What do you think?
Rate this book
Witches Be Crazy #2
Down But Not Dead
Who's Killing the Exotic Dancers?
The Big Easy Gentleman's Club has a flock of beauties who dance to the wee hours, but several have ended up dead. Not only that, they were drained of blood. Helga knows that New Orleans is rumored to have these blood suckers of the night, but is it true? She's a witch, so why not?
Or could the culprit be someone who likes to use the blood of young beautiful women to keep herself youthful? And what is up with Helga's old school chum? In school he was considered a weasel, but now that he's coming to the club, he's changed into something more sinister. Has he been turned or is there something more mundane going on?
Gwen and Penelope are ready to help or hinder as usual. And of course Helga's familiar, Andromeda, is his usual chill self. Nothing rattles that cool cat.
The Big Easy Gentleman's Club has a flock of beauties who dance to the wee hours, but several have ended up dead. Not only that, they were drained of blood. Helga knows that New Orleans is rumored to have these blood suckers of the night, but is it true? She's a witch, so why not?
Or could the culprit be someone who likes to use the blood of young beautiful women to keep herself youthful? And what is up with Helga's old school chum? In school he was considered a weasel, but now that he's coming to the club, he's changed into something more sinister. Has he been turned or is there something more mundane going on?
Gwen and Penelope are ready to help or hinder as usual. And of course Helga's familiar, Andromeda, is his usual chill self. Nothing rattles that cool cat.
- GenresParanormal
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2020
379 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Constance Barker
279 books203 followersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 6, 2020
Talk about bumbling through an investigation! Helga is asked about a dead dancer from a "gentleman's club" by her friend Jacob who is a detective, the murder neither connects to her nor does she know the deceased but all of a sudden she is jumping to conclusions and jumping onto the investigation
Helga can speak to ghosts but this is not used to her advantage as it seems the only ghosts she can see are the two in her shop a debutante and a flapper who Jacob can also see
I was excited about this series, but to be honest it is a bit of a let down, very little of New Orleans and to much bumbling from one suspect to the next, Gwen is not likeable and Jacob is just a puppy dog who tells Gwen not to investigate, but everytime he catches her (and lets face it she is not exactly highding it) he says aw shucks Helga don't do it again
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Helga can speak to ghosts but this is not used to her advantage as it seems the only ghosts she can see are the two in her shop a debutante and a flapper who Jacob can also see
I was excited about this series, but to be honest it is a bit of a let down, very little of New Orleans and to much bumbling from one suspect to the next, Gwen is not likeable and Jacob is just a puppy dog who tells Gwen not to investigate, but everytime he catches her (and lets face it she is not exactly highding it) he says aw shucks Helga don't do it again
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2020
Helga needed something spectacular to bring customers to the annual antiques fair and into her shop. But a minor distraction will take her attention when exotic dancers are being murdered and drained of blood. Three have been killed so far. Her best friend Detective Jacob Brody, with the ability to see and talk to ghosts and spirits, comes into the shop to ask for her help with the case. Helga thinks it is probably a vampire and she and her friends are ready to take on the challenge.
As part of her investigation, she decides to visit the Big Easy Club where the strippers worked. As she heads down the dark alley to the rear door to break in, she is attacked and bitten by a vampire. She quickly escapes by dropping her full body weight to the ground, sliding right off his teeth! She was positive it was Gregory, but she couldn’t really see in the dark. When her shop is attacked by bats pelting the window, a threatening message is left carved on the door saying “STAY AWAY FROM THE BIG EASY”. Who is the vampire responsible for all of this? Can she and her friends find him before more people die?
As part of her investigation, she decides to visit the Big Easy Club where the strippers worked. As she heads down the dark alley to the rear door to break in, she is attacked and bitten by a vampire. She quickly escapes by dropping her full body weight to the ground, sliding right off his teeth! She was positive it was Gregory, but she couldn’t really see in the dark. When her shop is attacked by bats pelting the window, a threatening message is left carved on the door saying “STAY AWAY FROM THE BIG EASY”. Who is the vampire responsible for all of this? Can she and her friends find him before more people die?
June 10, 2020
Down But Not Dead, is book 2 of the A Witchy Mystery and each book can be read as a stand alone. Honestly, I would go and read book 1 if you have not read it yet to get a little bit of back story about the characters, since the story line is progressive.
Helga owns an antique store that she inherited from her father. Along with the store, she inherited 2 ghosts (was 3 but you need to read book 1 to learn about her). Her boyfriend/notboyfriend Jacob is a detective with another murder to solve. This one involving the murder of exotic dancers from a local gentleman's club. Jacob asks for Helga's help concerning revealing what the murderer is. He doesn't believe it is your run of the mill human.
Good story line, nice characters, good detailed descriptions and entertaining dialogue. Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending. There is a hint of possible romance, but it is not the main focus of the story at this time.
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.
Helga owns an antique store that she inherited from her father. Along with the store, she inherited 2 ghosts (was 3 but you need to read book 1 to learn about her). Her boyfriend/notboyfriend Jacob is a detective with another murder to solve. This one involving the murder of exotic dancers from a local gentleman's club. Jacob asks for Helga's help concerning revealing what the murderer is. He doesn't believe it is your run of the mill human.
Good story line, nice characters, good detailed descriptions and entertaining dialogue. Written as a 1st person, single pov with a completed mystery ending. There is a hint of possible romance, but it is not the main focus of the story at this time.
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.
June 5, 2020
Helga was getting ready for the fair when Jacob comes in to see her. He needs her help with a case he is working on. Turns out that there might be vampires in there town. Helga decides that she will help Jacob with this case. Helga seeks out help from a few close to her. She has a suspect and goes to the location of the murder. As she investigates these murders, she has another suspect.
Things will ramp on on Helga when she is attacked, she doesn't know who is responsible. She will let her gut lead the way. Things will get even more out of control. Didn't want to get into detail so I didn't spoil the book.
This was a good story to get lost in for a while. These characters and story are interesting. I am looking forward to see where Helga and Jacob go in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Things will ramp on on Helga when she is attacked, she doesn't know who is responsible. She will let her gut lead the way. Things will get even more out of control. Didn't want to get into detail so I didn't spoil the book.
This was a good story to get lost in for a while. These characters and story are interesting. I am looking forward to see where Helga and Jacob go in the future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2020
Who can you trust? Exotic dancers are being murdered and when found they have been drained of blood. Helga is sure it is a vampire and she and her friends are on the case. Of course her best friend and police officer Jacob doesn’t want her involved in case she gets hurt. After several days of investigating she is attacked by a vampire but he bites her once and runs away and then her shop is attacked by bats and a threatening message left. But who is the vampire? Someone she already has on her suspect list or someone else? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
June 18, 2020
Hello Andromeda!!!!!
Watch out for all the rabbit trails in this story!!!
Is the fair going to be cancelled? If so, how ill Helga survive?
Dancers are dying. Blood loss? Same place?
What does an old school chum have to do with this? Is he still the same person you remember?
There are lots of bats, vampire?, and what else?
I admit that I did not figure it out till almost the end. But I did get before the reveal.
Wonderful second book in this series. Fun, easy to read cozy. Easily read in a day or take your time and enjoy it more.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive And ARC book
Watch out for all the rabbit trails in this story!!!
Is the fair going to be cancelled? If so, how ill Helga survive?
Dancers are dying. Blood loss? Same place?
What does an old school chum have to do with this? Is he still the same person you remember?
There are lots of bats, vampire?, and what else?
I admit that I did not figure it out till almost the end. But I did get before the reveal.
Wonderful second book in this series. Fun, easy to read cozy. Easily read in a day or take your time and enjoy it more.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive And ARC book
May 23, 2020
Helga and her antique shop are back! And instead of concentrating on the sale of the year coming up, she is concentrating on murder---3 of them actually! This second book of the series is brilliant and even better than the last book! Helga didn't hesitate to take on the darkest evil knowing she was putting herself at risk. Fortunately she had back up from Jacob when the stunning final confrontation happens. Great characters, including helpful ghosts, make this series fun. I am already anxious to read what happens next!
June 5, 2020
I love the cover!
First off I have to say I love the cover! She needs something spectacular for the annual antique fair I don’t think murder was what Helga had in mind. This starts off cute with her friends from the shop giving her ideas. Then Jacob shows up and the tale really gets going. Right off we have an interesting twist. I loved this cozy I loved the ghosts and the alive people what a wonderful cast of characters. The ending was really cool. If you like cozies this is a must-have book I hope you pick it up! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
First off I have to say I love the cover! She needs something spectacular for the annual antique fair I don’t think murder was what Helga had in mind. This starts off cute with her friends from the shop giving her ideas. Then Jacob shows up and the tale really gets going. Right off we have an interesting twist. I loved this cozy I loved the ghosts and the alive people what a wonderful cast of characters. The ending was really cool. If you like cozies this is a must-have book I hope you pick it up! I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 15, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. A young woman who happens to be a witch owns an antique store in the French quarter of New Orleans. In her store she has many antiques and a few ghosts hanging around. She also has a knack for solving crimes. Follow along as her her friends and the ghosts and even her familiar assist a local detective in solving crimes. A very entertaining at times is funny and at times corky story. Check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a fun and entertaining storyline. A young woman who happens to be a witch owns an antique store in the French quarter of New Orleans. In her store she has many antiques and a few ghosts hanging around. She also has a knack for solving crimes. Follow along as her her friends and the ghosts and even her familiar assist a local detective in solving crimes. A very entertaining at times is funny and at times corky story. Check it out
June 8, 2020
Helga is asked by Jacob to use her special ability to find out why several dancers have been murdered. Later, Jacob warns her to step back from this dangerous case, but she cannot let it rest. There are enjoyable twists in this mystery. I especially enjoyed the spirited Orchid and Zephyr, and, of course, Andromeda, the cat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 5, 2020
Helga is a witch who owns an antiques store haunted by ghosts. When several dancers at a nearby gentleman’s club are murdered, Helga can’t help but look into the deaths. Can a vampire be behind the killings? Book is more enjoyable if the previous book in the series has been read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2020
New Orleans, Antique Fair, Murder, and Vampires
This is a fun, paranormal cozy mystery. It is the second in a series and the books just keep getting better. The story has everything to love about paranormal stories and everything to love about cozy mysteries. And, with a setting like New Orleans, how could it lose? I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
This is a fun, paranormal cozy mystery. It is the second in a series and the books just keep getting better. The story has everything to love about paranormal stories and everything to love about cozy mysteries. And, with a setting like New Orleans, how could it lose? I received this ARC book for free from Booksprouts and this is my honest review.
June 14, 2020
Dancers are dying and they’re found drained of blood. Is it a vampire? Someone trying to make it look like a vampire?
It was so hard to put this book down, even to try and sleep! I kinda figured the killer out, but kinda not at the same time. It was a great twist!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was so hard to put this book down, even to try and sleep! I kinda figured the killer out, but kinda not at the same time. It was a great twist!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 15, 2020
Down But Not Dead by Constance Barker is a wonderful story that I have read. This is book number two out of six books that I have loved reading and I am so hooked I can not wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about cozy mysteries in their stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2020
I am enjoying this series with each new release. The action and suspense are just enough for me to keep reading. The characters are well developed and their relationships are what people strive for in real life.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 7, 2021
I liked this more than the first book. We don’t have the one annoying ghost, and the storyline is fun and upbeat. A mystery with no romance, at least not at the moment, is a plus. There is a lack of some editing. There is added words and missing words in other sentences. So glad I continued this series!
April 5, 2024
Helga's police detective comes to let her know that there have been three deaths from a gentleman's club over the last three weeks, and all three of them had been drained of their blood.
The workers had all been young and very pretty, and as Helga also fits those criteria, she needs to solve the case before she also becomes a victim.
The workers had all been young and very pretty, and as Helga also fits those criteria, she needs to solve the case before she also becomes a victim.
June 5, 2020
The story line was great, the character work was terrific and the book had a smooth flow to it. This was a great addition to the series and had me laughing throughout the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2020
Vampires or an Elizabeth Bathory situation? This had me running in circles until the end and I never solved it. I love reading this series! I love Helga’s shop with its resident ghosts, Zephyr and Orchid! They are fun!
June 15, 2020
This is book 2 of the Witches Be Crazy Cozy Witch Mystery Series. The plot is well written with likable characters. Both are well written and holds your interest. I would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2020
Nice read
I always enjoy this authors books. The line about -to paraphrase- looking for the vampire puts you in grave danger was a hoot. I am re-reading this series and the books are still fun to read.
I always enjoy this authors books. The line about -to paraphrase- looking for the vampire puts you in grave danger was a hoot. I am re-reading this series and the books are still fun to read.
August 5, 2020
Perfect
I truly enjoyed this book and am looking fwd to reading the next in the series. Great insight into New Orleans, ghosts and witches
Loved it all especially the mysteries of murder could not put it down!!!!
I truly enjoyed this book and am looking fwd to reading the next in the series. Great insight into New Orleans, ghosts and witches
Loved it all especially the mysteries of murder could not put it down!!!!
August 14, 2020
Decent read
Enjoyable enough. I think a little character development would be nice to make everyone a little more multi dimensional. The sister would be a good character to flesh out a little too.
Enjoyable enough. I think a little character development would be nice to make everyone a little more multi dimensional. The sister would be a good character to flesh out a little too.
Read
July 20, 2021Cute mystery
I enjoyed this story. The story line was interesting and the characters were okay. I was stumped the the main character ,who is a witch, but had no clue about vampires.
I enjoyed this story. The story line was interesting and the characters were okay. I was stumped the the main character ,who is a witch, but had no clue about vampires.
May 11, 2025
cost murder mystery
Following the usual outline for this genre. Female supernatural has police boyfriend, she stumbles along with errors but ends up solving the murder with the help of friends and an animal sidekick.
Following the usual outline for this genre. Female supernatural has police boyfriend, she stumbles along with errors but ends up solving the murder with the help of friends and an animal sidekick.
May 25, 2020
This is the second book in the Hocus Pocus series by Constance Barker. Helga and gang are back and at it again. Solving murders and getting into trouble.
June 12, 2020
This is an ok series and I will continue but not sure if I will add to my read again list.
June 16, 2020
Excellent story!
Wow! Stumbled upon this series and I’m hooked! Can’t wait for the next installment. I will be reading the other books by Ms. Barker!
Wow! Stumbled upon this series and I’m hooked! Can’t wait for the next installment. I will be reading the other books by Ms. Barker!
June 16, 2020
Interesting and entertaining
June 26, 2020
Enjoyed
Another reason why I enjoyed reading your books they are fascinating and exciting and I am looking forward to your next book.
Another reason why I enjoyed reading your books they are fascinating and exciting and I am looking forward to your next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews