Moonshine, Magic & Murder

Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series #3

by January Bain

Charm McCall has a gift for solving small-town murders, but can she stop something threatening the entire McCall clan?

Charm McCall is on the hunt once more—this time to figure out who the ghost is that her cat has been seeing, why she’s being shown an ancient treasure map by, gulp, a dead guy and why her Auntie T.J. has suddenly disappeared, bagpipes and all.

That would be more than enough, but with the upcoming Sadie Hawkins dance and its accompanying Promise Bags to create and spell, she’s about run off her feet. Not to mention that now it’s legal to sell marijuana in Canada, orders for pot brownies are rolling in and threatening to crash her online store.

Charm needs all the help she can get to deal with the arrival of her mother and the beyond painful host of problems that creates for her family, save Auntie T.J.’s hiney and discover who the real murderer is…that is, if she wants her romance with Snowy Lake’s sexy Mountie, Ace Collins, to have any hope at all.

Reader advisory: This book contains references to drug use and parental abandonment. There are scenes involving discovery of corpses, with some description of said corpses, a scene of mild violence and some poisoning.

Genres: Magic

245 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

About the author

Lessons my Grandma taught me.

I have such fond memories of my grandmothers. They were both special in their own way and taught me so much about how to live my life that I will be forever grateful! Here’s the list of six top things they shared with me:

(1) Don’t say anything if you can’t say something nice about someone. I think this is my favorite one as it has kept me in good stead all my life.

(2) Never be late. Doing so makes you think you’re more important than someone else. You’re not!

(3) Life is too serious to be taken seriously. Keep a sense of humor, it will help get you through the hard times. They were both right about that one.

(4) Share what you can with those in need. Know what is your burden to bear, and what is not. This one has kept me sane over the years.

(5) Don’t be a critic. Critic’s don’t create, they only tear down. This helps me when reviewers say unkind things about my work. I try to remember that they probably just need a hug today.

(6) Do the best you can do at everything you do. At least then you will know you gave it your all.

Thank you, my beautiful grandmothers, for being strong and sharing your gems of wisdom with me. You did more good than you can possibly know.
Hugs, January Bain

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing map, a hidden treasure, a ghost, 2 dead bodies, and plenty of suspects has Charm working overtime to solve these mysteries before the Sadie Hawkins Dance. At the same time, the triplets long lost mother arrives in town after 13 years, looking for a kidney transplant donor. This adds to Charm’s stress but thankfully the ever charming mysterious Mountie Ace is there to help with the emotional support - or is he causing her more stress. Lovely love story with Charm and Ace. Fun characters including quirky Auntie TJ and Ivanka. The ladies of the town are wonderfully supportive. Even Baby Ling Ling is helping solve the mysteries. Love how Charm uses her special gifts to solve the mysteries. Wonderful ending.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm, Star and Tulip are back and sleuthing! When Auntie TJ goes missing, a ghost haunts Baby Ling Ling and Charm and her sisters are faced with a mother they haven't seen for over a decade things are popping for the triplets!

I love this series because the mysteries are wonderful, the characters are relatable and this book has it all! The reader gets to know each sister and while they are triplets they are all very different in looks and temperament. The romance between Charm and Ace is heartwarming and sweet. The mystery kept me guessing and I loved the "twists and turns".

I'm ready for another sleuthing adventure!

I received the book as a gift from the author. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Manitoba Tea and Tarot paranormal cozy mystery series. I've read all of them, so I have a firm grasp of all of the characters and storyline. But I do think you are okay reading this one as a standalone. The main focus is on this particular murder, and Charm gives you enough background info when needed.

I like Charm. She's one of three triplets, but is her own entity. She's the oldest of the three and looks nothing like the other two, who are identical twins. She tends to be the most responsible, doing most of the work in the family bakery. She's also the one who seems to have the most powers of the three. She has a hottie boyfriend, who also happens to be a Mountie who moved to town some months before. And she has an annoying habit of pretty much doing whatever she wants, no matter how many rules are being broken. I can always feel Ace's frustration with that pouring off the pages and feel it myself! I may or may not have occasionally yelled out loud, telling her to stop it.

She does have a tendency to do well as an amateur investigator, aided very well by her powers, which just continue to grow. I think she has come a long way since the first book. This time around, she definitely kind of forgets everyone else around her as she focuses on the case and clearing her aunt. She tunneled so far into it, that I felt like we never saw anyone else other than Ace. I really missed her sisters, Star and Tulip, and especially Granny Toogood. (Maybe they'd have a spinoff story at some point?)

We got a lot of Ivana, who amuses me. (I always picture the Russian character in the Austin Powers movies.) I have a feeling something big is coming with her in later installments.

There's one particular part of the story that I felt was glossed over too much, and that was the appearance of the triplets' mother. She had basically abandoned them when they were 8 years old, leaving them to the care of Granny Toogood. Now she is back in town, and Charm is all freaked out about it. And yet, in spite of a couple of big issues, she wasn't in the book too much. I wanted that to develop more. And I felt like the ending was more abrupt than I was expecting, even though I think this book is longer than the first two.

This really is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery series that I've been enjoying. And while this installment wasn't necessarily my favorite of the three, I am still looking forward to seeing what's going to happen for the McCall sisters in the future. There are a lot of hints and indications of some big things to come, and a lot of potential for all kinds of stories in this small town. And there are a couple of big events in this that you won't want to miss.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for providing me with a requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm McCall is back with Baby Ling Ling (Charm’s cat) and her sleuthing abilities. Charm’s online store is running her ragged with all the new orders since marijuana became legal in Canada. That is just the least of Charm’s problems at the moment.

Charm brings out her sleuthing charms when two bodies turn up and then her Auntie T.J. goes missing. With Auntie T.J. missing she has become one of the suspects for the two murders. Charm now has to try and prove that Auntie T..J. is not the murderer so she can come out of hiding.

Not to mention the Sadie Hawkins dance is coming up and she has to make promising bags and find a date for the dance. She wants very much to ask the handsome and charming Mountie, Ace Collins but isn’t sure about herself or him.

Charm learns that her mother is coming back into town. Charm has not seen her mother in a very long time as she abandon Charm and her sisters when they were young leaving them in the care of their grandmother. Now, right out of the blue she turns up and wants to reenter their lives. Charm is not too happy about it but what can she do I mean she is her mother after all and her grandmother’s daughter.

I just love Charm and her sleuthing abilities that involve cats, magic, murder, mystery, and lots of suspense that is filled with lots of twists and turns around every corner. Reading Moonshine, Magic, and Murder felt like one of those sweet, warm, and cozy mysteries with a little bit of sunshine pouring in.

You know one of those mysteries where you want to curl up on the sofa wrapped up in a warm blanket by a roaring fire. Moonshine, Magic, and Murder made me think of that TV show Murder She Wrote and a little of the Miss Marple murder mystery TV shows.

I just love all the characters especially Baby Ling Ling. I can’t wait for the next installment in Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series.

I would recommend Moonshine, Magic, and Murder to all those murder mystery fans out there who like a little magic in their mysteries. One-click your copy of this wonderful book today! Be sure and check out the first two books in the Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries Series,

Magic, Mayhem & Murder book one and Movies, Moonlight & Magic book two. All three books can be read as standalone.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty decent cozy mystery. Charm McCall and her triplet sisters, Star and Tulip, run a bakery in a small town in Canada. And, they just happen to be witches. Add in their eccentric Auntie T.J., who makes moonshine, a hunky Mountie and a couple of bodies and you have the ingredients for some fun. Oh, and did I mention that their drug addict mother is back in town, in need of a kidney transplant? Will Charm and her sisters be able to forgive their Mother for her past abuses?

The story was pretty good and the characters were interesting. In typical cozy fashion, Charm sticks her nose in where she shouldn't and puts herself in danger. She uses her "extra" abilities to read the town's residents to try to find the murderer.

The main reason that I rated this book at 3 stars instead of higher is the writing style. The author has a tendency to write run-on sentences that are poorly composed, which made it hard to read (in my opinion). I read quickly and had to stop several times while reading this book to reread some paragraphs because of the way it was written. Also, there was an awful lot going on in this book, with the murders, ghosts, a Sadie Hawkins dance, romance....you get the idea.

I was given the chance to read this book through a book review group and chose to review it.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quirky sisters are back. Right along with their tea, cookies, muffins, and tarot cards. Or maybe it’s the leaves in your tea you want read. I enjoyed the other book I have read in this series by January Baines and I had fun with this one too. This is a light cozy with a little magic mixed in. I’m a very black and white thinker so sometimes I have that “oh pshaw” attitude about magic. But somehow the author manages to make this a story that keeps your interest and makes you feel it’s fun rather than unbelievable. Sort of a “slight of hand” in writing.

This book has as many twists as the pastries do. Mama shows up, Auntie goes missing, and the cat is seeing ghosts. Can you think of anything else that could happen?

I’m joking and looking for puns to use but this is fun and light. It’s a mystery and of course you must have your dead body, but it has humor and is well-written. You’ll fly through it, maybe on a magic broomstick (see there I go again). It’s the book’s fault. January Baines must have a fun personality. I don’t think it would be possible for anyone to write such tales without laughing at life a little.

January Baines has several other books published. All have good reviews.

Check them out here: https://amzn.to/2RcFKzI

[Julie Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and easy

Charm McCall is on the hunt once more—we get to see the fun side of the book as everyone tries to figure out what happened and who is murdering people. This cat has seen ghosts, why she’s being shown an ancient treasure map by, gulp, a dead guy, and why her Auntie T.J. has suddenly disappeared, bagpipes and all.
That would be more than enough, but with the upcoming Sadie Hawkins dance and its accompanying Promise Bags to create and spell, she’s about to run off her feet. Not to mention that now it’s legal to sell marijuana in Canada, orders for pot brownies are rolling in, and threatening to crash her online store.
The charm needs all the help she can get to deal with the arrival of her mother and the beyond the painful host of problems that creates for her family, save Auntie T.J.’s hiney and discover who the real murderer is…that is, if she wants her romance with Snowy Lake’s sexy Mountie, Ace Collins, to have any hope at all.
I found this an enjoyable read with lots to learn, and the charters are funny, and the antics are real.

[Sierra Clothier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will admit right off the bat that cozy paranormal stories aren't my favorite. This is my problem, and you should keep it in mind as you read my thoughts on the book.

I don't know if it would help if I read the first two books first, but I struggled with getting into the story and all the characters that were introduced in the first few pages. I did think it wss interesting that the scene was Canada, as its an unusual one for a witch story. The story is full of activity and side stories and I again had a hard time keeping up. I did like the triplet sisters, and the mentioning of spells, which was fun and fascinating. But it was all very lighthearted, so I couldn't really get into why the spells were created. There were no real consequences of value and I'm used to reading dramatic witch books. (Again, this is my issue. Cozy mysteries are suppose to be lighthearted.)

The only storyline in a variety of them that I thought had potential was when the triplet's mother were to come to town after abandoning them. And the ending was pretty predictable. But I will say that the book was fun to read and edited extremely well. It may not my cup of tea but I can recognize a great book when I read it.

[Maven · Rating 3 out of 5]

In terms of writing, this was an exceptionally written book. The characters were very endearing, the murder plot was involved and interesting and as a Canadian, I really appreciate a cozy mystery series by a Canadian author set in a Canadian province.

The advisory by the author should be noted however. This book is more serious in nature than a lot of cozies are. There are two sub-plots, one involving the family history of troubles and another a romance between the main characters. This takes up quite a bit of the book and sometimes overshadows the mystery.

For myself, I prefer the mystery to be front and center and hence the reason for the three stars. If you are a reader who is not bothered by this in your cozy mystery, then you would probably rate it five stars. Thanks so much for my copy which I have chosen to review. I would try to read another book in the series, because I do think the author is a skilled writer and I did like the characters.

[Ann Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonshine, Magic and Murder is a magical mystery of 2 deaths by moonshine. The same moonshine made by Auntie TJ though the recipe stolen by the local moonshiner. Working with her heart throb Ace Collins, Canadian Mountie. Charm reads the various suspects and finds a treasure map for gold is on the minds of many of them. Her Auntie TJ is acting strange, the McCall mother returns near death wanting to make amends with her daughters before she dies.

Charm and Ace have a lot going on between the mystery deaths and working through their budding romance. Charm and Ace put the clues together and solve the deaths and Charm locates the missing treasure map. The Sadie Hawkins dance is full of surprises.

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

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With people and ghosts appearing and disappearing, our heroine has her hands full. And all she really wanted was a nice date.

This is book three of the series, but it is written as a standalone. All the essential bits are explained early on.

This is a cozy mystery series featuring a small town, three witchy sisters and the constable. The story is very well written and easy to read, with the usual cast of interesting characters that make up small towns. The story is well written and gives us a nice plot with lots of twists to keep us guessing. I particularly enjoyed the addition of some "real world" issues like online sales and interesting baked goods. Overall, I enjoyed this one and am looking forward to the next story.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun, entertaining cozy mystery! This is book three in the series and the first one I've read so I had a little trouble keeping the triplets straight, especially when they called each other sweeting. The majority of this story focused on Charm. Dealing with two dead bodies, her Auntie's odd behavior, orders to fill for her store, a blossoming romance with the hot Mountie Ace and the return of her mother Charm has her hands full. I loved the quirky characters, the small town of Snowy Lake, and Charm's magical way of solving the murders. I look forward to the next Tea and Tarot mystery, of course after I go back and read the first two. Grab yourself a bit of Moonshine and enjoy this magical mystery.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm McCall has not just one murder to solve in Moonshine, Magic & Murder by January Bain, the third book in her Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries series. Charm has two murders to solve. There's also a ghost who makes an appearance. Once again RCMP officer Ace Collins is on the case and this time he and Charm are working together on the investigation... for the most past. I really like Charm and Ace as a couple. Ace sure has lots of patience where Charm is concerned. She is always up to something. This was a really fun read. I am enjoying this series and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star, Charm and Tulip, triplets abandoned by their mother in favour of drugs and the high life. But their grandma brought them up to be beautiful independent women, but the scars are deep and have been left to fester for a very long time. So although the trio have moved on and are doing well, it did not take very much to re-open old wounds, especially when their mother turns up on her deathbed.

A fun and exciting cozy, with a serious undertone. There is murder, magic and mayhem but all well addressed by Bain and some of the relationships are painful, while others are loving and lovely. A mixed bag which makes for a very good read.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm and the group are back, along with Ace, to solve more murders. The store is hard to keep up with, there is a ghost to figure out and her mother is back in town after leaving the kids years and years ago. Such a fun paranormal mystery. Could not put it down as there is so much going on, even some feelings between Charm and Ace, the Mountie. The storyline and locale are terrific. Can not wait for the next one in the series.

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

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical quirky fun - Charm has magical abilities and teams up with Ace, her mountie love interest to solve 2 murders in town. Unforunatley her Aunt T,J, is one of the suspects due to her apple pie moonshine. A treasure map seems to be a clue to solving the crime but where is it? Charms has alot to deal with beside the murders including the Sadie Hawkins dance, her mom visiiting after years of abandiment and drug use, handling her coven and baking for the Tarot and Tea cafe. Lkeable characters in a non stop who done it story with romance. and family love.

[K.M. Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. The cover instantly drew me in. I love witchy stories. This is an interesting book. It had parts where I thought was really long and drawn out, but it had parts that were funny, and it had parts that drew you into the story. The investigation part of the story was all I was interested in finding out who did it? All in all, it's an interesting concept.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. I started with this book instead of the beginning of the series first, but I was able to pick up the story thread quickly enough, and the mystery was a great one! January really did a great job of leaving enough clues for the reader along the way to solve the mystery as well. I will be going back to read the first two books of the series and also read some of her other series. This was a great read!

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm McCall has to solve a murder to protect her Aunt T.J. and protect her family and with the help of the sexy Mountie, Ace Collins she just might succeed. If she can just stay ahead of the murderer and keep up with her online edibles, as well as help get everything ready for the Sadie Hawkins dance. This is a fun read.

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

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charm and her family do their best to care for each other, their town and their coven

Mysteries and challenges appear when they put some of their special gifts to work

greed and tangled romances make things more difficult

changes are headed their way

Their best shot at facing the changes are by sticking together - with magic, sister stuff and community

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

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing quite as fulfilling as a magical mystery. This one is awesome. Charm and her gang are back and this time she has two murders to solve as well as other things that are popping up all over. This book is so intriguing and the twists are really keeping me on my toes trying to figure out who did it. I read this fun cozy in one afternoon. I definitely recommend this fast paced clever mystery.

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

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonshine, Magic & Murder is the third book in the Manitoba Tea & Tarot Mysteries series and is a wonderfully witchy cozy mystery.

I am loving this series. This story has likable characters, murder, magic, mayhem, and humour. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Busy Days Ahead . . .

Charm McCall wants to know who the ghost is her cat keeps seeing, why a dead man is showing her an old treasure map, and why Auntie T.J. is missing. Charm needs to save Auntie T.J. and find out who the real murderer is to help out Snowy Lake’s Mountie, Ace Collins. Can she juggle all things on her place right now? And deal with her mother?

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charm is set on solving who her cat is seeing and with a little help from her friends some ghostly some human she is determined to save the day.
Story is well written and keeps you entertained. Quick, easy and fun read. Characters are entertaining and fun to get to know.

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

[Book-Lovin-Momma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curl up with a nice cup of tea and enjoy this sweet, cozy mystery. Charm and Ace are on the hunt for a ghost, and as dead bodies start popping up, there is also magic in the air to create even more mystique. This was a sweet mystery romance read, and I enjoyed the banter between the characters. And something about cats, ghosts and magic just make this more entertaining.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonshine, Magic & Murder is an exciting and fun book. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting and well developed. I like the characters and enjoyed how their story develops throughout the book. The book captured my attention right from the beginning. The mystery is complex and has many twists that will keep you guessing. This is a great mystery. I look forward to more books in this series.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a smart and funny paranormal cozy mystery. I really enjoyed it! It is super entertaining and hard to put down..

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

[Aineenmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a nail biter of a page turner. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait for another book. This was from another great author and I really enjoyed the book. Loved it.

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

[Kimberly Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a awesome read. I love the whole post and story. It was a refreshing take on magicand a community that embarrassed it, throw in some mystery and you got a winner. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[Ysleta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonshine magic and murder

I just happened to stumble on to this author reading her first book magic mayhem and murder I really like the books and I wish the stories of this series would continue and yes I would recommend it to my friends and family to read, XD