A Familiar Murder

Oxford Magic Kitten Mysteries #1

by Rosemary A. Johns

Welcome to Oxford’s Magic Kitten Shelter for Familiars!
My name’s Astra. I’m single, love familiars, and am also a witch whose demon cat has more magical ability in his paw, than I have in my entire body. When I inherit my great-aunt’s ramshackle mansion in the sleepy village, Witch Hollow, which nestles in Oxford's shadow, I seize the chance to break free from my family. Even if Witch Hollow is the most paranormal village in England...

Now, along with my black kitten, Satan (angel on the outside, devil on the inside), I’ll show everyone that a new witch is in town.

Yet the opening event of my new business to rehome abandoned familiars ends with a witch’s death. When the hot Earl Sin, a dragon shifter and my elite neighbour, turns out to be the supernatural Sheriff of Oxford, how can I prove that I’m innocent and also save my familiars?

One-Click now and decide which familiar you’ll adopt today!
A Familiar Murder is Book One in the Oxford Magic Kitten Mysteries cozy mystery series. Start reading to escape into magic, mystery, and laugh-out loud fun!

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Magic, Fantasy, Witches, Romance

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author of Addictive Romance

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Award-winning and #1 Amazon bestselling paranormal and romance author.

WINNER OF SILVER AWARD in National Wishing Shelf Book Awards.
Shortlisted in International Rubery Book Awards.
Winner in the IAN Book of the Year Awards: awarded Finalist

A music fanatic and anti-hero addict. Rosemary writes savage vampires, snarky demons, and epic battles. She's always been a rebel.

Discover enemies-to-lovers, swoonworthy book boyfriends, and shifters! Don't miss her steamy and action-packed REBEL series, including REBEL GODS, REBEL WEREWOLVES, and REBEL ACADEMY.

Reviews

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm deeply ashamed. For over a year I'm already promising to read a Johns book. I read the first chapter of her Omega series and really loved it. I even got it when it was free for a limited period of time. But I've never gotten to reading it. However, when I got the chance to read an ARC of this book, I didn't hesitate for a moment. I'm in a huge mystery fase, but also in a "need for comfort" fase. And this book happens to combine both of those fases!

And it does so in the most hilarious way. I'm not the kind of person who expresses her emotions loudly, but this book really made me laugh out loud so often. A small giggle, but also those amazing echoing laughs that just don't want to stop. And even though the book is amazingly funny, it also manages to have a decent plot and some really interesting characters I'd really love to get to know better in the future books in this series.

The big star of the story is Satan, of course. He has his own point of view chapters and those are the best chapters in the entire book, if you ask me. He reminds me a little of Salem, the funny cat from the Sabrina series. The old one. The one that made you laugh instead of cower under the couch. Satan has an amazing view on the world and the people in it and he has even better methods to get those things done he wants to get done. If Satan ever decides he really wants to rule the world, he'll manage, I don't even doubt that.

That doesn't mean that I didn't like the heroine and hero of this story though. They had a really great chemistry and I loved how their relationship never moved too fast. It has only just begun, so to say. That also leaves room for both characters to be someone themselves, without the other and without the relationship. Especially our heroine keeps on holding on to her own ideals and what's important to her. An amazing characteristic, if you ask me!

And then there's the world. I really loved the atmosphere of this village, the politics, the amount of stories Johns can without a doubt to tell. And Johns has an amazing writing style that really fits this world, these characters and the atmosphere she wants to bring across.

I WANT MORE!

[Tash · Rating 5 out of 5]

John’s foray into the cosy mystery genre was a treat. Witches and villages go well together and Astra was perfect lead for this story. She anything but the put together witch that you would expect for a detective given her powers and background.
She definitely helpless with magic and Satan is the pure entertainment you need and help as her home only happens to be in the most paranormal village in England. She sticks out like a sore thumb and it’s asking for trouble. The trouble does arrive on her doorstep in a big way

The mystery was intriguing as it played into the whole magic angle and I loved the intriguing Sin who helped Astra in many ways. It seemed to be an odd pairing but it grew when the deductions came thick and fast and he got Astra and Satan. Can’t wait to see these more in action as there is a lot more to unpack.

There is so much packed into this book in terms of world building and enjoyed the side characters who helped bring the story to life and add more particularities to this village. It’s not your every day village and I can’t wait for more

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me howling with laughter. It’s funny and irreverent, snarky and filled with shenanigans. I’m not even sure what I can say about this book that doesn’t give the best parts of it away. Not only was I kept laughing, but the mystery kept me guessing. Nothing is quite what you expect it to be and now I’m desperate to know what’s next for Astra, Satan, and Sin.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author through Black Cat.

[Suzanne Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this funny magical tale of Satan the cat with his orange hat helping Astra, the witch and Sin, the sheriff solve a magical murder in Witch Hollow. The tale is well written with funny characters and a great story line. I can't wait for the next book about these characters and highly recommend it as excellent to read. This is my honest opinion.

[Kathy Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy Crap!! Not only can Rosemary Johns write paranormal RH, she writes one heck of a Cozy Mystery as well! As far as familiars go, Satan is perfect from the whiskers on his face to the tip of his kitty tail! A Familiar Murder combines so many elements to spin a perfect hilarious story. Great character building and a strong storyline combine for a rollicking good time!

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Astra and Satan are already my favorite! I wish Satan was wearing his hat on the cover. I love the references/Easter eggs to other characters and places that I recognize. Sinclair and Astra are good together. It will be fun to watch their relationship evolve. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not sure exactly what this book would be about. I have read all this authors books. And they are all fantastic. But she has never written a cozy mystery to my knowledge. And I have never read one. Wow.... I don't think genres mean anything to this author, because she can write anything, and make it a great read! I loved Satan his attitude and mischief will suck you in immediately. I love cats and this cat is epic. I laughed so hard I cried. And his sarcastic attitude had me rolling in laughter. Astra has her hands full with him. She is a great character, I really liked Sin too. This is a fantastic book and the storyline is awesome. I can not wait for book #2. This author just gave me another genre to like. This book will grab you right away and you can't stop until you finish the book. The way the world is today, we all need to read a book with laughter. For me reading is an escape and that is exactly what this book did. I escaped into this awesome book for a while. This book definitely made my night and I highly recommend it!!!

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honestly surprised by how unique and fun this cozy mystery was! Rosemary is a new author for me and although she primarily writes romance, she can definitely write a good cozy mystery. This book was filled with mystery, a mischievous and loving kitten, humor, and tons of familiars.
Astra is who I wish I could be. I wish I could save all of the unwanted animals (or familiars in her case). She has such a loving heart for these demonic familiars and especially her own, Satan. Satan was my favorite character hands down. He’s sarcastic, devilish, and hilarious. Satan reminded me a lot of Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, but within this decade of emojis and social media.
Astra and Salem’s bond was loving, protective, and unlike any other I’ve ever seen between a witch and their familiar. I love that Satan has freedom and free will and that Astra isn’t intolerant that he has more power in a single paw than she does in her entire body. I can’t wait to see what happens next for these characters and I’m looking forward to other books by this author!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Familiar Murder: I loved this one.. the Snarky banter from Satan was wonderful.. I loved it.
Satan is a cat.. and not just any cat; he is a familiar and not just any familiar. He belongs to a witch named Astra.
Astra is a witch that has inherited an animal shelter from an aunt that willed it to her. But it's not an ordinary animal shelter.. it is a shelter for familiars that Astra rescues and finds new homes for these special familiars in the magical community.
This story had me laughing until there were tears coming out of my eyes with all of the funny comments that Satan said and the things that he did. Then add in a mystery of who committed murder which makes you wonder who did it along with the main characters Astra and Satan.
A definite must read series if you love magic and mystery..

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

All hail the kitten-y cuteness!!

When Astra moved to Witch Hollow with her snuggly kitten (demon) familiar, Satan, and all her rescued familiars to open a shelter, she was so not expecting rude dragon neighbors or vindictive inspectors. She really wasn’t expecting exploding witches, but she’s got it all. To save her precious Satan, Astra teams up with her snarky neighbor to find out whodunnit before the Mayor decides to pin the murder on Satan’s tail.

This delightful cozy mystery will leave you laughing and desiring to say things that might get you in trouble, but what you can’t deny is that you’ll want more of the kitten bent on world domination and his witch and the dragon they’ve decided to adopt!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantabulous!!!

This book is just too adorable!!l We meet the great Satan (a cat familiar) and his witch Astra. She inherited her Aunt's farm in Witch Hollow and is turning it into a rescue for familiars. Nervous she hosts her grand opening only for the cranky inspector to go up in flames. Satan is a main suspect so she has to investigate to save him. Add in a hot dragon shifter, all sorts of paranormal, and some quirky critters to get a book you won't be able to put down. A truly delightful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosemary Johns gives us another new world to delve into that is another spin-off from her Rebel sagas’. Satan is a VERY powerful familiar who is attached to his witch named Astra. Astra lives in Evermore, Witches Hollow. She inherited a farm from her great-aunt. She is running a shelter for familiars that have been abandoned or their witches have died. At her opening event, a nasty witch was threatening to shut her down…next thing you know she is a pile of ashes! The next-door neighbor, Sin, is the local sheriff and he is too hot~ Now, Satan and Astra must help prove their innocence by helping discover the true murderer, which will prove hard to do since the whole town could not stand her~ This is a VERY funny and snarky read and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series! Thank you, Rosemary, for another OUSTANDING new series! I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.

Merged review:

Rosemary Johns gives us another new world to delve into that is another spin-off from her Rebel sagas’. Satan is a VERY powerful familiar who is attached to his witch named Astra. Astra lives in Evermore, Witches Hollow. She inherited a farm from her great-aunt. She is running a shelter for familiars that have been abandoned or their witches have died. At her opening event, a nasty witch was threatening to shut her down…next thing you know she is a pile of ashes! The next-door neighbor, Sin, is the local sheriff and he is too hot~ Now, Satan and Astra must help prove their innocence by helping discover the true murderer, which will prove hard to do since the whole town could not stand her~ This is a VERY funny and snarky read and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series! Thank you, Rosemary, for another OUSTANDING new series! I received this as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Lee Aston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Furry witchy fun

What more could you want from a book,kittens,unicorns and all manner of magical creatures waiting to adopt, a less than perfect with magic witch,her wonderful snarky familiar kitty,a sexy Dragon shifter neighbour and a murder, a must for all who dream

[Andrea Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here Kitty, Kitty, I offer you my soul - sorry i mean strokes and plenty of Cheese, All Hail the cute and cuddly Satan whose pet human has inherited an orphanage for wayward, unwanted and abandoned Demon Familiars.
This is a Coze Murder Mystery with a Paranormal setting where the Mayor and Founders have a little too much power and the local Sherriff is tasked with finding the killer, whilst Astra helps to prove that it wasn’t her or Satan. So many twists and turns along with some really intriguing characters.
In my opinion this is the most Brilliantly Bonkers and wonderfully crazy book that is a must read if you want something scrumptiously different and light-hearted.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Familiar Murder is book one in Rosemary A. Johns’ Oxford Magic Kitten Mysteries series. A Familiar Murder is an absolute delight from beginning to end and the author does not disappoint with any aspect of this fun novel.
A Familiar Murder introduces readers to a witch by the name of Astra. She’s not the most powerful, but she does have a powerful and delightful kitten familiar by the name of Satan. This powerful little kitten is full of magic and mischief and I absolutely adore him! Astra is an engaging and interesting character and the way that the author starts this story off piques my interest and holds me engaged to the very end. I love that we get more than just precious little Satan! There are a couple of other unique familiars and I love reading about them and their fun interactions with not just each other but the other characters in this book.
This book is such a delightful collection of misfits who come together into a beautiful little town that is a great place for misfits of all types. A dragon shifter with a "flaming" issue (his story is HIL-arious!), gorgeous ghosts, and so much more! I couldn't get enough of this book. Satan is both fluffily adorable, but his little mischievous side has me in stitches half the time. Can I have him? LOL! I'll give him lots of cheese! LOL!
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. It's so much fun and probably my favorite book to date by this author. If you are looking for something new, fresh, and fun then this book is the perfect fit for you.

[Jennifer Verri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first read from this author and I am so happy I did. What a great funny quick read with an amazing world and characters! Satan, a witch's familiar, is by far my favorite character. I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Mary Roya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Familiar Murder

I absolutely loved this story. Satan personality was spot on. Loved the beginning of a sweet and exciting romance with Astra and Sin. Highly recommend the book!

[Kelsey Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved

This book is one of the quirkiest craziest cutest books I have ever read. Satan is one of my favorites I would give everything to have him be real and mine. when I started reading this book I was not prepared to be hooked until the end. I think my favorite part of this book is that it went with two different povs I like that in books that I read. If you haven't already read this book I definitely recommend. Definitely five stars from me!!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sanctuary of A Different Sort

Ok, a cute snarky kitten is like catnip to me. When he's a rebel witch's familiar & said witch is running an adoption center for unwanted familiars of various species, how can I resist? To make this offering even more irresistible, add an aristocratic dragon shifter who happens to be the Sheriff of Witch Hollow, a sanctuary itself for paranormals & what more could I want? Oh yeah, a cracking good murder mystery amid the growing witch/ shifter romance & it's the start of an addictive series. Set outside Oxford, England, it's Midsomer Murders, paranormal style.

[Andra Kapule · Rating 5 out of 5]

CUTE!!

Totally what I needed right now!! This book is SO cute and funny!! I’m definitely reading the rest of the series!! Then I will go check out her other books

[Christine Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

I absolutely love Satan. This book had me intrigued with the mystery and yet laughing so hard I had tears coming down. I can't wait for the next book.

[Helen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Athough, i have several cozy mysteries on my kindle I hadn't actually read one until this (I am somewhat of a book hoarder)but if all cozy mysteries are like this they will be going to the top of my reading list! This also an author that is new to me and On the strength of this book I have already picked out some future reads. As for this book it was nothing short of amazing! I loved the characters, especially Satan (I now want a demon kitty) and for me he was certainly the star of this book. The humour was great with so many laugh out loud moments (normally comments by Satan!) that my children kept asking me what I was laughing at and muttering under their breath..... all in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the next in the series will definately be a 1-click for me!

[Chelsea Okamoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fan-freakin-tastic!! I absolutely loved this book!! Astra and Satan have such an amazing relationship! And we can’t forget about Sin, our adorable yet sexy dragon shifter sheriff. This book makes me wish talking familiars were real because I would totally have a bunch of them. 😂 This book will take you on a crazy ride that will have your emotions bouncing all over the place while laughing out loud while Satan tries to take over the world! Muahaha! 😈 I highly recommend this book! If you need something fun, mysterious and cute then definitely pick this book up! Can’t wait to see what happens next! 💜🖤

[Jacqueline Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and sweet

A slow burn but worth it. This book was laugh out loud funny and sweet. There's great potential between th witchy FMC and the dragon shifter sheriff. The mystery was done well and the world building was excellent. Lovable characters I look forward to seeing again and again. Can't wait to see what happens in the next book. Definitely recommended.

[Amanda McEwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this! Just wonderful!

What a wonderful light hearted story! Sucked me right in early and left me waiting more! Satan's sassy, mischievous ways are a real delight to follow and his loyalty and devotion are unmatched. Absolutely loved it!

[Angie Kossina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me by page 2 with a demon familiar, Satan, put in an orange crocheted hat and tolerated it because it made Astra happy but wanted to shred it first chance he got. The writing style is chaotic but it really worked for the characters and gave the characters their own voice that you don't really feel/hear in all books. It was a completely charming book to read and loved every moment

[Jayde Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start

This was a very sweet read wasn’t hardcore but it definitely kept me interested. Can’t wait to see how the guys get around the dragons possessive ways

[joi Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and funny book, loving all the banter with the characters, just loving it all cant wait for the next book to come out.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, sarcastic, and slightly romantic mystery with amazing characters and surprising outcome.
Welcome to the shelter for rejected familiars, owned by a witch with very little magic, totally ruled by a kitten familiar called Satan with a knack for explosive spells, mischievous tricks, and a hidden agenda for world domination.
Just kidding, give him all the strokes and cheese and you'll be fine.
But with the murder of the unpopular inspector during the opening of the shelter, Astra needs to join her forces with her sexy neighbor, Earl Sin, a dragon shifter who also happens to be the local Sheriff, and prove her innocence (and Satan's) to all the prejudiced Founders and Mayor who just want a scapegoat in order to maintain peace, regardless of the justice.
It was a hilarious ride full of great scenes, funny storytelling style, epic characters, and very addictive charm.

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good start to a series and a great cozy mystery that was so much fun to read. I loved the blend of mystery and mythology in the story. The mythological aspects were definitely some of my favorite parts and the mystery kept me interested wanting to figure out more about what was going on. The characters made me laugh a lot. I love the talking familiars and wish I had a talking familiar. The sheriff was also a really great characters. I can’t wait to see where this story is going to go and hope it keeps me laughing and having fun.