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Witch in the Woods #1
Deadly Claws
A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
Career-driven witch, Shayla Loci, is about to turn forty and is ready for a change. When she retires from capturing criminal supernaturals for the government, she figures her days of chasing bad guys is over. Little did she know her new job as the game warden on Enchanted Island would thrust her right back into harm's way...and she wasn't even officially on the clock yet! But when Sheriff Stone enlists her help to find out who killed an island resident, Shayla readily agrees. Between sorting through alibis, gathering clues, and mentoring a wayward teenager on how to be a witch...Shayla's life is hectic. If only her estranged dad--the King--wouldn't insist she take her bodyguard, Needles, with her everywhere she goes. Just when Shayla believes she's identified the killer, a new threat emerges...leaving her to make a snap decision that may cost her her life. This new paranormal cozy series with a twist on midlife discovery will leave you guessing and hungry for more!
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
Career-driven witch, Shayla Loci, is about to turn forty and is ready for a change. When she retires from capturing criminal supernaturals for the government, she figures her days of chasing bad guys is over. Little did she know her new job as the game warden on Enchanted Island would thrust her right back into harm's way...and she wasn't even officially on the clock yet! But when Sheriff Stone enlists her help to find out who killed an island resident, Shayla readily agrees. Between sorting through alibis, gathering clues, and mentoring a wayward teenager on how to be a witch...Shayla's life is hectic. If only her estranged dad--the King--wouldn't insist she take her bodyguard, Needles, with her everywhere she goes. Just when Shayla believes she's identified the killer, a new threat emerges...leaving her to make a snap decision that may cost her her life. This new paranormal cozy series with a twist on midlife discovery will leave you guessing and hungry for more!
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
1252 people are currently reading
905 people want to read
About the author
Jenna St. James
135 books272 followersJenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
December 31, 2025
Shayla Loci had just returned to the Enchanted Island where her mother, father and grandmother lived, and where she'd grown up until twenty years previously. She'd loved her government career of capturing supernatural criminals, but had retired to return to the Island. Now, she'd be living in the castle she'd once called home, and working as a game warden, hired by the Mayor. But the morning after she'd returned, heading to her GiGi's home, she spotted disturbances in the snow. The body she discovered just beyond the trees had been mauled terribly. Sheriff Stone, a gargoyle, was soon on the scene. Would Shayla use her witchy influences to find the killer? The Sheriff was pleased for her to help, but they would have an uphill battle...
Deadly Claws is the 1st in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James and it was heaps of fun! Light, entertaining, eye-raising (I had no idea such things could happen in a witchy world!), Needles was cute! (he's on the cover) I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
Deadly Claws is the 1st in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James and it was heaps of fun! Light, entertaining, eye-raising (I had no idea such things could happen in a witchy world!), Needles was cute! (he's on the cover) I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.
March 25, 2021
Deadly Claws by Jenna St.James is the first book in this cozy paranormal mystery set on Enchanted Island which is a haven for all paranormal beings. Shayla has moved back to the island to become the game warden. I liked Shayla who is a strong and independent witch who wants to start a new life back in her home town. The mystery kept me guessing for some time but I did figure out who the culprit was before the dramatic reveal. I'm already looking forward to the next one in this series.
April 29, 2022
Good book. I enjoyed it. Will look for the next one
October 3, 2021
An Enchanted Series!
Hooked me from the start. Enjoyed the fast and fun characters. A porcupine protector that truly steals the show! This book is the beginning of a series that I must follow. Highly Recommended to all!
Hooked me from the start. Enjoyed the fast and fun characters. A porcupine protector that truly steals the show! This book is the beginning of a series that I must follow. Highly Recommended to all!
September 16, 2021
Great story and fun mystery!
Jenna St. James is amazing! I loved the island and I felt I belonged there. If you're in the mood for a fun witchy cozy read this! Highly recommend!
Jenna St. James is amazing! I loved the island and I felt I belonged there. If you're in the mood for a fun witchy cozy read this! Highly recommend!
June 14, 2021
Gentle easy read
Shayla Loci returns to live on the Enchanted Islandw where she grew up. The Island is a haven for supernatural beings and their families, all are welcome regardless of abilities and they are protected as the island is not visible to non supernaturals who might hurt that which they don't understand.
Shayla had worked on the mainland with Paranormal Apprehension and Detention Agency but after 15 years was returning home to be with her mum, Gigi and her father. She has been given the job as the Islands wildlife, fish and forest officer
Unfortunately Shayla finds a body mauled by a werewolf, but all is not as it appears. Shayla joins the new Sheriff to investigate. Can they find the killer?
As I said in the title this is a gentle read its a murder mystery i know, but there's nothing here i would be uncomfortable allowing a teen to read. There are red herrings a plenty and a lively background story with Sheriff Stone, his daughter Zoie and Shayla's gran Gigi. There is also the very adorable protector, a small flying porcupine Needles, small I'm body but large in bravery and sass. I think the romance will develop over the coming series. Gigi mentoring the Sheriff's daughter is also going to bring a lot of shenanigans.
Is this series ground-breaking? - No. I suspect i can tell you some of the upcoming background storylines to come (Sheriff Stones ex wife being one)
Is it enjoyable? Yes.
If your looking for a book you can just pick up and put down without having to keep track of a difficult plot then Deadly Claws is that such book.
I do wish the author was a little more inventive with names! Clawson, Wolfe for wolf shifters, Stone for a gargoyles, Elfman for an elf. You get the picture. You could be called Joe Bloggs and still be a great wolf! But this is a minor issue and to be fair probably more my issue than the authors!!
it was only after I finished that i discovered that there are books about the Enchanted Island and the story of Shayla's cousin Serena and her Wolf deputy boyfriend Grant. But not having read these books did not stop my enjoyment at all.
Shayla Loci returns to live on the Enchanted Islandw where she grew up. The Island is a haven for supernatural beings and their families, all are welcome regardless of abilities and they are protected as the island is not visible to non supernaturals who might hurt that which they don't understand.
Shayla had worked on the mainland with Paranormal Apprehension and Detention Agency but after 15 years was returning home to be with her mum, Gigi and her father. She has been given the job as the Islands wildlife, fish and forest officer
Unfortunately Shayla finds a body mauled by a werewolf, but all is not as it appears. Shayla joins the new Sheriff to investigate. Can they find the killer?
As I said in the title this is a gentle read its a murder mystery i know, but there's nothing here i would be uncomfortable allowing a teen to read. There are red herrings a plenty and a lively background story with Sheriff Stone, his daughter Zoie and Shayla's gran Gigi. There is also the very adorable protector, a small flying porcupine Needles, small I'm body but large in bravery and sass. I think the romance will develop over the coming series. Gigi mentoring the Sheriff's daughter is also going to bring a lot of shenanigans.
Is this series ground-breaking? - No. I suspect i can tell you some of the upcoming background storylines to come (Sheriff Stones ex wife being one)
Is it enjoyable? Yes.
If your looking for a book you can just pick up and put down without having to keep track of a difficult plot then Deadly Claws is that such book.
I do wish the author was a little more inventive with names! Clawson, Wolfe for wolf shifters, Stone for a gargoyles, Elfman for an elf. You get the picture. You could be called Joe Bloggs and still be a great wolf! But this is a minor issue and to be fair probably more my issue than the authors!!
it was only after I finished that i discovered that there are books about the Enchanted Island and the story of Shayla's cousin Serena and her Wolf deputy boyfriend Grant. But not having read these books did not stop my enjoyment at all.
September 10, 2023
Very enjoyable light cozy paranormal mystery. Great characters. Short book so it’s a fast read.
February 25, 2024
Absolutely Great!
The only complaint I have about this story is that it reads and ends too quickly!
Well written, hilarious, with characters I'm already in love with and a good mystery, I'm very happy this is a long on going series!
Highly recommended!
The only complaint I have about this story is that it reads and ends too quickly!
Well written, hilarious, with characters I'm already in love with and a good mystery, I'm very happy this is a long on going series!
Highly recommended!
January 10, 2024
This was a nice short read.
A few complaints - mentioning a character and going to their home several times, but that character is never actually present (no lines, nothing more about them). Super fast wrap-up of whodunnit without the lead-up of the how/why/when they would have done it. Super quick ending that leads you to "buy the next book in the series".
The good - fun characters, an interesting town, a lovable creature.
A few complaints - mentioning a character and going to their home several times, but that character is never actually present (no lines, nothing more about them). Super fast wrap-up of whodunnit without the lead-up of the how/why/when they would have done it. Super quick ending that leads you to "buy the next book in the series".
The good - fun characters, an interesting town, a lovable creature.
June 16, 2021
Unusual storyline
A good if somewhat unusual storyline, lots of action and magic with twists and turns to keep you turning pages. If witches, gargoyles and shifters and all sorts of paranormal creatures are your thing then this book is for you. Humor a little romance abound in this fun murder mystery unexpectedly good read, and did I mention Needles? he's a flying porcupine bodyguard, I'm not kidding a great read highly recommended, Baz.
A good if somewhat unusual storyline, lots of action and magic with twists and turns to keep you turning pages. If witches, gargoyles and shifters and all sorts of paranormal creatures are your thing then this book is for you. Humor a little romance abound in this fun murder mystery unexpectedly good read, and did I mention Needles? he's a flying porcupine bodyguard, I'm not kidding a great read highly recommended, Baz.
March 8, 2021
Deadly Claws by Jenna St. James is the first book in the Witch In The Woods Series.
Let me just say I LOVED this book from the very first word until the very last.
This story is a cozy paranormal womens fiction with a main character that is 40 and starting a new career. I can relate so much to the age group and starting over.
The location of Enchanted Island is magical, literally and mysterious. The author does a fantastic job with describing the setting. The main character, Shayla Loci has just retired from her government career catching paranormal criminals and has taken up a new job as Enchanted Island's Game Warden.
When one of the residents of the island is killed , Shayla teams up with Sherriff Stone, the sexy Gargoyle who is raising an up and coming teenage witch.
The characters are well written and complex. I do have to say, Needles, Shayla's bodyguard who is a flying porcupine has stole my heart as a favorite sidekick.
This is an incredible first book in the series and I can't wait for more.
If your looking for a little backstory of Enchanted Island, check out this boxset: Enchanted Island Mysteries: Serena & Grant
Let me just say I LOVED this book from the very first word until the very last.
This story is a cozy paranormal womens fiction with a main character that is 40 and starting a new career. I can relate so much to the age group and starting over.
The location of Enchanted Island is magical, literally and mysterious. The author does a fantastic job with describing the setting. The main character, Shayla Loci has just retired from her government career catching paranormal criminals and has taken up a new job as Enchanted Island's Game Warden.
When one of the residents of the island is killed , Shayla teams up with Sherriff Stone, the sexy Gargoyle who is raising an up and coming teenage witch.
The characters are well written and complex. I do have to say, Needles, Shayla's bodyguard who is a flying porcupine has stole my heart as a favorite sidekick.
This is an incredible first book in the series and I can't wait for more.
If your looking for a little backstory of Enchanted Island, check out this boxset: Enchanted Island Mysteries: Serena & Grant
December 10, 2025
engaging characters and an intriguing setup
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Im binging a number of new paranormal cozy mysteries at the moment and this is one of the better ones.
Jenna St. James’ Witch in the Woods series already has 35 released books ready to read for new readers which is fantastic. And each is a quick and well plotted story at around 170 pages so they just fly by.
James has also delivered engaging characters and an intriguing setup in a “hidden from normal people“ island that is inhabited by those who are paranormal beings or have parents who are.
Shayla Loci, a 45 year old law enforcement agent is returning home after being away for years working with a paranormal federal agency. Her strange parentage is highly unusual and huge part of ongoing narrative of the series.
She’s a terrific central figure here, and meshes well with all the town folk who have reoccurring roles and become important characters in the series. Especially the new sheriff and his preteen daughter.
There’s mystery and murder. And many developing relationships that bring up past issues and historical events.
The story keeps a fast pace and provides enough insight into the town’s history and new characters that my interest never waned.
Highly entertaining and a winner!
A Witch in the Woods (35 book series):
Deadly Claws #1
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Im binging a number of new paranormal cozy mysteries at the moment and this is one of the better ones.
Jenna St. James’ Witch in the Woods series already has 35 released books ready to read for new readers which is fantastic. And each is a quick and well plotted story at around 170 pages so they just fly by.
James has also delivered engaging characters and an intriguing setup in a “hidden from normal people“ island that is inhabited by those who are paranormal beings or have parents who are.
Shayla Loci, a 45 year old law enforcement agent is returning home after being away for years working with a paranormal federal agency. Her strange parentage is highly unusual and huge part of ongoing narrative of the series.
She’s a terrific central figure here, and meshes well with all the town folk who have reoccurring roles and become important characters in the series. Especially the new sheriff and his preteen daughter.
There’s mystery and murder. And many developing relationships that bring up past issues and historical events.
The story keeps a fast pace and provides enough insight into the town’s history and new characters that my interest never waned.
Highly entertaining and a winner!
A Witch in the Woods (35 book series):
Deadly Claws #1
October 30, 2022
A promising start
The only reason I’m not giving five stars is because I struggled a little at the start, I didn’t understand everything immediately and I found it just a tad hard to get into. It lacked a bit of background, a bit of worldbuilding, that only came later in the story. But once I was there, I loved it! After the book had won me over, I really enjoyed it! So it was well worth my effort and it goes to show to never judge too quickly. Imaginative and original! Her dad, a Genius Loci? How cool! I really liked that, appreciated the uniqueness. The investigation was well done and I love the fact that Shayla is smart. Okay, she could have been nicer to the Sheriff a few times, but she knew what she was doing. Sheriff Stone was a bit stoney at first (pun intended) but once I got to know him I liked him better and better. I loved how he thawed when he saw that his teenage daughter Zoie blossomed at Shayla's attention. Zoie was my favorite character. Although of course Needles made me chuckle a few times. And I loved how his wings changed color with his mood. Definitely a five star ending and I will for sure continue this series.
The only reason I’m not giving five stars is because I struggled a little at the start, I didn’t understand everything immediately and I found it just a tad hard to get into. It lacked a bit of background, a bit of worldbuilding, that only came later in the story. But once I was there, I loved it! After the book had won me over, I really enjoyed it! So it was well worth my effort and it goes to show to never judge too quickly. Imaginative and original! Her dad, a Genius Loci? How cool! I really liked that, appreciated the uniqueness. The investigation was well done and I love the fact that Shayla is smart. Okay, she could have been nicer to the Sheriff a few times, but she knew what she was doing. Sheriff Stone was a bit stoney at first (pun intended) but once I got to know him I liked him better and better. I loved how he thawed when he saw that his teenage daughter Zoie blossomed at Shayla's attention. Zoie was my favorite character. Although of course Needles made me chuckle a few times. And I loved how his wings changed color with his mood. Definitely a five star ending and I will for sure continue this series.
June 27, 2023
I received this Audiobook for free. My opinions are my own.
Real Rating: 3.5* (rounded up since I will be continuing the series)
This is a typical, short, but fun cozy paranormal mystery. I like the characters. I haven't read the previous series set on the same island, but did not feel lost as a result.
Highlights: MC's interactions with her father and with the witch that didn't inherit any powers (I really hope the latter is a re-occurring character, since that scene hit me in the feels).
Contents: No strong language (a few minor swears) or explicit thoughts, words, or scenes / MCs parents weren't married & some unmarried adults' alibis are that they spent the night with another unmarried adult / There are some rather brutal slashing attacks, but very little detail. / There is an obnoxious racist character (he doesn't believe "normal", non-supernatural, individuals are equal). His behavior is definitely not viewed as acceptable.
Narrator: She sounded a bit young to my mind at first (the MC is turning 40), but once I got into the story I no longer noticed. / Speed is very good; I didn't need to speed it up at all, which is unusual.
Real Rating: 3.5* (rounded up since I will be continuing the series)
This is a typical, short, but fun cozy paranormal mystery. I like the characters. I haven't read the previous series set on the same island, but did not feel lost as a result.
Highlights: MC's interactions with her father and with the witch that didn't inherit any powers (I really hope the latter is a re-occurring character, since that scene hit me in the feels).
Contents: No strong language (a few minor swears) or explicit thoughts, words, or scenes / MCs parents weren't married & some unmarried adults' alibis are that they spent the night with another unmarried adult / There are some rather brutal slashing attacks, but very little detail. / There is an obnoxious racist character (he doesn't believe "normal", non-supernatural, individuals are equal). His behavior is definitely not viewed as acceptable.
Narrator: She sounded a bit young to my mind at first (the MC is turning 40), but once I got into the story I no longer noticed. / Speed is very good; I didn't need to speed it up at all, which is unusual.
August 29, 2023
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. The fun cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. I mean character has retired from the Paranormal law-enforcement service or for the past number of years she has been in proceed a Paranormal criminals capturing them and taking them to justice. She is now retired and moved back to the island where she was born and raised. She got a new job as a wildlife ranger on the island. She missed the new sheriff in town and because of her experience is helping him out on the case. Your grandmother lives down the road your mother still lives in town and she has a number of friends and family still around. There’s a story about her father who is still around technically but you’ll have to read the book to learn that story. It’s a new twist that I’ve not read before as far as character development and all that kind of thing so check it out.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. The fun cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. I mean character has retired from the Paranormal law-enforcement service or for the past number of years she has been in proceed a Paranormal criminals capturing them and taking them to justice. She is now retired and moved back to the island where she was born and raised. She got a new job as a wildlife ranger on the island. She missed the new sheriff in town and because of her experience is helping him out on the case. Your grandmother lives down the road your mother still lives in town and she has a number of friends and family still around. There’s a story about her father who is still around technically but you’ll have to read the book to learn that story. It’s a new twist that I’ve not read before as far as character development and all that kind of thing so check it out.
March 29, 2021
A wonderful mystery.
Shayla's return to her Island home to take on a new job as Game Warden sounded perfect to her after a twenty year absence and from catching paranormal bad guys. She isn't home for a day before she becomes involved in trying to solve a murder along with the handsome Sheriff Stone. Shayla also takes a shine to the Sheriff's daughter and wants to help her develop her witch's skills. This is a fast paced page turning intriguing mystery thst I couldn't put down. After this review I am off to get the rest of the series because I found this book so good that I want to know where the rest of the series will take me.
Shayla's return to her Island home to take on a new job as Game Warden sounded perfect to her after a twenty year absence and from catching paranormal bad guys. She isn't home for a day before she becomes involved in trying to solve a murder along with the handsome Sheriff Stone. Shayla also takes a shine to the Sheriff's daughter and wants to help her develop her witch's skills. This is a fast paced page turning intriguing mystery thst I couldn't put down. After this review I am off to get the rest of the series because I found this book so good that I want to know where the rest of the series will take me.
May 10, 2021
Good
Forty-year old Shayla Loci has returned home to Enchanted Island, having left her old job in the Paranormal Criminal Apprehension unit to take the job as game warden on the island.
There she is reunited with her family, and when she discovers a dead body, she meets the new gargoyle Sheriff, Alex Stone, who is quick to ask for her expert help with the case.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, set in an intriguing world. Shayla’s personal history is a unique one, and makes her a very interesting character.
Numerous magical beings and situations are spread throughout the book, making for an unusual, though entertaining read.
Recommended for paranormal mystery lovers.
Forty-year old Shayla Loci has returned home to Enchanted Island, having left her old job in the Paranormal Criminal Apprehension unit to take the job as game warden on the island.
There she is reunited with her family, and when she discovers a dead body, she meets the new gargoyle Sheriff, Alex Stone, who is quick to ask for her expert help with the case.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, set in an intriguing world. Shayla’s personal history is a unique one, and makes her a very interesting character.
Numerous magical beings and situations are spread throughout the book, making for an unusual, though entertaining read.
Recommended for paranormal mystery lovers.
July 6, 2021
This was a different paranormal witch book. It started slowly as it introduced the main characters and then the murder. Then more characters, and their possible connection to the victim, were introduced. Shayla Loci, the main character, has spent much of her career chasing paranormal bad guys. Now, as the game warden on Enchanted Island, she discovers she back in harm's way! She develops a professional (and more) relationship with Sheriff Stone and his daughter. Oh, and her bodyguard is a flying porcupine that only she can hear his snarky take on life!
I thought the book was very enjoyable and I'm interested in reading the next one in the series.
I thought the book was very enjoyable and I'm interested in reading the next one in the series.
April 24, 2021
Shayla comes home
Saw book 2 listed on one of the sites I follow and it looked interesting. I decided to start with the first book, glad I did because it sets you up for situations that can happen in the future books. Shayla returns home to the island as the new game warden. Because of who her father is she can sense when something is wrong with the help of nature. She has a protector a 4" porcupine with wings. I love the humor in the story along with sad things that happen in the story. Great characters and the story. Sets up characters you want to get to know better.
Saw book 2 listed on one of the sites I follow and it looked interesting. I decided to start with the first book, glad I did because it sets you up for situations that can happen in the future books. Shayla returns home to the island as the new game warden. Because of who her father is she can sense when something is wrong with the help of nature. She has a protector a 4" porcupine with wings. I love the humor in the story along with sad things that happen in the story. Great characters and the story. Sets up characters you want to get to know better.
June 28, 2021
Witch in the Woods series is part of the Enchanted Island world I read before this. This story is now about Shayla, Serena’s cousin, whom we meet in Serena’s stories. I love this continuation/new story from the same world. As I mentioned in my review of the other stories, I am in love with this world that the author has created. It’s paranormal and cozy mystery with a tiny twinge of romance. The secondary characters are fun and entertaining. It’s also a pretty easy read, in a very pleasing way. I will continue the series and hope to see more from this world.
November 7, 2022
Not sure
A witch returns to her childhood home having spent years working as a paranormal investigator. She's now the wildlife officer a very apt position as her father is the King of the Black Forest and she has powers to feel the plants and animals around her.
When she stumbles across a dead body she's drawn into the investigation by the new sheriff. Sheriff Stone is a single dad to daughter Zoie and it all seems to fit together just a bit too quickly and easily.. within seconds you can see where its going and there's very little to surprise you.. very predictable
A witch returns to her childhood home having spent years working as a paranormal investigator. She's now the wildlife officer a very apt position as her father is the King of the Black Forest and she has powers to feel the plants and animals around her.
When she stumbles across a dead body she's drawn into the investigation by the new sheriff. Sheriff Stone is a single dad to daughter Zoie and it all seems to fit together just a bit too quickly and easily.. within seconds you can see where its going and there's very little to surprise you.. very predictable
October 22, 2023
I enjoyed this book, very much and look forward to the next one. The characters are filled with life and very interesting, the plot is straight forward and easily followed, and the premise is treating everyone the same and not discriminating. In far too many instances, we as humans tend to paint a whole race certain colors, because of one or two "bad apples" and that is just wrong. I am guilty of it myself, and still have to work on myself. My point is this book is well written and shows us the errors of our ways, if we look at it the right way. I highly recommend this book.
November 22, 2024
I loved this
Wow! This has been on my to be read lost for a whike, and I am so glad I got to it!
This is the first of Jenna St James' books I've had the pleasure to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Beautifully drawn main characters, who were my friends by the end of the first chapter, a fast-paced story, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, a touch of magic, a lot of giggle snorts, and a hint of romance....who could ask for more?
On to book two and another sleepless night lol!
Wow! This has been on my to be read lost for a whike, and I am so glad I got to it!
This is the first of Jenna St James' books I've had the pleasure to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Beautifully drawn main characters, who were my friends by the end of the first chapter, a fast-paced story, with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing, a touch of magic, a lot of giggle snorts, and a hint of romance....who could ask for more?
On to book two and another sleepless night lol!
April 24, 2021
Welcome home to Enchanted Island.
She's just a witch living in the woods, in a castle on Enchanted Island. Allow yourself to be drawn in to meet the characters normal and paranormal. Like witches, plenty of those too. Meet Gigi super witch, hilarious wouldn't cross her. Not a big fan of shifters, but this book, pulled me in, only thing better would be able to find the island and live there. Looking forward to the next. Great read!
She's just a witch living in the woods, in a castle on Enchanted Island. Allow yourself to be drawn in to meet the characters normal and paranormal. Like witches, plenty of those too. Meet Gigi super witch, hilarious wouldn't cross her. Not a big fan of shifters, but this book, pulled me in, only thing better would be able to find the island and live there. Looking forward to the next. Great read!
August 10, 2021
A lovely cozy paranormal mystery
I really enjoyed reading this book, Shayla Loci is magical , she is a witch as is her mother and grandmother. She teams up with Alex the Sheriff who is a Gargoyle. Normal people are being attacked and the attacker is making them look like they've been attacked by a werewolf. This book had action plus a bit of loveliness in it. I'd give it more than five stars of I could.😁
I really enjoyed reading this book, Shayla Loci is magical , she is a witch as is her mother and grandmother. She teams up with Alex the Sheriff who is a Gargoyle. Normal people are being attacked and the attacker is making them look like they've been attacked by a werewolf. This book had action plus a bit of loveliness in it. I'd give it more than five stars of I could.😁
October 30, 2021
witches, gargoyles and murder
Shayla Loci moves back to Black Forest after being away for 18 years and finds a body. The new sheriff who is a gargoyle is apprehensive at first but needs help investigating. In a town where some supernaturals are born normal and a divide goes between the two. With her snarky guardian a flying porcupine Shayla works to find the killer. Oh and did I mention her dad is a tree?
Shayla Loci moves back to Black Forest after being away for 18 years and finds a body. The new sheriff who is a gargoyle is apprehensive at first but needs help investigating. In a town where some supernaturals are born normal and a divide goes between the two. With her snarky guardian a flying porcupine Shayla works to find the killer. Oh and did I mention her dad is a tree?
June 26, 2024
First book in the series. Decent introduction to the characters. Not much world building but description of people's houses and gardens makes me think this will resolve into more information. I wish there had been a little slower build up on the relationship angle between the main characters. They seemed to go from "who are you" to eating together every day in less than a chapter or two. We'll see how the series develops.
June 30, 2024
I was only a few pages in when I realized I was really going to like this book! I felt an immediate bond with the characters. I'm fascinated by the idea of her "king of the forest" father who is literally rooted to that forest. I adore the flying prickly porcupine. I would gladly continue reading this series if there were no mysteries to solve just because I'd love to live in the world being built here. I can't wait to start the next book.
August 2, 2025
Deadly Claws
This book is a baffling murder mystery that pits gargoyle shifter Sheriff Stone (42) and retired paranormal police officer and witch Shayla Loci (39) against a cunning killer who "claws" his victims to death. Although catching a killer is serious there are numerous characters whose antics lighten the mood. I think Seriously, I think I've found a new series to binge read. Enjoy!
This book is a baffling murder mystery that pits gargoyle shifter Sheriff Stone (42) and retired paranormal police officer and witch Shayla Loci (39) against a cunning killer who "claws" his victims to death. Although catching a killer is serious there are numerous characters whose antics lighten the mood. I think Seriously, I think I've found a new series to binge read. Enjoy!
December 11, 2025
Pretty good. A witch moves back to a hidden island where paranormal being live and is immediately embroiled in a murder mystery and a slow burn romance starts.
My only problem with the book is that it feels like it's a spin-off of an earlier series. And it is. Goodreads lists the three book prequel series as "Witch in the Woods book .5." Usually these ".5s" are written after the series and feature an older character's story, but aren't really an introduction, but I think these might be.
My only problem with the book is that it feels like it's a spin-off of an earlier series. And it is. Goodreads lists the three book prequel series as "Witch in the Woods book .5." Usually these ".5s" are written after the series and feature an older character's story, but aren't really an introduction, but I think these might be.
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