An owl with secrets . . . Or so Constance thinks. She's having trouble convincing anyone else otherwise. When two bodies are found on the vineyard property, Constance and Dave make a startling discovery. The timeline of the two deaths is off . . . by a few decades. The first died a whole lot more recently than the other. Dave unearths--literally--a cold case from decades past, which only brings more questions. Is someone using necromancy to do their dirty work? And can Constance and her friends stop them before they become the targets? It's the holiday season in Creel Creek, Virginia. And it's full of mystery, romance, and surprises.
Christine Zane Thomas is the pen name of a husband and wife team whose love of mystery and sleuths spurred the creation of their own mysterious writer alter-ego.
While not writing, they can be found in northwest Florida with their two children and schnauzer, Tinker Bell.
Their love of food takes them all around the South. Sometimes they sprinkle in the occasional trip to Disney World. Food and Wine is their favorite season.
I was snowed in today, cat on lap, coffee in mug. This book was the perfect read!
The more I read about Constance, Gram and Dave, the more I like them. Wrapped up with a murder mystery are ghosts, familiars, witches and magic. A good mystery too, that keeps you guessing right to the end. This series is a delight!
It was cute, I didn’t realize I was reading book two so that might have made a difference since I didn’t read book one LOL I think it’s more YA then my liking but I would recommend fo a younger crowd.
Constance is, once again, trying to get a grasp on her magic, she seems to make a lot of progress by the end of the book. I don't like her relationship with her grandma, I think there are more secrets to be told. Can't wait to read the next book to find out what happened to her mom
Great series. Every book will make you excited for the next. The characters are relatable because they are not all 20 yrs old and have an adult mindset.
This series, so far, has really been amazing! There were twists and turns to keep you guessing at who might be the villain and when you thought you knew, bam, it was someone else! Can't wait for the last book !
I reserve my 5 stars for favorite authors like Seanan McGuire and Matthew Cox. If I actually buy a sequel to the first, then that's a big compliment from me. Seeing how I've been a voracious reader for over 60 years, I've gotten picky, and hate bad writing. There are many books in this over 40 genre out there, most of them hokey and eye-rolling. This husband-wife team strikes just the right balance and keeps me wanting more. I've preordered the next one, and am starting another Thomas series.
You’ve Got Spells is the fourth book in the Witching Hour series. Constance and Dave (the werewolf sheriff) discover 2 bodies near the vineyard property. But the bodies dead are off by decades. Necromancy may be involved. I agree with Sandra Noonan. “The more I read about Constance, Gram and Dave, the more I like them. Wrapped up with a murder mystery are ghosts, familiars, witches and magic. A good mystery too, that keeps you guessing right to the end. This series is a delight!” I could not have said it any better.
Constance still has an owl that seems to be following her. The two-member Faction is out of town. The podcasts unfortunately still continue. It's harvest time. Constance finds out there is a library in town; one run by only one person.
The book revolves around a explosion in the town's mine back in around 1830 and what seems to be a coverup of just what actually happened. Then there's more talking to the dead, more murder, a possible identity for the owl and a source of great magic.
It's another rather active story in this series and again a pretty good one.
I'm glad I stuck with this series. It still has some flaws, but the overall plot just leaped from just okay and straight into the awesome category! I haven't liked the podcast thing from the beginning, but the story turned that on its head as well. I'm really happy with where the author is leading certain characters and even though I still don't quite understand what happened to Agatha and what happened between her and Eightball, I'm very happy with how it all turned out! I can't wait to see where the next book leads and whether or not Jade gets hers or not! What a witch! Haha!
Creel Creek is such a quirky little town, I love it! Basic plot ~ Another body turns up and magic is all around. Though Constance isn't technically "investigating" she somehow ends up doing just that. Some more family secrets become revealed as she learns of her role in the magic of her community. Why I loved it ~ the story moved along nicely and doesn't get mired in too much complexity. I love the twist on how familiars are regarded, and their purpose. Each witchy series has their own tilt on the notion of familiars. I also love the pop culture references throughout the book!
As I have mentioned in other reviews, there are a number of cliches that make me nuts and happily this series avoids most of them. No nambrand used as nouns, everyone gorgeous, a billionnaire, and with green eyes. Less than 2 % of the world's population has them. 90 % of those people exist in novels. Lol. I like the characters and watching them grow and develop. It isn't utterly predictable or pedantic. I am looking forward to the finale.
I'm absolutely loving this series of books. They are full of Harry Potter references, fun characters that feel cozy and warm and an incredible, magical small town. If I had to compare it to anything from tv, it would be a combination of The Good Witch and Charmed. Just the sort of story I have been needing with everything going on in the world today. So very glad I found these books and I can't wait to start the next one.
Thomas has brought yet another fabulous book forth in the life of Constance and the Creek Creek magicals! The layering of stories and subplots keeps the readers on their toes and cheering for the good guys! I'm sad knowing the next book is the last, but I have a feeling that we will see more from Creep Creek. This series never disappoints, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author.
Constance not only finds out more about her family history but the towns history and her family's link to its past. Her relationship with the Sheriff and his kids continues to grow while solving some of the many mysteries that seem to surround her and her friends. The characters all continue to grow and I continue to look forward to the next installment in the series.
This book is so full of magic, romance, and mysteries. I appreciated the challenges of all the mysteries and spells. This book always bested whatever I guessed was the solution to the mystery. Constance and Dave finally made the decision to move in together at the same time Gran gave Constance the family grimoir. Everything worked out, but with lots of effort (even Constance's owl returning)! Love this book!
The fourth Witching Hour book is the best so far. No typos, continuity errors, or pacing issues impeded the flow of this excellent paranormal mystery.
Many of the threads have been pulled together and resolved. The main characters are coming into their own power. And this book lovingly bolsters the reader’s curiosity about what happens next without feeling like an un-ending or a half-a-book.
This book has it all with wonderful characters and a creative plot. Each book in this series is so unique and I've loved them all. This book explains a few of the ongoing series' mysteries. To say the story has twist and turns is an understatement. Wow, I was both surprised and entertained. Great read!!!
A lot goes on in this book. We do get answers but there are more questions to be had. Constance and her friends are growing, allies are made and always enemies to annoy. The story was a bit confusing at times but the direction it took was a very surprising and unexpected turn.
I figured out what I don't like about this series. I don't like the main character. She's not honest with her boyfriend. She lies to him and does things she says she is not going to do like take his kids out trick or treating after telling him she won't. I don't see it as a respectful or transparent relationship. In spite of that, he invites her to live with him.
Enjoyable read, but at times I felt like something was missing... like, did I skip an entire chapter because I felt like things jumped around. Still this is a nice story and the Harry Potter references make me happy (now I want to name my car something like Prongs). Looking forward to the next book.
What a fine writing duo! The characters are likeable, the mystery is engrossing, and the magic is believable. The "Witching Hour" series makes excellent use of world-building, and I am eager to learn how this story arc will be resolved. This series is excellent for everyone who appreciates well-written paranormal women's fiction.
I love the series. I adore having an older heroine who's not in need of a man. I just wish the books were a little longer!! They always seem rushed at the end, like there would be more to the mystery than just "oh it was really this unknown, never mentioned or connected person."
Life is the same in this town, crazy! Constance is still learning witchy things, another murder, the deadly (figuratively) pod CST duo, normal things in Creek Creek. But NIW she has an owl following her around and willing to allow Constance closer than any normal owl. She believes the owl has something to do with her missing mom. Is it possible?
I like fantasy, mystery, magic, and I like epic sagas, but get bored after the 2nd or 3rd book. However, I eat each and every issue/edition/book of the Witching Hour saga up. I'm actually excited to start Book 5! Great writing, fast paced with realistic, witty and likeable characters
These books are getting worst....these are supposed to be mature adult characters? All of them are a waste of space. Then, one MC is horny for the other but she doesn't want to take responsibility over his kids? Then the never-ending internal monologues keep going and going! And can someone please kill both of the pod-casters? Onto the next adventure, Happy Readings!!!
I’m loving Christine Zane Thomas’s fantastic paranormal mysteries surrounding Constance. It’s now a new season in Creel Creek, Virginia, as the holidays surround everyone another murder mystery rocks the community. But these murders are linked by a few decades. However, they come rocking Constance’s world are they unlock several deeply hidden family secrets.
Thoughts: this series keeps hitting! This one had a little Christmas element so enjoyed that. I feel like Constance and Dave’s relationship is getting deeper. As always I enjoy the references to other magic system, especially HP. Over all just a nice cozy witchy series. The story line keeps growing and hope it continues to stay fun.