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A Magical Mane Mystery #3
Spotlight Scandal
Every year, the residents of Cliff Haven put on a Christmas play and try to avoid the theater's curse. This year, someone won't get out alive.
Ellie Vanderwick has one singular line in the play—a line she can't bring herself to say. Pair that with her newfound magical ability and Ellie has her hands full.
But none of it matters when a visitor shows up claiming to know about Ellie's family. In exchange for helping the visitor solve a years-old murder, Ellie may find what she longs for more than anything in the world.
As long as she can stay alive.
Join Ellie, Penelope, Mona, and the rest of the gang in the third installment of the Magical Mane Mystery series!
Ellie Vanderwick has one singular line in the play—a line she can't bring herself to say. Pair that with her newfound magical ability and Ellie has her hands full.
But none of it matters when a visitor shows up claiming to know about Ellie's family. In exchange for helping the visitor solve a years-old murder, Ellie may find what she longs for more than anything in the world.
As long as she can stay alive.
Join Ellie, Penelope, Mona, and the rest of the gang in the third installment of the Magical Mane Mystery series!
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2021
241 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Stella Bixby
58 books567 followersStella Bixby is a native Coloradan who loves to snowboard, pluck at the guitar, and play board games with her family. She was once a volunteer firefighter and a park ranger, but now spends most of her time making up stories and trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 11, 2021
So this is the third in the Magical Mane cozy mystery series but it can easily be read as a standalone but I'd recommend reading the first two to get a better understanding of the characters..
If you don't know the magical mane series, it's a combination of cozy mystery (think Murder She Wrote) with a side plot of magical goings on (think Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the 90s TV show/movie not the remake).
In this book Ellie and the town of Cliff Haven are putting on a Christmas production, but things don't go to plan and the leading actress turns up dead. Is it a case of a jealous co-star or something altogether more magical? It's up to Ellie to find out.
This story was a bit more on the paranormal/magical side than the first two of the series, which I enjoyed. There was the introduction of new magical characters and a bit more background of Ellie's complicated family history. Xander, the dishy warlock pops up again in this book, I'm really interested to see where that's headed with Ellie!
Yes, the story is set around Christmas and I'm reading this in May, but it's not overly Christmassy so you can enjoy it any time of the year.
Spotlight Scandal is a quick and cute paranormal mystery, that's a nice change from the normal type of cozy.
If you don't know the magical mane series, it's a combination of cozy mystery (think Murder She Wrote) with a side plot of magical goings on (think Sabrina the Teenage Witch, the 90s TV show/movie not the remake).
In this book Ellie and the town of Cliff Haven are putting on a Christmas production, but things don't go to plan and the leading actress turns up dead. Is it a case of a jealous co-star or something altogether more magical? It's up to Ellie to find out.
This story was a bit more on the paranormal/magical side than the first two of the series, which I enjoyed. There was the introduction of new magical characters and a bit more background of Ellie's complicated family history. Xander, the dishy warlock pops up again in this book, I'm really interested to see where that's headed with Ellie!
Yes, the story is set around Christmas and I'm reading this in May, but it's not overly Christmassy so you can enjoy it any time of the year.
Spotlight Scandal is a quick and cute paranormal mystery, that's a nice change from the normal type of cozy.
May 16, 2021
Before starting the Magical Mane series I had never really read any cozy mysteries but I just love this series! This time Ellie, Penelope and gang are back and putting on a show. Ellie has one line that she absolutely cannot get out... what else could go wrong.
Turns out a lot can. There’s a suspected curse on the theatre and a death. Ellie sets out to investigate, finding out more about the town’s history and her family along the way.
Such an enjoyable read that I had to read in a single sitting.
Turns out a lot can. There’s a suspected curse on the theatre and a death. Ellie sets out to investigate, finding out more about the town’s history and her family along the way.
Such an enjoyable read that I had to read in a single sitting.
May 16, 2023
Great Cast of Character.
This third mystery in the series brings forth more revelations and magic in the life of Ellie and I loved every second of it.
The mystery is nice, the regular characters are getting more defined and the new additions are intriguing, even if a bit two dimensional for now.
At times I felt that the magic and the events related to the house and diary were the real focus of my reading, more than the investigation, but I was happy with it.
And I never thought that I was going to love a piglet familiar as much as I did!
This third mystery in the series brings forth more revelations and magic in the life of Ellie and I loved every second of it.
The mystery is nice, the regular characters are getting more defined and the new additions are intriguing, even if a bit two dimensional for now.
At times I felt that the magic and the events related to the house and diary were the real focus of my reading, more than the investigation, but I was happy with it.
And I never thought that I was going to love a piglet familiar as much as I did!
November 29, 2021
What a fun, charming little book! Magic is rare but accepted. It's a cozy mystery with a small splash of the holidays. Suspend your disbelief that a cop will let a random woman tag along with him while he investigates murders and simply enjoy the ride. It's pretty cute.
September 14, 2022
sweet
Ellie is just so sweet. I love reading about her and her pig Petunia. The town seems awesome too. But, isn’t that the way of small towns?
Ellie is just so sweet. I love reading about her and her pig Petunia. The town seems awesome too. But, isn’t that the way of small towns?
April 30, 2021
Ellie and her friends from Cliff Haven are back. This time putting on a Christmas production. The production is slowed down by a death and Ellie sets out to find out what happened. Lots of surprises for Ellie this time. Another fun filled mystery that kept me turning the pages!
October 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book. This book was focused a lot more on Ellie, her magic and her family life drama. While we don't exactly learn a lot more about her mother's disappearance it was certainly fun and interesting to know more. Ellie learns more than just how to change the colour of her hair. Don't get me wrong that doesn't mean the author forgot about the mystery side of the story because it is all cleverly crafted and connected. The mystery kept me guessing and I had no clue who the killer was but it is the characters themselves that has me returning time and time again to this unusual series. The author has created a nice group of friends who might not be family but are definitely beginning to feel that way, which is why despite the book working as a standalone I would recommend you read or listen to the books in order, so you can get to know the characters and there secrets, besides who wouldn't want to spend time with the cute pig Penelope - unless you were up to no good of course. I can't wait for the next book.
With Christmas fast approaching the whole town gets a part in the local production and for Ellie her small lines are proving to be a nightmare. That is until she learns about the curse that strikes an actress every year they put on a play. Even warned about accidents and sprained ankles caused by the curse she doesn't expect to witness a death. The understudy for the leading lady dies in the same manor as the only other death caused by the curse and things get complicated. Was magic involved? And with so many ladies with red hair, who was she seen arguing with before her death? All the evidence points to the main actress who was about to loose her part to the victim but as Ellie calls her a friend and with her hair also turning red, she knows her magic wants her to investigate more. The first victim to die of the curse has a connection to her mother and by investigating will Ellie learn more about her past or will the show get cancelled it the killer isn't unmasked?
I liked the narrator. She has a natural talent for the roll and it wouldn't surprise me to find out she herself has starred on stage, she was that good at bringing the characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With Christmas fast approaching the whole town gets a part in the local production and for Ellie her small lines are proving to be a nightmare. That is until she learns about the curse that strikes an actress every year they put on a play. Even warned about accidents and sprained ankles caused by the curse she doesn't expect to witness a death. The understudy for the leading lady dies in the same manor as the only other death caused by the curse and things get complicated. Was magic involved? And with so many ladies with red hair, who was she seen arguing with before her death? All the evidence points to the main actress who was about to loose her part to the victim but as Ellie calls her a friend and with her hair also turning red, she knows her magic wants her to investigate more. The first victim to die of the curse has a connection to her mother and by investigating will Ellie learn more about her past or will the show get cancelled it the killer isn't unmasked?
I liked the narrator. She has a natural talent for the roll and it wouldn't surprise me to find out she herself has starred on stage, she was that good at bringing the characters to life.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 17, 2022
Excellent
Stella Bixby's book" Spotlight Scandal " is fantastic. She definitely has a special magic in her writing. Right from the beginning, this book had me completely hooked. Stella Bixby is one of the most talented writers of the paranormal cozy mystery genre.
Ellie Vanderwick is an aspiring witch. She possesses a unique magical ability. Her hair continuously changes hues in response to the circumstances, alerting her to any impending danger. She has devoted friends in Penelope, her pet pig, Mona (her van), and Bex ( her best friend and former boss) . She's now living in the house bequeathed to her by her maternal grandma, Esme, who passed away.
She has moved to Cliff Haven, a little town in Iowa, where Katie is the proud owner of a cafe and a theater and produces plays. Katie believes in involving the local residents as much as possible in her productions. Ellie is also a part of the play with her best friend, Bex, and Melody, ( Katie's daughter and the lead). Nancy, Fran, and Amy add to the humor.
Ellie runs a fitness and healing studio, besides now being a part of a play. Her stage fright seems to be getting the better of her as she keeps fumbling over her lines.
And in the turn of events, Katie's daughter, Melody, fails to get a role in a Hollywood project, her rival, Trinity Lawson, from the next town of Poppy Hills arrives for the role of Melody's understudy in the play, with Melody's ex-boyfriend, a Casanova, called Dylan Bram but dies unexpectedly. What follows next are plenty of surprises for the readers. The best part is the manner in which Trinity dies, and Ellie learns about another death in the past which occurred exactly like Trinity's.
There are startling revelations and some amazing twists in the tale. What I loved the most about this series is that the police detective, Jake, shares a warm camaraderie with the protagonist cum witch, Ellie, and allows her to assist him in the investigation. This is quite refreshing. In most of the cases, there exists a rivalry between the police detective and the amateur sleuth. But way to go, dear Stella. Love your books so much.
Stella Bixby's book" Spotlight Scandal " is fantastic. She definitely has a special magic in her writing. Right from the beginning, this book had me completely hooked. Stella Bixby is one of the most talented writers of the paranormal cozy mystery genre.
Ellie Vanderwick is an aspiring witch. She possesses a unique magical ability. Her hair continuously changes hues in response to the circumstances, alerting her to any impending danger. She has devoted friends in Penelope, her pet pig, Mona (her van), and Bex ( her best friend and former boss) . She's now living in the house bequeathed to her by her maternal grandma, Esme, who passed away.
She has moved to Cliff Haven, a little town in Iowa, where Katie is the proud owner of a cafe and a theater and produces plays. Katie believes in involving the local residents as much as possible in her productions. Ellie is also a part of the play with her best friend, Bex, and Melody, ( Katie's daughter and the lead). Nancy, Fran, and Amy add to the humor.
Ellie runs a fitness and healing studio, besides now being a part of a play. Her stage fright seems to be getting the better of her as she keeps fumbling over her lines.
And in the turn of events, Katie's daughter, Melody, fails to get a role in a Hollywood project, her rival, Trinity Lawson, from the next town of Poppy Hills arrives for the role of Melody's understudy in the play, with Melody's ex-boyfriend, a Casanova, called Dylan Bram but dies unexpectedly. What follows next are plenty of surprises for the readers. The best part is the manner in which Trinity dies, and Ellie learns about another death in the past which occurred exactly like Trinity's.
There are startling revelations and some amazing twists in the tale. What I loved the most about this series is that the police detective, Jake, shares a warm camaraderie with the protagonist cum witch, Ellie, and allows her to assist him in the investigation. This is quite refreshing. In most of the cases, there exists a rivalry between the police detective and the amateur sleuth. But way to go, dear Stella. Love your books so much.
October 7, 2024
Spotlight Scandal
A Magical Mane Mystery (Magical Mane Mystery Series, Book 3)
By: Stella Bixby
Narrated by: Shannon Nicole Locke
Magical, Mystical, Delightful! I am SOOOO a Fan!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-06-24
In “Spotlight Scandal”, the thespians have flocked to town! It’s never a dull moment as Ellie and the residents of Cliff Haven prepare for the annual Christmas play! In the midst of all the hubbub, there seem to be few ne’er do well’s with an eye on wreaking havoc, AND Ellie magical color changing hair seems to have a mind of its own! Sometimes it’s warning her of danger, while at others it just …seems … so … random … that well, who knows, least of all Ellie! One thing IS certain, in “Spotlight Scandal”, mystery, magic, danger, delightful characters, and a “few wolves in sheep’s clothing” combine to make for a delightful story that had me guessing … wrong, but none the less throughly entertained and completely invested in this story and these delightful characters! This was my first taste of this unique series and my appetite is throughly whetted. The first thing I did upon finishing was to buy books one and two! I want to experience these delightful characters and their stories from beginning to end! The other factor that contributed to my total immersion was the narration! Everything about this narration is complete PERFECTION! The vocal choices, consistency, clarity, timing, emotion and FEELING expressed allowed to be ONE with the characters, the story, and to be totally immersed in the magical world where the story took place, truly able to experience the story exactly as the author intended and I LOVED it. I FIVE fabulous stars, loved it!
A Magical Mane Mystery (Magical Mane Mystery Series, Book 3)
By: Stella Bixby
Narrated by: Shannon Nicole Locke
Magical, Mystical, Delightful! I am SOOOO a Fan!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 10-06-24
In “Spotlight Scandal”, the thespians have flocked to town! It’s never a dull moment as Ellie and the residents of Cliff Haven prepare for the annual Christmas play! In the midst of all the hubbub, there seem to be few ne’er do well’s with an eye on wreaking havoc, AND Ellie magical color changing hair seems to have a mind of its own! Sometimes it’s warning her of danger, while at others it just …seems … so … random … that well, who knows, least of all Ellie! One thing IS certain, in “Spotlight Scandal”, mystery, magic, danger, delightful characters, and a “few wolves in sheep’s clothing” combine to make for a delightful story that had me guessing … wrong, but none the less throughly entertained and completely invested in this story and these delightful characters! This was my first taste of this unique series and my appetite is throughly whetted. The first thing I did upon finishing was to buy books one and two! I want to experience these delightful characters and their stories from beginning to end! The other factor that contributed to my total immersion was the narration! Everything about this narration is complete PERFECTION! The vocal choices, consistency, clarity, timing, emotion and FEELING expressed allowed to be ONE with the characters, the story, and to be totally immersed in the magical world where the story took place, truly able to experience the story exactly as the author intended and I LOVED it. I FIVE fabulous stars, loved it!
May 3, 2021
This book takes place near Christmas, so if you like holiday cozies, add this to your collection when it comes out May 11th, 2021, and then read it come December! I might re-read it too! I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy Stella Bixby's writing style so I am a member of her 'review crew' This book is the third book in the Magical Mane Series. The books are novella length and lend themselves to fun weekend reading.
I was very happy that Xander the warlock from book two has returned in this installation and that we get to meet Katie's daughter the actress Melody. Additionally, Bonnie who seemed like a cold-hearted villain in book one has become a much more complicated and sympathetic character which I am happy to read. Maybe one day she will wind up with Jake? Or will Ellie's mom return and Jake and Emily will have their HEA. I am going to keep reading and maybe we will find out!
The book begins with Ellie not being able to say her one line in the Christmas play. We are left to wonder, will she get over her stage fright? Why is she stuck on this sentence? I liked the small mystery over Ellie saying the line, it compliments Ellie's struggle to feel like she is part of a family. (biologically or found)
I think it works well to have Ellie as an unofficial consultant to the police department. It makes sense to have her and Jake work together than to have Jake be a foil for Ellie. Lastly, I have to say, I want to know more about Xander! What's his deal! Sigh, I'm going to have to wait and keep reading. I'm confident the payoff will be worth it!
4.25 stars to Spotlight Scandal!
I was very happy that Xander the warlock from book two has returned in this installation and that we get to meet Katie's daughter the actress Melody. Additionally, Bonnie who seemed like a cold-hearted villain in book one has become a much more complicated and sympathetic character which I am happy to read. Maybe one day she will wind up with Jake? Or will Ellie's mom return and Jake and Emily will have their HEA. I am going to keep reading and maybe we will find out!
The book begins with Ellie not being able to say her one line in the Christmas play. We are left to wonder, will she get over her stage fright? Why is she stuck on this sentence? I liked the small mystery over Ellie saying the line, it compliments Ellie's struggle to feel like she is part of a family. (biologically or found)
I think it works well to have Ellie as an unofficial consultant to the police department. It makes sense to have her and Jake work together than to have Jake be a foil for Ellie. Lastly, I have to say, I want to know more about Xander! What's his deal! Sigh, I'm going to have to wait and keep reading. I'm confident the payoff will be worth it!
4.25 stars to Spotlight Scandal!
May 8, 2021
The Magical Mane Mystery series is a wondrous series that every reader of cozy mysteries should read. Book three in the series, Spotlight Scandal by Stella Bixby, is a delight.
All the characters are back including Katie, Nancy, Fran, Amy, Bonnie, Bex and Jake, the local law enforcement. This group has quickly become family for Ellie as well as the readers. Xander is also back and protecting Ellie as she needs it. This time around, we are introduced to Harriet who is a cousin to Ellie and has similar magic.
The plot centers around a local play that is starring Katie’s daughter, Melodie, who is an actress. People believe that the theatre is jinxed as an actress gets hurts or dies with every play they put on. I love how with each book, the author adds a bit more to the mystery of Ellie’s mother. Your actually getting two mysteries in one. The current mystery at the moment, and the mystery surrounding Ellie’s family. As always, the author draws the reader into the town of Cliff Haven and keeps the story moving.
Thank you to Stella Bixby for the opportunity to read this 5-star book. My review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
All the characters are back including Katie, Nancy, Fran, Amy, Bonnie, Bex and Jake, the local law enforcement. This group has quickly become family for Ellie as well as the readers. Xander is also back and protecting Ellie as she needs it. This time around, we are introduced to Harriet who is a cousin to Ellie and has similar magic.
The plot centers around a local play that is starring Katie’s daughter, Melodie, who is an actress. People believe that the theatre is jinxed as an actress gets hurts or dies with every play they put on. I love how with each book, the author adds a bit more to the mystery of Ellie’s mother. Your actually getting two mysteries in one. The current mystery at the moment, and the mystery surrounding Ellie’s family. As always, the author draws the reader into the town of Cliff Haven and keeps the story moving.
Thank you to Stella Bixby for the opportunity to read this 5-star book. My review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
April 28, 2021
Ellie Vanderwick has always wanted a family she could call her own.
But, as a child abandoned by her mother as an infant, and having gone through multiple foster families. Not because she was unruly, but because her hair would randomly change colors as her moods would change. Which scared the families that took her in.
The odd thing was that her hair would actually warn her if she was in immediate danger.
Now after inheriting her grandmother's (who she never new of or got to meet) home, has Ellie learned that she was a witch.
Here in the third episode of this series, Ellie learns that she has a blood cousin, and she is in town to try to gain information about her own mother's death that she believes was actually a murder twenty years earlier.
She is also learning about her own powers.
This is another fun story with developed characters and a good plotline.
But, as a child abandoned by her mother as an infant, and having gone through multiple foster families. Not because she was unruly, but because her hair would randomly change colors as her moods would change. Which scared the families that took her in.
The odd thing was that her hair would actually warn her if she was in immediate danger.
Now after inheriting her grandmother's (who she never new of or got to meet) home, has Ellie learned that she was a witch.
Here in the third episode of this series, Ellie learns that she has a blood cousin, and she is in town to try to gain information about her own mother's death that she believes was actually a murder twenty years earlier.
She is also learning about her own powers.
This is another fun story with developed characters and a good plotline.
May 13, 2021
I absolutely love this series!!!!!!! One of my favorite things about this series is how relatable Ellie always is. I’m no where close to a yoga instructor, but in every one of her stories, I’ve found myself relating to Ellie Vanderwick more and more. This story was no different. I also loved how there were seamless reminders from the previous books into the current story. That definitely gives it that sense of cohesiveness with the other books of the series that I absolutely love in multi-book series.
One of the best things about this book is that we really get to explore Ellie’s magic in a way that we haven’t before in the other books. I also think it is awesome to finally meet some other magical people like Ellie and Zander! I definitely enjoyed watching Ellie learn how to control her magic more. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
One of the best things about this book is that we really get to explore Ellie’s magic in a way that we haven’t before in the other books. I also think it is awesome to finally meet some other magical people like Ellie and Zander! I definitely enjoyed watching Ellie learn how to control her magic more. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
May 13, 2021
Bixby’s third instalment in the Ellie Vanderwick stories has our heroine starring in the annual Christmas play. Well, starring is perhaps too strong a word. Ellie has one line … which she can’t seem to actually say.
But with the theatre’s curse rearing its ugly head; and a mysterious stranger showing up at her door, supposedly with information about Ellie’s family – well, Ellie just may have more than she can handle.
Another fast-paced tale, and another dollop of information that Ellie so desperately seeks about her mother. You’ll love the quirky characters of this small town and the way they all pull together. But seriously, what is Xander’s story? Can’t wait to read more about that!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and given freely.]
But with the theatre’s curse rearing its ugly head; and a mysterious stranger showing up at her door, supposedly with information about Ellie’s family – well, Ellie just may have more than she can handle.
Another fast-paced tale, and another dollop of information that Ellie so desperately seeks about her mother. You’ll love the quirky characters of this small town and the way they all pull together. But seriously, what is Xander’s story? Can’t wait to read more about that!
[I was fortunate to receive a pre-publication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and given freely.]
June 2, 2021
Stella, darling... You've done it again. I absolutely love this series and Spotlight Scandal is another hit out of the ballpark. Cozy murder mysteries are quickly becoming a new favorite genre thanks to you. Ellie is back at it with her magical hair and her adorable porcine sidekick, Penelope, while trying to solve a murder mystery and the mystery of what has happened to her family. When a new magical family member showed up in the story, I flipped out. Seeing Ellie grow into herself, her powers, and building relationships with the people around her makes my heart happy. This is literally a series that would make a wonderful tv series or a string of movies. Someone call in a Netflix or Hallmark producer because this is one series that shouldn't be overlooked.
*This book was an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. These words are my own -MW*
*This book was an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my honest review. These words are my own -MW*
May 30, 2021
Ellie is coming into her magic, all whilst discovering long-lost family. Centered around the production of the town's annual Christmas play, Ellie has to conquer her fear of freezing both on and off stage.
The hottie love-interest is still a mystery, but we get a taste of maybe more to come, we'll see.
The book could easily be read as a stand-alone but it would definitely make you wonder what you might have missed 😉 So it's more than worth it to go back and start at the beginning.
Whilst I enjoy Ellie's sleuthing skills (and I didn't even see the villain coming), her self-discovery is what draws me deeper and deeper in, leaving me always impatient for the next in the series. Her home, her heritage are intriguing to me...can't wait to see where Stella takes it next.
The hottie love-interest is still a mystery, but we get a taste of maybe more to come, we'll see.
The book could easily be read as a stand-alone but it would definitely make you wonder what you might have missed 😉 So it's more than worth it to go back and start at the beginning.
Whilst I enjoy Ellie's sleuthing skills (and I didn't even see the villain coming), her self-discovery is what draws me deeper and deeper in, leaving me always impatient for the next in the series. Her home, her heritage are intriguing to me...can't wait to see where Stella takes it next.
September 11, 2024
This is the third book in the Magical Mane Mystery series. Our MC Ellie Vanderwick, her piggy Penelope and VW van Mona, are preparing for the annual town Holiday Play. Ellie is at the theater after hours with Xander, when they witness a murder, via stage trap door.
Ellie knows there's something magical going on with the murder, so she sets about trying to find the killer. This book adds in a new relation to Ellie, Harriet, and there is more Xander too. Ellie even learns a bit more about her family.
I really enjoyed this, story and Penelope was totally a kick ass pig, when she went all protective and saved Ellie's life. Another excellent, and fun, cozy mystery. Definitely recommend this series for fans of animal sidekicks, cozy mysteries and a little magic.
Ellie knows there's something magical going on with the murder, so she sets about trying to find the killer. This book adds in a new relation to Ellie, Harriet, and there is more Xander too. Ellie even learns a bit more about her family.
I really enjoyed this, story and Penelope was totally a kick ass pig, when she went all protective and saved Ellie's life. Another excellent, and fun, cozy mystery. Definitely recommend this series for fans of animal sidekicks, cozy mysteries and a little magic.
May 12, 2021
A wonderful heartwarming cozey yet painfully sad at the same time. Stella Bixby is an incredible writer that brings life into her characters, compassion, hatred, fear, love, and much more bringing you into the magic she creates.This cozey murder mystery has you having hope for those who live in this magical town where Ellie has found a home, friends and happiness. If only Ellie could find a way to stop someone from getting murdered and figure out the secrets of her family's past, Can she succeed. Acquire "Spotlight Scandal " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have and find out what's happened.
May 13, 2021
This series is such fun to read. Ellie does not remember her mother, only that she was abandoned by her. Raised in foster homes until she finally escaped at 16, she has plenty to contend with. She did not know that she had magical abilities, just that her hair changed color to warn her of danger or other emotional upsets. This book continues the story as Ellie settles down in the home her grandmother left her and begins to make friends and feel at home. I love this story; the characters are like friends. The world building is great and you can imagine yourself right there chasing down the suspects with Ellie. Highly recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers.
June 6, 2021
This was a light-hearted murder mystery (if there is such a thing!) with the magic woven in skilfully. I came to it fresh, not reading previous books in the series, and there were times when I felt it would have helped to read them first, but not enough to spoil this reading - just enough to make me curious to look out the earlier books sometime.
Ellie makes for a strong main character, and I enjoyed the play elements of the story. It all tied up neatly in the end, with more learned than just who the murderer is. The magic added to the story without being too distracting, and all in all this was a fun read.
Ellie makes for a strong main character, and I enjoyed the play elements of the story. It all tied up neatly in the end, with more learned than just who the murderer is. The magic added to the story without being too distracting, and all in all this was a fun read.
December 7, 2022
Good
Ellie and her magical mane are back, and this time Ellie gets to meet some family, learn more about her past, and be the star in a local play!
Of course, there’s a murder to be solved, and a murderer to catch, as well as some magical mishaps to get around.
This quirky series is a lot of fun to read, with a cast of interesting characters, and an intriguing background story to keep you wondering. The book is a fun, paranormal cosy mystery, and quick to read- although it is best read as part of the series since it builds on what has gone before.
Recommended for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
Ellie and her magical mane are back, and this time Ellie gets to meet some family, learn more about her past, and be the star in a local play!
Of course, there’s a murder to be solved, and a murderer to catch, as well as some magical mishaps to get around.
This quirky series is a lot of fun to read, with a cast of interesting characters, and an intriguing background story to keep you wondering. The book is a fun, paranormal cosy mystery, and quick to read- although it is best read as part of the series since it builds on what has gone before.
Recommended for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
November 24, 2023
Ellie is settling into her new town. Not everything is going smoothly but she is happy in Cliff Haven. She's even going to have the last line in the Christmas play! If she can manage to get it out, that is. And if the curse doesn't strike. There was a young lady who died (or was murdered, depending on who you talk to) during a play years ago. And there's one that dies in this one as well.
With star frenemies in town, there is a lot going on. Not all of it made sense but it was an enjoyable book as Ellie tries to figure out who killed one Hollywood starlet and framed another. This is while dealing with discovering a magical cousin and trying to figure out how to use her magical powers.
With star frenemies in town, there is a lot going on. Not all of it made sense but it was an enjoyable book as Ellie tries to figure out who killed one Hollywood starlet and framed another. This is while dealing with discovering a magical cousin and trying to figure out how to use her magical powers.
April 13, 2024
Ellie has been quite close to Hank and Katie, so of course there is some tension when their biological daughter comes home from her hollywood life.
friends or frenemies?
Bex might be on the way to becoming a bestie, but her friends do not all seem to hold Ellie in high esteem- and she really cannot help or change her heritage
questions about family pop up a lot - and these are difficult: chosen families might be a cut above biological in terms of being deliberate, but are they as loyal?
lingering mysteries remain about magic and mother links - perhaps more drama lies ahead
friends or frenemies?
Bex might be on the way to becoming a bestie, but her friends do not all seem to hold Ellie in high esteem- and she really cannot help or change her heritage
questions about family pop up a lot - and these are difficult: chosen families might be a cut above biological in terms of being deliberate, but are they as loyal?
lingering mysteries remain about magic and mother links - perhaps more drama lies ahead
May 4, 2021
I loved the first two books but this one, not so much. It just wasn't as captivating as the first two, started out slow and then ended abruptly. It felt like part of the story was missing. Don't get me wrong there were some interesting things like Ellie finding her magic (sortof) , she has a cousin, and the kiss with Xander. I'm still looking forward to the fourth book though because you can't help but fall in love with the town and it's people. This is a series I don't want to end and may be why I struggled with this book because there are so many unanswered questions. I hope there will be more than 4 books in this series.
May 13, 2021
I am enjoying getting to know Ellie and her magical hair as this series grows , this is the third book. Ellie and her friends ae trying to put on a theater production when a murder takes place , rather its due to the preconceived notion by her friends that the theater is cursed or it has something to do with magic and quite possibly with Ellie herself , is what we the reader gets to find out , this is a great series , fun characters , would recommend for all to read esp if like the magical element.
May 16, 2021
The third installment of the Magical Mane series sees Ellie faced with the dual problems of stage fright...and murder. The murder in this case bears a striking resemblance to one years ago, and with it memories of someone connected to Ellie's family. Ellie must face the possibility that learning about her past could endanger her future. In addition to excellent writing, this book features a tight plot and a cast of wonderfully complex and intriguing characters.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC for free and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.
May 16, 2021
A really good book
Ellie meets a half cousin that she never knew existed finds out that there is another cousin but one that wants to kill them both. She also gets a bit more of her magic and can see magical sparks. There is a murder at the theatre she and her friends are rehearsing a play at. The murder is just like one that happened a few years before when Ellie was a baby. She is getting a bit closer in finding out what happened to make her mother leave her outside a firestation when she was a tiny baby. I can't wait to read the next book.
Ellie meets a half cousin that she never knew existed finds out that there is another cousin but one that wants to kill them both. She also gets a bit more of her magic and can see magical sparks. There is a murder at the theatre she and her friends are rehearsing a play at. The murder is just like one that happened a few years before when Ellie was a baby. She is getting a bit closer in finding out what happened to make her mother leave her outside a firestation when she was a tiny baby. I can't wait to read the next book.
May 25, 2021
Another in the magical mane series.
In this third book there is a another murder mystery, a magical awakening, a possible building romance and the possibility of a family. These stories are lovely easy reads that are heartwarming and fun and this book continues in the same vein. It's set at Christmas, around the Christmas play, but is not necessarily a Christmas story. We learn a little more about Esme and Ellie's family and the door is left open for another adventure, which would be a good thing.
In this third book there is a another murder mystery, a magical awakening, a possible building romance and the possibility of a family. These stories are lovely easy reads that are heartwarming and fun and this book continues in the same vein. It's set at Christmas, around the Christmas play, but is not necessarily a Christmas story. We learn a little more about Esme and Ellie's family and the door is left open for another adventure, which would be a good thing.
July 17, 2023
It's Christmas time in Cliff Haven and Katie has written a play for the town to perform however, a wrench is thrown into the production when someone falls through the trap door on the stage and dies.
This series is so much fun to read and I'm thoroughly enjoying every second of these cute, easy-going, cozy murder mystery books. I definitely want this series in paper format to reread and see if I pick up on clues earlier on the second read through. I haven't guessed the killer correctly yet but I am going to keep trying lol.
This series is so much fun to read and I'm thoroughly enjoying every second of these cute, easy-going, cozy murder mystery books. I definitely want this series in paper format to reread and see if I pick up on clues earlier on the second read through. I haven't guessed the killer correctly yet but I am going to keep trying lol.
May 1, 2021
I can't express how much I love this series. Who knew you could be gripped by changing air and a micro pig but here we are 3rd book in and we are learning more and more about Ellie family and were she came from. The 3rd instalment has other magic apart form Ellie and xander and it's like we've peeled another layer off Ellie's past but I need to know more. I devoured this on one sitting and am desperately waiting for the next instalment.
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