Once Upon a Witch

Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries #1

by Valia Lind

One magical mishap and her world goes up in flames.

Cassandra Duke had her whole life figured out. She was going to stay away from magic, become a successful interior designer in a big city, and maybe finally learn how to waltz. But then, her magic acts up—without her permission—leaving her without a job and a plan.

Coming home was never in the stars. But when her aunt calls, Cassie packs up her stuff and heads to Crooked Windows Inn. Maybe with a little peace and quiet, and a remodeling gig, she can get her magic (and life) back under control.

But the universe is clearly out to get her!

Not only has she picked up an annoying cat sidekick, but then her childhood nemesis comes back into her life in the form of the (hot) new handyman, and things just can’t get any worse.

That is, until one of the inn’s guests turns up dead and Cassie’s aunt is the prime suspect.

Now Cassie has no choice but to take the matters into her own magical hands.

Can she solve the case before her aunt is arrested for a crime she didn’t commit?

If you love a little magic and wit with your murder, you’ll love this brand new paranormal witch cozy mysteries series from USA Today bestselling author, Valia Lind!

Genres: Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Witches, Cozy, Ebooks

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction.
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr

Reviews

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love this author. She has a lot of great books and this one is another fantastic cozy read. I somehow read book too before I read book one, but it still flowed fine for me. Looking forward to reading a lot more for books.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Witch by Valia Lind is a delight cozy mystery with paranormal elements. It’s a quick read so if you enjoy cozies, you’ll breeze right through this one.

Because it’s so short, I felt as though there wasn’t enough insight to the world. However, it is only the first book of a series so maybe more will come later.

The characters, on the other hand, were developed nicely and had good personalities. I enjoyed reading about them, even if first-person POV (which isn’t my personal favorite POV to read in).

Overall, as fan of ghosts and mystery, this was an excellent read. I’ll pick up book two soon.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie needs to start her life over when she loses her Interior Decorating job due to her 'wonky' magic. Depending on her Auntie Grace to get moving in the way her life should go, Cassie finds herself haunted by a recently murdered woman and in desperate need to learn to control her magic. Family, friends, a hunky man and a cat. This story delivers everything you would want from this genre. A little bit predictable but lots of fun.

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is a young designer who left her small town to go to the big city only to be called back due to a magic mishap. As she returns, she is thrown into a murder mystery and does her best to help solve it at her aunts inn. This is the first in a small series about a young witch re-finding herself and learning to deal with the magic she wanted to forget. This is a nice quick read for the quiet afternoons. There is not a heavy plot and is full of cozy, crazy small town characters that remind me of the Christmas hallmark stories. I look forward to reading the rest of the series and hope you do too!

[Kaylee Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

love it

This was such a cute, cozy mystery read! If you need something quick, this is it. It didn't have the fake, cheesiness to it either! I think I'll check out the whole series

[Clarissa Gosling · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun - just what I needed!

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love cozy mysteries! I'm one of those people actually being intrigued by murder cases and ghosts and other paranormal and potentially scary elements, but I'm also a big scaredy cat. If a book is too good on the murder part I get nightmares and if the ghosts seem too realistic I don't even dare to go to sleep. So, when I saw this paranormal cozy mystery on BookSirens it sounded like the perfect fit for me and I therefore happily grabbed an arc of this one, and the next two books in the series.

This cozy mystery is a quick and easy read and it's entertaining from start to finish, mostly because the story is quite fast paced. This first mystery in the series is the perfect way though to have us and Cassandra get to know the little town and its inhabitants. It's quite clear that there are many more characters to meet and that there are way more skeletons hidden in closets and I can't wait to see them come out in the next books.

Since this book is quite short the murder case is not too complicated. There are not that many suspects in the case and our heroine is not running around for ages to find clues. Therefore the final explanation to everything wasn't that complicated. But when it comes to a cozy mystery like this I actually don't mind at all. I'm reading this to enjoy myself. I'm not reading this to have my brain on overdrive attempting to make sense of everything.

It also helps that Cassandra is not really a professional detective. She has experience with making lists and structured working, but that's about it. At times she's therefore just running around, hoping to find or hear anything that might help her to get answers. However, even more interesting than Cassandra solving the case is Cassandra's personal history, love life and relationship with magic. We've learned some things about those and I can't wait to find out more!

[Literary Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra “Cassie” Duke is an interior designer in Chicago. At least she was until her magic got in the way and she was fired. Feeling defeated, she moves back to her small hometown of Monroe Cove and into her Auntie Grace’s Crooked Windows Inn.

Hoping to settle her magic and reset her ambitions, she looks forward to relaxing and taking things slow. However, her magic has other plans. When a local, Mabel, dies at the inn Cassie is haunted, literarily, by the deceased. Will Cassie be able to solve the case before time runs out or will she be haunted forever?

A true testament to the definition of a cozy mystery, Valia Lind’s Once Upon A Witch is spot on. Not only does the story keep you on your toes while trying to figure out “who done it”, there is also a quirkiness to it that keeps you laughing as the pages turn. Throw in the wonders of magic, and dare to say it, a little romance, and this introduction to the Crooked Windows Inn Mystery Series has you hooked.

Written without any profanity, sexual content, plus few spelling and grammatical errors, this novel is perfect for any reader. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the least this book deserves.

Thank you to #BookSirens, #OnceUponAWitch, and #ValiaLind for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...

[Susan Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books have a slow burn, not really grabbing the reader until well into the story. That can be a shame because not all readers are patient. But often, those who persist are rewarded. This book is a prime example of what I mean.
Initially, I found it hard to relate to our heroine and her plight. Yes, she had a “career setback” and returned home but I found it hard to empathize. But once she got there, and was reintroduced to her friends and fellow townspeople, things started to move.
It was the interaction between Cassie and ghost of the murdered woman and then with the people who knew the victim that things took off. It turned into a good mystery, filled with interesting characters and a very sweet kitty. While I suspected the killer for the very reason Cassie suspected him, it was still exciting at the end. Plus there is a lot of potential for additional stories, including those of a romantic nature.
Four purrs and two paws up.

[Jacque · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished back to back heavy books and needed something more on the light fluffy side to cleanse my brain pallet when this little treasure popped up. Short, cute, and quirky is my overall impression of Valia Lind’s first book in her Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries Series, Once Upon a Witch. I found the characters delightful and, while there isn’t much time to get to know them better, they were well fleshed out. They whodunit isn’t blatantly obvious and caught me by surprise once revealed. I find myself giggling quite a bit and curious enough to want to continue with the series. Definitely worth the read.

Stars: 3
I received this book from BookSirens. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Line Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For Young Adult upward, a refreshing writing style and a delightful story with a whodunnit mystery that will keep you page-turning.
When your magic is off and gets you fired from a big City job as interior designer, where do you turn too? Back home to a loving auntie and a best friend.
From the pan to the fire, Cassie has to learn to fit in again in a small town and rub shoulder with her childhood worst bully.
Witness to an old town busybody’s murder, Mabel’s ghost latches on Cassie to solve her murder with dire consequences if Cassie fails.
Before you know it you have reached the end, thirsty for more, left with a few hints as bait.
Now what is in store for Cassie?

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful story. Cassandra had different plans that didn’t happen to work her way. She was giving up magic, become an Interior Designer. Unfortunately she didn’t get her wish. Adorable mystery to delight everyone.

[Aileen (Ailz) Grist · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an initiated witch myself, I just wish I could do a tenth of what these witches can. There again they come from a long line of witches, so perhaps that's the difference. This is a face paced murder mystery. When Cassandra returns to her aunt - who brought her up - the first person she comes across is Mean Dean the bane of her teenage years. Almost the next one is the ghost of an old lady who has just been murdered and who charges her with finding the murderer. This is binding to Cassandra as the ghost will get more and more poltergistist (is that even a word) the longer it takes.

Loved it - I read it in one sitting.

I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

[Panda02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun, cute, and short. I enjoyed reading this in one sitting. The story was well written and there was an air of mystery lingering outside of the crime. Would recommend for anyone looking for a warm cozy feeling and a few giggles.

[Valia Lind]

OUT NOW: https://books2read.com/u/3JX9xB

[Gabbey F-A · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is fabulously potty! I was laughing out loud by the second page. It is advertised as a 'Cozy Read,' and that's exactly what it was. I had been in a bit of a reading slump and this quick story pulled me out of it!

I must admit, I guessed "Whodunnit" immediately. But I really don't feel the mystery was the main aspect of the plot. I feel the characters and the town are what made the story.

I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super fun paranormal cozy mystery.. Liked it a lot! Adorable characters and clever storyline.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[JenBsBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a short read that I had grabbed as a freebie for my Kindle. I needed another "dark" mood for my Storygraph pie chart ... not really sure why this is labeled dark, as it's really just a cozy mystery. As I've been purposely choosing dark/mysterious/tense for the month of October, I guess it's not surprising that this is the third book this month with a MC woman trying to solve a murder with help from the ghost of the victim. The mood does match the cartoon cover ... this felt cartoonish. I really wasn't a fan, and it was a push even at just over 100 pages. 2.5 stars.

Present tense can be written well, but when it isn't, it feels so awkward to me. Here, it was awfully awkward. So much so that my brain would "convert" the sentence to past tense and think "yup, it would have sounded so much more natural that way". There is a place for present tense, and there are times I don't mind it ... maybe don't even notice it! Here, I noticed it in every line.

There were errors ... typos perhaps? "This cat is character" ... I thinking it should have been "This cat is A character"? Is "steer up trouble" a phrase I'm just not familiar with (stir up trouble, yes ...) One of the characters referring to the the dead in the present "Mabel has been a bit under the weather ..." I realize perhaps that mistake could be attributed to the character, except on the next page she uses "had" past tense, so the continuity, or lack thereof, annoyed me. "She even hid Finn and I from trouble ..." my grammatical understanding is to take away the other person, then check to see which works, I or me ... "She even hit I from trouble ..." the sentence "I let my mind wonder" COULD be correct, she is wondering, but I still had to wonder if she meant to let her mind wander? The character's grammar was lacking in places ... which could be part of their character, but with all the other errors, I wonder; for example "... that just finally makes me a real witch, don't it?"

The whole story just seemed elementary and awkward to me, it didn't flow. Starting off in a chaotic situation where magic (it's not known that the MC is a witch) has "melted" a room and the boss says "I understand that you had good intentions, but I do not see how any of this is good." If I walked into a room where paint was melting off the walls and onto everything and saw my employee pushing paint back into a painting ... I think I'd run screaming from the paranormal activity, not calmly say "this isn't good" ... or did she honestly think this was just a strange interior design choice?

Every meeting ... connecting with "Mean Dean" again - Auntie, always calling the MC "sweetie" and "honeypie" and "sugarbun". The woman who has just been killed saying "Someone killed me. You have to find them!" It all just felt, cartoonish, over the top, Hallmark Halloween.

It wasn't much of a mystery, and there wasn't much building of relationships (mostly between the MC and best friend Pennie). Not much romance in this one if one was looking for that. This was just the start of a series, but I won't be continuing on.

I enjoyed Ghost Mortem quite a bit more (similar basic premise, cartoon cover, start of a series ... although I probably won't be continuing on with that one either).

[Tess Ailshire · Rating 2 out of 5]

A thoroughly average witchy cozy mystery. The grammatical and proofreading errors drop it another star.

Malapropisms, mixed tenses, case errors (I let them slide in dialog if the character is likely to use them, but not in narrative), and grammatical slips are abundant.

[Samuel Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun story. I did enjoy it but and as far as humour goes, I laughed. A lot. But it was the mystery angle. Something about the clues that weren't really clues. Like every time information was supposed to be received nothing knew was actually garnered. The only real clue was the tea thing. Most times, if you have read enough mysteries you will know who the killer is. I usually ignore this depending on how fast I figure it out. The problem here was I still don't really know anything about the killer per se except that he was the killer. They weren't followed around much. No real background data was dug up about them.

That aside the main character, Cassandra, was fun to read. Most of the laughs came from her. It was the running away from magic angle that didn't hold it's weight. She sees a ghost that forces her back into the world of magic but she doesn't delve back in. Except for the one foray when she read a book that quite literally confirmed something she had already said. Other than the ghost the magic part of this seemed to never really lift off the page.

Also, I got the impression her being a witch wasn't a secret. Like the way the opening scene was described, I can't see how it couldn't have been a magical mishap. I honestly didn't even question for a second that Cassandra's boss didn't think it was a mistake of faulty magic, the type of scene created couldn't have just happened. So when I found out, after the murder no less, that magic was a secret I was shocked. What exactly was Cassandra running away from if no one in the town knew she was a witch. Even the ending reveal wasn't big enough to be running away from magic, from her past maybe but she definitely could've tried to keep up the magic and run away at the same time.

The ending was sudden, I usually check my kindle percentage to see how much I have left to read, this time I didn't and I was definitely blindsided by the end. It just sorta happened. I guess, like I said already, I was expecting some more digging in but even Cassandra's realisation seemed like it happened right before the end. Emotionally I was like "finally, she knows what I've known all this time now we can find some proof and... wait it's happening?" That's exactly how my brain processed it.

Basically, as much as I enjoyed reading this, the humour, the easy flow, even the slight romance and clearly defined characters, the plot itself felt like it was the lead-in to a much bigger story. Like another murder or two was going to happen. Mostly because most of the detectiveness didn't seem to have fully formed yet. Cassandra was always looking for information but beyond the property thing and the mystery businessmen circulating there wasn't enough clue drops.

If a cosy mystery that's definitely a lot higher on the cosy, with nice humorous bits sprinkled with a dash of love interest is your thing, this definitely delivers. It be a hit. But for me, I went in expecting a bit more witchiness, and comedic detective vibes and where it not for the clever writing and humour I don't know how much I would've enjoyed this considering it is a cosy paranormal mystery and it kind of read like it wasn't sure if it wanted to be a mystery but there wasn't enough romcom for it to be that either so it kinda sat comfortably in the middle with the right amount of comedy but not enough of the other to fully shift it into a solid cosy mystery.

[Gloria Lesher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This breezy, fun, paranormal cozy follows a formula I’m seeing in paranormal cozy mysteries: A young woman with occult powers (usually a witch or a medium who can see ghosts) stumbles upon a dead body. She has an aunt/grandmother/relative, who owns an inn, bookstore, or shop. The young woman has just arrived in the small town where the shop is located. Either she intends to help run the shop or has inherited it. Usually a ghost comes along with the shop, and often it’s the ghost of the aunt/grandmother/relative. After discovering the dead body, the young woman, her best friend, or her aunt/grandmother/relative is accused of the crime. The hero is a devastatingly attractive young man, usually a cop. He suspects the young woman or her relative at first, but ends up helping/saving her from the murderer—whose identity the young woman has discovered through her magical powers. Oh, and there’s usually a cat involved in one way or another.

Of course, there’s something to be said for formulas. Just look at romance novels! These books follow a formula, because that formula is successful, and readers love it. Same with paranormal cozies.

Valia Lind’s novel follows the formula. Cassandra (Cassie) Duke, who has magical powers, returns to Crooked Windows Inn in Monroe Cove. Her Auntie Grace runs the inn. Apparently, Auntie Grace raised Cassie, because Cassie’s mother, a witch, disappeared when Cassie was two years old. Cassie never knew her father. The dead body is a woman named Mabel, who was sitting at a table in the inn’s dining room when she died. Cassie’s magic allows her to see Mabel’s spirit, who cries out, “Someone killed me! You have to find them!” Cassie doesn’t understand this at first, but then she discovers a book from Auntie Grace’s library that explains that when a witch is tasked with a job from a ghost, they are bound by laws of magic. The love interest is “Mean Dean” Harvey, who runs a construction firm and makes shivers run up Cassie’s spine. Cassie’s best friend is Penny, and Penny knows from their childhood that Cassie can do magic. Turns out that Auntie Grace has been keeping secrets from Cassie, but what they are, I cannot reveal, of course!

I like the author’s style—especially the characters’ dialog, which comes off as very realistic. Lind writes in present tense. There are a few punctuation and grammatical errors in the novel. For example, Lind uses a “>” at one point instead of a question mark “?” and this is obviously a typo. She writes, “Mabel appears beside her, her eyes big” when she meant to write, “Mabel appears beside me, her eyes big.” The novel could use some editing, so for this reason, I cannot give it a high rating, although the story is satisfying. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation from the author.

[Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

DNF

I didn't like the MC and I didn't like the love interest. I also don't like the MC's aunt.
I'm not into the bullies to love interest trope. Adult enemies to lovers for me is different to childhood tormentor to lover. Though even then, the change has to make sense for the characters, just not that its needed for the plot. I'm also not into reading blatant meddling family trying to set people up, especially when the book is supposed to be a mystery with a tiny side helping of romance. The aunt could have been subtle about her meddling. But no. It's sledgehammer to crack a nut, not subtle, then they end up working together to solve the mystery and start a to have feelings.
If the book is supposed to be a romance as the main plot, then I'll grit my teeth over the meddling relative / friend angle, but this is a mystery first or it's supposed to be!

I decided to change up my reading a bit and see if I can finally drag myself out of my urban fantasy faze, because last few books I've been trying turned into paranormal romances. So I chose a mystery with a witch MC as a bridge.... only for that to be a romance pretending to be a mystery!

The MC is living and working where the jerk... love interest has been hired to do renovation work, she doesn't need to re-meet him and find out her new job for her aunt is being his assistant. It's only a few pages in and the author's already shown too heavy a hand, and the above tropes that I dislike, so not interested in continuing.
What would have made more sense, since she's an interior designer, is having them clash, because their work needs the other to be done. She needs the rooms he's renovating done, and she can get in the way when he's trying to work, by measuring and messing with paint patches on the wall being 'artsy' etc.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: No

Would you recommend?: No


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[HeatherAnne Norbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of the ebook from BookSirens in exchange for my review. All opinions shared are 100% my own.

There’s a cat and magic… so, yeah. Two things I love. It is otherwise a pretty formulaic cozy mystery. Not that there is anything wrong with that! I often want my reading to be a predictable escape from an unpredictable real world. This introduction to the Crooked Windows Inn world is pretty short - 114 pages - so there wasn’t a lot of room to really world build yet. As is my usual practice, I will read book two as well. I’ve found you really can’t judge a series based on the first book.

A couple of things I didn’t like. In the first of the book, the dialogue - both internal and external - contained a lot of bad grammar. It was difficult to believe that a big city interior designer and the owner of a well-established and popular bed and breakfast would speak with such bad grammar. It felt like an attempt to make them sound of a certain dialect, maybe Southern, though I don’t recall there being a mention of what part of the country Monroe Cove was located. The weird affected dialogue smoothed out toward the end and Cassie and her aunt sounded like normal people. Another odd thing that bothered me is that Cassie is supposed to be 24 but her aunt is 63. That’s an awfully big age gap for her mother’s sister. The aunt was also portrayed as almost elderly. The 60s are considered middle-aged now.

There was a hint of a love triangle but, thankfully, that didn’t go anywhere. I do not like love triangles! All in all, I like the characters and I look forward to reading the next in the series. I’m rooting for Mean Dean! I hope more is done with the cat in future installments. I was SHOCKED when the protagonist claimed she didn’t like cats, or pets in general even, but it looks like our feline friend is growing on this witch.

[Eve Hallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great start to a series. Cassandra is a vibrant, smart, and personable witch. She’s been away from her hometown for quite some time and has some issues with going back. We learn a little about her past as the story progresses. Her Aunt owns the Crooked Windows Inn and is also a witch. Her best friend Penny still lives in town and owns a bakery. She is the only other person that knows Cassie is a witch. The small town of Monroe Cove is cute and touristy. The characters are colorful and I’m looking forward to learning more about them.

The murder happens early in the story. Cassie’s Aunt is the sheriff’s top suspect and Cassie is determined to find out who the killer really is. She tries to use her magic to help her, but there are glitches. I like that it is not super easy for her to solve the mystery. The list of suspects is short. I was disappointed that I didn’t learn more about one of the suspects, however, I think they will be in the next book. I almost thought there could be another murder in this book, but with the way it ended, I am glad there wasn’t.

The possibility of a romantic interest for Cassie, but I hope it doesn’t happen too quickly. Cassie has some things to figure out before she falls in love. I’m interested in her story and can’t wait for the next book.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

#OnceUponaWitch #BookSirens

[Jason Wrench · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the Author/Publisher for the opportunity to read Valia Lind's Once Upon a Witch: A Paranormal Cozy Mystery. I am thankful for the opportunity to read this book free of charge, but my review remains completely my own.

If you're a fan of paranormal cozy mysteries, then this book is definitely going to be right up your alley. The book centers on Cassandra Duke who lost her job as an interior decorator after her magic went a little haywire. Cassie has been avoiding magic and her magic wants to be used. After losing her job, she makes her way back home to her Aunt's bed and breakfast, the Crooked Windows Inn.

Almost immediately after her arrival, one of the women having tea in the ins cafe dies and tells Cassie that she's been murdered. Of course, Cassie is obligated (well cursed) to find out who killed the victim.

As a whole, this book is enjoyable because it follows the general pattern expected for this genre. There's a witch who came home after being in the big city who must learn to use her magic to save the day. On top of that, you have a fun and colorful cast that populates this world.

As someone who enjoys paranormal cozies, I found this book highly entertaining. Was it necessarily the most original book in this genre? No. Was it a fun read? Yes.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is going home due to losing her job over her magic not working correctly. Cassie is going to help her Aunt with her inn. Cassie comes home to Dean is helping her Aunt with the inn renovations. Cassie is not happy as Dean use to torture her. Aunt Grace and Cassie were not prepared for someone at the inn to die. Cassie finds out the Mabel was murdered. Cassie decides to look into the case as her aunt is a suspect. Cassie learns more about the town and who could have done, Cassie's life could be in danger. Cassie also learns more about the town, her magic and her magic, that Cassie will have to deal with. Cassie will also find herself looking at Dean differently as well.

This was a great first book in series. Cassie is a young witch with out of control powers. She learns more about why that is, she will have to move forward and try to find a solution. She realizes that coming home might not be so bad after all. Will see if Cassie and Dean more forward with their developing feelings as well. Really looking forward to more in this series.

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

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book. It sounded cute in a cozy mystery kind of way. Outcast witch who doesn't use her magic, returns home to a small town and reawakens her magic to help solve a crime. The crime, a murder, happens in the first 10 pages, before we even get to really know or understand the characters. There is a quirky cast of folks who surround the main character Cassandra, her best friend who is not a witch; Mean Dean , the potential love interest, Aunt Grace, who is also a witch and of course, a cat named Birdie. The story is light, even though it is about a murder, with an annoying ghost. Cassandra learns some things about herself, which played a role in her leaving town and I can see the continuation of the series now that she knows more about herself. It is a pleasant, easy and quick read, and flows nicely, there just wasn't much depth or character, angst or even humor to draw me in. I will probably read one more to see if the story line develops further. It is a decent book and a pleasant diversion.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie has problems controlling her magic which is not doing her any favors when it comes to holding down a job. She gets fired and returns back home to see her aunt who owns an inn. It's not the peaceful homecoming she might have hoped for because somebody drops dead shortly after Cassie got inside. Her aunt is a suspect in a murder investigation, and Mabel, the murdered woman's ghost keeps popping up and disappearing around Cassie.

This is a quick, short read that can be finished in one sitting (and I did). It is formulaic but I quite enjoyed it and would consider reading something else from this author. There are some plot threads left hanging here, about Dean the handyman who Cassie used to hate in her childhood, the blueprints of the town and the mysterious developers, but this appears to be part of a series and maybe the answers are in the future books.

It is well edited and I noticed no errors but the Kindle edition I read had a tiny little layout problem. The first letter of each chapter is in a bigger font and this squeezes the letters below into it. I got a free review copy from Booksirens and I'm leaving a free and voluntary review.

[Frances Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a very refreshing book to read. It really is a cozy mystery. Cassandra, Cassie, is a witch; but she’s a witch with a problem. She left her home town of Monroe Cove because she wanted to live a normal life without witchcraft. She’s always loved interior design and was becoming very successful but, all of a sudden, her witchcraft is back with a vengeance and has just destroyed a job that was to establish her in her career. So, it wasn’t long before she was on her way home to her Auntie Grace at the Crooked Windows Inn in Monroe Cove.

She’s only just arrived when a customer at the Inn falls dead in the dining room. It doesn’t help that she sees the spirit of the woman rise up and that the spirit expects her to solve her murder. In addition, since suspicion falls on her Aunt as having opportunity, Cassie decides that she needs to do some investigating.

Her rediscovery of her home town, and the people in it, leads to questions about herself as well.

The whole atmosphere in the book drew me in. I loved it and I think most readers of this genre would feel the same.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie Duke is a witch, but is trying to fight it. Her magic, however, will have none of it and her life is getting difficult, until she’s fired from her job and goes back to Monroe Cove, her home town, and to her Aunt Grace. Unfortunately on the day she returns, someone dies in the public dining room of the mansion Grace lives in. And Grace is a suspect, so there’s no way Cassie won’t become involved, especially as Mabel, now a ghost, insists Cassie finds who killed her.

This is a nice easy book to read, full of humour, interesting and relatable characters, and a cat. What not to like. A couple of the characters and parts of the plot are a bit predictable but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the read. It makes you long to find the type of interesting and friendly town where the action is set. It’s the first book in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.