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Pet Psychic #5
Pig Little Lies
An elixir party gone sour. An expired entrepreneur. Can a cursed shifter discover what’s in love potion number crime?
After confessing her dark secret, Jolene is left devastated when her cop-crush, Peter, ghosts her. But when a popular potion maker drinks her last draught, Jolene and Peter are forced to team up to find the butcher behind the brew.
As the list of suspects pours in, Jolene's only hope is to get the victim's pet swine to squeal. But when Jolene piggybacks onto a promising lead, she learns some shocking truths about the cursed tonic that took away her own magic.
Can Jolene put a cork in the killer before she’s drained of her last drop?
Pig Little Lies is the fifth book in the bewitching Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like magical mysteries, hilarious heroines, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s captivating tale.
Buy Pig Little Lies to hogtie the case today!
After confessing her dark secret, Jolene is left devastated when her cop-crush, Peter, ghosts her. But when a popular potion maker drinks her last draught, Jolene and Peter are forced to team up to find the butcher behind the brew.
As the list of suspects pours in, Jolene's only hope is to get the victim's pet swine to squeal. But when Jolene piggybacks onto a promising lead, she learns some shocking truths about the cursed tonic that took away her own magic.
Can Jolene put a cork in the killer before she’s drained of her last drop?
Pig Little Lies is the fifth book in the bewitching Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like magical mysteries, hilarious heroines, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s captivating tale.
Buy Pig Little Lies to hogtie the case today!
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 17, 2020
440 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Erin Johnson
90 books720 followersA native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
September 19, 2020
UPDATED: The audio for this book as lovely! Buttercup is the sweetest thing ever.
The naration is perfectly done.
I have to say this book really cemented my feelings for daisy. Her personality is so lovely and her chemistry with jolene really comes out in this book.
This whole series has been great and I'm really looking forward to seeing where peter and jolene go from here .
The naration is perfectly done.
I have to say this book really cemented my feelings for daisy. Her personality is so lovely and her chemistry with jolene really comes out in this book.
This whole series has been great and I'm really looking forward to seeing where peter and jolene go from here .
February 2, 2022
Clearly the author either has some experience with multi-level marketing or spent some time doing her research because that was scarily accurate (one of my past boyfriends was big into Amway and I actually attended one of those rallies with him).
I have to admit I'm really not impressed with Peter in this book. I know he's a bit of a Boy Scout, but he's a police officer, not some naive recruit fresh out of school. He should be much more understanding and realistic about why someone would need time to work up to sharing a truth as consequential as being a shifter in this society. Daisy gets points, though, for being more understanding and agreeing that telling the truth hadn't really done Jolene much good.
The mystery was not as good as some of the earlier installments, but I readily admit that might be due to a personal distaste for both MLM schemes and that this one smacks hard of the kind of pseudoscience that's often pushed in the real world. I also have real issues with the main characters being portrayed randomly imbibing potions in a magical version of a Pharm party, although given that it's the equivalent of homeopathy in the real world, maybe I should be pleased it's essentially saying the stuff doesn't do squat.
The underlying story continues to advance slowly with the angst from the last book being dragged out and not progressing, at all. If it weren't for the mildly entertaining individual plots in each book I'd have dropped it after book four. I'm not sure this one, in particular, was worth it, but we'll see if things start moving in a positive direction again in the next book.
I have to admit I'm really not impressed with Peter in this book. I know he's a bit of a Boy Scout, but he's a police officer, not some naive recruit fresh out of school. He should be much more understanding and realistic about why someone would need time to work up to sharing a truth as consequential as being a shifter in this society. Daisy gets points, though, for being more understanding and agreeing that telling the truth hadn't really done Jolene much good.
The mystery was not as good as some of the earlier installments, but I readily admit that might be due to a personal distaste for both MLM schemes and that this one smacks hard of the kind of pseudoscience that's often pushed in the real world. I also have real issues with the main characters being portrayed randomly imbibing potions in a magical version of a Pharm party, although given that it's the equivalent of homeopathy in the real world, maybe I should be pleased it's essentially saying the stuff doesn't do squat.
The underlying story continues to advance slowly with the angst from the last book being dragged out and not progressing, at all. If it weren't for the mildly entertaining individual plots in each book I'd have dropped it after book four. I'm not sure this one, in particular, was worth it, but we'll see if things start moving in a positive direction again in the next book.
December 2, 2021
Great characters, good storyline, magic is in the air .Talking animals are always fun.The cover drew me in ,love pigs
January 19, 2024
Interesting mystery but it was overshadowed by the fight between Jolene and Peter. It was necessary to move the story along but I felt like it took up too much of the book. Still, the mystery was well paced and I enjoyed the time spent in Bijou Mer. Also, learning more about the curse that on Jolene and the underworld of the shifters was a nice trade-off for the bickering between Jolene and Peter.
April 27, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson takes a whole new turn of events for Jolene and her friends.
A pyramid scheme's owner dies, and everything unfolds. Who could have killed her?
Jolene Hartgrove
Jolene has to deal with a lot in this new chapter of her life. After telling Peter the truth, he just stops talking to her, and when they have to work a case together, it's all awkward. Not only does Jolene have to deal with all of that, but she also has to worry about her two friends. Unfortunately, Jolene has a lot on her plate in this installment. What I like about Jolene is that she is trying to act normal around Peter as she used to, which doesn't work. The other thing that I like about her is that she is getting along with Daisy.
Peter Flint and Daisy
Peter is, of course, Jolene's police contact and love interest. Sadly, in this installment, he is still trying to get his mind around that Jolene has lied to him from the moment that they met. He also hasn't been doing well, and that is making Daisy worry about him. I like that Daisy is concerned about Peter and is talking to Jolene in the hope of making Peter will feel better. However, I dislike that Peter doesn't give Jolene a chance to try to explain about shifter rules to him so that he can get an idea about how hard it is for Jolene.
The Mystery
The mystery is that one of the owners of Potent Potions, the pyramid (Ponzi) scheme dies at their seminar to get more people on board for selling their products. Jolene and Peter uncover what the company has been hiding and not wanting anyone to know. Just who had the best motive to off one of the faces of the company? Try not to fall for the red herrings.
Five Stars
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson was another superbly written novel from this fantastic author. Each time a new one comes out, I am always left guessing about who the murderer is and what their motive is. Along with what Ms. Johnson is going to do in the next installment. I completely guessed wrong on who it was in this one. I am giving Pig Little Lies a five-star rating and recommending it to all cozy paranormal readers out there in the world.
Other Books in the Series
A pyramid scheme's owner dies, and everything unfolds. Who could have killed her?
Jolene Hartgrove
Jolene has to deal with a lot in this new chapter of her life. After telling Peter the truth, he just stops talking to her, and when they have to work a case together, it's all awkward. Not only does Jolene have to deal with all of that, but she also has to worry about her two friends. Unfortunately, Jolene has a lot on her plate in this installment. What I like about Jolene is that she is trying to act normal around Peter as she used to, which doesn't work. The other thing that I like about her is that she is getting along with Daisy.
Peter Flint and Daisy
Peter is, of course, Jolene's police contact and love interest. Sadly, in this installment, he is still trying to get his mind around that Jolene has lied to him from the moment that they met. He also hasn't been doing well, and that is making Daisy worry about him. I like that Daisy is concerned about Peter and is talking to Jolene in the hope of making Peter will feel better. However, I dislike that Peter doesn't give Jolene a chance to try to explain about shifter rules to him so that he can get an idea about how hard it is for Jolene.
The Mystery The mystery is that one of the owners of Potent Potions, the pyramid (Ponzi) scheme dies at their seminar to get more people on board for selling their products. Jolene and Peter uncover what the company has been hiding and not wanting anyone to know. Just who had the best motive to off one of the faces of the company? Try not to fall for the red herrings.
Five Stars
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson was another superbly written novel from this fantastic author. Each time a new one comes out, I am always left guessing about who the murderer is and what their motive is. Along with what Ms. Johnson is going to do in the next installment. I completely guessed wrong on who it was in this one. I am giving Pig Little Lies a five-star rating and recommending it to all cozy paranormal readers out there in the world.
Other Books in the Series
You will find links to my reviews of these books near the top next to the book cover of Pig Little Lies.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 23, 2020
4.5/5 stars
One of the things I’ve been enjoying in this series… and I think the author herself is really learning how to use it to best advantage… is Daisy’s lie detecting skills. If Daisy says a person is telling the truth when they say they didn’t kill someone then we’re inclined to believe. But… tricky tricky… how exactly are the answers phrased? What was the person’s intent in their answer? What other background info is missing from their answer? There are loopholes to Daisy’s skills and it’s fun to see how the ploy of misguidance is used here. Not outright lies, just clues that only in hindsight the reader can pick up on. I love it!
In this book we want to find out who killed Pearl, the force behind a pyramid scheme empire. One thing becomes immediately clear, Pearl was up to no good and there are many who have been used, betrayed and offended by this witch. From a philandering husband, to lawsuit filing former employees and even a not so cozy relationship with her sister, there are quite a few suspects. Any of them would have worked for me but I do love how it all played out. The revelation of the clues, the use of red herrings and interaction with the suspects are all set to a good, interest-keeping pace.
In terms of character development… drama! Jolene revealed all her secrets to Peter in the last installment and he didn’t take it well at all. He’s giving her the cold shoulder and insisting he doesn’t know if he could ever trust her. I was shaking my head in disappointment at Peter. I also wish Jolene would have given him a far more hostile tongue lashing when they finally have it out. As much as I wish she’d find more regular access to a shower, she’s making do with the horrid cards that have been dealt her. In a story where Jolene gets along better with Daisy than Peter, you gotta realize how awful he’s being. I have no sympathy for him… that’s all saved for Jolene.
On top of all that, she’s got to deal with the mob boss who’s behind her curse and pretty much blackmailing her into participating in his experiments… you’d have to read to find out more on that. It’s all juicy, intriguing, witchy fun.
At the end of it all though. Her best friends have her back and accept her as she is. Maybe they just will succeed in bringing justice to their part of the world.
One of the things I’ve been enjoying in this series… and I think the author herself is really learning how to use it to best advantage… is Daisy’s lie detecting skills. If Daisy says a person is telling the truth when they say they didn’t kill someone then we’re inclined to believe. But… tricky tricky… how exactly are the answers phrased? What was the person’s intent in their answer? What other background info is missing from their answer? There are loopholes to Daisy’s skills and it’s fun to see how the ploy of misguidance is used here. Not outright lies, just clues that only in hindsight the reader can pick up on. I love it!
In this book we want to find out who killed Pearl, the force behind a pyramid scheme empire. One thing becomes immediately clear, Pearl was up to no good and there are many who have been used, betrayed and offended by this witch. From a philandering husband, to lawsuit filing former employees and even a not so cozy relationship with her sister, there are quite a few suspects. Any of them would have worked for me but I do love how it all played out. The revelation of the clues, the use of red herrings and interaction with the suspects are all set to a good, interest-keeping pace.
In terms of character development… drama! Jolene revealed all her secrets to Peter in the last installment and he didn’t take it well at all. He’s giving her the cold shoulder and insisting he doesn’t know if he could ever trust her. I was shaking my head in disappointment at Peter. I also wish Jolene would have given him a far more hostile tongue lashing when they finally have it out. As much as I wish she’d find more regular access to a shower, she’s making do with the horrid cards that have been dealt her. In a story where Jolene gets along better with Daisy than Peter, you gotta realize how awful he’s being. I have no sympathy for him… that’s all saved for Jolene.
On top of all that, she’s got to deal with the mob boss who’s behind her curse and pretty much blackmailing her into participating in his experiments… you’d have to read to find out more on that. It’s all juicy, intriguing, witchy fun.
At the end of it all though. Her best friends have her back and accept her as she is. Maybe they just will succeed in bringing justice to their part of the world.
April 24, 2020
Pig Little Lies by Erin Johnson has Jolene Hartgrave regretting telling Officer Peter Flint that she is a shifter. She has not heard from him since she told him the truth. Heidi has dragged Jolene and Will to Potent Potions Third Annual Summit with the enticement of free food and drinks (Jolene is a little cash poor). Potent Potions owners, Pearl and Ralph Litt are onstage with their pig, Buttercup when Pearl drinks a red potion and falls dead on the stage. Officer Peter Flint arrives with Daisy along with Chief McCray. Jolene hopes to escape, but Daisy is not about to let that happen. Daisy wants Jolene help because Peter has not been himself. Chief McCray enlists Jolene to help with the case. Can Jolene, Peter and Daisy find the killer? Can Jolene and Peter mend their relationship? Pig Little Lies is the 5th tale in the Magic Market Mysteries. It can be read on its own, but I think it is a better experience to follow Jolene’s adventures from the beginning. Pig Little Lies is easy to read with quirky characters in an enchanting setting. It has been a month since Jolene told Peter that she is a shifter. She has not heard a peep from him. She had expected Peter to be more opened minded regarding shifters (so did I). Daisy is worried about Peter who has not been himself (his uniform is wrinkled). Daisy might not like Jolene, but she wants Peter to be happy. The pair find themselves working on the case and tiptoeing around each other. I enjoy Daisy and Jolene’s rejoinders. Their snarky comments are humorous. The mystery was unique and fun to follow. It is not often there is a pig as a witness. With a potion master as a suspect, it gives Jolene a chance to ask about her curse. She keeps hoping that someone can help her. Jolene learns some surprising information about her curse. I am eager to find out what happens next. Pig Little Lies is a witty tale with a plotting porker, a concerned canine, a perilous potion, a menacing mobster, and magical mayhem.
August 11, 2020
I love this series. Actually I love anything this author writes and am always eager for the latest audio book. This is because she has a way of combining colourful and interesting characters with a good mystery. And this book doesn't let me down. Each adventure whether it is this series or the spells and caramels series offer magic, mystery, romance and amusing sidekicks with lie sniffing dogs or talking flames and each are carefully crafted so that you feel like you are walking the cobbled streets of Bejumeir and joining in on the mystery. I didn't see the twist in the story coming and was no where near solving the mystery, which is always a plus in my book. The author has left the ending on a cliff hanger of sorts and I really hope the new book is out soon.
Jolene finally confessed to Peter, she is a cursed shifter and he didn't take it well leading him to dissolved there partnership. Jolene's friend talk her into going to a potions seminar where at least she would get some free food. She nearly walks out when she learns it is a pyramid scheme but free food is free food and it should be good for a laugh. By the end of the night she wishes she had, when the owner collapses on stage and dies after drinking a potion. The police are called and Jolene finds herself once again acting as a consultation for the police and working with Peter and Daisy. Things are not like were and tension between them is tense. Can she solve the murder and find a way to get Peter to trust her again? The suspect list is high with lots of unhappy people who brought into the scheme, including Jolene's own friends and not all the potions worked like they were meant to. Jolene a victim of a potion gone wrong herself can sympathize but can she catch a killer?
I like the narrator as she uses a wide range of voices and sounds to bring the story to life in the most magical way possible
Jolene finally confessed to Peter, she is a cursed shifter and he didn't take it well leading him to dissolved there partnership. Jolene's friend talk her into going to a potions seminar where at least she would get some free food. She nearly walks out when she learns it is a pyramid scheme but free food is free food and it should be good for a laugh. By the end of the night she wishes she had, when the owner collapses on stage and dies after drinking a potion. The police are called and Jolene finds herself once again acting as a consultation for the police and working with Peter and Daisy. Things are not like were and tension between them is tense. Can she solve the murder and find a way to get Peter to trust her again? The suspect list is high with lots of unhappy people who brought into the scheme, including Jolene's own friends and not all the potions worked like they were meant to. Jolene a victim of a potion gone wrong herself can sympathize but can she catch a killer?
I like the narrator as she uses a wide range of voices and sounds to bring the story to life in the most magical way possible
December 19, 2021
Will and Jolene are a bit late joining Heidi at a Summit she was invited to. She was gifted a couple extra tickets and wants to share her good fortune with her two best friends. As they approach the hotel, there are protesters. Jolene takes a good look and see it for what it is a scam a pyramid scheme. She and Will both are leaving but Heidi gets them to give it a chance when she mentions the ton of food awaiting them.
The Summit begins with the power couple Pearl and Ralph Litt and their pet pig Buttercup on stage, and at a chosen point of the opening speech, Pearl asks her husband for a vial to toast the crowd. After drinking it down she collapses dead on the stage.
Jolene is hoping to sneak out with Will and Heidi but she's stopped by Peter's police dog Daisy. At first Daisy is all friendly because she thinks Jolene snuck in to see Peter but isn't happy when she finds out Jolene was in the crowd.
The tension between these two is palpable. They haven't spoken since Jolene revealed she's a shifter, even though she hasn't been able to shift since she was cursed.
Although she does understand why Daisy is so upset, Peter looks a lot worse for wear. As they continue to work the case, some of the tension bleeds away, but it's still very much present. Peter eventually confesses it's a matter of trust, not just the whole shifter thing.
I have to say with all the twists and turns in this one, I didn't see the culprit coming. We also see more of Ludolf and his goons in this one although Jolene really wants nothing to do with his attempts to find a cure for her.
I'm already starting the next book.
The Summit begins with the power couple Pearl and Ralph Litt and their pet pig Buttercup on stage, and at a chosen point of the opening speech, Pearl asks her husband for a vial to toast the crowd. After drinking it down she collapses dead on the stage.
Jolene is hoping to sneak out with Will and Heidi but she's stopped by Peter's police dog Daisy. At first Daisy is all friendly because she thinks Jolene snuck in to see Peter but isn't happy when she finds out Jolene was in the crowd.
The tension between these two is palpable. They haven't spoken since Jolene revealed she's a shifter, even though she hasn't been able to shift since she was cursed.
Although she does understand why Daisy is so upset, Peter looks a lot worse for wear. As they continue to work the case, some of the tension bleeds away, but it's still very much present. Peter eventually confesses it's a matter of trust, not just the whole shifter thing.
I have to say with all the twists and turns in this one, I didn't see the culprit coming. We also see more of Ludolf and his goons in this one although Jolene really wants nothing to do with his attempts to find a cure for her.
I'm already starting the next book.
April 21, 2020
As the Magical Mystery continues Jolene and Will is rooked into accompany Heidi at the Potent Potions Annual Summit. Low and behold there is a group of angry women protesting......Jolene didn't like the sounds of it at all!
Jolene is not at her best and she's not up to being around a lot of folks as it's been over a month that she hadn't seen her flame the hottie Officer Peter Flint, she's outta here! But Heidi and Will talk her into staying especially since she's already here, as there's all good food and drinks for free.
Oh but the Summit just begins and with all the whoop da and cheers when the company leaders come on stage, trailing behind a pink pig of all things!
Speeches are made to encourage all attending and wishing a fabulous weekend to all, as the leader walks to her husband he pulls a vial of potion out.....she toasts to everyone and drinks up, only to clutch her throat, eyes bulging and collapsed on stage.
Police are called...Jolene wants to leave again she attempts to leave but the Lie sniffing dog, Officer Peter's partner sees her and starts barking! The new Chief McCray has other plans and has Jolene on the job of helping solve the murder.
Fast forward if you've read any of these Magic Market Mysteries your in store for lots of intriguing twists and turn in this magical murder mystery!
Jolene is not at her best and she's not up to being around a lot of folks as it's been over a month that she hadn't seen her flame the hottie Officer Peter Flint, she's outta here! But Heidi and Will talk her into staying especially since she's already here, as there's all good food and drinks for free.
Oh but the Summit just begins and with all the whoop da and cheers when the company leaders come on stage, trailing behind a pink pig of all things!
Speeches are made to encourage all attending and wishing a fabulous weekend to all, as the leader walks to her husband he pulls a vial of potion out.....she toasts to everyone and drinks up, only to clutch her throat, eyes bulging and collapsed on stage.
Police are called...Jolene wants to leave again she attempts to leave but the Lie sniffing dog, Officer Peter's partner sees her and starts barking! The new Chief McCray has other plans and has Jolene on the job of helping solve the murder.
Fast forward if you've read any of these Magic Market Mysteries your in store for lots of intriguing twists and turn in this magical murder mystery!
March 14, 2023
Relationships
Bijou Mer is a magical kingdom off the coast of France. Dark moon District is the seedy part of town. That’s where Jolene lives on comes from. She a cursed shifter who lost her magic, ability to shift, her fancy pants job as a lawyer, her fancy apartment and her fiancé (ex-fiancé). She is hired to be a police consultant for the gift of talking to any species of the animal kingdom. An unintended consequence of the curse. Thing is, Peter, the officer who hired her has a lie detecting dog, Daisy. Daisy knows Jolene is a shifter and can’t tell Peter. She is, however, happy to bark out all of Jolene’s lies and half truths. Since shifters are second rate citizens and not trusted, Jolene wants to keep her secrets. When she does share her shifter secret with Peter he walks out of her life. At least until another murder occurs and they're forced to work together again.
Leverage your relationships is a big red flag for a pyramid scheme. Does Hidie listen? No, she wrangled Will and Jolene into joining her at a big pitch night. When the owner/presented dies on stage next to her pet pig, the team gets thrown together again.
While that is going on, the blackmail against Jolene progresses further. The fun news, we find out more about her curse. The bad news, it's not surprising.
Bijou Mer is a magical kingdom off the coast of France. Dark moon District is the seedy part of town. That’s where Jolene lives on comes from. She a cursed shifter who lost her magic, ability to shift, her fancy pants job as a lawyer, her fancy apartment and her fiancé (ex-fiancé). She is hired to be a police consultant for the gift of talking to any species of the animal kingdom. An unintended consequence of the curse. Thing is, Peter, the officer who hired her has a lie detecting dog, Daisy. Daisy knows Jolene is a shifter and can’t tell Peter. She is, however, happy to bark out all of Jolene’s lies and half truths. Since shifters are second rate citizens and not trusted, Jolene wants to keep her secrets. When she does share her shifter secret with Peter he walks out of her life. At least until another murder occurs and they're forced to work together again.
Leverage your relationships is a big red flag for a pyramid scheme. Does Hidie listen? No, she wrangled Will and Jolene into joining her at a big pitch night. When the owner/presented dies on stage next to her pet pig, the team gets thrown together again.
While that is going on, the blackmail against Jolene progresses further. The fun news, we find out more about her curse. The bad news, it's not surprising.
April 24, 2020
This book was so good!
The MLM (home party type companies) aspects are spot on, relatable and well researched. Love the twists and turns of the case, didn't expect the ending, but totally made sense. Sends a good closing lesson, if it's too good to be true, it's people a scam.
The shifter community aspects are also perfection. So many clues being dropping, I've got so many suspicions about the boss now. Excited to see how it plays out and which ones end up being correct.
Peter and Jolenes relationship is realistic, and I adore how Erin writes relationships. Even the stressful, miscommunication, the fears and heartache. She is great and bringing these traits in people to live, making them relatable and lifelike.
So many aspects of this story make it hard to wait for the next books!
The MLM (home party type companies) aspects are spot on, relatable and well researched. Love the twists and turns of the case, didn't expect the ending, but totally made sense. Sends a good closing lesson, if it's too good to be true, it's people a scam.
The shifter community aspects are also perfection. So many clues being dropping, I've got so many suspicions about the boss now. Excited to see how it plays out and which ones end up being correct.
Peter and Jolenes relationship is realistic, and I adore how Erin writes relationships. Even the stressful, miscommunication, the fears and heartache. She is great and bringing these traits in people to live, making them relatable and lifelike.
So many aspects of this story make it hard to wait for the next books!
June 2, 2020
This is another great addition to the Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene's friend Heidi drags her and Will to a meeting in fancy hotel for what she thinks will be a get rich scheme of the pyramid kind. The only problem - one of the co-owners dies on stage. Before they can escape, the police swarm the place including Jolene's ex-partners, Peter and Daisy the lie-sniffing dog. Unfortunately for the trio, the new police chief wants them to work together to find the killer, starting with interviewing the pampered pig. Before the investigation proceeds too far, there's another murder. Will Peter and Jolene figure this out while not getting along? I was glad to read that Peter looked like a wreck, it's only fair for the way he treated Jolene. This was a twisty one to figure out, but I did. If you like to try to figure out whodunit, then read this book.
December 10, 2020
I found the magical twist to a pyramid scheme in this book interesting.
However, I am still having a really hard time getting past Peter's bigotry. How does the author even redeem a character with such a negative trait?
I'm so over this whole curse thing and the way Jolene can't catch a break!
Discovering who did the curse and why, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I have my own theories as to why this character did it and why there are now trying to uncurse Jolene. I can't decide if it's because they themselves are cursed or it's because they hate what they are. I'm leaning towards the second, it would make sense since this character hates shifters so much and has never been seen shifting. I'm just not sure why it's taken nearly 5 years for this to come to light.
3-star rating because Jolene is still disgusting and Peter is a nasty bigot.
However, I am still having a really hard time getting past Peter's bigotry. How does the author even redeem a character with such a negative trait?
I'm so over this whole curse thing and the way Jolene can't catch a break!
Discovering who did the curse and why, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I have my own theories as to why this character did it and why there are now trying to uncurse Jolene. I can't decide if it's because they themselves are cursed or it's because they hate what they are. I'm leaning towards the second, it would make sense since this character hates shifters so much and has never been seen shifting. I'm just not sure why it's taken nearly 5 years for this to come to light.
3-star rating because Jolene is still disgusting and Peter is a nasty bigot.
March 15, 2022
Pyramid potions
When Heidi is sucked into a pyramid scheme Will and Jolene try to dig her out but at the conference Mama Pearl who owns it takes a potion and dies on stage in front of thousands of consultants.
Peter is still avoiding Jolene following her shifter revelation but now the chief forces them to work together and Jolene is faced with seeing Peter far from his well mannered and neatly turned out self, he's even forgetting Daisy while he wallows, failing to see that his behaviour is exactly why Jolene didn't want to tell him.
They have plenty of suspects but the truth, when it comes, is far more bizarre than any previous case.
Meanwhile Ludolf wants to experiment on Jolene and finally the truth about the origin of the curse comes out. But it leaves Jolene with another question.. why is he so keen to fix the curse?
When Heidi is sucked into a pyramid scheme Will and Jolene try to dig her out but at the conference Mama Pearl who owns it takes a potion and dies on stage in front of thousands of consultants.
Peter is still avoiding Jolene following her shifter revelation but now the chief forces them to work together and Jolene is faced with seeing Peter far from his well mannered and neatly turned out self, he's even forgetting Daisy while he wallows, failing to see that his behaviour is exactly why Jolene didn't want to tell him.
They have plenty of suspects but the truth, when it comes, is far more bizarre than any previous case.
Meanwhile Ludolf wants to experiment on Jolene and finally the truth about the origin of the curse comes out. But it leaves Jolene with another question.. why is he so keen to fix the curse?
April 23, 2020
Jolene is really down on her luck. Her cop friend, Peter, hasn't asked her to "consult" on any cases since she revealed that she was a "shifter" to him. Reluctantly, Jolene accompanies friends Heidi and Will to a pyramids scheme presentation on magic potions. After eating free food and drinks, they go into the auditorium to watch the presentation. The unexpected happens and there is a death on stage. Jolene wants to leave but runs into Peter and his lie-sensing dog, Daisy. The police chief sees Jolene and insists that she join the investigation. Working with Peter will be difficult for her as, after her revelation, their budding relationship ended. They'll need to try to put that behind them if they're going to figure out who did it. Love this series! Looking forward to the next book!
March 29, 2021
Pig Little Lies (MMM#5) by Erin Johnson, was, as expected, a fun read for me. There's a murder (?) on stage at a convention for a pyramid scheme but nobody lies when asked if they committed murder according to the enchanted dog/partner to the investigating police officer. The spell Daisy has on her allows her to smell lies, and all she can smell is truth. To complicate the investigation, the officer and the former shifter (shape shifter) hired as a consultant are still on the outs with each other.
Let's not forget the underworld kingpin making death threats against the consultant and everyone she knows, including the police officer. This keeps the pressure on even though she stands up against him.
Let's not forget the underworld kingpin making death threats against the consultant and everyone she knows, including the police officer. This keeps the pressure on even though she stands up against him.
May 4, 2021
Pyramid scheme
Heidi gets suckered into a pyramid scheme and tries to drag Will and Jolene into it with her. She, of course, doesn’t believe she was suckered, but Jolene knows it’s a scam. Then, the face of the company is killed in front of thousands of other suckers at an event that Heidi dragged them to and Jolene has to face Peter again and it doesn’t go well, at all. Poor Daisy is so worried about Peter. He isn’t taking the whole shifter thing well.
This was an amazing mystery! But I’m feeling so bad for Jolene. The things that come out to her in this book. Just, awful things to find out. Hopefully things get better for her in the next book. At least she wasn’t suckered into the pyramid scheme!
Heidi gets suckered into a pyramid scheme and tries to drag Will and Jolene into it with her. She, of course, doesn’t believe she was suckered, but Jolene knows it’s a scam. Then, the face of the company is killed in front of thousands of other suckers at an event that Heidi dragged them to and Jolene has to face Peter again and it doesn’t go well, at all. Poor Daisy is so worried about Peter. He isn’t taking the whole shifter thing well.
This was an amazing mystery! But I’m feeling so bad for Jolene. The things that come out to her in this book. Just, awful things to find out. Hopefully things get better for her in the next book. At least she wasn’t suckered into the pyramid scheme!
April 22, 2020
This is the fifth in the series. After Jolene tells Peter the truth about her shifter status and loss of magical abilities, the couple is on the outs.
Their first encounter after the reveal (a month later) is very awkward. It is interesting how Daisy and her get along much better nowadays. You can see that Daisy deeply cares about Peter and wants him to be happy. Throughout the story we see that both Jolene and Peter did not bring their “A game to” to the investigation.
So, who killed the owner of the pyramid scheme and why? Enjoy the read, I did.
I was given an advanced copy of the e-book and am not required to leave a positive review.
Their first encounter after the reveal (a month later) is very awkward. It is interesting how Daisy and her get along much better nowadays. You can see that Daisy deeply cares about Peter and wants him to be happy. Throughout the story we see that both Jolene and Peter did not bring their “A game to” to the investigation.
So, who killed the owner of the pyramid scheme and why? Enjoy the read, I did.
I was given an advanced copy of the e-book and am not required to leave a positive review.
April 22, 2020
Good installment to the series. You see Peter and Jolene a little at odds after the last book. Forced to work to solve a murder in this book, you get to see a bit more of Daisy and she seems a little softer towards Jo. Its sweet to see another side of her, though I do love her doggy snark! I was slightly disappointed in Peter a d what seemed to be his prejudice against shifters. However, by the end of the book I was hopeful that maybe it's not all he is upset at Jo for. I seriously look forward to the next book in the series too, as the revelation in this one regarding Jo's curse leaves me excited to untangle the web of deceit that seems to have woven itself around her life.
July 23, 2023
Poignant and oddly powerful
In my review of the last book I opined that each book in this series has been unique, and this one continues the trend.
I’m grimacing because I can’t quite articulate the reasons why I say this. The obvious metaphor of shifters to our own society is made only more obvious, but it’s not like she hits you over the head with it. It’s in the way she twists these themes around interpersonal relationships, friends, romantic interests and frienemes in the form of Daisy. It’s the impact on those relationships that gives this book it’s powerful punch.
Pick it up and read it, and you’ll see what I mean. Now I’m off to read the next one!
In my review of the last book I opined that each book in this series has been unique, and this one continues the trend.
I’m grimacing because I can’t quite articulate the reasons why I say this. The obvious metaphor of shifters to our own society is made only more obvious, but it’s not like she hits you over the head with it. It’s in the way she twists these themes around interpersonal relationships, friends, romantic interests and frienemes in the form of Daisy. It’s the impact on those relationships that gives this book it’s powerful punch.
Pick it up and read it, and you’ll see what I mean. Now I’m off to read the next one!
April 20, 2020
I thought this was a delicious book, pun intended, when Jolene has gone to an elixir party with two of her friends and when one of the love potions is drunk, the owner is dead. Peter, Jolene former cop partner is told to work with Jolene on this case and it leads to a mysterious and frustrating job for both of them. Jolene is hoping to get inside information from the owners pig and Peter just wants the murder solved. There are a lot of suspects and it is a wonderful book. This story has a lot of twist and turns that I am sure you will enjoy.
May 5, 2020
Elixers, curses, and a pig!
I think this is the best book of the series so far! Can Jolene and Peter work together or will Peter's racist views get in the way? Jolene is invited to go to a Summit with Heidi and Will. The leader drops dead in front her entire sales force after drinking one of the potions. Can Peter and Jolene find the guilty party? And will Pearl's pig squeal? Is there a cure for Jolene's curse? Love the characters and Daisy really steals the show!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I think this is the best book of the series so far! Can Jolene and Peter work together or will Peter's racist views get in the way? Jolene is invited to go to a Summit with Heidi and Will. The leader drops dead in front her entire sales force after drinking one of the potions. Can Peter and Jolene find the guilty party? And will Pearl's pig squeal? Is there a cure for Jolene's curse? Love the characters and Daisy really steals the show!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
April 16, 2020
After a month without speaking with Peter, Jolene is sure their friendship didn’t make it through the truth. But when a woman dies during a convention Jolene, Will and Heidi ara attending Peter, Jolene and Daisy will need to work together in order to unravel the mystery. It’s a pity that Jolene is having more fun with Daisy than with Peter because he is giving her the cold shoulder, even if he seems a little off.
April 21, 2020
I am loving Jolene and Peter's books. This book opens with Jolene and Will being dragged by Heidi to a seminar for Potent Potions, a magical pyramid scheme. What happens from there involves death, mayhem and Peter of course. When Peter arrives at the scene of the crime, Daisy gives Jolene away and our leading characters come face to face again after a month apart. What happens next? Pick up the books in this series to find out!
March 10, 2021
This has become my favorite series in a LONG time! And, LOVE this book! I listened to the audio version and have to say it is AH-MAZING! The characters in the series are so great! And, I love the way we get to see them grow and change. Murder, suspense, romance, humor... it's got it all. The death of a pyramid scheme with magic potions, the angst of the lead's love interest's behavior, no nonsense heroine who speaks her mind, and lots of humor makes this a wonderful story.
December 22, 2021
Another solidly entertaining read
This series has been consistently good from the very first book. I love all the characters, even that jerk, Peter, who needs to get his head out of his bum about shifters. Daisy and Jolene’s sarcastic repartee is still hilarious. And I even love all of the amusing island/ocean metaphors the characters use, like “caught and cleaned” and “throw water on your decks.” It’s a great, authentic touch to a fascinating world.
This series has been consistently good from the very first book. I love all the characters, even that jerk, Peter, who needs to get his head out of his bum about shifters. Daisy and Jolene’s sarcastic repartee is still hilarious. And I even love all of the amusing island/ocean metaphors the characters use, like “caught and cleaned” and “throw water on your decks.” It’s a great, authentic touch to a fascinating world.
June 28, 2022
I love these stories. A magic island, a heroine who can talk to animals, and a lie sniffing dog. This time the wealthy owner of a pyramid scheme is murdered in front of hundreds of her fans. Great story, great characters, a decent mystery and a little tension and trust issues between the !son characters. Erin Johnson has written another fine story and Hannah Somerville compliments with excellent narration.
August 10, 2023
How is Jolene going to protect her friends and still do what she needs to do? This book has a lot of twists and a lot of angst. So many pieces are floating around as this story goes forward. Trying to sort out her own feelings as she is helping to sort out what happened to the woman who died is a hard thing. It was really good to read this book as part of a set and be able to continue right on to the next story. Great twists.
January 18, 2024
Ah so things are getting way more interesting in this series! Finally more on her curse and the shifter world. It took a few books but I am finally to a place where I like the main character and she does not annoy me! Also the murder here was a surprise! I do like it when a mystery unfold in a manner I did not expect! On to the next book!! I cannot wait to see what happens with the curse and the underworld.
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