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Eastwind Witches #4

Queso de los Muertos

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A town cook-off has never seemed so life-or-death. I’m not competitive, per se, but when Eastwind’s Lunasa Festival rolls around and I hear about the annual cook-off competition, I’m in it to win it. Because I want nothing more than to beat the pants off of Donovan Stringfellow.

Eh-hem. Figuratively speaking.

I’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to introduce chips and queso to the magical town of Eastwind, and the time is ripe.

If the dish can lead me to a decisive victory, even better.

However, I didn’t anticipate someone tampering with my recipe, and now I have a bit of a magical mess on my hands, one beyond what melted cheese alone could produce.

And good Gaia if the problem doesn’t have “necromancy” written all over it.

I swear it wasn’t me, but if I don’t figure out who did it and rumor spreads that the owner of Medium Rare tampered with food (and let’s be serious, rumors spread fast around here), the diner Tanner and I have worked so hard to keep afloat might be sunk.

Hit the Buy Now button to start solving the mystery!

Note: This book is free of swearing, graphic violence, and sex.

Okay, so Nora has a few naughty thoughts (you would, too, if you were dating Tanner Culpepper), but she’s only human … or, witch? However, no acts take place or are described during the course of the story.

***This is a continuation of a series that was previously published as the Nora Bradbury Paranormal Cozy Mystery series in the Witches of Salem World. It's now an independent series.***




RUNNING TIME ⇒ 5hrs. and 8mins.

©2018 Nova Nelson (P)2020 Tantor

Audible Audio

First published April 10, 2018

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124 people want to read

About the author

Nova Nelson

68 books273 followers
Nova Nelson grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie novels. She loves the mind candy of cozy mysteries and has been weaving paranormal tales since she first learned handwriting. Those two loves meet in her Eastwind Witches series, and it's about time, if she does say so herself.

When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.

Be sure to follow her on Goodreads!

Join the Cozy Coven for Eastwind updates, contests, and more! Go to: www.cozycoven.com

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5 stars
466 (49%)
4 stars
305 (32%)
3 stars
146 (15%)
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13 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
Profile Image for Leo.
4,986 reviews629 followers
August 30, 2022
Normally I despise love triangles and similar love issues. But I found that in this it added to the tension and mystery and was enjoyable that not only the main mystery was puzzling. I'm curious where the romance will go in the next one as the main relationship is cute and I ship them. But there seem to be something brewing with the love triangle. Not sure if this series contains fated mates or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen.
189 reviews6 followers
April 8, 2018
Who could possibly resist a book entitled “Cheese of the Dead”? Not me!

If you like your mysteries served with magic and a hearty dose of humor, the Eastwind Witches series is for you. This is another thoroughly fun read from Nova Nelson detailing the further adventures of Nora Ashcroft.

Someone has put a curse on the town council during a best-in-town food competition at Eastwind’s biggest festival of the year. Since the curse involves ghosts, Nora decides that it must be up to her to figure out how to get rid of it, especially since it looks like it may be related to the ingestion of her contest entry of queso and chips.

On the way to solving the mystery, we get to know some of the town inhabitants better, and novice Nora’s instinct takes over and produces some magic she didn’t know she had in her. For fang’s sake, what’s next?

I received an advance reader copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
41 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2025
This book started off strong and had the potential to be a 4-star read. The first half was engaging, especially with the tension between Nora and Donovan, which kept things interesting. Grim, as always, was a standout and brought some much-needed spark. However, after the 50% mark, the story began to lose momentum. It felt a bit flat and unnecessarily stretched, making it harder to stay fully invested.








1,449 reviews27 followers
May 14, 2023
Eastwind Witches:
Eastwind Witches - I love these kinds of witches; nothing mean or nasty but tough when needed. My friend had these three books and we spent a day reading and laughing about the characters and the happenings. Funny, entertaining and well written, the stories are strong enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages, but with a simple storytelling style. The characters grow as the pages fly by and there's no Stupid Formula, just plain entertainment. Surprise, no vulgar language or cussing. Plus, you'll love Ted; sorry no spoilers. Little editing needed but not much.

Crossing Over Easy #1 - I love these kinds of witch stories. This is our first book by this author; my friend and I read her copies during one of our get-together weekends. We both had fun with them. Easily and quickly read, COE was funny and interesting. The characters are funny and entertaining; the story line was entertaining; and the dialog and actions weren't of the stupid variety. Even without a friend's comments, this book is good for relaxation or something simple but entertaining. Did I mention the book was entertaining. OK, I'm not funny, but Nova is a lot. 5*

Death Metal #2 - This book starts three months after Crossing Over Easy ended. We loved the dialog; it was almost as if we were doing the talking. Well written, funny and entertaining, the pages flew by as we laughed our way to the end. The characters are filling out more, including Eastwind, and their dialog is extremely entertaining. Nora is discovering more about herself and the perks and dangers of being a Fifth Wind witch. 5*

Third Knock The Charm #3 - This book begins two weeks after Death Metal ends. This time no one is killed, but many other things are instead. Funny, entertaining and this time filled with lots of sexual tension. My favorite character is the Library, which I wish all readers had access to one of their own. Ms. Nelson writes well, describes vividly and add humor in abundance. My friend and I just laughed ourselves silly about the message of sexual harassment is wrong, but physical assault is OK. Nope, we didn't disagree on half of that message, but we come from a time of real sexual harassment where slapping hands or faces was a must; now it's a crime to defend yourself. 5*

Queso de los Muertos #4 - Another well written, intriguing but quickly read Eastwind tale. Fast paced, entertaining and a touch of sexual tension, this is a good addition to the series. It's nice the author doesn't use vulgar language or explicit sex, but uses humor and well thought out storylines. The characters remain interesting and their dialog believable. There's no stupid formula in this series. I could use a bowl of queso and handmade chips. I contacted the author to review her books since I enjoyed the first three. 5*

Psych Out #5 - Wow, we've a few twists to the plot! This book isn't a cliffhanger, but it will fun to find out what's happening with Nora in the next book. Well written, intriguing and with a few kinks added to mix, along with more development of the characters. The plot is really intense near the end of the story and there's a few laughs along the way. Plus, the sexual tension is still running amok. 5*

Gone Witch #6 - Imagine the sexual tensions with three guys available, poor Nora. Another well written, fast paced plot filled with intrigue and suspense. Along with humor, there's a build up for a bad future ahead for Eastwind. Changes are already taking place, especially with several characters. Once started, this story was hard to put down. 5*

Love Spells Trouble #7 - What a neat spell, but what terrible residuals. Another fun and magical book. There's all kinds of characters from the past, along with trouble for the future. The storyline was pretty good and there's plenty of sexual tension and then some. There's plenty of intrigue and suspense to go with the tension and the humor. One of the characters leaves and I hated to see him go, but the ending still works just fine. 5*

Storm A-Brewin' #8 - Storm picks up a week later from when Love Spells Trouble ended. This is a very good story! All our favorite and not so favorite characters are dealing with a lot of hatred with certain businesses being targeted. The story mirrors the reverse discrimination that's so prominent in the news, but at least the book is interesting and with humor. 5*
Eastwind Witches End.
Profile Image for Shell.
36 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2025
Another breezy installment in the Eastwind series.

A Realm wide Harvest Festival, where even law enforcement gets the day off, a wedding, another newcomer to Eastwind, a cursed cook-off, and a plague of ghosts targetting politicians only? Add in the left over heist of the town's gold reserve, and you have the 1st 3rd of the book.

Trying to clear her name regarding her tainted food, and help the over-worked Deputy figure out who stole the gold, turn out to be the same case, and hijinx ensue.

Some of the previously named, but unmet or underdeveloped characters get their day in the spotlight, and we finally meet the Council who runs the town and Realm.

Unsavoury characters abound, proving that Eastwind isn't all shiny happy people - which is a relief. The abundance of types of characters has always kept this from being too cosy, oe saccharine a place to be believable.

And an enthusiastic assist in solving the twin crimes comes from an unexpected source.

The secondary romantic subplot continues to annoy; and, after said romantic intetest continues to push boundaries, and punch a wall, one is left wondering why such a character is entertained within the boundaries of the 'Cosy' genré - the latter episode was jarring, to say the least.

Nora's Powers continue to manifest at, what appears to be, an alarming rate; and that quiet 'voice inside' becomes louder, and for now, more helpful.

A breezy, quick installment, not quite as engaging as the first 2 books, but not as out-of-place as the last.

A pity I have no frame of reference for this o' so magical queso that is at the gooey heart of this book!

5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend
4☆ = Really Enjoyed
3☆ = Good, Solid, Read
2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws
1☆ = Why?
Profile Image for Andrea Stoeckel.
3,143 reviews132 followers
May 18, 2018
“You can only be in trouble with people who would cause you trouble.“

What is it about Eastwind and Nora Ashcroft that make people think being around her could be deadly? Oh, maybe because she’s a Fifth Wind Witch, better known as a necromancer, even if she’s not sure exactly what that might mean ...yet. But she’s learning.

This time around Nora is focused on the Lunasa Cook-off and plans to finally introduce queso dip to Eastwind. And knowing her regulars, they’ll love it. It’s said however, that “too many witches can spoil the bro...chee...”quay..so” and someone spelled not the dip but ... and the results are fascinating to be sure.

Medium Rare (aka Nora and Tanner...oh and Grim) May have won the war, but the battle’s not quite over.

NovaNelson;s fourth book in this series is a fun as they have all been. This one adds the past to the present and leaves the door open for the future... a future that might change everything if the past will just stop talking. Highly recommended 5.5
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
April 10, 2018
Nora has been waiting to share her creamy, cheesy queso with the Eastwind community - and the Lunasa festival food competition is the perfect time! Just as she is basking in the glory of a first place win, however, an evil wind blows into town - a "Ghost Gale" - and they are haunting the town's High Council. As if that isn't enough, the town's gold reserves have been stolen and Deputy Manchester is not getting anywhere in his investigation.

This book was another great magical adventure in the life of relatively-new Eastwind witch Nora. She is someone I would like to have as a best friend! The author's imagination and sense of humor really shine in this book and I enjoy the strong sense of community throughout the series. I also learned a new word - susurrus - had never heard of it! Don't forget to join the author's Cozy Coven through her newsletter and take the quiz to find out what kind of Eastwind witch you are - fun!

Note: I did receive an ARC of this book and my review is totally voluntary and a pleasure to write since I enjoy this series so much and want to share my opinion with other readers!
1,506 reviews16 followers
April 14, 2018
At Eastwind's Lunasa Festival's cook-off, Nora decides that it is time to introduce the town to chips and queso and hopefully walk away with the coveted winning entry as well. However, when the winner is announced, a gust of wind blows through town bringing along with them a whole load of ghosts. Not everyone can see them, but being a necromancer, Nora can see as well as hear them and wonders if she is to blame for their being around.

I thoroughly enjoy the Eastwind series. Each of the books can be read as a standalone, but it is much better to read them in order. As the series moves along, I can see Nora's character develop and come into her own and there is less emphasis on Ruby and the others. Grim, as always is brilliant, but the love interest is also coming on nicely. Can't wait for the next book!

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Jessi.
5,606 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2020
Eastwind, still reeling from the disappearance from the town gold, is still holding the annual Lunasa Fest. And Nora is ready. She plans on introducing chips and queso to the food contest. But something happens, right after the judges eat her food, a chill wind blows in leaving a host of ghosts behind. Was it something in her food?
Still struggling with her feelings for Tanner's best friend, Nora is conflicted. And, ugh. I really dislike romantic triangles and it seems like Nelson is going to draw that trope out throughout multiple books. Also, Nora is starting to be more reckless which is another trope I dislike. She purposely puts herself in dangerous situations that aren't really needed to further the story.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,915 reviews14 followers
April 10, 2018
This is my favorite in the series so far. Apparently nobody in Eastwind has ever had queso so Nora enters her queso in the yearly cooking competition. The judges love it because who doesn't love a good "chips and queso". However, just as they are tallying the scores someone unleashes a Guilt Gale (ghosts of your ancestors follow you 24/7 and scold you) on the judges who are the Eastwind Council. As a Fifth Wind Witch, Nora is the only one who can see these ghosts and so she has to track down who unleashed them and get them exorcised.

I received this as an ARC and am willingly reviewing it.
Profile Image for Relina Skye.
Author 11 books46 followers
December 24, 2018
Queso de los Muertos (Eastwind Witches Cozy Mysteries Book 4) was written by Nova Nelson. Occasionally, Eastwind will have new witches pop up that are from earth. Each time they come they bring some of the culture, food, and ideas that were once not a thing in the town. Nora's contribution is Queso. She's waited for the perfect time to reveal it, and that is this big competition. However, someone has hexed it and most of the judges are visited by the ghosts of their relatives that are scolding them for various things. Nora needs to find out who did this otherwise it could hurt the diner.
Overall, this was another well-written novel for a great series.
79 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2023
Really a good story but it leaves you hanging at the end so if you read this one then get book 5 also or the set of Books 1-6. I hate books that end on a hanger, but it got cleared up fairly quickly in book 5. Roland is a hoot, but I expect he will become a big problem for Nora. I enjoyed the characters and the development of all of them in this book. I'm on to reading the rest of them now. I highly recommend reading these books and unlike many series of books this one doesn't keep bringing the readers up to date or filling in lots of background. I even loved the fact Nova said they were designed as a set not stand alone books. Get started on the books now if you haven't already!
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,919 reviews9 followers
April 6, 2018
Another great addition to an already wonderful series! Fun characters and an interesting storyline keep you turning pages to de what happens next.

Nora is settling in nicely in Eastwind. There’s a festival coming up that has a cook off and Nora is entering a Queso and homemade chips recipe. Unfortunately someone has caused a Guilt Gale by tampering with Nora’s entry. Now she’s on a mission to figure out who so that Medium Rare isn’t stigmatized.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.

Profile Image for Renee Arthur.
433 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2018
Nora makes an amazing queso for the food competition at Lunasa. Shortly before the award is given to her, a weird, strong winds blows in. Not long after she realizes that most of the judges, none other than the High Council, are being followed by ghosts. Someone convinces her that it might be a cover up for the missing gold. Naturally, Nora has to look into it. This is another of Nova Nelson's fun cozies. Lots of hijinx and magic abound! I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Profile Image for lourdes loera.
112 reviews
April 12, 2018
Love it!!!!

I can't believe it, I am so happy with this book. And a bit sad that Maythe last one..until the amazing Ms Nova Nelson writes another book in this series. I seriously can't get enough!!! And I know you will go crazy for the series as well!!!. What are you waiting for??!? Go grab the first book and dive into an amazing world of witches, ghosts, leprechauns, werewolves, and many more!!! Besides who doesn't love queso!!!
Profile Image for Disney14604.
609 reviews6 followers
July 9, 2018
Grim makes my day! Every Time. Pets for Grim.

Great book. Made me laugh out loud numerous times. If you can't tell I love Grim.
Love the characters. Been reading the series a little out of order but able to follow each book without a problem. To see and follow characters as they grow do try to read in order.

Nice to see Nora use a little restraint in this book. Read it and you can see what I am talking about.
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
447 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2018
Loved it

I loved this one. I found it fabulous that we had a mystery but no death. I always think that should be an occasional option.
Love Donavan, sorry Tanner fans, I can't help myself. Nice to see more of Ted. Plus it was nice to see a friendlier Deputy Stu.
After reading that Nova Nelson's vision of Liberty Freeman is The Rock, I could so see how perfect he fit.
Warning.... not a book to read if even the slightest bit hungry. I so wants some chips and queso.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,372 reviews
February 17, 2023
I'm losing interest which is never a good thing

Most interesting thing about this one is that Nora learned a new skill. One she should not have been able to do yet, but par for the course. Luckily, she did not put herself in danger. Although no murder in this one, she does find herself having to solve a problem. My issue is Nora herself and her attitude in general. She isn't a bad person but her need to do exactly what she wants without thought to those around her.
861 reviews
April 17, 2018
Follow along with Nora as she gets herself in more trouble than not. There is a lot of action and sarcasm in these books. They are so much fun to read, it's hard to put them down. This one is no different but read them all to get the best from them! I loved this book! Great job Ms. Nelson! You will love the Eastwind Witches.
Profile Image for Katie Thompson.
361 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2018
Magical. Festival.

First, I gotta gush about the magic festival. Oh. Em. Gee. Nova let her imagination kick into high gear for this one. Absolutely delightful!!! And the mystery to solve is a fantastic one: who summoned a Guilt Gale. Oh, and we get to see even more of Ted's fabulous personality. Super fun, extremely creative. LOVED. IT.
87 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2018
Was there a curse on the queso? Poor Nora! She only wants to introduce Eastwind to the glorious taste of chips and queso. So where better than the annual Lunasa festival cook-off competition? I laugh every time I open the pages of a Nova Nelson Eastwind Witches book. Nora, Tanner, Ruby True, Donovan, Grimm, and their antics and angst are full of fun, snarky comments, and a hint of romance.
967 reviews8 followers
June 20, 2018
As Nora enters the Lunasa cook off hoping to win with her queaso receive a ghost gale blows through town. Next thing u know the towns gold reserve is missing. Once again Nora helps look into thing. I love this series and highly recommend this book! I can’t wait to find out what the next adventure/book will be about.
Profile Image for Lori McKinley.
108 reviews44 followers
September 9, 2018
Now I’m Craving Queso

Another enjoyable, easy read! We meet a few new characters in this one, which was fun. Liberty the genie was a treat. And Ruby’s increasing snark makes me even more curious about her back story. The characters and setting are the highlights for me in this series. It’s a nice place to escape to for a few hours
Profile Image for Kim Loomer.
625 reviews9 followers
March 7, 2019
Nova has done it again a given us a book that keeps you on your toes trying to figure all the things that happen in this book, who did them, how to fix them and why. The cook off at this year festival seemed to bring things into confusion and who better than Nora to try to figure it all out. She and Grim are great.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
March 3, 2023
I loved everything about it.

Oh, now I’m craving some queso! Lol. And I’m craving the next book in this amazing series already. But seriously, I loved this installment. I loved everything about it. If you love quirky supernatural mysteries, then I highly recommend this fun series! Well written, in a way that makes you want to read on. And on. And on!
Profile Image for Shermin Arif.
Author 1 book3 followers
August 28, 2024
I liked the concept of this series, but now we are getting to a love triangle and I just hate it. My gawd, girl, just be poly (that would at least be a new thought and not the x-thousandst book with this dumb problem), take the other one or just stand by your man. It's so endless boring and forseeable, I can't bring myself to read further. 😕
12 reviews1 follower
April 19, 2018
Love it

I will definitely keep reading this series. It's a lot of fun, and the characters are great. Great book. Keep them coming. Can't wait for the next one. 👍 you should definitely start with the first book and go forward. Send in book 5 soon
2,226 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2018
We are on a really fun ride with Nora as she learns to traverse in her new world. I do hope Nora & Tanner grow closer, not farther apart. I really enjoy this world and it's highly entertaining characters.

I received an ARC of this story and have voluntarily chosen to review it here
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
295 reviews
May 23, 2018
Love this series

I absolutely love this series, but was sad to find so many errors in this book. That is why I only rated it 3 stars. The book itself is a great read & I can't wait to read the next book. I only wish there was more than 1 left to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews

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