Howl Play

The Spellwood Witches #2

by Melanie Snow

A novice witch. A collie companion. Can this clever duo put noses to the ground to chase down a killer?

Sarah Spellwood can’t wait to learn all her powerful ancestor’s magic and repair the reputation of witches. But despite hours of study and her talking dog’s support, she still doubts her spellcasting skill. And she’s about to face a major test when she’s plunged into a battle between good and evil after the enchanted forest’s protective deed is stolen and the town clerk brutally murdered…

With the finger pointing at woodland wolves for the fatal mauling, Sarah and her pooch pal vow to help the handsome police officer Eli Strongheart dig up the truth and clear the innocent creatures’ names. But when darkness rises to threaten the unprotected woods and its inhabitants, she’ll need to fight a formidable magical enemy to stop its destruction.

Can Sarah save the wolves and recover the deed before Witchland meets a terrible fate?

Howl Play is the second book in the sweet Spellwood Witches cozy mystery series. If you like cute flirty romance, discovering one’s true destiny, and love for animals, then you’ll adore Melanie Snow’s barking-ly fun adventure.

Buy Howl Play to let supernatural talent off the leash today!

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Fiction, Amazon, Ebooks

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Librarian note: There are different authors with this name in this data base.

Melanie Snow is the pen name for Wendy Van de Poll, a bestselling author, pet loss grief coach, and animal medium. She is the author of The Spellwood Witches, a paranormal cozy mystery series.

Her books weave together positive magic, snarky forest faeries, and insightful animals with fun and eclectic humor. True life adventures and intuition are woven into her stories laced with unbridled imagination.

She has been followed by wild wolves in minus 60 degrees, hissed at by a mama bobcat, and played ball with a wild owl—among other animal encounters. Find out more about her work: https://wendyvandepoll.com/melanie-snow

Reviews

[Micky Cox]

A great paranormal cozy with a really interesting main character. Who wouldn't want a lawyer with a bit of extra power??? I love how the author is developing the characters a bit more in each book with their friendships developing naturally and their individual powers coming more to the surface especially with the main character who has just recently figured out she is a witch. I love that she is learning to use her skills through trial and error as well as trial by fire, in more ways than one in this book! If you haven't started this series yet, you should as I think the author is just getting warmed up to really take us on many mysterious adventures in future books!

[Laura LJ]

Such a cute series. The growth of the FMC is good to see. Seeing how things move along not only with Sarah but with Addie as well. This series is great for a light cozy paranormal mystery read. I will definitely read book number 3.

[Miss W Book Reviews]

Howl Play is the second book in the Spellwood Witches Series by Melanie Snow.

Sarah is starting to get settled in her new life as a new witch in Witchland, NH. She comes from a line of a very powerful witch, Lativia. There is another murder and Sarah is on the case!

The characters are well written and fun. They mystery kept me on my toes trying to guess who the murderer is. There is actually two mysteries which I love, but I won't give that away.

This story can act as a stand alone story, but I highly suggest reading the first book in the series as you will gain more backstory on the characters and the setting.

Such a well crafted cozy paranormal mystery. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Michelle]

This second book is even better than the first. Sarah is quickly adjusting to life in a small town and is learning about her powers. Of course there's a mystery to solve and many misdirections from the villain. Sarah gets to meet her ancestor, Lativia, and her sister. She also gets to spend some time with the ghosts of her mentor and her aunt Beth. The mystery is well written and the story is action packed. While the mystery stands alone, readers will enjoy this book more if they've read the first book in the series before reading this one.

[Monica]

Good 2nd book in the series. It's great to learn about Sarah's family's background and why she grew up without magic. Sarah and her trusty dog/sidekick, Addie are on the case to find out who murdered the town clerk, stole the town deed, and is looking to destroy the town. Sarah has some surprise encounters with ghosts and learns much more about herself and Addie. Love the developing friendship with Jenna. Love that Addie is always keeping Sarah on track. Looking forward to see Sarah develop more as she learns more about magic and her responsibilities.

[Julia David]

Sarah once again has to help protect the forest and animals. She also has to protect the town and witches. Eli calls to ask Sarah to take a look at the murder of the town clerk. It looks as if he was attacked by a wolf. The mayor seems to be involved, but they can't quite pin anything on him. When the townspeople start to gather to chant about killing witches, Sarah knows that she has to protect the town at all costs. She gets some unexpected help from the police, other witches and some animals. Can Sarah and friends figure out what is causing all the trouble before anyone else dies?

[Lynn]

When the enchanted forest and town deed goes missing and a clerk is found murdered, all signs point to a wolf attack. Can Sarah and Addie figure out who is behind the murder and clear the wolves? Lovely series, well written with interesting story line and characters. I received an ARC of this book and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

[Bekki's Books]

Slow paced witchy mystery

The characters are cute and the plot was interesting. It's a little slow paced with all the details about the town and the history, but a decent mystery.

[Margaret]

In this second book of the series, Sarah Spellwood is adjusting to small town life in Witchland, NH after living and working in NYC for years. While it seems like life should be simpler, Sarah learned she is a witch and is trying to learn her craft. She's a descendent of a very powerful good witch, Lativia Spellwood. In fact, Sarah gets her ancestor's book of spells, but it is blank. Unfortunately, there's a murder in the small town. Sarah tries to help Eli and Jenna, local police officers, solve the crime. Come to find out, there's evil and darkness lurking in the town. Can Sarah and Eli figure out who the killer is and why the crime was committed before the town itself is destroyed. And, can Sarah and Eli overcome their past relationship issues and find romance together. This book can be read as a standalone but I really recommend that you read the first book in the series. It'll give you more insight into each of the characters in this novel.

[Angie R Geissman]

This is the second book in this series. I enjoyed the book. It had a little bit of everything: witches, animals, fairies, ghosts. It was a quick enjoyable read. Sarah, the main character, learns more about her heritage and a little more magic. Her familiar even gets a new love interest. She , of course, had to save the town again. It is a good story and worth the read!!

[JANE VAN HORN]

This is the 2nd book in the Paranormal Cozy Mystery series by Melanie Snow. It is a great book and the characters and still developing. I cant wait for the next book.

[Lana]

Sarah Spellwood, the New York attorney who had ditched her busy life to settle in at the small village of Witchland, and who now was turning into a novice witch, following in the footsteps of her relative Letivia Spellwood in protecting the forest and its creatures. She was now not only hard at work trying to learn everything she could to increase her magical powers which were still very lacking, but also studying environment protection law and in between acting as a sleuth to help out in solving the murders turning up in Witchland. Another person was killed and witches and wolves were being blamed for this, turning the non-magical villagers into suddenly a rioting mob ready to burn the witches at the stake again. With the help of the witches of the wolf coven, that of Clover Figleef and her Leekins, the ghosts living on Mount Katribus, and Kelvin, the lone wolf who fell in love with Addie, Sarah sets out to get to the bottom of this new murder. Backed by Eli the deputy, Sarah's heart beat for, and Jenna his assistant they do their best to get to the bottom of the whodunnit mystery in this charming paranormal cosy mystery series which has a way of growing on it's readers. This is such a fun and easy going read, which is getting a bit of romance thrown in both on Sarah's part as well as on Addie's that I find myself longing to read book 3 and hopefully many more books about the charming village of Witchland!

[Andrea Stoeckel]

"It’s time to put your new knowledge to work, Real Estate-Turned-Environmental-Paranormal Lawyer Spellwood and your sidekick, Addie the Super-Smart Dog.”

Sarah Spellwood is becoming much more comfortable living as an environmental lawyer and a novice witch and wondering what the next paranormal issue will come forward. She is also becoming more attracted to Eli Strongheart. She feels like she's got a lot more to learn. Can she handle it?

When the town clerk is found murdered, the office safe plundered and the deed to the town gone, Sarah and the others wonder if it's more than it looks when wolf fur strands are found, and the Mayor is being evasive. Having dealt with His Honor in another situation, Sarah's not sure he's as innocent as he claims. Enter the Leekins and a few others as the town turns against the witches.

Will good triumph? Exactly how does evil look? And who should Sarah believe?

If anything, Melanie Snow has written a better second book in this series than the first, which I really loved. A smart, fast fun read. Highly Recommended 5/5

[disclaimer: I received this book as a gift from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Brenda Barber]

Sarah has begun her real destiny in Witchland where she is learning how to be the witch to be the protector of the forest,town and all the beings that live there. Suddenly there is another killing and Detective Eli needs her help to figure out what has happened. The town clerk has been murdered and it looks like he has been killed by a wolf?? Plus the safe has been broken into and the money is gone!!
But there was something else in that safe and it was the deed to the city of Witchland that has been spelled to cover of the whole area from Evil!! That evil is Latvia's evil sister who has burned at the stake from practicing dark magic she is Madras. She wants to destroy Witchland and everything and everyone there. The deed is missing so there is no protection!!! The town's people start their own hurt stating that wolves are the killers. Sarah calms them all down. Then they are harassing Dolly for being a witch. There a new face in town causing lots of trouble and he is the brother of the late real estate agency who tried to kill Sarah and killed Michael. Why is he in town causing this trouble. Then a fire.breaks out in the mountain top were the ghosts all meet. The Mayor is a bit too greed too. What is happening to the town of Witchland???

[Kathy Brenzi]

Sarah Spellwood was just settling into her new town of Witchland, when there was another murder/robbery. The local cop, Eli Strongheart, has requested her help, as he knows that she is a witch and may be able to see things that he can't. It appears that the Mayor's office has been robbed and and the Town Clerk murdered in a back alley. The problem is that it looks like he was killed by a wolf, but Sarah doesn't believe this. She and her (she hopes to be boyfriend) Eli Strongheart, get help from various sources to try and find out who or what is responsible. The town is suddenly struck with witch hate, so they have to find out what is causing this. It all seems to be connected in some way. Missing from the safe is money and the Town Deed. It is magical and protects the town. Without it, the town is susceptible to evil magic. Perhaps this is the whole point to the events that have taken place.

[Erin]

The first book in this series I like a lot, so I was curious about the second book.

Sarah is still living in Witchland with her dog Addie. She is feeling more and more at home there and is practising her magical side.

But her help is needed when the town clerk is murdered and everything points to a wolf as a murderer. The police asks Sarah for help to find the murderer.

The book is an easy and pleasant read also because of the conversations between Sarah and Addie her dog. Of course the leekins are showing up again in this book to and there is more and more magic in this book. Sarah is meeting the ghosts of her ancestor, her mentor and her aunt. Unfortunatly she also meets her evil ancestor who wants revenge.

But like she is saying herself at the end, there is so much more power in being good then being evil.

[Shawna Beaver- Schaefer]

This is the second book in a brand new series. Sarah is a lawyer, who is also a witch with a lovable talking dog. Who just happens to be starting over on her lifes journey. What possibly could go wrong with that combination? Did I mention she might also have some powers? Without giving out spoilers... lot's. ..

The writer pulls you into this characters world of fun and exciting adventures. I find each book well written and paced enough not drag along as some other writers do. Book two is just a taste of what is to come with future books in this story line being developed.

I found myself reading the entire book on a rainy Saturday afternoon drinking some hot tea. If you like to read fun characters with charm and personality this is the series for you! I highly recommend you give this writer a chance to pull you in as she did to me... definitely worth the read!

[Vicky]

THOUGHTS: This is much like the first book in the series – adult issues, but much younger writing. In this one, Sarah and friends are trying to save the town from and evil spirit who wants to bring dark magic to the town. The town clerk is murdered and all the fingers point to a wolf, but Sarah knows a wolf didn’t do this. Or not a real wolf.

Things I liked: the cute-meet between the dog and the real wolf. And the plot line was intriguing. I liked how Sarah stood by her friend.

Things I could have done without: lack of any historical accuracy. The fact that in the first book, she acquired a lynx as her spirit animal, but in this one, she acquires a wolf. Very confusing. The writing dragged at times.

Kind of recommended? It’s a cute story, but the writing needs some sprucing up.

[Victoria Williams]

I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this new series. Book 2 was even better than book 1, as we discover more about Sarah's family history. She has accepted the powers she has and is becoming more used to and willing to use them, and that comes in handy when there is a murder. A murder that almost starts riots hinting of the old Salmon witch hunts. Sarah had better be careful, as the town turns on one of the local witches; she could be next.
I love that Sarah's powers are so connected to the nature that surrounds her. And now she is finding support from places she least expected. Adding in a bit of romance makes this book a winner for me.
Highly Recommend!

[Beckey Scott]

Can Witchland be saved? Sarah has settled into her new life. She has accepted her role as the protector of the forest of Witchland. She is learning new skills from her trusted friends and studying environmental law. And is it just possible a bit more than friendship is developing with Eli? Sarah is so busy she hardly notices the dark, depressing fog seeping into the forest and the village. It seems another Spellwood relative is back and more determined than ever to control of everyone and everything of Witchland. After the murder of the bank clerk, Sarah realizes it will take all her abilities and help from some unusual places to save the place and people she now calls home.

[Marcie Rostosky]

The series just keeps getting better and better. This time Sarah is in a battle to save Witchland and discovers that she is more powerful than she thought. She discovers that she can talk to her mentor, her aunt Beth and Lativa. She also has to battle with her other evil ancestor. She also discovers something about herself and Addie, but I am not the one to tell you what that is, you will have to read the book. The book is fantastic, the plot is easy to follow, the characters are consistent, and I love the author. I recommend this book. Thank you

[Bobbi]

Take a city lawyer and move her to a small town and you have the makings of a great story. This book was even better than the first book in this series. Sarah is learning and growing. She and Addie have their hands full with everything happening in the town and Sarah is also learning how to be a witch. You will enjoy the world building, especially the different types of magical beings. The towns characters are well designed and feel like people you know. Highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery lovers.

[Lucrecia Tolbert]

Howl Play has pulled me into the world of Witchland. This book reads as if it is much longer, with all of the action that it packs. Any reader that reads this book, should be aware that this is the second book in the series, but reading the first is not required in order to catch up to what this town and plot is all about.

The main character, Sarah, has used what she has learned during her short amount of time being in the town to save it from evil. Sarah joined by others will do whatever it takes to protect the town.

[Kai Kemp]

Well…
This one was better than the first in terms of the main storyline happening much sooner in the book but there wasn’t anything that really stood out to me either.
It’s not that the book is boring, it’s just not really my cup of tea. There’s too many themes in my opinion; detective romance, strangers to lovers, paranormal mystery, witchcraft, lawyer drama like…
When a book has too many themes to focus on, the plot gets lost and I forget what genre the book actually is.

I probably won’t finish this series

[Janet Graham]

Demons and Wolves and a Paranormal Cozy Mystery
This book is the second of a series and the books do need to be read in order to be fully enjoyed. The mystery part of the book is really well done, but the paranormal part was outstanding. It actually made me get goosebumps during the final showdown. This has been a fun series and I can't wait to read more. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.

[Beatrice Followill]

Sarah is getting used to her new town and role she has in it, studying paranormal law and learning spells from her new friends. When the town clerk is found murdered by what seems to be a wolf attack, Sarah finds out that she is the descendant of a wolf coven and must find out the true killer before the town turns against her abd her fellow witch friends .Book 2 is really good , We learn more about Sarah and her heritage .

[Darcysmom]

The Spellwood Witches series started strong and is getting stronger!
Sarah is adapting to life in Spellwood and finding her footing as a novice witch and small-town lawyer.
While investigating a murder, Sarah has the opportunity to learn about and meet her ancestor Lativia and Lativia's mysterious, much-maligned sister.
There are plenty of twists and turns and red herrings as Sarah is on the case.
I am excited to see this series continue - I expect each book will be better than the last.

[Patricia A.]

Another murder happened in Witchland and Sarah has to defend the wolves and witches. There’s a force that is evil and she tries to take over Witchland. With the other witches (coven) Sarah defeats Madra. The ghost of the murdered man helps to solve his murder.This book was really great, loved the story and the characters,especially Addie. I’m glad Sarah and Eli are finally having time together. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Pam]

I was hoping this second book in the series would be as good as the first...and it was! A great story with interesting characters and a challenging murder mystery.

Amazon synopsis:
Sarah Spellwood can’t wait to learn all her powerful ancestor’s magic and repair the reputation of witches. But despite hours of study and her talking dog’s support, she still doubts her spellcasting skill. And she’s about to face a major test when she’s plunged into a battle between good and evil after the enchanted forest’s protective deed is stolen and the town clerk brutally murdered…

With the finger pointing at woodland wolves for the fatal mauling, Sarah and her pooch pal vow to help the handsome police officer Eli Strongheart dig up the truth and clear the innocent creatures’ names. But when darkness rises to threaten the unprotected woods and its inhabitants, she’ll need to fight a formidable magical enemy to stop its destruction.

[Cary]

This books could be great but they have problems, things change from one book to the next, for example: In book one she sold her Jimmy Choos, in this one they were still in her closet. In book one Jenna knew and could see the supernatural and Sarah knew it and in this one Sarah doesn't know. Also, she had one person she remembered from her childhood and it took her like 4 months living in her town and going next door everyday for coffee to finally go say hi and only because she needed her