Magical Mojo

Witches of Hollow Cove #4

by Kim Richardson

Hollow Cove was never a dangerous city. Weird and eccentric, maybe. But not dangerous. Until now.

A new magic threatens our paranormal community and competes for dominance. Something awakens in the night, and it’s a real stinker. Not kidding.

I’m a Merlin now, and my plan is simple: get in, protect my family and friends, and defeat this new evil. But it’s never that simple. One small misstep could lead to disaster.

Soon, I’m neck-high in a giant, stinking mess of crap, and it’s steadily rising. But the last thing I expected was for the man I was falling for could threaten everything…

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Magic, Witches, Paranormal Romance, Romance

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2021

About the author

Kim Richardson is the award-winning author of the bestselling SOUL GUARDIANS series. She lives in the eastern part of Canada with her husband, two dogs and a very old cat. She is the author of the SOUL GUARDIANS series, the MYSTICS series, and the DIVIDED REALMS series. Kim's books are available in print editions, and translations are available in over 7 languages.

Reviews

[Elena Rodríguez · Rating 2 out of 5]

¿+2?
No sé. Me ha gustado mucho más que los anteriores. Siento que ha estado mejor estructurado y me ha enganchado. Además, al ser una historia muy ligera te lo lees en un mismo día. Como siempre digo es un libro palomitero y hay drama para dar y tomar.

Cuando necesitas este tipo de libros, lo necesitas.

¡Agg que bien me sentó, leñe (por no decir algo más malsonante)!

[Pepper · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Why oh why am I still reading this series. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I guess I just keep expecting more from the series. More details, more back stories, more development, yep just MORE!

Tessa please, just please stop saying “lady balls”. It’s annoying and I just don’t like it. There are so many other positive ways to express a woman’s strength. I think Tessa’s character is just one I am going to not love. She grates on my nerves with what she says and her attitude.

Tessa if you were more like Gran, I don’t think I would find you as annoying.

Okay, so I got excited when Tessa’s mom showed up out of the blue! Then what a let down when it fell flat because it went no where.

Then I got excited again with the introduction of real dad! Then no where again.

The Marcus and Tessa romance, my thoughts!
Book 2: awe they finally hooked up!
Book 3: well, WTH 🤦🏻‍♀️ okay you forgave quickly, but will roll with it and see what happens next.
Book 4: awe hell no! Come on! This just isn’t right, they need time to really discover their relationship before throwing another monkey (hehe) wrench into it.

This book had soooo much potential, but it was intercepted with the nonessential word vomit and undeveloped story lines that it fell flat yet again.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving this series. Full RTC

[Alaina]

rtc

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really am developing a love/hate relationship with the Witches of Hollow Cove series. On one hand the characters are flawed, imaginative and beautifully crafted then again the storyline in a sense is becoming formulaic. What did I mean ? Well, let’s just take a moment to discuss “Magical Mojo.” Tessa is at it again acting irrationally.

This time, the dead are popping out of their graves and want to be reunited with their loved ones. The problem is no one wants to have a stinky reunion with s decaying corpse. Of course that boy all. It emailed a each day goes by more dead keep arriving and both Tessa and Marcus have their hands full.

It doesn’t help matters when an incredibly beautiful woman named Allison shows up and we discover she is Marcus’ ex. She makes sure Tessa knows she is not only his girlfriend but his mate as well. Of course Marcus denies it but Allison is determined to pull out all of the stops to get her clutches on the man.

In this installment we get to meet Tessa’s grandma and boy is she a hoot. She is dead and angered that her daughters had planned to put her in a witch’s nursing home of sorts and is going to make sure they feel her wrath. However, she and Tessa find a wonderful snarky chemistry that will keeps you laughing.

As Tessa attempts to uncover who is responsible for the unearthed souls she learns it is none other that “SC,” the soul collector. He is an evil little snake in the grass and is happy to make deals in exchange for your soul.

This read has so many things to recommend it but my problem is the formula. Do you remember the Sony by the Stylistics, “Make up to break up”? Well that is the story of Tessa’s relationship with Marcus and I’m tired of it!!!! Ms. Richardson, please cease and desist. Enough is enough. At this point I will continue to read the series until I can’t take it anymore or the author changes the score. Let’s hope she does.

[Debrac2014 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story! I got such a kick out of Gran!

[Shannon McIntyre · Rating 2 out of 5]

At least Tessa wasn’t annoying this book!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️⚔️ONE WICKEDLY DELICIOUS WILD RIDE⚔️⚔️
Hatching heifers hal! Kim lays out one titillating, turbulent, ground shaking, rock-my-world tempest serving up all the kickassery, moxie and fiery sass in spades with this bewitching rollercoaster, spinning threads of heat, magic, finesse and blazing desire, propelling this jewel to staggering heights. Shenanigans, mayhem and escapades run amuck, exhibiting the tantalizing struggles and thrilling triumphs, while attentive to the dramatic twists and ah-hell turns unfolding, secrets are confessed, revelations are revealed and promises pledged, wrapping this jewel up sleek shiny and tight. The attraction and chemistry ignites with such intoxicating intensity, exploding with boundless emotions and infinite affection, kicking this jewel into a tailspin with mind-blowing results, uniting them together beautifully. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits add depth and diversity, transforming into amazing personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels as though you're part of the story instead of on the sidelines, feeling everything the characters feel. Amazing job Kim, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa is out getting gifts for her aunt's, when something big happens. Tessa finds out that the dead has risen and they have souls. Tessa finds a relative at her house and she can't believe her eyes. Tessa and her mother's relationship is not at its best and seesms to get worse. Tessa and the others will work to find out why the dead has risen and why. Tessa will also have to have some issues with Marcus. Tessa is will also learn some truths about her father and her family. Tessa will be put in danger in order to stop what is happening.

There are so many twist and turns in this book that you will keep reading. Tessa will have a lot of problems she will have to deal with. She will have to try to find out some hard truths about those she loves. What the future for Tessa and Marcus looks like. The reveals in this book and what happens will have you wanting the next book quickly. I am really enjoying this series, look forward to many more. I recommend reading this series

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stevi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I keep wanting to like this series but the main character is 30 and acts like a spoiled 14 yr old. Repeatedly. She's selfish, impulsive, stupid, refuses to communicate, doesn't learn from her mistakes (there are a LOT), and too immature to be in an adult relationship. 90% of the plot is simply her not opening her mouth and saying the thing that needs to be said in 6 seconds so all the bad stuff happens. Every time. More often than not her immediate emotional response to any event is to say, 'I don't care if this is going to injure/kill everyone, I'm still going to do it' at least 5x a book. I keep hoping it'll get better so I open the next book but I think I'm done now. She's not growing/maturing & her consistent and willful idiocy has ruined what could've been a fantastic series with a better main character.

[Jennifer Pezzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is getting better, and Tessa is getting worse - LOL. I have never seen a main character that is so annoying and makes such bad decisions, geez i want to throttle some sense into her.
Aside from that, the book was decent, some more info has been revealed and now the next dilemma is set up for the book 5. I am glad, the author has decided to branch out from her normal M.O. of this book where the main character fights a magical bad guy and saves the day albeit making things way worse before they get better.
Let's hope the series starts getting a little more creative, I wanted to rate this a 3.5 but obviously we don't have the option, so I rated up since this book was one of the better ones.

[Tobias · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series I’ve listened to and I’m thinking it’s the last unless I can’t find anything else at the library.
First of all, the main character is seriously static and a complete adolescent, even though she’s allegedly 30. I feel like slapping her and telling her to grow up.
Secondly, the writing is awkward at points and jarring to hear. The wrong words or idioms are used and they grate against my English teacher soul.
Finally, I knew the author was Canadian before I looked up her bio, simply from the Canadianisms she lets slip - Boxing Day and calling someone mental. Fix it or set the story in Canada. It’s not that hard.
I’m not sure who edits her work (if anyone does) but get someone else to do it.

[Samantha Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite so far.

[CarolKat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend reading this series in order since each book begins where the last one ended.

Tessa is now a full-fledged licensed Merlin and part of her celebration includes Marcus in her bed, that was before her mother shows up. Amelia hasn't offered up why she's there, but she has taken back her room. Now Tessa is in the smallest room in the house which happens to be in the attic.

As a way to escape her mother and chill Tessa heads out to the after Christmas sales. After making her purchases and enjoying some quiet time at the Witchy Beans Café she heads back to Davenport house. Then the lights go out and the screaming starts. The dead are rising in Hollow Cove.

Of course, Gilbert's the first on the scene, panicking as usual and demanding Tessa do something because she's a Merlin and it's her job. Even threating her salary. However, as she's about to burn them one of them calls out to Martha. These Zombies are not the usual ones, they can speak and have their memories.

Marcus takes charge to find out who everyone is and find relatives while Tessa goes home to consult with her aunts. She gets a big surprise when she almost runs over her gran, who's been dead for ten years. House won't let her in and she's arguing with it.

Iris, Ronin, Tessa and her Gran go to check out the cemetery, but they find nothing that points to a necromancer. Leaving them with a huge mystery.

Now while the revenants are the big problem, I get a real kick out of Gran and House.

With revenants overrunning the town, they had to close the bridge, couldn't have humans seeing the undead everywhere. That's not the only problem Tessa is going to have, a woman shows up at the cemetery looking for Marcus. Introducing herself as only Allison she claims to be his girlfriend.

Then the stranger in the ley lines shows up again wanting to talk. He knows her name and says he will teach her more about the ley lines. This is just one more unanswered question.

Everything shifts and not for the good when screams of pain echo through town, and Harriette, Martha's dead friend dies a truth death, a bright ball of white light remains and then she turns to ash. This light vanishes into the briefcase of another stranger and then he runs away.

Oh what a ride this story is, from here it goes from bad to worse and then worse again. I laughed and cried and fanned myself from the heat.

There are secrets revealed in this one, and now I can't wait to read the next book to see how much more mischief Tessa gets into.

[Ann Aunymus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tessa pensait filer le parfait amour tranquillement. Grave erreur ! La petite ville de Hollow Cove est envahie par des morts-vivants. Au début, les sœurs Davenport, Iris et Ronin et les autres pensent que l’invasion des zombies est provoquée par des nécromanciens. Tout le monde se trompe. Les cadavres en putréfaction raisonnent. Ce ne sont pas des légumes. Angoissés, ils ne savent pas pourquoi ils sont sortis de leurs tombes. Déjà, leur arrivée compromet les fêtes de Noël. Ensuite, ce ne sont pas deux ou trois morts qui reviennent mais la totalité du cimetière sort par vagues. Parmi eux, Eleanor Davenport vient bouleverser les siens. C’est le point positif pour Tessa car la sorcière revenante est sa grand-mère qu’elle n’a jamais connue de son vivant. Mamie est sympathique, drôle et remet à sa place ses filles accusées d’avoir voulu la mettre aux « Vieux Os », maison de retraite pour sorcières âgées. En plus, elle défend sa petite-fille contre l’antipathique et égoïste Amélia. Cette dernière est la mère de Tessa. Pour compliquer la vie de notre héroïne, une certaine Alison arrive en ville. Décrite comme « canon », la belle blonde au physique avenant est odieuse. Elle provoque Tessa sur son territoire. Elle se présente comme la compagne destinée de Marcus, son grand amour attitré. Il n’en faut pas davantage pour bouleverser la pauvre sorcière qui croit avoir juste été une aventure passagère pour le chef. Elle a le cœur brisé. Bref, tout va mal à Hollow Cove. Pour éviter de spoiler, j’écris la suite sur mon blog.
https://allebei.blogspot.com/2026/02/...
Avec humour, Tessa nous partage ses pensées, sa vie quotidienne et maintenant ses déboires. Elle a une rivale, des ennemis et découvre des secrets de famille. Elle a toujours ses désirs torrides pour Marcus qu’elle ne peut pas assouvir car il y a tout le temps des obstacles. C’est amusant d’assister à la vie quotidienne des trois tantes. Le style d’écriture du livre est du simple langage parlé. Produit en langage familier trop drôle, l’ouvrage se lit aussi rapidement que les précédents. Il est tout aussi distrayant, sans « prise de tête ». A conseiller aux lecteurs veulent se détendre. Ils seront ravis, comme d’habitude.

[Berls · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I am glad to be catching up with this series again. Some of the same things that bothered me previously (and I had forgotten about) still bother me, but I like the story and find the magic interesting. And there's definitely some humor.

First, let me get out of the way the things that continue to bother me. The way they talk! It just feels off - Tessa (the main character), particularly grates on me with some of the things she says. But her gran too (in this one). I'm wondering is it the narration or the dialogue? It's obviously not BAD as I'm still enjoying the books, but there's something that feels not quite authentic about it. Like a joke trying to be funny and falls flat. IDK. I'd be curious to know if anyone else reading these books has had a similar response or if it's just me.

The other thing, a very small thing.... Tessa frequently says she has "giant lady balls." And, well, I don't like it. LOL. I know, but I don't. It just bugs me.

Those complaints aside, I really LOVED the story. This was zombies like you've never seen before and it was definitely a bit comical. It's not the kind of cozy mystery that you could have ever solved on your own, you don't have enough information. Instead, you're along for the ride and it's a fun one. I also am enjoying seeing the progress - and bumps - in Tessa and Marcus's relationship. And Tessa's mom is in town which adds some interesting elements for the series plot. I love the magic and find it interesting - especially House - the magical sentient home where they live. It ended on an interesting discovery, as well as a bit of a "oh crap" moment. I do look forward to seeing what both will mean for the next book.

I think I like the narration by Devon Sorvari. I say THINK because I do have that one hang up about the dialogue where I'm not sure if her delivery is the problem. I feel like it's not, because in all other ways I'm really enjoying her performance and it's an easy listen at 2x speed. I may need to read a bit of the next book to just see if that alters my opinion. Or maybe listen to another book narrated by Devon Sorvari and see if I have the same response.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tessa Davenport is unexpected and exciting as a heroine. She works with her aunts in Hollow Cove as a witch and Merlin, helping in their magical community. She is growing and learning, and dating Marcus their police chief.

Then an unexpected event changes everything in their community -the dead begin to rise with no discernible reason or explanation. It’s a frightening and terrifying situation for everyone.

As Merlins, Tessa and her aunts have to quickly figure out WHAT is happening and put the dead back to rest. Unfortunately in the midst of the insanity, Tessa’s mother decides to come visit with no explanation as to her presence.

And Tessa’s mom is a narcissistic personality with no concern for her daughter or anyone else. So when Gran, Tessa’s grandmother, is one of the newly risen, it is a blessing for Tessa, since she takes a sharp chunk out of Tessa’s narcissistic hide and cuts her down to size.

The real challenge for Tessa is when Marcus Ex girlfriend Allison shows up. Allison lies to Tessa and says she annd Marcus are back together. I want to reach through the book and rip her hair by the roots FOR Tessa - that lying hoooooooo bag schemer. Hooooooo boy. What a heifer from Hades!

Clearly Allison has an agenda to steal Marcus back via lying cheating stealing - and Marcus is telling Tessa the truth, they are NOT back together, but Tessa is overwhelmed by the dead, the mom situation and all the dead people…adulting is hard book world too. That poor kid is overwhelmed.

So the battle continues, Tessa gets her fight on, grabs the key lines, meets her real dad, cuts a deal with the villain who is raising the dead, gets evil Amazon Barbie trying to steal her boyfriend out of the boyfriend picture and eventually with alotttt of help, saves Hollow Cove - but the long term cost to herself is yet unknown. This is an exciting series wonderfully written and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Dina Orban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay. I have to confess... I was about to give up on this book and the series. I honestly don't like things that are dragged on and on and on. A lot like soap operas... You know those that follow 5 generations of the same families like Beautiful or Santa Barbara,if you've seen it...
Anyway back to the book...
At some point it became a bit boring with 5 pages of description, like, we've seen hundreds of zombie movies and quite understand the decomposing bodies and all. And come on, we get it, Marcus is panties-drop- gorgeous and unless someone cursed him from the last description, he couldn't have changed. Does he need almost a page of description every single time?!
BUT... And that's the reason I gave 5 stars and will keep reading the remaining books of the series... Things got VERY interesting on the night of the full moon. And I'll leave it at that, because I hate spoilers 😂. Anyway. I already started the next book and it's interesting so far.
I don't know if it's a book for everyone, but if you keep going, it gets better.

[Katheyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Magical Mojo“ is the fourth installment in the “Witches of Hollow Cove” UF series by Kim Richardson, whose female MC (Tessa) is a witch in the early thirties, who after trying without luck to made it New York, came back home to Hollow Cove to live in Davenport House the family state, with her three eccentric aunts and works in the family’s magical P.I agency ‘The Merlin Group’.

Tessa face a new threat, a dangerous entity the like of which has never been seen before in Hollow Cove. As the danger comes closer, Tessa will realize that the real threat is much closer to her heart than she ever realized.

“Witches of Hollow Cove” is a fast-paced UF series, that mixes eccentric witches, a supernatural town population, the occasional mystery, and a snarky heroine into entertaining mix of murder mystery, supernatural UF and chick lit.

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

When the dead suddenly start appearing around town, it’s up to Tess to figure out what’s going on.
It doesn’t help that her mother is back in town, as is Marcus’ ex-girlfriend… and then there is the fact that her grandmother is one of the dead who have been raised!

There is a lot happening in this book, almost no time for anyone to grab a breath in between events!
Some secrets are exposed (at least partially), and we meet some interesting characters.
Tess does her impulsive best, and her interactions with her grandmother are amusing. Lots of angst, and a book-hook type cliffhanger(ish) ending.

Another enjoyable mystery from Hollows Cove, perfect for fans of cosy paranormal mysteries.

[Just Jese · Rating 3 out of 5]

What just happened?

Well....I guess that really happened.
I kinda expected more here. More to this story, more details, more lore, just more! Tessa is a fun character and she and Gran were a RIOT. Seriously, I hope we see more Gran as like a spirit guide or something because, they’re just awesome together.
Tessa’s mom was in town and it amounted to just about nothing. Same with the appearance of Obi.
I felt like this story had so much potential and it just got waylaid and squandered.
Btw Tessa shouldn’t have forgiven Marcus so easily. Yes, his actions were easily explained but it doesn’t change the fact that Marcus could’ve just dumped Allison in front of Tessa if there was nothing there. He didn’t and Allison clung to him like a barnacle to ship.

[V Chafer-Soler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series and it is amazing! Incredibly funny and intriguing at the same time. I can't wait for the next book. If you like urban fantasy with adult characters with lots of humor , mistery and romance I reccomend this series without a doubt . Btw Gran Davenport is hilarious and I wished she was a recurrent character . Tessa as always is super funny , her 3 aunts are like the version of Dorothy , BIanche and Rose from Golden Girls. Just realized their initials matched , maybe I am into something. I can't wait to see how Tessa is going to deal with her "deal" in the next book. Congrats to the author .

[Chris Fracisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and funny!

Getting to know your dead gran as an adult is probably some of the best moments in Tessa's life so far. But figuring out why your dead gran and others are rising from the dead was an intense mystery and race against time. Add in an unfeeling mother and learning your father isn't who you thought but someone else entirely and having him stepping out of the shadows and meeting him, Tessa's life seems to be unraveling more as she tries to solve things. Love this series and can't wait till the next book!

[Véronique Laplante Grenier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Mojo is the fourth book in The Witches of Hollow cove series by Kim Richardson.

A new threat is on the horizon. At night dead are coming back. Tessa is now a Merlin and is trying to figure out whats going on. Its not your typical necromancer work because not only the dead are rising, but they also have their soul...

Really love the interaction between Tessa and Allisson who's Marcus ex, if this one can accept that they did break up.

I have received an arc of this book from the author. I can't wait to read the next one in the serie. Tessa is in big trouble... like usual.

[Stephanie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dead are rising from their graves in Hollow Cove. Tessa meets Marcus' mate.
The Merlin group suspects necromancers. A deal needs to be made and contracts are made to be broken. Tessa meets her real father which answers questions that her mother refuses to answer.

A lot going on in Book 4, but it flows nicely and it's a good story. Tessa has definitely grown a set of large lady balls.

I need to mention that in previous books the editing as well done, however there are many editing errors in this book. Hopefully, it was a fluke and going forward the editing problem is rectified.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4-⭐
Age: Pg-18

Tessa is a great female lead...i like her personality..funny but take not shit attitude .A small town in multiple laylined that is magical n protected by Tessa's aunts and by Marcus (shifter)local officer. Events and mysteries and challenges happen through out the series and Tessa and her lil group of paranormals end up solving of fixing the issues..but its always complicated .. forcing her to perfect her magic quickly to protect what she loves. Great series gets better the further u read...and its Funny -which I just love.
Mrs.C 💋

[Marybeth Torsell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series. It's funny, a quick read and has interesting mysteries to solve.

I've been reading the reviews of others and disagree with most in their harshness, but do agree with those in their distaste for the ridiculous and constant description of Marcus and his hotness. After the first three books I get it..... He's hot and the way Tessa goes on and on about it makes her sound like a teenager with raging hormones instead of a 30 year old bad ass witch.

Otherwise, I love the series and plan to continue it!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant addition to the series. Tessa is a fully qualified merlin now but just as feisty as ever, it looks like she inherited her attitude from her gran who unexpectedly appears in this book. In the middle of a town crisis caused by the dead rising from their graves she is resilient and full of sass. The snarky way she deals with the chiefs old girlfriend had me laughing out loud. Highly recommend this series to anyone with a sense of humour that enjoys a good plot.

[ObsessiveReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dead are walking around Hollow Cove and it is up to Tessa and her aunts to figure out what is going on. The pressure mounts as Tessa’s mom is back in town and Marcus’ ex is back. Looks like Tessa can’t catch a break with Marcus. There is also the silver haired stranger that Tessa keeps seeing.

Tessa is her usual sarcastic self and leaps into the middle of things without really thinking first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a combination of zombies with souls and demon deals. I adored Grandma. The romance is rocky, but the heroine, Tessa is just fabulous. I enjoy the way Tessa’s character interacts with Marcus and Allison. The misunderstandings and snark are amusing, but you know, Zombies !! Good story and the ending is fun

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.