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Witch of Edgehill #5
Pawsitively Betrayed
Enemies wear many faces.
The Here and Meow Festival has finally arrived! Amber Blackwood and her fellow festival committee members still have plenty to do before the celebration of all things feline begins. Even though Amber’s witchy past keeps interfering, she knows the show must go on. Edgehill’s livelihood depends on the festival’s success.
When two incidents involving her malfunctioning products cause her to shutter the doors of her curiosity shop, The Quirky Whisker, only days before the busiest season of the year, Amber thinks things can’t get any worse. An investigation into the incidents reveals sabotage is to blame—sabotage that only could have been carried out by a fellow witch. Things just officially got worse.
With Edgehill overrun by tourists, any unfamiliar face could be a member of the nefarious Penhallow witch family. Though her parents’ grimoires are hidden in a remote location overlaid with protective spells, Amber fears that won’t be enough to deter the desperate and cursed clan from trying to get their hands on a legendary time-travel spell.
As the opening ceremony of the Here and Meow approaches, Amber contends with a nosy lawyer, mysterious government officials, and a charismatic superstar. Through it all, Amber senses the Penhallows have something planned—something big. With her new circle of close confidants by her side, Amber must find a way to thwart the Penhallow family’s scheme before it’s too late. If she can’t, the Here and Meow will be ruined … and Edgehill could be wiped off the map.
The Here and Meow Festival has finally arrived! Amber Blackwood and her fellow festival committee members still have plenty to do before the celebration of all things feline begins. Even though Amber’s witchy past keeps interfering, she knows the show must go on. Edgehill’s livelihood depends on the festival’s success.
When two incidents involving her malfunctioning products cause her to shutter the doors of her curiosity shop, The Quirky Whisker, only days before the busiest season of the year, Amber thinks things can’t get any worse. An investigation into the incidents reveals sabotage is to blame—sabotage that only could have been carried out by a fellow witch. Things just officially got worse.
With Edgehill overrun by tourists, any unfamiliar face could be a member of the nefarious Penhallow witch family. Though her parents’ grimoires are hidden in a remote location overlaid with protective spells, Amber fears that won’t be enough to deter the desperate and cursed clan from trying to get their hands on a legendary time-travel spell.
As the opening ceremony of the Here and Meow approaches, Amber contends with a nosy lawyer, mysterious government officials, and a charismatic superstar. Through it all, Amber senses the Penhallows have something planned—something big. With her new circle of close confidants by her side, Amber must find a way to thwart the Penhallow family’s scheme before it’s too late. If she can’t, the Here and Meow will be ruined … and Edgehill could be wiped off the map.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2021
49 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Erin Jackson
27 books529 followersMelissa is a professional pet sitter and an author of paranormal mysteries. There are two books out in her Riley Thomas mystery series--The Forgotten Child and Shuttered Secrets. Her Witch of Edgehill cozy paranormal mystery series is complete at five books. The first two books in her urban fantasy series, The Charm Collector, are out now. Unholy Magic and A Mythical Case of Arson are up next! She owns too many pets and lives in Northern California with her equally pet-obsessed boyfriend. For information about her books, you can join her newsletter at melissajacksonbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
February 18, 2022
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the 5th book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I have read and review the other four books in this series, and I have to say this is a series that you really need to read the books in order. I think you will be lost if you just pick this book up without reading any of the other books in the series. I really loved this book, and I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. I love the characters in the series, and there are so developed. The little town that this book takes place in is so cute, and everything in the town is cats. This book is way more suspenseful then any of the other ones. This one is fast pace with a lot of suspense in it. I would almost call this book a suspense book, but the other books in this series is not as suspenseful. The book before this had a ton of suspense and fast pace drama going on right before it ended, and that carries over through out this book. I loved this book from the beginning to the end. I do feel that you are just dumped into a ton of drama right in the beginning of this book, but it is done so very well. If you love cozy mystery with witches then you should check out this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Ringtail Press) or author (Melissa Erin Jackson) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
October 29, 2021
Pawsitively Betrayed
(Witch of Edgehill #5)
by Melissa Erin Jackson
Great conclusion! At least I think it was the end! Things ended great and all tidied up nicely! Great series! Loved every book! Well thought out!
(Witch of Edgehill #5)
by Melissa Erin Jackson
Great conclusion! At least I think it was the end! Things ended great and all tidied up nicely! Great series! Loved every book! Well thought out!
December 21, 2020
Amber is a witch and owner of the Quirky Whisker toy shop in the cat-obsessed town of Edgehill. When one of her magic toys explodes, frightening a child, she realizes that there are some other witches involved who are trying to intimidate her. With the help of some town residents, family, and local witches, can Amber defeat the evil Penhallow clan that killed her parents? Will the big “Here and Meow” festival be held without interference? And who should Amber trust when there are several former enemies claiming to be on her side? If you are looking for a relaxing paranormal escape with likable characters, Pawsitively Betrayed fits the bill admirably. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
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May 25, 2021
The Here and Meow Festival finally arrives in Pawsitively Betrayed, the fifth and final book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. Along with it also comes the Penhallow family's plan to regain their magic no matter what the cost is to the witch and non-witch communities. It's a lot for one witch alone to manage.
I said it before in my review the previous installment and I'll say it again: the Witch of Edgehill is so much more than your typical cozy mystery series. Emotional, suspenseful, heartwarming, laugh out loud humor - this ending was everything I could ask for and more. Amber is in over her head and I was genuinely worried for the characters being able to both survive and solve the mystery in time. It's a good thing Amber has friends and family she can rely on. I've grown attached to these characters and I'm sad I have to say goodbye for now.
This was an exciting and satisfying ending to the series. It's one I could see myself rereading in the future.
I said it before in my review the previous installment and I'll say it again: the Witch of Edgehill is so much more than your typical cozy mystery series. Emotional, suspenseful, heartwarming, laugh out loud humor - this ending was everything I could ask for and more. Amber is in over her head and I was genuinely worried for the characters being able to both survive and solve the mystery in time. It's a good thing Amber has friends and family she can rely on. I've grown attached to these characters and I'm sad I have to say goodbye for now.
This was an exciting and satisfying ending to the series. It's one I could see myself rereading in the future.
September 1, 2025
wow…i’ve reached the end of this series and honestly, i wasn’t ready to let it go. book 5 was so good that of course i’m left wanting more! 😩 i’ve mentioned before that cozy mysteries can be a hit or miss for me and Melissa Erin Jackson’s writing has made me a lover of the genre 🥺
February 7, 2021
Wow! This book is the culmination of the previous four books and is exciting, emotional, suspenseful and a perfect conclusion to the story lines that have been building. Each book in this series ended appropriately for the murder mystery and storylines in that book. This one ends the ongoing challenges.
The Here and Meow festival has arrived! Amber and her friends have been preparing and waiting for the festival. However, Amber's toys are starting to malfunction and she is afraid that she won't be able to sell them at the festival. Then when it looks like witches may destroy the whole festival, Amber and her friends need to step up.
I think this is the best book in the series. I am emotionally attached to most of the characters and the events and adventures kept me on the edge of my seat. A very satisfying read.
The Here and Meow festival has arrived! Amber and her friends have been preparing and waiting for the festival. However, Amber's toys are starting to malfunction and she is afraid that she won't be able to sell them at the festival. Then when it looks like witches may destroy the whole festival, Amber and her friends need to step up.
I think this is the best book in the series. I am emotionally attached to most of the characters and the events and adventures kept me on the edge of my seat. A very satisfying read.
January 15, 2021
Thank you @netgalley for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The fifth and final book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I have so enjoyed reading this paranormal cozy mystery. I loved this whimsical Oregon town full of magic, plenty of cats and great characters. Each book introduced just a bit more charm, while also providing a great mystery that ultimately lead up to this last book. I would highly recommend reading this series in order to fully understand the history of what the characters are going through during this story.
The conclusion to this series truly went out with a bang. It was full of suspense, humor and non-stop action. There were plenty of twists and shocking surprises too!! The entire cast showed up for this book and it was just perfect to see them all come together or try to interfere with this battle against the Penhallows. Some of my favorite scenes included the mystery behind the exploding toys, a fun glamour with a famous music star, Edgar’s bittersweet reunion with his dad and did I mention a meddlesome someone gets hexed into a hamster!!!
I truly have never read a cozy series like this one before. It’s so well developed and imaginative. I highly recommend it!!! The author did a fantastic job creating such a charming world and wrapping up all of the loose ends in a smooth effortless way.
The fifth and final book in the Witch of Edgehill series. I have so enjoyed reading this paranormal cozy mystery. I loved this whimsical Oregon town full of magic, plenty of cats and great characters. Each book introduced just a bit more charm, while also providing a great mystery that ultimately lead up to this last book. I would highly recommend reading this series in order to fully understand the history of what the characters are going through during this story.
The conclusion to this series truly went out with a bang. It was full of suspense, humor and non-stop action. There were plenty of twists and shocking surprises too!! The entire cast showed up for this book and it was just perfect to see them all come together or try to interfere with this battle against the Penhallows. Some of my favorite scenes included the mystery behind the exploding toys, a fun glamour with a famous music star, Edgar’s bittersweet reunion with his dad and did I mention a meddlesome someone gets hexed into a hamster!!!
I truly have never read a cozy series like this one before. It’s so well developed and imaginative. I highly recommend it!!! The author did a fantastic job creating such a charming world and wrapping up all of the loose ends in a smooth effortless way.
November 9, 2021
Pawsitively Betrayed: A Cozy Witch Mystery is the 5th (and currently final) book in the Witch of Edgehill series by Melissa Erin Jackson. I stumbled across this series looking for free books on my iPad. The first book received good reviews, and because I have recently discovered that I love cats, I downloaded it.
The series is set in a small, fictitious Oregonian town with a cat theme. All of the streets are named after cats- Ocicat Lane and Russian Blue Avenue, as are all of the stores and restaurants- Catty Melt, Sippin’ Siamese, and Purrfectly Scrumptious. The author’s clever naming conventions and descriptions make me wish that Edgehill, Oregon was a real place. I would love to visit it and attend the annual Here and Meow festival!
Each of the books highlights Amber Blackwood, a recluse witch, who owns The Quirky Whisker (a “magical” toy store and apothecary). Throughout the series, Amber learns to trust others with knowledge of her secret gift and to trust herself and her special abilities. I feel a personal connection to Amber as I’ve had difficulty opening up and trusting others.
While each book could be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting with Book 1, Pawsitively Poisonous: A Cozy Witch Mystery. The author inserts little tidbits and reminders for readers who many not have read the previous book or for those (like me) who may have forgotten something from an earlier book.
The series was purrfect, and I am feline disappointed that it has come to an end. I am hopeful that we will see more tails from Edgehill in the future.
The series is set in a small, fictitious Oregonian town with a cat theme. All of the streets are named after cats- Ocicat Lane and Russian Blue Avenue, as are all of the stores and restaurants- Catty Melt, Sippin’ Siamese, and Purrfectly Scrumptious. The author’s clever naming conventions and descriptions make me wish that Edgehill, Oregon was a real place. I would love to visit it and attend the annual Here and Meow festival!
Each of the books highlights Amber Blackwood, a recluse witch, who owns The Quirky Whisker (a “magical” toy store and apothecary). Throughout the series, Amber learns to trust others with knowledge of her secret gift and to trust herself and her special abilities. I feel a personal connection to Amber as I’ve had difficulty opening up and trusting others.
While each book could be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting with Book 1, Pawsitively Poisonous: A Cozy Witch Mystery. The author inserts little tidbits and reminders for readers who many not have read the previous book or for those (like me) who may have forgotten something from an earlier book.
The series was purrfect, and I am feline disappointed that it has come to an end. I am hopeful that we will see more tails from Edgehill in the future.
February 26, 2023
Fifth and probably final book in the Witch of Edgehill series is the best of them all. A satisfying conclusion that wraps up the major storylines without taking its foot off the gas getting there. Really this is one of the few series that really should be read in order as Amber Blackwood's journey from odd recluse to positive and strong young resonates more. Amber's shop, The Quirky Whisker, is hit by two incidents questioning the safety of her teas and her animated toys. Meanwhile the backstory over her mother's grimoires and feud with the Penhallows ups the tension and paranoia of who can be trusted. Throughly enjoyed it. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2021
This is the concluding book of this series, and man it’s a doozy! I didn’t realize this was the last book going into this, but that didn’t affect my enjoyment. The one thing I must say upfront is that if you haven’t read the other books in the series, it would be best if you did that first. The author does have a synopsis at the beginning of the book to bring readers up to speed, which I absolutely adore, but still. I can’t say much without giving away massive spoilers, but the gang is all together to help solve the latest shenanigans. This was a wild ride with so many ups and downs, surprises, and twists and turns, you don’t really know where to turn. Amber, Jack, Willow, Aunt G, and everyone else were so fun, and I’m so glad to have read this series. Give it a try! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
January 9, 2021
The final book in the series brings a cast of strong colorful characters and an interesting story line. The author brings her story to life with her detailed and descriptive writing , painting her scenes perfectly. She brings intrigue and a bit of romance and delivers another entertaining read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 14, 2021
I am so sad to see this brilliant cosy mystery come to an end. This is a fitting conclusion to a thrilling series. I strongly advise reading the previous instalments as this story wraps up all the plots from previous books. This book jumps right into the action as Amber is targeted by the Penhallows.
The author brings the quirky town of Edgehill to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. The backstory is carried so well throughout each of the five books and with each book, we become more invested in Amber and her supporting cast of characters. This is a series I would love to see brought to life on television.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author brings the quirky town of Edgehill to life with her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. The backstory is carried so well throughout each of the five books and with each book, we become more invested in Amber and her supporting cast of characters. This is a series I would love to see brought to life on television.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 31, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Often there are series that you can dip into at any point and read away. There are others, of which this is a prime example, that the reader needs to have read from the beginning of book one to the end of the series. To do otherwise would not only confuse the reader but it will detract from a skillfully woven tale that builds each book upon the previous one until you come up with the penultimate book in the series. By this time, the reader has become so invested in the characters and the life and death struggle between two witch families, one good and one evil. You are looking for resolution and it comes with this book.
The Here and Meow Festival, around which all the books have revolved, is almost here. The floats are being made. The preparations are almost complete. This presents the Penhallow’s, the evil family, a perfect opportunity to raise havoc and force Amber to hand over her mother’s grimoire with the spell they seek. They threaten Amber’s business and Amber’s town and everyone who is coming to celebrate. This family has inveigled its way into Amber’s in a most insidious way. They also have a habit of putting on glamours so often Amber is not sure if the person is truly the person or a Penhallow in disguise.
For most of the book, they are able to keep Amber off her game. They play her like a fine violin until they make one fatal mistake that allows Amber to do unexpected things. They underestimate her even though she has already defeated and subsequently “cured” one of their members. Amber walks a very dangerous path, never knowing for sure who is friend and who is foe.
The stories are filled with fascinating characters, some humour, and lots of excitement and suspense. And it has a Maine Coon named Savannah. I would have to love the books just for that. But I have loved each one and this final chapter is both surprising and satisfying.
Five purrs and two paws up.
The Here and Meow Festival, around which all the books have revolved, is almost here. The floats are being made. The preparations are almost complete. This presents the Penhallow’s, the evil family, a perfect opportunity to raise havoc and force Amber to hand over her mother’s grimoire with the spell they seek. They threaten Amber’s business and Amber’s town and everyone who is coming to celebrate. This family has inveigled its way into Amber’s in a most insidious way. They also have a habit of putting on glamours so often Amber is not sure if the person is truly the person or a Penhallow in disguise.
For most of the book, they are able to keep Amber off her game. They play her like a fine violin until they make one fatal mistake that allows Amber to do unexpected things. They underestimate her even though she has already defeated and subsequently “cured” one of their members. Amber walks a very dangerous path, never knowing for sure who is friend and who is foe.
The stories are filled with fascinating characters, some humour, and lots of excitement and suspense. And it has a Maine Coon named Savannah. I would have to love the books just for that. But I have loved each one and this final chapter is both surprising and satisfying.
Five purrs and two paws up.
January 10, 2021
Amber Blackwood and the festival committee members are rushing to get everything done for “The Here and Meow Festival” that is so important to the town as their big money-maker. But when Amber’s products begin malfunctioning, with a toy bear exploding and someone getting sick after drinking tea from her shop, immediately before their busy season begins, she is forced to close her curiosity shop while the cause is being investigated. It appears that deliberate sabotage was the cause, and it could only be accomplished by a witch.
Amber’s mind goes immediately to the Penhallow witch family. It is critical to keep her parents’ grimoires hidden so that the Penhallows do not access a legendary time-travel spell and wreak havoc. She is convinced that they are up to something, and if she can’t figure it out, not only will the festival be ruined, but the entire town could be in danger! Can she and her friends discover and thwart the plans? Will she be in time to save the day?
This was a wonderfully busy story tying up loose ends and keeping the good-guys racing to find the perpetrators! And there are a ton of other things going on as well, so the reader will need to jump right into the story line and hold on!
Amber’s mind goes immediately to the Penhallow witch family. It is critical to keep her parents’ grimoires hidden so that the Penhallows do not access a legendary time-travel spell and wreak havoc. She is convinced that they are up to something, and if she can’t figure it out, not only will the festival be ruined, but the entire town could be in danger! Can she and her friends discover and thwart the plans? Will she be in time to save the day?
This was a wonderfully busy story tying up loose ends and keeping the good-guys racing to find the perpetrators! And there are a ton of other things going on as well, so the reader will need to jump right into the story line and hold on!
December 28, 2020
Amber's toys seem to be having a problem that she doesn't know what to do. One of her friends seems to be in the hospital after drinking her tea. Amber realizes that the Penhallows are behind everything. Amber and her cousin are approached by the WBI, they seem to want more than what they are saying.
Amber will have to step up with the threat of Penhallow and others are after the grimoires. Willow will also have to determine just where her relationship with Connor is going. Willow will also meet someone that brightens her days. Amber will also learn some very important information about her family. Amber will also have to trust some people, it could be the biggest mistake.
This is the final book in series. The author wraps up some of the storylines that were going on with the big showdown. There is a opening in the book, so the author can revisit these characters. I am sorry to see this series coming to an end. They only thing that I didn't enjoy is the Edgar and Kim. I feel like that authors always have the bestfriend falls for relative of her friend. I feel like it would be more interesting if it was new character all together. Doesn't take away from the book at all, it just my opinion. I do recommend reading this book/ series, it is an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Amber will have to step up with the threat of Penhallow and others are after the grimoires. Willow will also have to determine just where her relationship with Connor is going. Willow will also meet someone that brightens her days. Amber will also learn some very important information about her family. Amber will also have to trust some people, it could be the biggest mistake.
This is the final book in series. The author wraps up some of the storylines that were going on with the big showdown. There is a opening in the book, so the author can revisit these characters. I am sorry to see this series coming to an end. They only thing that I didn't enjoy is the Edgar and Kim. I feel like that authors always have the bestfriend falls for relative of her friend. I feel like it would be more interesting if it was new character all together. Doesn't take away from the book at all, it just my opinion. I do recommend reading this book/ series, it is an enjoyable read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 20, 2021
Pawsitively Betrayed by Melissa Erin Jackson is a fantastically amazing story that I have read. This is book number five in this fantastically amazing series that I have loved reading. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy, cozy and mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2023
This whole series is just kinda fun. It's a great feel good witchy mystery. Cat lovers must read these books.
This town is all about celebrating everything feline.
Amber is a witch. She has a little shop where she sells her magical toys and tinctures. But trouble seems to be right around every corner.
Amber has always been quiet, a loner and in this gossipy little town they think she's a little odd.
With everything going bad and her under suspicion for her best friend's death. She will find friends in the most unexpected places.
I flew through this hilarious series and enjoyed every moment of it.
This town is all about celebrating everything feline.
Amber is a witch. She has a little shop where she sells her magical toys and tinctures. But trouble seems to be right around every corner.
Amber has always been quiet, a loner and in this gossipy little town they think she's a little odd.
With everything going bad and her under suspicion for her best friend's death. She will find friends in the most unexpected places.
I flew through this hilarious series and enjoyed every moment of it.
January 10, 2021
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I was very surprised on how the plot was so well written that I could not put the book down. I cannot wait for another book by the author. It was such a great read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2021
What a superb last book to end this fantastic story. Amber and the committee have plenty to do to get ready for the festival . Definitely not counting on trouble though. Pawsitively out of this world.
January 13, 2023
This series is addictive - I absolutely flew through them
Super cozy mystery with cats and characters impossible not to love
Super cozy mystery with cats and characters impossible not to love
July 20, 2024
4 1/2 stars. You will find yourself fully absorbed in this story from beginning to end—conspiracy theories on top of conspiracy theories. Magical danger at every turn. Simply marvelous.
December 23, 2020
Awesome series! This is the first time I've read anything by this author and I'm so impressed. I get so engrossed in each book that the world around me fades away for a while. I love that. This 5th book kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.
January 11, 2021
What a satisfying end to the series! There are so many twists and turns and questions that you'll be glad you have Amber figuring it out and pulling you along to the climatic end. It's a whirlwind! We get to see the whole cast of characters and even a couple of new ones. Everyone is needed to save the day.
Since I was one of the readers who liked the chemistry between Amber and Chief Brown, I appreciated all the references. :0) I feel comfortable with them being friends now and their energy is very sweet. High-energy Kim and uptight Bianca together are hilarious. I laughed out loud several times while reading—the personalities in this book mesh in very amusing ways! I felt sorry for Edgar and may have a bit of a crush on the brooding gamer now. There was a scene very near the end, where Amber finally meets a couple she thought she'd never know, and it brought tears to my eyes.
As for the Here and Meow Festival—the details about the floats, decorations, and activities are so complete I was nearly overwhelmed trying to imagine them all. Some people may get a little nervous at the thought of so many cat-themed items and events, but I would love to see them all in person!
Lastly, Amber is such a wonderful hero to follow. She second-guesses herself, tries, fails and tries again. She uses logic while listening to her heart. I knew all along that magic would be safe in her hands. I hope she gets a long break to relax after this!
Since I was one of the readers who liked the chemistry between Amber and Chief Brown, I appreciated all the references. :0) I feel comfortable with them being friends now and their energy is very sweet. High-energy Kim and uptight Bianca together are hilarious. I laughed out loud several times while reading—the personalities in this book mesh in very amusing ways! I felt sorry for Edgar and may have a bit of a crush on the brooding gamer now. There was a scene very near the end, where Amber finally meets a couple she thought she'd never know, and it brought tears to my eyes.
As for the Here and Meow Festival—the details about the floats, decorations, and activities are so complete I was nearly overwhelmed trying to imagine them all. Some people may get a little nervous at the thought of so many cat-themed items and events, but I would love to see them all in person!
Lastly, Amber is such a wonderful hero to follow. She second-guesses herself, tries, fails and tries again. She uses logic while listening to her heart. I knew all along that magic would be safe in her hands. I hope she gets a long break to relax after this!
May 9, 2021
This is book five of the Witch of Edgehill Mystery series and the main character is Amber Blackwood, who runs a curiosity shop in Edgehill called The Quirky Whisker. She is helping the fellow members of the festival committee with the upcoming Here and Meow Festival that is to be held in town. Town is getting busier by the day, as tourists start to come in, drawn by the festival and all things cats, which the town relishes in. One of her regular customers comes in for a supply of her tea which helps her sleep, only to fall into a magical coma the next day. Amber is warned that her sister is a lawyer and already asking questions about the ingredients! Add to that an upset parent and child, who come to complain about one of her animated toys malfunctioning. Things are going wrong all around and she isn’t getting much sleep, unless her boyfriend Jack is there to comfort her. She has been having weird dreams and nightmares about some impending doom that seems to be coming to Edgehill. Due to the problems with her products, she feels she has no choice but to shut her shop, even though she will lose a lot of income over the festival period.
Her Aunt G (Gretchen) and her sister Willow help Amber to find a dead zone in a small town hours away from their home, to hide the trunk holding her parent’s grimoires, especially the one which holds the dangerous time travelling spell within it. It was her mother Annabelle Hepbane who created the time reversal spell, but never had the chance to use it. She had been tricked into a relationship with Neil Penhallow, under a false name, who tried to get this spell from her. She broke up and then married Theodore Blackwood, but they were both murdered in a house fire by Neil, when Willow and Amber were only children. Their Aunt G took them in and they were raised to hide away their magic, so no one would find out how powerful they might be. Amber tries to keep in touch with her cousin Edgar, whose father Raphael was presumed dead, until Willow located him in a home. Edgar has been cursed with a part of Neil Penhallow, which left him with Neil’s voice in his head all the time. When the Penhallow clan tried to seize power decades ago, the council punished them with a curse, leaving their magic tainted.
Amber is visited by some agents of the WBI (the Witch Bureau of Investigation), who seem very interested in her mother’s grimoire and the time spell. But Amber knows of the warnings written in the journal to not let anyone have access to it. The Penhallow clan want to be able to time travel back into the past, before the curse was put upon them and when they were at the height of their power, to change the world to what they want it to become! Whether it would be safe in the hands of the magic council or the WBI, is not something she feels is right to do. They have hidden the trunk containing the grimoires entrusted to her and placed a number of spells upon it, so if anyone tries to tamper with it, it will return to Amber and Willow, who will need to immediate cloak it in spells again. Being asked to help with Raphael, Edgar’s father, by using a memory spell on him, to see what he can remember and if she can bring back his memories, that were seemingly wiped completely before he was placed in the remote home.
With all the problems being brought to Amber’s life and business, which keep increasing, there has to be a witch behind them all. She is extremely careful in her testing of products and doesn’t ever release an item until it has been thoroughly tested. Some of her products were sold some weeks before, so it seems someone has been working on embarrassing her and trying to ruin her business for some time! Add in a local reporter called Molly who is closely working with Willow’s crush Connor, who is trying to dig up dirt on Amber and her always being closely linked to lots of the strange crimes and even murders that have happened in the town! Just who Molly is getting her information from is difficult to tell. Amber and her friends believe that it is a Penhallow who is behind all of this. The Penhallow’s can take on anyone’s form, so it is impossible to tell who might be a Penhallow and who is not, with extra tourists coming in for the festival, making identifying strangers almost impossible!
It seems the Penhallow clan has something massive planned and the time travel spell seems to be the key to both them and the WBI. They also need someone with time magic to do the spell and they are targeting Raphael, who was on their side many years before. If not, then they will come for Amber. Her family is being threatened, but more importantly, the future of her whole town is in danger and could be wiped from existence if the Penhallow clan get their way. Amber, her family and friends, must work out a way to stop the Penhallow clan and any other witches who may be helping them, from destroying everything she knows and loves. A good ending to the series with lots of issues cleared up and family reunited. A long held danger to magic is resolved and magic is back under the safekeeping of its rightful guardians. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Her Aunt G (Gretchen) and her sister Willow help Amber to find a dead zone in a small town hours away from their home, to hide the trunk holding her parent’s grimoires, especially the one which holds the dangerous time travelling spell within it. It was her mother Annabelle Hepbane who created the time reversal spell, but never had the chance to use it. She had been tricked into a relationship with Neil Penhallow, under a false name, who tried to get this spell from her. She broke up and then married Theodore Blackwood, but they were both murdered in a house fire by Neil, when Willow and Amber were only children. Their Aunt G took them in and they were raised to hide away their magic, so no one would find out how powerful they might be. Amber tries to keep in touch with her cousin Edgar, whose father Raphael was presumed dead, until Willow located him in a home. Edgar has been cursed with a part of Neil Penhallow, which left him with Neil’s voice in his head all the time. When the Penhallow clan tried to seize power decades ago, the council punished them with a curse, leaving their magic tainted.
Amber is visited by some agents of the WBI (the Witch Bureau of Investigation), who seem very interested in her mother’s grimoire and the time spell. But Amber knows of the warnings written in the journal to not let anyone have access to it. The Penhallow clan want to be able to time travel back into the past, before the curse was put upon them and when they were at the height of their power, to change the world to what they want it to become! Whether it would be safe in the hands of the magic council or the WBI, is not something she feels is right to do. They have hidden the trunk containing the grimoires entrusted to her and placed a number of spells upon it, so if anyone tries to tamper with it, it will return to Amber and Willow, who will need to immediate cloak it in spells again. Being asked to help with Raphael, Edgar’s father, by using a memory spell on him, to see what he can remember and if she can bring back his memories, that were seemingly wiped completely before he was placed in the remote home.
With all the problems being brought to Amber’s life and business, which keep increasing, there has to be a witch behind them all. She is extremely careful in her testing of products and doesn’t ever release an item until it has been thoroughly tested. Some of her products were sold some weeks before, so it seems someone has been working on embarrassing her and trying to ruin her business for some time! Add in a local reporter called Molly who is closely working with Willow’s crush Connor, who is trying to dig up dirt on Amber and her always being closely linked to lots of the strange crimes and even murders that have happened in the town! Just who Molly is getting her information from is difficult to tell. Amber and her friends believe that it is a Penhallow who is behind all of this. The Penhallow’s can take on anyone’s form, so it is impossible to tell who might be a Penhallow and who is not, with extra tourists coming in for the festival, making identifying strangers almost impossible!
It seems the Penhallow clan has something massive planned and the time travel spell seems to be the key to both them and the WBI. They also need someone with time magic to do the spell and they are targeting Raphael, who was on their side many years before. If not, then they will come for Amber. Her family is being threatened, but more importantly, the future of her whole town is in danger and could be wiped from existence if the Penhallow clan get their way. Amber, her family and friends, must work out a way to stop the Penhallow clan and any other witches who may be helping them, from destroying everything she knows and loves. A good ending to the series with lots of issues cleared up and family reunited. A long held danger to magic is resolved and magic is back under the safekeeping of its rightful guardians. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
January 16, 2021
And here we are with the great finale to a pawsitively magical and mysterious series. I was so excited for this last book and it was definitely as intense and exciting as I had hoped it would be.
It has been amazing to watch Amber grow as a character throughout this series. She went from being someone who kept to herself, a reclusive cat lady, to someone who had a lot of strong friendships. I was a little sad that we didn’t get to see as much of Chief Brown as we have in the other books. Amber’s friendship with him was one of my favourites of the series. However, we did get to see lots of Edgar. Poor guy! I’m so glad things started working out for him (sorry, I can’t say more without giving anything away). Also, to be honest (and I think this was my least favourite thing about this book and maybe the whole series), I was not a fan of Jack. Sure, he was sweet and caring but felt a little useless (sorry!). I was really hoping that he would step up in this book and take a more leading role in the action, but he seemed to stay more as a side character.
The plot was quite fast-paced and I often found myself trying to figure out what was going to happen and who Amber could trust. I mean, the book is called “Pawsitively Betrayed” so a part of me was expecting one of Amber’s closer acquaintances to suddenly reveal themselves to be with the Penhallows. As result, I felt a lot like Amber: always being wary of people and wondering how in the world the Penhallows could be stopped. I would say this is a spot of good writing on Jackson’s part.
And, of course, I must mention the ending. It was really nice. Amber finally got some peace, was able to open the Quirky Whisker again, and reunited with some people she thought she would never see again. Overall, it was a lovely ending to this series.
If you haven’t read the Witch of Edgehill this series and enjoy cozy mysteries, I absolutely recommend that you do!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
It has been amazing to watch Amber grow as a character throughout this series. She went from being someone who kept to herself, a reclusive cat lady, to someone who had a lot of strong friendships. I was a little sad that we didn’t get to see as much of Chief Brown as we have in the other books. Amber’s friendship with him was one of my favourites of the series. However, we did get to see lots of Edgar. Poor guy! I’m so glad things started working out for him (sorry, I can’t say more without giving anything away). Also, to be honest (and I think this was my least favourite thing about this book and maybe the whole series), I was not a fan of Jack. Sure, he was sweet and caring but felt a little useless (sorry!). I was really hoping that he would step up in this book and take a more leading role in the action, but he seemed to stay more as a side character.
The plot was quite fast-paced and I often found myself trying to figure out what was going to happen and who Amber could trust. I mean, the book is called “Pawsitively Betrayed” so a part of me was expecting one of Amber’s closer acquaintances to suddenly reveal themselves to be with the Penhallows. As result, I felt a lot like Amber: always being wary of people and wondering how in the world the Penhallows could be stopped. I would say this is a spot of good writing on Jackson’s part.
And, of course, I must mention the ending. It was really nice. Amber finally got some peace, was able to open the Quirky Whisker again, and reunited with some people she thought she would never see again. Overall, it was a lovely ending to this series.
If you haven’t read the Witch of Edgehill this series and enjoy cozy mysteries, I absolutely recommend that you do!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 6, 2021
This is the 5th book in the Witch of Edgehill series and it centers around the Here and Meow festival and the final battle between Amber and her friends and the Penhallow witches.
These series is so much more than the basic cozy mystery, not just because of the magical elements, but because of the depth of the back story that is carried through all 5 books. You get so invested in the characters and I truly hope Melissa Erim Jackson revisits them in the future.
I love all the interaction with the side characters, especially Chief and Edgar and you get some interaction and closer for all the major side characters in the series.
The book starts with Amber preparing for the here and Meow festival with her friend Kim, when her magical toys start to malfunction and then a customer of her's ends up sick. Amber is force to shut down her shop at the busiest time of year out of fear her magic is malfunctioning.
On top of that a pesky reporter is adding to her "bad press" and asking more and more uncomfortable questions.
Things get really bad when a Penhallow escapes custody and the MBI shows up to speak with Amber about her magic and her parents hidden grimoires.
Can Amber figure out who to trust? Will the Here and Meow Festival be a disaster? Can Amber face off with the Penhallows and avenge her parents deaths? So many questions get answered and I could not put this read down!!!
These series is so much more than the basic cozy mystery, not just because of the magical elements, but because of the depth of the back story that is carried through all 5 books. You get so invested in the characters and I truly hope Melissa Erim Jackson revisits them in the future.
I love all the interaction with the side characters, especially Chief and Edgar and you get some interaction and closer for all the major side characters in the series.
The book starts with Amber preparing for the here and Meow festival with her friend Kim, when her magical toys start to malfunction and then a customer of her's ends up sick. Amber is force to shut down her shop at the busiest time of year out of fear her magic is malfunctioning.
On top of that a pesky reporter is adding to her "bad press" and asking more and more uncomfortable questions.
Things get really bad when a Penhallow escapes custody and the MBI shows up to speak with Amber about her magic and her parents hidden grimoires.
Can Amber figure out who to trust? Will the Here and Meow Festival be a disaster? Can Amber face off with the Penhallows and avenge her parents deaths? So many questions get answered and I could not put this read down!!!
July 3, 2021
The End. You see that in books once in a while now, but in this series, this is the only one that had it. Unfortunately that means the series is over. I loved Edgehill. Amber, Jack, Willow, Aunt G, Edgar, Owen, Betty, Bobby, Kim and everyone else. Marblegleners Bianca and Simon were also great to meet. There were a couple others who were not so bad either, though I can't name them or this will have all kinds of spoilers. Amber - if we see her ever again - has a great start on her magic now. She has branched out and learned so much in a very short amount of time and what little you see of it, she will be supremely powerful very shortly, I think. The book was, once again, longer with so much packed into it and I adored every minute of it. So much action and trying to figure out who to believe, who to trust. The book was very well written, as with the rest of the series. Amber's growth was more in her magic and understanding of past events than any personality changes. It was perfect. I almost wish, though, the epilogue was a little later in time. A where are they now kinda epilogue. Not because I can't imagine what happens after book end, but because it would just be cool. Even though it didn't end like I wish, it ended well. Pretty damn perfect actually. Nothing too sappy. Some humorous, brave, fitting scenes. It'd be real fun to return to Edgehill some time in the future though.
January 7, 2021
The last book in the series and the best one yet. Little mouse, Amber, has the weight of the world on her shoulders and a very supportive cast of characters have got her back. All Amber wants to do is make her enchanted toys, enjoy her family and friends, and fall asleep watching Vamp World with her boyfriend Jack. She deserves to be able to do all those things but the Penhallows and their cursed magic will not rest until they get her family grimoires and change the past to over-write the present. The Penhallows are on the move as they go for broke or rather as they try to break Amber. Amber is the perfect cozy character, she thinks of others before herself and questions her abilities which are really quite amazing. You get a nice prelogue at the start of each story whihch helps to lay the groundwork for the new story but you will really want to start with the first book because she grows so much as a character. There are laughs, tears, family, friends, rivals, frenemies, cats (of course) and fate of Edgehill and maybe even magic itself.. It has been a wonderful journey and while I would love for this story to continue it does have the loose ends tied up very nicely.
January 3, 2021
***I received an advanced e-copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
It is time for the Here and Meow Festival, and people are coming into Edgehill in droves. Amber Blackwood is busy with festival preparations, and making toys to sell at her store, The Quirky Whisker. Then the unthinkable happens... her toys start malfunctioning and Amber is forced to close her store until she can figure out what is going on. The Penhallow witch family shows up, planning to blend in with the festival crowd, while they work to locate the grimoire that Amber and her family have hidden from the Penhallows, so that they can get their hands on the legendary time-travel spell.
I love this series, and this was a fun and exciting ending to the series. Edgehill is a lot of fun to read about, because all of the stores and restaurants are cat themed, as are the street names. There are also a lot of stray cats all around town. I would love to see a new storyline because I really enjoy the Edgehill setting and all of it's inhabitants. I highly recommend this charming series.
It is time for the Here and Meow Festival, and people are coming into Edgehill in droves. Amber Blackwood is busy with festival preparations, and making toys to sell at her store, The Quirky Whisker. Then the unthinkable happens... her toys start malfunctioning and Amber is forced to close her store until she can figure out what is going on. The Penhallow witch family shows up, planning to blend in with the festival crowd, while they work to locate the grimoire that Amber and her family have hidden from the Penhallows, so that they can get their hands on the legendary time-travel spell.
I love this series, and this was a fun and exciting ending to the series. Edgehill is a lot of fun to read about, because all of the stores and restaurants are cat themed, as are the street names. There are also a lot of stray cats all around town. I would love to see a new storyline because I really enjoy the Edgehill setting and all of it's inhabitants. I highly recommend this charming series.
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