profile Image for Peggy.
293 reviews
September 1, 2020
Nameless Loodge

Halloween is coming and all the town. Is talking about the curse from 100 years ago. Then things start to happen. Is it the curse? The town is easily whipped into a frenzy.
1 review
April 18, 2021
For my love of witches and magic...

Very entertaining, makes you want to read more and more. Thank you for writing and sharing. My love for magic lives in these books.
Profile Image for Gerry.
1,846 reviews
July 27, 2025
A Witch Too Dead

This was a little shorter than the first three but it wasn't bad at all. It was just as good as the others and I recommend reading just as much as the others.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.9k reviews369 followers
December 18, 2019
Cascade Lorne went into the Crystal Springs First Federal Bank to discuss a business loan for an old ski lodge she had purchased to complete her dream. But the renovation costs more than anticipated. To her surprise, the assistant manager told her that the bank manager, Mr. Buckley – with whom she had made this appointment – had taken off for vacation! Mr. Timber, reeking of an overwhelming, musty-smelling cologne, led her back to his office, his keyring holding 100 assorted keys jingling all the way. They had just gotten started when the bank teller interrupted to announce Mr. Timber’s next appointment was there, which had been scheduled before he took over Mr. Buckley’s appointments as well. So he told Cas that he would have to reschedule her, despite her own tight schedule. As she walked to the door, she saw something definitely unfriendly in his eyes!

Before Cas could exit the bank, black bugs landed all over the windows and the horrible stench of rotten meat filled the bank. Mr. Timber locked the doors, but the bugs came from neighboring buildings and made their way to the sidewalk and street, thick, black slime trailing behind them. They made a strange, loud tapping sound. Mr. Timber identified them as an infestation of Deathwish beetles which hadn’t been seen for many years. When the magical police arrived to take care of the matter, everyone went back to their business. But Cas had her doubts!

Cas was trying to use her newfound witch magic to change the color of the pillows in her yet-to-be-renovated lodge. Attempt after attempt failed, but she kept at it. As she opened her eyes, the pillows had all turned gold, making her jump up and down in glee. Her boyfriend, Graham Noble, leaned on the doorjamb, grinning. Burdock, her mentor helping her with her magic, came in with Echo, a cat. He reminded Cas that she was still in danger since the guy who tried to kill her previously had robed helpers who had managed to escape. She suggested he teach her more magic to defend herself, but he reminded her she hardly made time now for training and hadn’t mastered the hand skills he had assigned. Getting the lodge ready was her sole focus. Even Graham complained of not enough time spent with her.

Cas’ friend, Posie, came to the door upset, then startled to see Cas was there, even though it was Cas’ party! Posie told her to come quickly and they all ran outside. She stepped around Graham to see why everyone was so startled. The dead body hung suspended in mid-air like a grotesque decoration and twisted slowly, spinning on an invisible axis. When the face came around, complete with a well-known tiny scar, Cas saw that the corpse spinning in the air was wearing her face!

This was a good mystery that captures the reader’s attention. The dead body with Cas’ face was alarming. Is she under attack again by the people who tried to steal her magic, is this a warning of some sort, or does this have something to do with the beetles who only come out every 100 years? Is this part of a curse?
1,190 reviews9 followers
December 20, 2019
Cas is still putting her lodge together, there is more to do than what she realized. She goes to the bank to get a loan.The person she is supposed to meet with took a sudden vacation. The person she meets is what she calls a braggart, who has over done it on cologne. All of sudden, he tells her he has to end their meeting and he will get her loan paperwork and check together. All of sudden the woman that caused her meeting to end, seems something horrible. Everyone at the bank sees and smells the bugs that are leaving the smell, deathwish beetles. Everyone at the bank is freaking out and Cas is just stuck watching it all unfold.
When Cas gets to the lodge, she is dealing with stuff there. Graham and Cas are having a conversation about stuff when someone on pops in and stops it. While they are talking, Posie runs in to see if Cas is ok, she tells them all to follow her. Someone left a body hanging in magic that looks just like Cas. Cas can't believe someone would do that. The police come and take the body away.
Cas will be very busy dealing with her lodge, the body that was left for her and this supposed curse that everyone is talking about. There are more bodies that turn up.
It will take Cas and others to hunt down clues and put a stop to what is going on. Will Cas be able to do that or will horrible things keep happening. What will happen between her and Graham.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book124 followers
December 24, 2019
Deliciously Creepy Paranormal Cozy

I have been enjoying this series all the way along. I found this to be an intriguing addition to it. I've got to say, the idea of having a corpse with the heroine’s face was purely inspired. There are several very creepy elements to this story, which I actually adored, including those nasty black bugs. A lot was going on in this novella: murders (of course), a curse, relationship issues, etc. I really like this particular heroine, as I don't think we see enough older females as the star of books. The author has a delightful writing style that feels personal, pulling you right into the scenes and giving glimpses into character. I felt like there was perhaps too much story for a novella. Particularly for mysteries, the shorter format doesn't allow for much development of all the cool things that we love in mysteries like red herrings and misdirection. I love to be able to follow multiple twists and turns and have the possibility of lots of suspects. Still, though, I thought this was a very enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery read.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
Profile Image for Jill Anna  Freeman.
549 reviews10 followers
January 23, 2020
” A Witch Too Dead -Crystal Springs Cozy Witch Mystery, Volume 4” by M.E. Harmon & Paula Lester is s tale of one Cascade Lorne...a resident of Crystal Springs...who while attempting to qualify for a bank loan to renovate her rundown ski lodge...she witnessed the bank’s Deathwish beetle attack...an event Crystal Springs only is graced with every century or so...and if that wasn’t enough to spook one...there are rumblings of a curse...and then there was that corpse that had her face...once THAT occurred Cas realized action must be taken to halt these horrid events...and soon...before the curse comes to fruition on All Hallows Eve. Can Cas solve the mystery and restore things to normal...including her relationship with Graham?!? And what ...does Echo know about what is going on?!?
Read and see. Much enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,187 reviews4 followers
January 26, 2020
Something is happening in her town. There are death premonitions and floating bodies. Cas is a new, older witch, having got her powers very late in life. She has been solving murder mysteries and now it seems there is a new one.

This is book four of the Crystal Springs Cozy Witch Mystery series and it definitely is a great one. The characters are dynamic, kooky and unusual. Their great personalities pull you into the story and keep you engaged until the end. The mystery is well written with surprises, unexpected events, dangers, suspense and dead ends. There is a lot going on between her learning to control her power, renovating the inn she bought and trying to solve the mystery. It is full of humour, a bit of romance, continued character development and lots of adventure. I enjoyed it immensely.
Profile Image for Sassy Beta Reading & Review.
1,239 reviews24 followers
December 19, 2019
This is book 4 of the Crystal Springs Series and each book can be read as a stand alone. However the books are progressive and reading the previous books will make it easier to understand the ins and out of this book series. I do recommend reading the previous books to get the full range of enjoyment from this series.

Each book is written as a 3rd person, single pov with a completed mystery ending. Contains great story lines, awesome characters, entertaining dialogue, and easy to visualize descriptions to detail.

Would I recommend this book? Yes

Would I read more from this author? Yes

Sassy Beta Reading and Review

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
December 19, 2019
A curse or is it someone out to kill her

A light easy read even though it's about a town's curse, murder and other nefarious things. The characters are getting stronger in power but our FMC has suddenly developed cold feet were her relationship with the shifter is concerned. The Inn is getting there slowly but things keep happening to make life difficult. An appointment with the bank manager should fix that. A bank manager on holiday, a possi of beetles, a dead body with her face, golems, the witches Olympics, candles and a cellar are all woven into an entertaining, fast paced read that will have you racing through the pages. Will she find the one behind it all or is there still a secret puppeteer hiding in the shadows?
Profile Image for Sue-Dee Numb.
323 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2019
What is going in in Crystal Springs? Is it a 100 year old curse set to come to fruition, or is it somebody trying to hurt Cas for her powers?
I really love this series, because Cas is older she deals with everything going on around her with a different viewpoint.
The storytelling is brilliant, I have to physically put my kindle down otherwise I would keep reading and not go to sleep!
I look forward to each new book, and although each book can be read as a standalone, I would totally recommend you read them in order as it will improve the experience! Each book Cas becomes more and more confident in her abilities and her friends.

Highly recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
199 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2019
Cas is moving along with her lodge renovations and magical training, though some aspects of both are quite challenging. Along the way she finds herself again enmeshed in trouble, this time a seeming curse on Crystal Springs. I enjoy watching Cas come into herself and gain confidence with every success, big or small. She's clever and resourceful, and determined to get to the bottom of whatever challenge she faces. The story held my attention all the way through and the characters are like friends by now. I especially like Echo, her snarky cat. I look forward to the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,425 reviews11 followers
December 18, 2019
Cascade has come to terms with finding out that she is a witch when she was an adult, and is busy trying to get the old place she has bought ready to run as a human and supernatural bed and breakfast. But someone is still out to get her - who would hang a body, spelled to be exactly like her, in a tree?? Death beetles have infested the town - what does Timber have to do with it? Love all of the stories about Cas and her journey! :-)

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
230 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2019
Cascade is a fairly new "Supreme" witch at 50. Cascade and several other people have had the 'death mark" show up over their heads and it has the town in a uproar. Years ago a witch cast a curse on the town Of Crystal Springs and now the towns people are afraid that the curse is coming true, even though Cas thinks its just a Halloween prank. So is it the curse or a prank? Very fun book to read with plenty of magic and mayhem. I could not put it down until I had read the last page.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2019
You find a body that looks like you, learn of a town curse and it is near Halloween. Add to that you are just learning that you are witch middle in life.

These are the elements in this wonderful cozy mystery. This book can be read by itself and not get lost. I have missed book one in the series but follow along just fine. You will want to go back and catch up just so you can follow the characters.

Fun enjoyable read for any mystery lover. Quick easy read. Go ahead.

This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC book.
1,521 reviews17 followers
January 4, 2024
Cassie is trying her best to get her lodge up and running but somehow, the expenses kept going up until she felt that she had no choice but to apply for a bank loan. And that was not the only thing. Work in the lodge just did not seem to work out, the stream in the camping area kept overflowing and Cassie was at her wits end. But that was before the deathwatch beetles staring trampling around town and dead bodies started turning up.....

Great read, full of mystery and suspense. Excellent. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Jodi Sweet.
1,813 reviews9 followers
January 25, 2020
Cas is working hard to get her lodge up and running, even though she still doesn’t have a name for it yet! While at a celebration for her up coming opening a body is found floating at the end of her road...and it looks just like Cas!
What a fun book! It’s so great seeing how Cas is getting more confident with her magic. I’m enjoying getting to know the characters in the series and look forward to many more sleuthing mysteries!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,259 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2019
A Curse? A curse was placed on Crystal Springs over a hundred years ago. Is it now coming true? Mysterious happenings lead many residents to believe in the curse. Some of the incidents seem like pranks, but a dead body glamoured to look identical to Cascade seems more sinister. Is she being targeted again by the people who tried to steal her magic before, or is this something else? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

6,044 reviews46 followers
December 19, 2019
Cas is finally involved in her Lodge renovations. Unexpected costs keep piling up. When she goes to the bank to see about a business loan, some stinky omens and personnel shifts make things tangled.

More than one being has Cas and her magic in their sights, and fickle fiends seem bizarrely greedy and lethally intent.

Another exciting series of magical adventures for Cas and Echo the cat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
171 reviews
December 19, 2019
I had not read all of the other books in the series, so I went in not too familiar with the characters, but that wasn't an issue. Makes for a good read. One of the characters irked me right away in the beginning, but things got better past that part. Will definitely check into the other books in the series.
2,416 reviews
December 19, 2019
This is book 4 in the Crystal Springs Cozy Witch Mystery series. I really enjoyed this book. I found the story and characters well written and enjoyable. A great addition to the series. I would recommend reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dorothy  Scott.
924 reviews4 followers
December 20, 2019
Cas is stumped when a curse placed long ago on Crystal Springs seems to be at work endangering the citizens, including Cas. A Witch Too Dead is an enjoyable mystery. I enjoy these characters, especially Echo, and recommend the entire series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
908 reviews18 followers
January 20, 2020
It seems this little witch though untrained has the knack of attracting and solving mysteries.

With her new lodge almost ready to be opened, she stumbles across a dead body with her face on.

And as they say, the chase is on....

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
341 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2020
A Witch Too Dead is an exciting, suspenseful read. This book had me guessing who about the culprit from the very beginning and I was still wrong. Paying attention to details is a must.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,902 reviews
May 18, 2020
I have fallen in love with this series and characters. I really can't wait to read the next. What great writing to grab you and pull you into the story. Great Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,921 reviews14 followers
December 31, 2019
Fun cozy mystery. I figured out whodunit at just the right time in the book. Not too early but not a solution that came out of nowhere.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews