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Housekeeper #3
A Talent for Trouble
A rogue on the run. A spy on a spree. And a pest on the prowl. As the temperature drops, things are heating up for the new Housekeeper.
When a disaster gets dumped on her doorstep, new magic user Finn finds herself in the hot seat. Caught in the crossfire between two magical families, Finn frantically attempts to save a life, despite opposition on all sides. Adding fuel to the fire, new adversaries force Finn and Bayley to fight for their own safety.
With trouble igniting on all sides, will Finn be able to put out all the fires before everything goes up in flames?
Featuring a magical house, a feline familiar, and a female protagonist who people love to root for, A Talent for Trouble is an action-packed urban fantasy adventure. Fans of cozy paranormal mysteries that are loaded with suspense and humor will love this enchanting, immersive world.
When a disaster gets dumped on her doorstep, new magic user Finn finds herself in the hot seat. Caught in the crossfire between two magical families, Finn frantically attempts to save a life, despite opposition on all sides. Adding fuel to the fire, new adversaries force Finn and Bayley to fight for their own safety.
With trouble igniting on all sides, will Finn be able to put out all the fires before everything goes up in flames?
Featuring a magical house, a feline familiar, and a female protagonist who people love to root for, A Talent for Trouble is an action-packed urban fantasy adventure. Fans of cozy paranormal mysteries that are loaded with suspense and humor will love this enchanting, immersive world.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2020
38 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 11, 2020
Excellent (temporary) Conclusion
Although Finn and Bayley’s adventures aren’t over, A Talent For Trouble forms a delightful conclusion to this trilogy of books. World and character building continues, and more of the mystery of Bayley and DeeDee are revealed, without info-dumping or shoehorning information into the pages.
There are two main mysteries in this novel, and while one resolves in a somewhat “see it coming” manner, the more minor plot that resolves surprisingly early (for typical plot bunnies) ends up setting the groundwork for the Major Mystery, if not the Big Bad, of upcoming storylines.
Wynn continues with her deft touch at story, character, and world, with well-developed and unique characters—even those new to the series—and a flare for dialogue that deserves serious commendation.
A Talent for Trouble is a worthwhile addition to the Housekeeper series, managing to both feel like a tidy conclusion while also setting the board for books to come. That’s a tricky line to walk, and that Wynn does it so well is precisely why you should read these books.
Although Finn and Bayley’s adventures aren’t over, A Talent For Trouble forms a delightful conclusion to this trilogy of books. World and character building continues, and more of the mystery of Bayley and DeeDee are revealed, without info-dumping or shoehorning information into the pages.
There are two main mysteries in this novel, and while one resolves in a somewhat “see it coming” manner, the more minor plot that resolves surprisingly early (for typical plot bunnies) ends up setting the groundwork for the Major Mystery, if not the Big Bad, of upcoming storylines.
Wynn continues with her deft touch at story, character, and world, with well-developed and unique characters—even those new to the series—and a flare for dialogue that deserves serious commendation.
A Talent for Trouble is a worthwhile addition to the Housekeeper series, managing to both feel like a tidy conclusion while also setting the board for books to come. That’s a tricky line to walk, and that Wynn does it so well is precisely why you should read these books.
August 17, 2021
This is the third book in the series and I think it's the best of the three even with the first two being really good.
Finn has one heck of a lot of things to do with. Gram, someone she doesn't like, is proving himself to be a pain in the rear. He shows up with Sadie, a young woman who the Council wants dead.
Then there's her cat-not cat which proves enigmatic and with a very strong personality of its own.
There's a greenhouse with something trying to get inside, Sibeta and her friends in the basement pool, a pizza with fecal matter, exploding fireworks, a movie theater, 'others' around the house, the pressure to open the doom door, a teenage boy, a pregnant creature, the more-enigmatic-than-the-cay Zo, Wil (who may or may not be able to be trusted), a helicopter on the front yard, maybe something in the attic and an execution.
Now if that's not enough to keep Finn busy I don't know what it would take. All the characters are clearly well done, there's a lot of things left open for a future book (hopefully there will be more books in the series) and a good ending. Top grade writing.
Finn has one heck of a lot of things to do with. Gram, someone she doesn't like, is proving himself to be a pain in the rear. He shows up with Sadie, a young woman who the Council wants dead.
Then there's her cat-not cat which proves enigmatic and with a very strong personality of its own.
There's a greenhouse with something trying to get inside, Sibeta and her friends in the basement pool, a pizza with fecal matter, exploding fireworks, a movie theater, 'others' around the house, the pressure to open the doom door, a teenage boy, a pregnant creature, the more-enigmatic-than-the-cay Zo, Wil (who may or may not be able to be trusted), a helicopter on the front yard, maybe something in the attic and an execution.
Now if that's not enough to keep Finn busy I don't know what it would take. All the characters are clearly well done, there's a lot of things left open for a future book (hopefully there will be more books in the series) and a good ending. Top grade writing.
September 27, 2020
Not only does Finn have problems with her own family's council, the other families don't seem to be all that thrilled with her either. She does have individual members of each that are willing to help her out, which is important since her own family is still stalling on getting her a magic tutor. Then her nemesis Gram shows up in the middle of the night with a badly injured person who needs a place to hide. No spoilers, it will ruin the suspense of the rest of the book! It's enough to say that all the families have their own rules that over the years have become ways for them to consolidate their powers. What happens when the rules are broken is a rollercoaster ride with shifting loyalties, a stalker, fights to the death, a coup by Nor, and a showdown where Finn proves that she's not just another housekeeper who doesn't do her job. She and Bayley come out on top and there are big changes planned for the future of Bayley House and the five families. I absolutely can not wait for the next book.
September 27, 2020
Impressed
I absolutely loved this series. The books are a perfect mix of fantasy and cozy mystery with an eclectic group of characters. This book answered some of the questions from the previous two books yet added a few more questions. I would like to see Finn pushed around less and stand up for herself more but the author does address that issue. Any issue I have was with my personal preferences because the writing is top notch. I did think the fact that the housekeeper can't leave the property does limit future possibilities but I hope maybe something happens that remedies that. The series never grows boring though with new characters coming into each book. I'm a bit frustrated that Finn never gets some of her repeated questions answered but that does make a great series. I highly recommend this series and this book was the best yet.
I absolutely loved this series. The books are a perfect mix of fantasy and cozy mystery with an eclectic group of characters. This book answered some of the questions from the previous two books yet added a few more questions. I would like to see Finn pushed around less and stand up for herself more but the author does address that issue. Any issue I have was with my personal preferences because the writing is top notch. I did think the fact that the housekeeper can't leave the property does limit future possibilities but I hope maybe something happens that remedies that. The series never grows boring though with new characters coming into each book. I'm a bit frustrated that Finn never gets some of her repeated questions answered but that does make a great series. I highly recommend this series and this book was the best yet.
February 11, 2021
5 delighted stars
This review is for the entire series, which I devoured in one weekend. The stories follow a new Innkeeper as she learns the ropes of partnering with a sentient house, and navigating the political machinations of magical families.
I really like how the author wrote the MC (main character). She is intelligent, empathetic, loyal, confident, ethical, moral, and snarky. She doesn't spend time running around in her head overthinking things. Each book in the series furthers the overarching story and develops the MC and her relationship with the other side characters.
I eagerly await the next installment :-)
This review is for the entire series, which I devoured in one weekend. The stories follow a new Innkeeper as she learns the ropes of partnering with a sentient house, and navigating the political machinations of magical families.
I really like how the author wrote the MC (main character). She is intelligent, empathetic, loyal, confident, ethical, moral, and snarky. She doesn't spend time running around in her head overthinking things. Each book in the series furthers the overarching story and develops the MC and her relationship with the other side characters.
I eagerly await the next installment :-)
September 28, 2020
Awesome storytelling!
I sucked this story down quicker than anything before! I loved the first 2 books that I could barely wait until this 3rd installment came out. I sure hope the next book comes out faster.
If you love reading a great story with lots of action, a ton of humor, and more snark that you ever heard before, this series is for you. A magical sentient house, a guardian who needs a clue, talking objects and animals, and all sorts of magic starts this series and continues to rock it all the way through all three books! Each book just keeps getting better.
I sucked this story down quicker than anything before! I loved the first 2 books that I could barely wait until this 3rd installment came out. I sure hope the next book comes out faster.
If you love reading a great story with lots of action, a ton of humor, and more snark that you ever heard before, this series is for you. A magical sentient house, a guardian who needs a clue, talking objects and animals, and all sorts of magic starts this series and continues to rock it all the way through all three books! Each book just keeps getting better.
November 24, 2020
Things are hotting up for Finn and the stakes seem to be getting higher as she finds out more about her house, her duties and the world that she finds herself in. Unexpected allies and foes, new sentient beings, new characters and some old, Finn feels at home now and is adjusting well. The story is fabulous, tightly written, well edited, exciting and characters that you love and take to heart. I can't recommend these books enough and can't wait until the next is out.
June 13, 2021
So good!
If you are a fan of magic, quirky characters, and just darn good storytelling this book is for you. This series is so good I read all 3 books in one weekend. I'm already looking forward to the next book (hurry please!). I love the overlapping plot lines, character development, and attention to detail. I feel like there is a whole world to explore and I can't wait to see it!
If you are a fan of magic, quirky characters, and just darn good storytelling this book is for you. This series is so good I read all 3 books in one weekend. I'm already looking forward to the next book (hurry please!). I love the overlapping plot lines, character development, and attention to detail. I feel like there is a whole world to explore and I can't wait to see it!
April 30, 2021
So much fun! This may just be the best one yet. The mysteries are finally revealing themselves, and the books are getting longer (which I love and appreciate).
One of my favorite pastimes is bothering the author for updates on when the next book will be completed.
The inquests will recommence.... now.
One of my favorite pastimes is bothering the author for updates on when the next book will be completed.
The inquests will recommence.... now.
July 23, 2021
Simply awesome
This series is really amazing. For the first time in a long time, I lost sleep because I could not stop reading.
I am so happy with the character arc and I just can't wait to read more. I'm glad to see Finn standing up for herself. I do hope that more of her allies will begin to open up to her soon. So far so great! Can't wait for the next one!
This series is really amazing. For the first time in a long time, I lost sleep because I could not stop reading.
I am so happy with the character arc and I just can't wait to read more. I'm glad to see Finn standing up for herself. I do hope that more of her allies will begin to open up to her soon. So far so great! Can't wait for the next one!
July 31, 2021
Best fantasy books I have read in a few years ( or any book) and I read a lot !!!
I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a very satisfying , very well written story with great characters. I really. Am a great fan of this author and I want more more and more! I hope that she can see fit to continue this series!
I would recommend these books to anyone who enjoys a very satisfying , very well written story with great characters. I really. Am a great fan of this author and I want more more and more! I hope that she can see fit to continue this series!
July 24, 2024
Some aspects are starting to annoy (not just me but also the protagonist it seems) and I wonder if maybe the author's strategy of "wait and find out" is because she herself doesn't know what's next or exactly how she proposes to resolve an issue. While I sympathize with that, the constant stonewalling by various characters is becoming wearisome.
October 4, 2020
I can hardly wait for the nest chapter!
Love this story and the characters. I love the kindness and understanding that Finn has for everyone, around her, and I love how protective she feels for those that need it. Thank you and I look forward to the continuing story!
Love this story and the characters. I love the kindness and understanding that Finn has for everyone, around her, and I love how protective she feels for those that need it. Thank you and I look forward to the continuing story!
October 8, 2020
Love this series!
Beautiful writing, wonderful characters and an excellent adventure! I love how the books end with so much future potential but no cliffhanger. This author has become an automatic buy for me.
Beautiful writing, wonderful characters and an excellent adventure! I love how the books end with so much future potential but no cliffhanger. This author has become an automatic buy for me.
February 8, 2021
Great series
Fantastic series! Loads of characters, action, mystery, cool creatures, and magic. The romance is minimal (which is kind of refreshing) and the whole series is well written.
Can’t wait for the next one!
Fantastic series! Loads of characters, action, mystery, cool creatures, and magic. The romance is minimal (which is kind of refreshing) and the whole series is well written.
Can’t wait for the next one!
February 17, 2021
Read Every Single Book
This series is EXCELLENT! Original, entertaining, well thought out, engaging, and fun. Wonderful characters and a story line that keeps getting better. I can hardly wait for the next installment!
This series is EXCELLENT! Original, entertaining, well thought out, engaging, and fun. Wonderful characters and a story line that keeps getting better. I can hardly wait for the next installment!
June 7, 2021
Unique and fun
An interesting take on magic houses, the ethics of power and cats. Lol. Yes you should read it. The first one is a little crunchy, but the story smooths as I’ve series goes on.
An interesting take on magic houses, the ethics of power and cats. Lol. Yes you should read it. The first one is a little crunchy, but the story smooths as I’ve series goes on.
September 4, 2021
Please Please Please Let There Be a Book 4!!!
It is hard to believe this series is Matteson's first. I am in awe of the creativity, the dialog, the flow of the story with just amount of tension. I need another fix.
It is hard to believe this series is Matteson's first. I am in awe of the creativity, the dialog, the flow of the story with just amount of tension. I need another fix.
March 15, 2022
In short, I loved this book even more than the others in this series. Mostly, because Finn Foster developed in her magic and decided what to do with her dreams. I'm just sad we don't have more books, JET!
June 19, 2022
Every book in this series is a complete story on its own, but there's still room for speculation regarding the sentient house and all the other magical characters. This is one of those books You want to read slowly because you don't want it to end, but you can't help powering through it because there's so much going on. Highly recommended, as are the earlier two books. More, please?
May 9, 2024
Excellent Book. Excellent series
Each book gets better and better.
"Sentient House" needs to be a genre of fiction. Bailey is, by far the most compelling character in this series. I just wish there were more than 4 books in this series.
Each book gets better and better.
"Sentient House" needs to be a genre of fiction. Bailey is, by far the most compelling character in this series. I just wish there were more than 4 books in this series.
July 15, 2024
I have read the previous books in the series, and they seem to get more exciting as I continue. Reading the book kept me up and awake until nearly 3 a.m. for several days in a row.
It is definitely one I'd recommend ... you won't regret it.
It is definitely one I'd recommend ... you won't regret it.
November 3, 2020
I really love this series. It's a little bit mystery and a lot of magic which makes the best combination in my opinion! Good stuff! I can't wait for the next one!
November 14, 2020
Great
Looking forward to the next book, love the world building and development of characters. This is truly an adventure to read.
Looking forward to the next book, love the world building and development of characters. This is truly an adventure to read.
January 23, 2021
This is a fantastic series. I'm in love with it. I haven't finished a book and wanted to start over at book one again in a long time. I need the next one soon before I go through withdrawal.
February 21, 2021
Fun read! I'm a sucker for magical houses and otherworldly beings. I realized I don't love the MC but I like the direction of her character development.
July 6, 2021
Great series!
This is a great read, as are the other two books in the series. I have not been able to put them down. I can't wait for the next volume!
This is a great read, as are the other two books in the series. I have not been able to put them down. I can't wait for the next volume!
August 3, 2021
I love love love this series. I can't wait for more books! Amazing.
March 19, 2022
Great progress in story plot.
July 23, 2022
Book 3
The third installment is just as wonderful as the first two. Highly recommend this series if you're a fan of urban fantasy.
The third installment is just as wonderful as the first two. Highly recommend this series if you're a fan of urban fantasy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews