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Sonoma Witches #3
A Spell to Die For
It all started with a demon in a big-box store...
Reluctant witch investigator Alma Bellrose has exorcised demons and unmasked killers. But now she has a far more terrifying challenge ahead — a witch wedding.
If she manages to survive the ceremony, she’ll have to track down a mysterious enemy who might not have a body of its own—before it leads to the destruction of her supernatural town, her friends, and herself.
Reluctant witch investigator Alma Bellrose has exorcised demons and unmasked killers. But now she has a far more terrifying challenge ahead — a witch wedding.
If she manages to survive the ceremony, she’ll have to track down a mysterious enemy who might not have a body of its own—before it leads to the destruction of her supernatural town, her friends, and herself.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2020
48 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Galway
27 books367 followersGRETCHEN GALWAY is a USA Today bestselling author who writes mystery, fantasy, and romance. She lives in Sonoma County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
November 27, 2021
Another great witchy cozy mystery. This is a solid series!
February 24, 2021
From the opening scene, I was swept away in another great mystery! I love these books, they are a quick, fun read with plenty of suspense and plot twists. Alma is a great lead character, she's smart and funny and cares deeply for those around her. She's also an introvert that really wishes sometimes that people would leave her alone.
A Spell to Die for brings more mysteries and problems Alma's way. As she hurries to find out the truth, she also learns some new truths about herself...and her past. I love that this book starts unraveling the mystery of Alma. I'm curious whether Seth's speculations are true and what it would mean for Alma's future.
I highly recommend these books!
A Spell to Die for brings more mysteries and problems Alma's way. As she hurries to find out the truth, she also learns some new truths about herself...and her past. I love that this book starts unraveling the mystery of Alma. I'm curious whether Seth's speculations are true and what it would mean for Alma's future.
I highly recommend these books!
July 15, 2020
It started with a Demon in a big box store…. From that opening line, once again the reader is hooked into the world of Alma Bellrose, the “simple” hearth witch who is anything but simple. Alma’s nurturing spirit is determined to protect Silverpool and its citizens from danger posed by random spirits and the ironically named Protectorate, of which she was once, and may be again, a member. A sudden invitation to her father’s wedding does not bring joy to Alma. Malcolm Bellrose’s talent lies with thievery and trickery not with anything remotely paternal. Alma was raised without a mother in what was truly a den of a thief! But as Alma gets drawn back into her father’s orbit, events shake her little corner of the world to its core!
“Spellbinding” is the operative word for this series by Gretchen Galway. The tale this author weaves is riveting, but so is Ms. Galway’s writing style as well. Although I am not a fan of the 1st person POV, its use here truly places the reader in Alma’s boots. Every emotion, every ache, is felt and more importantly, the surrounding characters come alive through Alma’s eyes. As the Sonoma Witches series continues to unfold, it appears Alma’s power seems to grow. The mystery surrounding her mother, the intricacies of The Protectorate and some eye-opening revelations seem to batter Alma as the story flows along. But our favorite witch is stronger than anything a demon, any member of The Protectorate and anything her father can dish out to her.
Pieces of the puzzle that is Alma’s background begin to fall in place, and the reader cannot wait to see when the full picture is seen! And although the story does not end on a conventional cliffhanger, that last line…… oh boy, I CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series!
“Spellbinding” is the operative word for this series by Gretchen Galway. The tale this author weaves is riveting, but so is Ms. Galway’s writing style as well. Although I am not a fan of the 1st person POV, its use here truly places the reader in Alma’s boots. Every emotion, every ache, is felt and more importantly, the surrounding characters come alive through Alma’s eyes. As the Sonoma Witches series continues to unfold, it appears Alma’s power seems to grow. The mystery surrounding her mother, the intricacies of The Protectorate and some eye-opening revelations seem to batter Alma as the story flows along. But our favorite witch is stronger than anything a demon, any member of The Protectorate and anything her father can dish out to her.
Pieces of the puzzle that is Alma’s background begin to fall in place, and the reader cannot wait to see when the full picture is seen! And although the story does not end on a conventional cliffhanger, that last line…… oh boy, I CANNOT WAIT for the next book in this series!
October 29, 2022
Alma father is getting married, yet the notorious demon hunter is a guest and he has eyes on her father. Yet that fiasco is is just the beginning. The Hunter is the new protector of Silverpool, and he’s after anyone who doesn’t fit in his box of what a witch should be. Is Alma’s time in Sonoma County coming to an end?
Here’s what I didn’t like: it felt slow and a little boring compared to the others. I didn’t feel like the characters were who I remembered, more like shadows of who they were. Finding info about her mother was barely at the forefront of the plot and just kinda thrown in. There’s a lot of tiny things that just added up to her getting the reason behind something then her wondering what that something meant. Like hello. You were just told about it. I don’t find the new protector to be an issue for her.
Here’s what I liked. The magic system.
Overall I was a little let down with this one and with the new protector I don’t feel the need to check in on Alma.
Here’s what I didn’t like: it felt slow and a little boring compared to the others. I didn’t feel like the characters were who I remembered, more like shadows of who they were. Finding info about her mother was barely at the forefront of the plot and just kinda thrown in. There’s a lot of tiny things that just added up to her getting the reason behind something then her wondering what that something meant. Like hello. You were just told about it. I don’t find the new protector to be an issue for her.
Here’s what I liked. The magic system.
Overall I was a little let down with this one and with the new protector I don’t feel the need to check in on Alma.
January 24, 2024
These books are always such a little treat
But i would Appreciate not having to be reminded of everything that happened in the previous books. These books try very hard to be intercontected standalone-ish. you didn't read the first book? No worries because you are going to be told everything that happened in it in the first 50 or so pages of the 3rd book.
Dear dude, bro, miss Gretchen
Can i call you that? I will.
I don't have the memory of a goldfish you can be more gentle with the reminders
But i would Appreciate not having to be reminded of everything that happened in the previous books. These books try very hard to be intercontected standalone-ish. you didn't read the first book? No worries because you are going to be told everything that happened in it in the first 50 or so pages of the 3rd book.
Dear dude, bro, miss Gretchen
Can i call you that? I will.
I don't have the memory of a goldfish you can be more gentle with the reminders
October 31, 2020
I'm hooked!!
Whats next!! No fair read all 3 books, no way it can end like that!! Loved it Raynor I imagine the Rock. Seth has to be in love with Alma so not fair... but I enjoyed them all
Whats next!! No fair read all 3 books, no way it can end like that!! Loved it Raynor I imagine the Rock. Seth has to be in love with Alma so not fair... but I enjoyed them all
November 21, 2020
I enjoyed all three books! Since I live just up the road aways I found it fun to figure out where the town really is! I'm not telling! Hehe! A very enjoyable read! Wish there was more books to come! Guess I have to ask that at the hardware store!
October 17, 2021
This one was as good as book one
I loved book one. Book two was good. This one was great too. I loved the twists in this one and not being able to figure out who the bad guy really was. Great story and great characters.
I loved book one. Book two was good. This one was great too. I loved the twists in this one and not being able to figure out who the bad guy really was. Great story and great characters.
May 19, 2024
This is the 3rd book of hers that I have read. They are each a little quirky which make them fun and interesting. But what would you expect when mixing magic, witches, demons, trolls and faeries all in 1 story? Not to mention the mystery, twists and danger that links it all together.
December 31, 2024
Good read
Good story. Likable characters ,great scean settings. I get the need to repeat things as it's a series, but it seems to happen a little to much, should be all caught up with in the first three chaptets
Good story. Likable characters ,great scean settings. I get the need to repeat things as it's a series, but it seems to happen a little to much, should be all caught up with in the first three chaptets
November 21, 2025
Lots of Surprises
It was a really great book. The characters building is getting better and better with each book in the series. I love the characters, Alma and Birdie, and even Seth and Raynor. I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the next book.
It was a really great book. The characters building is getting better and better with each book in the series. I love the characters, Alma and Birdie, and even Seth and Raynor. I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the next book.
June 25, 2020
Action packed
Love the descriptions and the herb witch lore. Full of surprise characters. Lots more ideas to develop in the series. Can’t wait for the next one!
Love the descriptions and the herb witch lore. Full of surprise characters. Lots more ideas to develop in the series. Can’t wait for the next one!
July 2, 2020
Such a terrific series. Fantastic characters and some of the best world-building in the genre. Can't wait for the next one. Highly, highly recommended.
June 28, 2021
So many surprises!
This is a great series! Lots of suspense and crazy twists, intriguing characters and a well written plot. Keep 'em coming!
This is a great series! Lots of suspense and crazy twists, intriguing characters and a well written plot. Keep 'em coming!
July 9, 2021
Things get serious
For alma and silver pool and also for her dad and his new love. What connection does that have with her mother?
For alma and silver pool and also for her dad and his new love. What connection does that have with her mother?
August 13, 2021
good continuation of the story!
April 10, 2025
I think I like this one more than the second one. I’m excited to see how the plot carries into the next book with Alma’s parental lineage and Raynor’s big change
February 26, 2024
Still in love of this series of books. I actually had to stop myself from buying book 4 so I would read other novels before continuing with these books.
August 10, 2020
A fun cozy with witches
A Spell to Die For is the third installment in the Sonoma Witches series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I urge you to read them in order.
Well crafted, layered characters, even the supporting cast
The main character, Alma Belrose is a witch with an incurable inability to kill demons. She has been honorably discharged from the Protectorate and although she’s no longer an agent (the official name of a demon-hunter witch) the Protectorate often enlists her help solving murders. They don’t ask nicely, not that she would agree if they did, they leverage her to do the work for them.
I love how Gretchen Galway has developed Alma’s character gradually over the course of three books and I look forward to seeing the character developed further in the series. Some of Alma’s mysteries are unknown even to herself. Having been raised by a single father with questionable morals, an infamous thief who refused to talk about her dead mother, Alma discovers her true nature bit by bit.
A Spell to Die for reveals more about Alma’s past, her strained relationship with her father, and the mystery surrounding her mother.
The supporting characters are endearing and their story blends well with Alma’s story arc. I love both Birdie and Seth. Birdie didn’t know she was a witch until the previous book, Hex at a House Party and now, Alma teaches her how to control her power and do magic. At this point, her magic is still weak but Birdie is getting better.
Seth is another of my favorite characters. He’s a changeling, and according to the Protectorate he should die but Alma’s inability to kill prevented his demise. He is now Alma’s neighbor and friend. She worries about him often and even goes to great length to hide his existence and keep him alive.
Another awesome side character is Willy, the gnome living in the redwood tree in front of Alma’s house. He is always polite and well-mannered but more powerful than anyone realizes, including Alma. He is fond of her and protects her by threatening anyone who tries to harm her. Alma offers him treats and springwater (with magical properties).
We don’t know much about his magic powers but it’s hinted that witches fear him. When two Protectorate agents come to her house acting aggressively he sets them in their place instantly.
That was an unexpected show of force but very satisfying to read.
Read the full review with reference to the other books one the series here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
A Spell to Die For is the third installment in the Sonoma Witches series and although it can be read as a stand-alone, I urge you to read them in order.
Well crafted, layered characters, even the supporting cast
The main character, Alma Belrose is a witch with an incurable inability to kill demons. She has been honorably discharged from the Protectorate and although she’s no longer an agent (the official name of a demon-hunter witch) the Protectorate often enlists her help solving murders. They don’t ask nicely, not that she would agree if they did, they leverage her to do the work for them.
I love how Gretchen Galway has developed Alma’s character gradually over the course of three books and I look forward to seeing the character developed further in the series. Some of Alma’s mysteries are unknown even to herself. Having been raised by a single father with questionable morals, an infamous thief who refused to talk about her dead mother, Alma discovers her true nature bit by bit.
A Spell to Die for reveals more about Alma’s past, her strained relationship with her father, and the mystery surrounding her mother.
The supporting characters are endearing and their story blends well with Alma’s story arc. I love both Birdie and Seth. Birdie didn’t know she was a witch until the previous book, Hex at a House Party and now, Alma teaches her how to control her power and do magic. At this point, her magic is still weak but Birdie is getting better.
Seth is another of my favorite characters. He’s a changeling, and according to the Protectorate he should die but Alma’s inability to kill prevented his demise. He is now Alma’s neighbor and friend. She worries about him often and even goes to great length to hide his existence and keep him alive.
He shrugged.
“You’re doing that thing you do again.”
His nonchalance annoyed me. “Keeping you alive?”
“Suffering in a future that may never come.”
Another awesome side character is Willy, the gnome living in the redwood tree in front of Alma’s house. He is always polite and well-mannered but more powerful than anyone realizes, including Alma. He is fond of her and protects her by threatening anyone who tries to harm her. Alma offers him treats and springwater (with magical properties).
We don’t know much about his magic powers but it’s hinted that witches fear him. When two Protectorate agents come to her house acting aggressively he sets them in their place instantly.
That was an unexpected show of force but very satisfying to read.
Read the full review with reference to the other books one the series here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-re...
June 24, 2020
I always have trouble rating books independently from the other books in a series. I read and loved the first two Sonoma Witches books and A Spell to Die For is fabulous as well.
I really enjoy the world building in these books. Even though they take place in present day Northern California, Galway has done a marvelous job creating a separate and distinctive universe where the books take place and Alma keeps stumbling over bodies. (Alma truly does seem to have a curse at times.)
The characters are all well written (even the minor ones) and the mystery in the book kept me turning the pages without pushing me into a panic attack (I've been on edge and don't need any crazy levels of suspense in my life right now).
I also really like the fact that Galway is taking her time with the books. The characters are developing as the books unfold. We don't get the ENTIRE life story of every character in the first book and no insta-love or insta-anything happens in the books. Story arcs told over a series are a favorite of mine and ones done well are pretty uncommon these days.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a side of the supernatural. Or it is a supernatural book with a side of mystery? Either way, I recommend this book as just an all around fun and engaging read.
I received and ARC of this book.
I really enjoy the world building in these books. Even though they take place in present day Northern California, Galway has done a marvelous job creating a separate and distinctive universe where the books take place and Alma keeps stumbling over bodies. (Alma truly does seem to have a curse at times.)
The characters are all well written (even the minor ones) and the mystery in the book kept me turning the pages without pushing me into a panic attack (I've been on edge and don't need any crazy levels of suspense in my life right now).
I also really like the fact that Galway is taking her time with the books. The characters are developing as the books unfold. We don't get the ENTIRE life story of every character in the first book and no insta-love or insta-anything happens in the books. Story arcs told over a series are a favorite of mine and ones done well are pretty uncommon these days.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a side of the supernatural. Or it is a supernatural book with a side of mystery? Either way, I recommend this book as just an all around fun and engaging read.
I received and ARC of this book.
June 24, 2020
I've been enjoying this Sonoma Witches series so much, and can honestly say that this third installment has been my favorite so far.
Galway continues to build an interesting magical world-within-our-world by showing rather than telling us (a real blessing for those of us with aphantasia) as the plot moves along. Although you wouldn't need to read the first two books to enjoy this one, I'd recommend reading them anyway; there are some lovely story arcs and quite a few recurring characters that develop over the series.
In "A Spell To Die For," Alma Bellrose must investigate demon attacks in order to save her family (such as it is) and her beloved magical town of Silverpool. Along the way we learn some interesting things about some Silverpool residents and we meet some new characters too. We get some tidbits about the possibilities of Alma's origins and why she seems really more powerful than anyone expects her to be. We encounter lots of twists and turns as Alma and the Protectorate each work (sometimes together; sometimes at odds) to solve the series of suspicious deaths, and finally finding out who was responsible was both surprising and satisfying.
Great magical mystery read; I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre!
Galway continues to build an interesting magical world-within-our-world by showing rather than telling us (a real blessing for those of us with aphantasia) as the plot moves along. Although you wouldn't need to read the first two books to enjoy this one, I'd recommend reading them anyway; there are some lovely story arcs and quite a few recurring characters that develop over the series.
In "A Spell To Die For," Alma Bellrose must investigate demon attacks in order to save her family (such as it is) and her beloved magical town of Silverpool. Along the way we learn some interesting things about some Silverpool residents and we meet some new characters too. We get some tidbits about the possibilities of Alma's origins and why she seems really more powerful than anyone expects her to be. We encounter lots of twists and turns as Alma and the Protectorate each work (sometimes together; sometimes at odds) to solve the series of suspicious deaths, and finally finding out who was responsible was both surprising and satisfying.
Great magical mystery read; I'd recommend to anyone who enjoys the genre!
June 12, 2020
A Spell To Die For, Gretchen Galway, is the third instalment in the Sonoma Witches series, and the best one yet. Alma Belrose is coming into her power; even if she doesn’t realize it yet the reader sees it, and we wonder just how great those powers will turn out to be. The developing cast of characters are well done, interesting and realistic, and fully supportive of the story's flow generally. There is a lovely blend of predicable and 'didn’t-see-that-coming' which has the reader turning the page well past lights out! The end is very satisfying, again a born of HEA and cliff hangers that leave us wanting the next book. A Spell To Die For is the perfect light summer read, wonderfully written without being too serious. Can’t recommend it enough. Note, you don’t have to have read the first two books, but I suggest you should.
June 23, 2020
Once again, while only trying to go about her day, Alma’s swept up in chaos. And I was swept up right along with her, no other choice except to hang on for the ride. It’s a twisty, tangled plot filled with misdirections and double-crosses. With more secrets and lies than you can shake a magical staff at. I don’t know what to say about the things I loved most about this story without giving away the best revelations. This book might just have left me with more questions than it answered, but I love that we’re learning even more about Alma and her abilities, while discovering new unique residents of Silverpool. The ending has left me speechless and completely rabid to find out what will happen next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
September 28, 2022
Oh, my! Was I right or not that Alma is special? A special character in an interesting world, so much like ours that it gives me hope.
I stayed up last night to finish it, it's hard to stop when everything is coming to a head and she lives up to her name. Did you know that in Latin it means The Nourishing One, Kind, Life Giving, Gentle, Loving, Bounteous One and The Spiritually Supportive One? She's all that and more!
A very good read, well written, fast paced, intriguing, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always unexpected.
It's so hard to stop and wait for the next adventure, so I hope it will come soon.
I stayed up last night to finish it, it's hard to stop when everything is coming to a head and she lives up to her name. Did you know that in Latin it means The Nourishing One, Kind, Life Giving, Gentle, Loving, Bounteous One and The Spiritually Supportive One? She's all that and more!
A very good read, well written, fast paced, intriguing, sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always unexpected.
It's so hard to stop and wait for the next adventure, so I hope it will come soon.
June 22, 2020
Having read the first two books in the series I was looking forward to reading A Spell to Die For. I was not disappointed. Alma continues to face challenges as she learns more and more about her powers and trying to protect those who the Protectorate would wipe out without a second thought... demons...Strange things are taking place in Silverpool and with her father. Will Alma be able to uncover the truth in time to save her beloved Silverpool? And what will she have to bargain away to make it happen? An exciting story that kept my interest from beginning to end. Can't wait to see what happens next as we find out the name of the next Protector of Silverpool.
June 23, 2020
Just finished the third book in the Sonoma Witches series. These books just keep getting better and better. I love seeing how Alma is advancing with her powers. Her love for the other magical creatures has caused her to give up some very valuable magical objects that may or may not create problems for her in the future. Will be interesting to see how the next book will proceed. Will Alma get into a romantic relationship or will she continue to dodge the issue. This book gives us a little more insight into her relationship with her father and also her mother whom she never met. All the books in this series have been fun reads and I look forward to the next in this series.
June 15, 2020
So much happens in this book, all starting with Alma being confronted by a demon. She seems to be much more powerful than I'd realised, and I enjoy reading all the different magical things she can do.
This one has all the characters we loved in the first two books, some surprising twists and an ending that leaves you wanting more. A great addition to the series!
This one has all the characters we loved in the first two books, some surprising twists and an ending that leaves you wanting more. A great addition to the series!
June 19, 2020
Alma is back and there is another mystery to be solved, one that will save Silverpool.
If you like witchcraft stories, you will like this book and the others in the series. Having read the other two, I was more in the know as to background of characters. But you can read this first. Wonderful characters all around!
If you like witchcraft stories, you will like this book and the others in the series. Having read the other two, I was more in the know as to background of characters. But you can read this first. Wonderful characters all around!
July 6, 2020
I love everything about this series! Each and every character. The fantastic world building - the plausibility of it - I could happily live in this world. This book enriches and complexifies the story arc. I could read Alma's adventures for a very long time! Wonderful !!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews