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Magic by the Book

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Sometimes our failures…Put us in the place where we were meant to be.And sometimes, they just put us in danger.Melissa Sneedle has never been great with magic, much to the dismay of her Aunt Judy, who raised her after the death of her parents. So, when her professor at witch school calls her magic inept, Melissa takes the logical next step, and decides to drop out.The failed witch’s dream is to simply live among ‘normies’ – normal people - and forget about magic altogether. Discovering a portal that leads to a bookstore in a normie town called Maple Springs, Melissa takes it as a sign and embraces a whole new world.The peace that she thought she’d find among the normies is fleeting, however, disappearing like a puff of smoke, when a body is found at the bookstore, and Melissa is implicated in the crime. Can her quirky spells help her solve the case? Does she have what it takes to be a witch after all?Find out in this zany Paranormal Cozy Mystery!

224 pages, Paperback

Published July 28, 2020

75 people are currently reading
58 people want to read

About the author

Melinda Craig

43 books34 followers
If I started with anything, it would be my love of books and writing (to me, you can't write without loving to read). I digest as much fantasy and cozy mysteries as I can get my hands on, which is probably the main reason I write in those genres.

I am a mom to four beautiful and sometimes rotten children, which makes early or nighttime writing a must in my world. I spend way too much time on Pinterest looking at office ideas for a writing studio, author notes, tips, good book suggestions, and a thousand other things! I read a lot, and that about sums it up.

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5 stars
46 (56%)
4 stars
24 (29%)
3 stars
8 (9%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
1 star
3 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Heart DeCoupeville.
286 reviews
July 7, 2023
Doesn't even look like a proper book. Could we have indented paragraphs, please? And correct punctuation?
Profile Image for Jerri Cachero.
653 reviews49 followers
August 13, 2020
A great new series!

When Melissa, a "magically inept" witch discovers a portal to a normal or "normie" town, she finds more than she ever dreamed - a new life, career and murder! Now she has to find out who murdered the kind bookstore owner who helped her with her new life before she becomes a suspect or a victim!

I loved this book! It's filled with mystery, humor and quirky, lovable characters . The characters are well-written and I felt as if I was there, sleuthing with Melissa and her devoted best friend, Joe. I'm always happy to see animals play a role in a cozy and Pretty Boy (Melissa's familiar who is a cockatoo) and Earl (Joe's feline familiar) make a great team and add humor to the mystery.

One of the plots I enjoy is a " mystery within a mystery". Melissa must find a murderer but she also begins to realize there is another mystery about the charming town she loves. How this mystery relates to her and her future adventures makes the book even more fun!

I'm impatiently waiting for the next book!

I received an ARC from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,661 reviews103 followers
December 30, 2020
I really enjoyed meeting Melissa and her friends in this first book of the series. She and her bestie Joe are so cute together that I hope they always stay friends or maybe a little more. Aunt Judy is pretty cool. She's supposed to be the town's go-to witch, but she never acted like it went to her head, although she didn't put up with anyone trying flattery on her either.

Melissa was moving to a new town and was really surprised at what she found there. And finding her new boss murdered on only her second day of working for the woman had to be a nightmare for her. I had my suspicions about whodunit, but I was never ready to completely commit. The showdown was a good one. I love that Melissa's new friend and the police were even involved in it. I'm definitely planning to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Anne G. Kasaba.
1,924 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2020
I loved this book! The storyline was fun and the mystery well plotted. I had no idea who the bad guy was until it was revealed. I never saw it coming and that’s unusual for me.

Melissa is a reluctant witch. She grew up in a town of witches, raised by her aunt whose powers are legend. It’s not that Melissa doesn’t want to be a witch, she’s just no good at it. She decides she wants to live in a place with ‘normies’ but her aunt wants her to stay. As Melissa goes to her hopefully new town she is drawn into a murder investigation and finally begins to use her magic without bad consequences.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,093 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2020
Magic!

Where to begin? This book is a fast paced witch cozy! I don't want to give anything away, so I'll just say I loved everything about the book. The premise is great, the characters are fun, and I'm excited for the next book in the series. If you like witch cozies this is a great start to a new series.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews38 followers
August 3, 2020
This book hooked me so fast I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. Melissa is a young witch who can’t seem to anything witchy right. Joe is her very best warlock friend who seems to be in love with her. I just want to sit here and tell you the whole story, but that would be stealing your pleasure in discovering everything yourself. Take it from me, you will LOVE this book!
3,198 reviews47 followers
July 8, 2023
I loved the narration of Shannon Nicole Locke, she bring this book to life, you hear the humour and mystery.


Melissa is a failed witch, and now finds herself working in a bookshop. With the normal people. One day she finds her inheritance is a help. Melissa find herself pulled in helping a murder investigation.
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,108 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2020
Great book

Melinda Craig is a new to me writer and I have to say I loved this first book. Its a new twist on the new witch them and I think it is great. I cant wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Brenda Ellis.
662 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2020
Fun!

A fresh start, a new job, a murder, and a magical house. Lots to deal with for a non talented witch, or is she? I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to see what's next in store.
514 reviews5 followers
March 16, 2022
Hilarious

Loved this book, lots of humor lots of magic I read it in one sitting just couldn't put it down, for a young which who's been told she is magically inept she sure packs a wallop. Great read a laugh out loud romp, highly recommend a must read, Baz.
65 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2020
Melinda Craig has a wonderful talent for expressing her delightful imagination in a picturesque way. I found this book to be intriguing from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
August 6, 2020
Enjoyed

This book was the first book that I have read and enjoyed and I am looking forward to your next book.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
2,822 reviews20 followers
September 6, 2020
Incredible new series

I absolutely loved this story. Quite a few twists and revelations. Still so many unanswered questions. I bet much look forward to the next book.
Profile Image for E.
1,883 reviews
September 26, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. The story and the characters are awesome. I could not put it down until I read the last word. It left me wanting more. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
507 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2020
Good first book in series

This is an entertaining first book in a new series. The plot and subplots move quickly,making it hard to put down . I can't wait for the next book.
Author 1 book
January 16, 2021
Books to learn

Good little book of interesting characters and a growing plot line. Melissa and Joe ..a great couple, and you just never know those of k8ndted spirits.
360 reviews2 followers
July 13, 2021
Quirky!

This story is a lite , funny tale that anyone who doesn't know who they are yet will relate to and enjoy. Have fun with this book, and laugh.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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