See Something

Witch City Mystery #11

by Carol J. Perry

Salem’s WICH-TV program director Lee Barrett is about to discover no good deed goes unpunished . . .   Lee has been promoted from field reporter to program director. Keeping track of all the shows and managing the local TV personalities—including a cowboy, a clown, and a performing dog—has her head spinning. Perhaps that’s what makes her take pity on the distraught woman she finds sitting alone on a bench on the Salem common. When she realizes that the poor woman doesn’t even know her own name, Lee takes her into the warmth of the home she shares with her Aunt Ibby and their clairvoyant gentleman cat, O’Ryan. Maybe Lee can use her own psychic gifts to divine the woman’s identity.   Lee’s detective beau Pete Mondello wants to talk to the “Jane Doe,” but before he can investigate, he’s called to a crime scene. A body has been found washed up in a narrow harbor cove. As harmless as her new houseguest seems, Lee can’t help but wonder if she may be harboring a killer . . .   Praise for the Witch City Mysteries  “Perfectly relaxing and readable.” —Kirkus Reviews “This rewarding paranormal cozy series debut will have Victoria Laurie fans lining up to follow.” —Library Journal “An entertaining story that keeps readers guessing until the very twisted and eerie end.”—RT Book Reviews  

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Fiction, Witches, Paranormal Mystery

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2021

About the author

Carol J. Perry is the author of the Witch City Mystery series and the Haunted Haven series, both from Kensington Publishers. The Witch City stories take place in the magical city of Salem, Massachusetts--the "Witch City." Carol was actually born in Salem (on Halloween eve!) and knows the city well. The Haunted Haven books take place in Carol's adopted home state of Florida. As an experienced travel writer for magazines and newspapers, Carol knows her way around the Sunshine State too. The Salem books are based of course on a real city but Haven, Florida is made up of bits and pieces of some of the Sunshine State's charming older towns--bypassed by the theme parks. Readers of the Witch City books have come to know O'Ryan, a most remarkable cat. The new series introduces Finn, a lovable Golden Retriever.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- One of my favorite cozy mysteries

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The setting is charming. The characters are likable. The mysteries are engaging. And this one delivered all those fronts.

The only minor issue I had was how repetitive it got regarding Lee not missing her reporter job. It was brought up way too many times. On that note, I am not sure I am a fan of the author changing Lee's job. I actually think her being a reporter was part of the characters charm and leant itself much better to "mystery solving" than a program director does. That is just my two cents, though. 🤷🏻‍♀️

**ARV Via NetGalley**

[Carlymor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good mystery that has a cat and mouse game going on as a madman taunts both Lee and the police. Lee Barrett once again becomes embroiled in a mystery-this time she finds a distraught, amnesiac woman sitting on a bench in the park. It turns out that the woman is somehow involved in a local murder but can’t really remember the details. When Lee decides to help Jane Doe, she unwittingly becomes the victim of a crazy stalker. The mystery is good and the supporting story and characters are all very engaging. This is a great series.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a top series for me and this one is excellent. I only have one quibble with the plot that kept me from upgrading to 5 stars and that was more about the motivation of the bad guy. Action was solid. Lee Barrett has been promoted to program director at WICH-TV and learning her new job has her off balance. On her first day she finds a woman on the park bench outside who has no idea who she is or how she got there. Lee, her aunt, their friends along with police detective boyfriend join forces to keep everyone safe and solve the mystery. All the characters are so well developed and interesting you want to keep coming back to Salem to visit with them. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The storyline was great but the magical part of the books is missing somewhat .

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Barrett is now a programme director in Salem, Massachusetts working for WICH-TV. When she finds a confused woman on Salem common she takes pity on her and brings her home for some food and warmth. Detective Pete Mondello is called to the scene when a dead body is found on the beach at a harbour cove with rope marks around the wrists and Pete starts to wonder if Lee's mystery woman is all she seems. Danger lurks as Lee and her techie librarian, Aunt Libby, get involved along with Lee's clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan.

See Something is my second read in this series and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although it is book eleven, I was able to keep up with characters and events. Protagonist Lee brought her sparkling personality to the proceedings and I also enjoyed the contributions from Aunt Ibby. Her aunt and Ibby’s friends really enriched the melting pot, and Salem was effectively its own character, too. Events moved along at a comfortable pace and the mystery itself was great. I had a ball reading this highly amusing and entertaining cozy mystery and I'm already looking forward to catching up with Lee in book #12, as well as grabbing copies of all of the books I've missed, though that will take some time! A great choice of cozy if you enjoy a dose of the paranormal.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Barrett has been promoted to program director at WICH-TV in Salem, Massachusetts. While she's enjoying her new job, she misses the action of a field reporter's life. Lee doesn't have to wait for long as she finds her own mystery when she encounters a woman who has lost her memory. The question - is the woman a victim or a murderer? It will take Lee, Aunt Ibby, Pete and O'Ryan to solve this case!

Lee is at her best in this book. Her special "gift" of scrying (seeing scenes of the past and future in objects) comes into play as does her investigative skills. Everyone is in on the investigation from Lee and Pete (her detective boyfriend), Aunt Ibby and her book club and O'Ryan with his feline intuition. The mystery has twists and turns and just when I thought I knew "whodunit" another clue would pop up. I love that in a mystery!

If you're looking for a paranormal mystery, See Something is at the top of the list!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was sceptical after book 10, but this one won me back, actually. That was a pleasant experience.

The mystery was nicely woven and tricky and twisty. I enjoyed it.
As usual, it's a real pleasure to spend time with O'Ryan. (Cats ftw!)

I shouldn't really enjoy this part, but Lee's "Vette" getting totalled kind of made my day.
May it rest in peace along with every bloody character's inability to actually call it a CORvette.

Pete popping the question felt a liiiittle bit out of the blue, to me. Especially considering how snarky he felt in book 10 + how he hasn't even accepted Lee's scrying powers yet.
But ... oh well. It'll probably work out.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love this cozy little series. I've grown attached to the characters and they're so vivid that I almost feel as though I know them in real life. This story though, just didn't do it for me. I can't put my finger on exactly why. Perhaps it's how one dimensional Lee and Pete's relationship feels to me compared to where they're at together in the book? Maybe it was temporary amnesia plot line? I don't know. That said, I still enjoy the heck out of this series and always look forward to the next one.

Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

See Something by Carol J. Perry, is the 11th book in the Witch City Mysteries, and another great addition. I love this series, the books are never dull, and this book does not disappoint. Lee Barrett has been promoted to to her television station's program manager, and misses being a field reporter. The owner's nephew has been given her old job. While walking home from work, Lee finds a women who has no memory of who she is or what's she is doing there, so Lee is determined to help her. I really enjoy the relationship between Lee and her detective boyfriend Pete, Aunt Ibby and of course O'Ryan , the psychic cat. This book has everything you want in a cozy mystery, plus a little paranormal thrown in. The story kept me intrigued and reading page after page. I am looking forward to reading Lee's next adventure. 
I highly recommend this book/series. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know you’re in for a good story when you pick up a Witch City Mystery! There’s suspense, intrigue and paranormal in every book. But there are also red herrings, wonderful dialogue, and characters that feel like old friends. When Lee happens upon a Jane Doe with Amnesia, after a recent murder, she begins to have visions placing her smack dab in the middle of another investigation. Twists and turns ensue.

[M.L.D. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boy, this one didn't appeal to me. Not much mystery here. Instead of investigating, Lee spends most of the book being stalked by the killer. They know what he looks like, they know his name, and the big investigation seems to revolve around finding his address. Seriously. That's the big reveal at the end of the book.

In addition to that, big personal developments for Lee and Pete. (does this mean the series will be wrapping up after the next book? uuuuuuugh) I'm fine with the developments, but I found the symbolism around the development to be troubling ( Lee's beautiful car gets totaled and Pete's response is that's great, because she'll need a practical car for hauling their kids around, and Lee is overjoyed about this ). Anyway, some not so subtle hints that Lee has to "grow up" before the personal development, which...sigh. Ok. (Also, how has she been seriously involved with Pete for *years* and they have never talked about money? Egad.)

TL;DR disappointing entry in this series.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and in the latest one Lee has gotten a promotion to program director and she thought that this would keep her out of trouble but it doesn't! 

Lee sees a young woman on a bench and asked if she needs help and finds out she can't remember who she is and so Lee call's her boyfriend who is a detective. They soon find out that a man has been murdered and they think she might have seen it which is what messed with her memory, either that or she is the killer and is faking it. 

Lee and her aunt don't think she is guilty, but Lee is trying to leave things alone but then strange things keep happening and it looks as if she might have a stalker who is the killer and he has it out for Lee even though she didn't see anything. Seems Lee can't stay out of it so she decided to try and figure things out. 

I really enjoyed this one and love the characters! Recommend!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Something is another great addition to this cozy mystery series.
Set in Salem, Massachusetts, we begin by finding Lee adjusting to her new position at WICH-TV, as Program Director. Lee may miss being part of the action of the investigative team, but that doesn’t stop her from becoming involved in another murder investigation.
Aunt Ibby and the “angels” are excited to help Lee, even if Pete frowns upon their investigative interference.

I really enjoyed this book, but I especially liked seeing the growth of all the characters. It’s always exciting when I watch some of my favorite characters step into the next phase of their lives.
#SeeSomething #NetGalley

[Caitlyn Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is apparently the 11th book in the Witch City Mysteries, something I didn’t realise when I requested it for review - but actually, I think it stands all right on its own, I don’t think you need to have read the whole series to get what’s going on. Told entirely in the POV of Lee Barrett, recently promoted from on-camera reporter to programming manager at WICH-TV in Salem, the story gets going when Lee runs across a woman sitting alone on a park bench who has lost her memory. There’s enough setup before it to get to know and like Lee, to realise that she’s both busy and successful, and then her obvious kindness comes out when she stops to help a stranger.

There is a pretty big cast of characters here, some of which would obviously be familiar to readers of earlier books in the series, but I think we got enough of a thumbnail sketch of each of them from context that I wasn’t too confused. I didn’t get the primary villain’s motivation for a lot of the things he did - and boy, was he stupid with some of them, especially since apparently he actually had a gun and just never used it until the climax of the story - and I really didn’t comprehend how the financial scam the villain was trying to protect worked, but I suspect that might be something Americans would actually understand instinctively if they know how home loans work there (they really do NOT work that way where I live in Australia). It really needed explaining more clearly and in laymen’s terms. The book also suffers from something many cozy mysteries do; a complete and mystifying lack of diversity. Literally everyone in the book is white, straight and able-bodied. And a lot of them, including heroine Lee, are well-off. Even the motivation for the crime being investigated is about as Rich White Man as you can imagine.

There’s some light paranormal content here; Lee gets ‘visions’ in reflective surfaces, her friend River is a gifted Tarot reader, and Lee can also communicate with her cat, O’Ryan, who is clearly no ordinary cat. Overall, it’s quite a cute story, but I found it lacking in a few crucial areas. I’ll give it four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

See Something is the 11th book in the “A Witch City Mystery” series. It contains everything readers have come to expect from these books. Lee has a new job at WICH-TV, now a program director for a children’s show; she isn’t sure she can pull it off, or that her dream of being a field reporter hasn’t died, but she knows that she is enjoying her new role and has come to realize that maybe she won’t miss being in the field all that much. That is until she finds a woman with amnesia, and a dead body soon follows, are the two connected? Danger comes calling and places Aunt Ibby and Lee in its sights. Even with her paranormal ability, Lee didn’t see it coming.

This mystery is filled with genuine characters that readers love; each brings nuance to the story that helps keep the plot alive and the action moving. Add in the delightful Aunt Ibby and Lee’s clairvoyant cat O’Ryan, and this cozy shines. It can be challenging to give a paranormal/witch-based series a new twist but this one has plenty to go around. Red-herrings pop up often, and it can be hard to figure out if they are real evidence or another twist in the storyline. The fun is in the puzzle and deciphering the clues to catch a killer. Motives like suspects are easy to find and believe. Locations are intriguing, as is typical for a city like Salem with its history.

Lee gets involved in the investigation without even trying. She finds the killer and saves the day but not without putting herself in danger. For me, there wasn’t enough of the paranormal aspects, certainly not as much as there had been in past books. And River North, Lee’s best friend, a tarot reading witch never has enough of a role. I would love to see a future volume where River is the main suspect and plays an actual leading part. Overall, See Something is a quick read, with enough action and mystery to keep readers turning the page and looking forward to the next installment.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another entertaining mystery in the Witch City series. Lee, a reporter for the local station, finds herself in the midst of a mystery after she offers assistance to a woman who has lost her memory. Before long, Lee finds herself being terrorized by a murderer. Pete, her detective boyfriend, pulls out all the stops to both solve the crime and keep Lee safe.

This one kept me guessing up until the very end, however, for me the real charm of the story was how the characters have continued to grow and change. I loved how Lee has thrown herself fully into her new duties, even as her relationship with Pete continues to deepen and grow.

Fans of the genre will love this book. Put it at the top of your TBR list. While it is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, its so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all. The author is on my must read authors' list.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become quite attached to the setting and characters of this series. Having visited Salem several times, I very much enjoy following Lee and Pete and Aunt Ibby around the town of witchcraft and sailing history. O’Ryan doesn’t have a huge role in this episode, but he does show up for a couple of assists in the uncovering of the mystery.

Once again, Lee has changed jobs. I wish Perry would drop that angle and use something else for a new element/angle. Also, the final quarter of the book becomes quite frenzied. It feels as if the intensity needs to be dialed down a notch or two.

Overall, See Something is a very good cozy mystery. Perry has found the perfect balance of realistic detail and paranormal elements. I will be waiting impatiently for the next one.

Thank you to Carol J. Perry, Kensington Publishing Co., and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2021 bk 280. What a joy to dive back into the world of Lee Barrett and WISH tv of Salem. When a dead body is found floating in the harbor, it isn't Lee doing the news reporting. She has had a promotion to program manager for the local tv station. Her new job entails freshening up the stable local cooking, business, shopping, and horror shows, along with creating a new show for the toddler set. Recalling the show of her childhood (for Louisville area folks - similar to T Bar B Ranch time) she is able to recruit the stars of her youth her first day on the job. This mystery involves a young woman with amnesia, an old high school friend, the stars of her new show, her aunt and the 'angels', and a foray into the world of real-estate. Very well plotted and one that I will give myself the pleasure of reading again.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and I'm always happy to catch with the characters and travel to Salem.
This is fast paced, action packed and gripping story, highly entertaining and with some elements in common with a thriller.
There's a lot of suspense and you can feel Lee's emotions as she deals with a stalker and tries to solve the mystery.
It's a tightly knitted story that kept me on the edge till the end and I read it as fast as I could.
there are some big changes in the life of the characters and I love how the author develops them making them evolve and change.
I can't wait to read another story in this series, this one is strongly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another charming book in the Witch City mystery series! MC Maralee “Lee” has been promoted to program director, but still puts on her field reporter and sales hats regularly. A great story about real estate scam, temporary amnesia, the Angels progressing on opening a detective agency, and an overconfident murderer caught by lacking a skill people once widely had.

Bonus: THE question is popped to Lee. 🙂

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is always entertaining. I enjoyed Lee's adventures in her new job and this story was well written as almost a thriller rather than a mystery because they figured out who did it halfway through the book. Can't wait for the next one.

I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#SeeSomething #NetGalley

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites series. I like O'Ryan.

[Shayna Rosenstrach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read, corny ending

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute little cozy mystery book set in modern day Salem, complete with a “JaneDoe”, a clown, a cowboy and performing dog. A Goodreads advance copy that I received in a recent giveaway.

[Bobbie Kirkland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of SEE SOMETHING (Book 11 of the Witch City Mysteries) by Carol J. Perry in exchange for an honest review. The nepotism rampant at Salem’s WICH-TV has done it to Lee Barrett once again. In order to make room for his nephew as an on-camera reporter, the owner “promoted” Lee to program director. In addition to running and maintaining the current television shows, Lee has been asked to create an entirely new children’s program. However, even though Lee isn’t reporting for the station, she still finds herself in the middle of a criminal investigation. When Lee notices a young woman sitting alone in the park and sees her still there at dusk, Lee stops by to see if she needs help. The woman is lost and is suffering from amnesia, so Lee takes “Jane Doe” home to Aunt Ibby and calls her detective boyfriend Pete Mondello. Law enforcement soon connects Jane Doe to a recent homicide. Is Jane victim or villain? Lee will have to use her wits, her aunt, her cadre senior researchers, her smartypants cat, and her psychic gifts to find the truth.

I liked this book, and I enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, amnesia, animals, television, real estate fraud, and stalking.

#SeeSomething #NetGalley

[Chaitra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like this series as a rule, but this one was a miss. For one thing, the killer fixates on Lee, for absolutely no reason whatsoever. I mean, the guy had an actual target, but he goes around stalking the detective's girlfriend. I would have said that's dumb of the guy but then again, the detective doesn't catch him for the entirety of the book and the only reason he does get caught is because he does something completely stupid.

And then there's Pete saying Lee should be getting a sensible car when her convertible gets totaled because she can ferry around their dogs and their imaginary kids in it. I'd have dumped him based on that alone - haven't we read 10 books about how Lee loves cars? Let him get the sensible car, the pig. I don't buy Lee's preschool show either, but I haven't spent any time watching preschool shows.

[Anna Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment in the series.. Characters are interesting and move forward in their life, I like the mysteries and they keep me guessing. I thought I knew what was going to happen, but that bit never played a part in the resolution.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy Farley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received my copy of "See Something" for free in a goodreads giveaway. While it is #11 in a series, this is the first for me to read.

I read it understanding the genre was cozy mystery, so was all set to settle into a charming read with likeable characters and perhaps a furry sidekick.

Furry sidekicks were delivered, the rest? Not charming. So much drivel squashed into a one novel. While cookie cutter characters are the norm in cozy mysteries, the ones here were more slice and bake than even the most cliche tropes. Spunky retired wanna be detectives, a CLOWN and COWBOY? Eye rolls page after page.

Do not EVEN get me started on the villain. Picture a twirly mustache and an evil laugh.

With so many delightful little stories out there, do not pick this one up.

[Amity · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a cozy mystery series, so it would be unfair to expect much depth or originality. Still, I've found most of the entries to be an enjoyable way to kill an hour or two.

The last couple of entries, not so much. This series is never about plot, but all about the characters. They've seemed even more two-dimensional lately. I suspect the new developments in the MC's career and romantic life are the author's attempt to inject some sparkle into an increasingly lackluster series.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

It pains me to say it, but I think this is my least favorite entry in the series to date. It's really about a 3.7, and that only because I love the characters and setting. The thriller, crazed killer plot did nothing for me-- the actions weren't rational and there was no way to figure things out. It was like a horror movie in that more time was devoted to "jump scares" than to moving the plot forward. More disappointing to me is Lee and Pete's relationship. I loved this series because I loved that Lee and Aunt Abby were two independent women who were competent and comfortable in their own skins. Pete was okay as a love interest at first, but because he doesn't believe Lee's visions and doesn't believe in the supernatural elements, he pretty much demeans her. I don't like that she feels she needs to hide that part of her. I don't like that she's willing to give up so much-- her car, for example-- because he worries about her. She's changing to be what he wants while he is allowed to be who he is, all the while he indicates he doesn't respect her as much as he should. There are a lot of proverbial pats on the head. I will say that Lee and Aunt Ibby's inability to lock doors is the only thing he can legitimately scold them about. This has been a problem since almost the first book. They are both smart women, why can't they get that after their house has been broken into for the umpteenth time? I don't like that it appears Pete and Lee are headed for a life away from Aunt Ibby (who is a far more interesting character than Pete, who is pretty shallow and vanilla) and kids. The last are pretty much a series killer for me. Not that I don't like kids in a story but in several long time series I've read, once the kids come along the emphasis shifts to the baby and many pages are spent exploring the wonder of motherhood instead of solving mysteries. There are exceptions, but most of the ones I can think of, the kids are already on the scene when the series starts. Jill Churchill's Jane series was and is FABULOUS, kids and all. I love Tamara Berry's series with Gertie, and I'm getting a kick out of Finlay Donovan who has kids. But I just have the feeling that in this series, the things I love are going to be dumped for a more generic heroine and a blander experience. I liked that Aunt Ibby has friends too, but once again, she is being made blander. Where's the amazing researcher I admired? The group of older women forming a detective agency is another thing that runs through a bunch of cozy series, and instead of freshening this book, made it seem stale, past its sell date. I hoard the books in this series and usually wait to read one when there is another out that I can look forward to, but after this one I don't know. It was a let down. On the positive side, I did enjoy the reference to British shows and I ADORE O'Ryan!!!! I would read the series just for him. And I will continue to read. But they may not be hoarded any more because it appears they are losing the elements that made them special.