Two Can Witch the Game

Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries #2

by Valia Lind

It’s a new month in Monroe Cove and magic is in the air.

So is the smell of freshly baked goods as the town prepares for its annual spring bake-off. Cassie’s best friend is a top contender, and Cassie is there to lend a hand. But then, everything starts going wrong, from a ruined mixer to a clogged garbage disposal. It’s as if Penny’s Bakery is cursed.

Now that Cassie is starting to feel more at home at Crooked Windows Inn, and with her magic, she’s determined to help her friend out.

Is it a curse or just a case of bad luck?

When a body turns up at the back of the bakery, the whole town is in uproar. And with so many new faces mulling about, there is no saying who could be the culprit!

With the help of a quirky cat, a handsome handyman, and a meddling aunt, Cassie will do whatever it takes to make sure her friend isn’t next on the killer’s list.

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

One click today!

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

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

Reviews

[Kay Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one! It was so fun learning more about the town and the people who lived there. Plus the romance is the best. ;)

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I finished the first book in this series I've been looking forward to reading the second one. Mostly because I felt that there was so much more to discover and explain, especially concerning all the magic involved. So, when I finished my previous book much earlier than planned, and decided to exchange my work-out for a walk tomorrow, I finally picked up this arc I got from BookSirens. And I only put it down again when I finished it.

Just like the first book this second book is a really pleasant, easy and quick read. Lind has a nice writing style that becomes never complicated or hard to follow, but never feels childish either. I also love how realistic all the dialogues sound and how I can really imagine that someone's inner voice sounds the way this story is written. And I love that because of all this I can easily read this book in one sitting, even on work days.

What I however loved most about this book is the magic. In the previous book our heroine was trying to solve a murder case and reconnecting with her childhood friends in her childhood town. In this book it was time to finally connect with her magical side. And mostly because connecting with her magical side might be the only way to help her best friend who's clearly suffering from some magical attack on her store.

And while our heroine is getting more and more comfortable with her magic, she's also learning more about being a detective. Where in the previous book she was more or less forced to take action, she is doing it voluntarily now and it shows. Her heart and soul are more in it and she's clearly handling things in a smarter way. However, when it comes to relationships she still has quite a few things to learn. I hope to watch her learn so in the next book!

[Jodi Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is back and she is spending lots of time with Penny and the town's bake off. It should be a fun easy time, but then things start going wrong at Penny's bakery and then a dead body shows up. Cassie will once again bumble through an investigation, but it is so worth the trip. She is funny and the characters are hilarious.

[Cat B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars
Second in the Crooked Window Inn series, this is a fun little read. Penny is having problems in her bakery and Cassie believes they may be brought on by magic. In the course of looking around they find a body. Once again Cassie in the thick of things as she tries to solve the mystery of who done it. Written with a dash of magic, a smidge of sass and a pinch of humor these are fun little paranormal mysteries and come with a delightful cast of characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.

[Dayzee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy, funny, and entertaining! I love the lighthearted humor and all the character’s personalities! Cassie, Finn and Penny are the besties! Dean is the silent hero. Im loving where this is going! I have so many questions for Dean and Cassie! So much history between them!! It’s unknown for now and can’t wait to find out more ♥️

[Literary Lioness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penelope “Penny” Sharks is the owner of Penny’s bakery in Monroe Cove. So naturally when time comes for the town’s annual bake-off, Penny heads the coordination of the event. When appliances in her kitchen start going haywire for reasons she cannot explain, she turns to her best friend, who just happens to be a witch.

Cassie has been back in town for a month and has already had to deal with being haunted by a ghost until she solved the murder. Anxious, to ignore her magical abilities she is excited to get back to interior design. Yet, when a dead body is found behind Penny’s bakery, her magic and investigative skills are brought to the forefront once again.

Cassie, Penny, Finn, Dean, and Auntie Grace are back in the second book of the Crooked Windows Inn Mystery Series. As expected, Valia Lind continues to engage the reader with another mystery that keeps you guessing in her story, Two Can Witch the Game. Throw in the nuances and comical banter between characters (yes, even the cat) and you have another hit.

With profanity and sexual content excluded, and limited spelling and grammatical errors, a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars is righteously awarded.

Looking forward to December 31, 2021 when the series continues in the third book, Third Witch’s the Charm.

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

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

Review of the first book in this series, Once Upon A Witch, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/...

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie’s back in another charming mystery! Monroe Cove’s annual Bake off is coming up and Penny is in charge of making sure the event run smoothly but she is having some strange issues in her bakery. Is it good old sabotage or is witchcraft involved? On top of this mystery, there are some bigger issues at play in the background. Cassie doesn’t have her full memory from growing up thanks to her aunt, it was an accident, but Cassie is definitely not trusting of too many people right now, especially her Auntie Grace. She can’t seem to get a straight answer from her about so many things!!! The story heats up when a dead woman is found right outside the bakery! Penny is more than a best friend, she’s the only person that knows Cassie is a witch outside of her family and Cassie has to help figure this one out to make sure Penny’s bakery and reputation stay intact!
I am really enjoying this series. I love a good mystery, a little witchcraft, and a great cast of characters and this series has it all. I’m really excited for Cassie’s next adventure! I think there are some big mysteries yet to come for Cassie!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.*

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so much fun to read. I enjoyed the plot, characters and the supernatural aspects.

I normally do not read mysteries; however, I really couldn't stop thinking about the book and Cassie, the MC. Her unbreakable loyalty to her friends was so commendable. I loved how she started to appreciate her gifts and I can't wait to read book 3.

The supporting characters were just as loveable. Finn, Penny and especially, Dean! I am absolutely on board for more romance in the next book!

Auntie Grace and her "sweet" pet names makes me wonder if it's a cover for something "dark". And, I am still a little suspicious of the town leader!!

Speaking of pets, I love Birdie! Such a fun addition to the story!

Thank you, Valia Lind for the opportunity to read and review this enchanting book!

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff. A fun fast paced murder mystery with magic thrown in. A Cat smarter than the humans and a satisfactory conclusion. Really enjoying these books and this author. I received a complimentary copy from the author and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Valia Lind]

*** TWO CAN WITCH THE GAME IS LIVE!!! ***
Get your copy -> https://amzn.to/3xp3FLO

Cassie and the gang are up to some shenanigans! Start reading now!

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second story in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries and I am enjoying going along the adventures with Cassie, Penny, Finn and Dean. The progression of the plot is smooth and the characters are very likable. Cassie once again in thrown into a situation she feels she needs to fix and gets way over her head with sleuthing while also trying to figure out the magic aspect of her life. There are mysteries upon mysteries with these stories and I love trying to figure them out and can't wait to start #3 "Third Witch's the Charm".
I received this ARC from Book Sirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super fun witchy paranormal mystery.. I liked it.. It is fast-paced and clever, with a dash of magic and a touch of romance..

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

[Samuel Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. I was into this from the very first page. The pacing, the humour. Everything about this was just awesome. It was hard not to love this.

In this second instalment, Cassandra finds herself again at the centre of a murder. As her friend, Penny, seems to be being personally attacked by vicious appliances clearly there must be magic afoot. Cassandra goes into the mystery with much more confidence than in the first book. That is a bonus. What really sells the book is Dean and her internal monologues whenever she is in his presence. To be fair all her thought processing is nothing short of pure hilarity. Unfortunately, it's this relationship, the one with her Aunt and some of those almost always on point thoughts that do this book in a bit.

If you’ve read the first book then you know something tragic happened in Cassandra’s past and her aunt saw the only way to help her by wiping her memory, this causes way more harm than good and the spell was too strong to be undone. Cassandra’s powers have been nothing but trouble since which, but they seem to finally be getting their act together. This is problematic because it makes some of Cassandra’s thoughts odd.

Dean was genuinely surprised by her aversion to him in book one if I remember. She calls him Mean Dean. Something about him being a nuisance to her in high school. However, she doesn’t seem to really remember why and, considering she knows strong magic has left serious gaps in her childhood memory, she never, not once in the entire book, considers her memory of him is askew, which is strange. Especially when both her childhood friends have no problems attempting to put them together. They all experienced high school Dean so if they like him something about her view of him must be off. It���s just frustrating to hear her constantly using that as the reason not to give in to him. It was tolerable in the first book, but she’s a mature adult coming into her life as a witch now armed with new information. It just doesn’t hold weight enough and is more of an annoyance than interesting when her simply avoiding his charms is funny, and just so much fun to read without this hanging over it.

Where her aunt is concerned the secrets are frustrating. A woman has died. Plot spoiler here, she’s also a witch from the next town over and she was staying at the inn. Despite this avoiding her niece is her response. Then some lame thing about keeping her safe and Cassandra not being ready is used to justify it. Cassandra is trying to help her friend, in the middle of a murder, and there’s clearly dark magic around her friend Penny’s shop but Aunt Grace decides avoiding her niece and potentially putting her niece’s best friend in more danger is somehow the better choice. It’s all sorts of odd when you consider to solve the crime and protect Penny, Cassandra needs witchy information and not only wants but is demanding it. This is the very thing her aunt had been waiting for. Genuine interest in magic but now Cassandra has to beat help out of her? It was an awkward choice considering the stakes.

This is a cosy mystery so we know nothing bad will happen, but for review purposes let's assume it wasn’t. In a normal mystery, an author would’ve let Penny die to prove a point early in the book. Create some tension and force both characters to grow from the loss. I dunno, it just felt like even though readers know nothing serious will happen this was a weird way to throw in tension and it didn’t hold up very well. I wasn’t even surprised, another plot spoiler, that she could talk to cats. How was not telling Cassandra that once she embraced her gifts hearing cats would be part of that acceptance a secret worth keeping? It was very anticlimactic and would’ve been far more interesting if I knew it was going to happen. The suspense of if it eventually happening would have kept me waiting cause I knew it be a sign Cassandra was embracing her gifts so the moment it happened I would scream ecstatically with glee. Cassandra would be less thrilled and say something snarky though, but I would be happy. Basically knowing beforehand would’ve made it more powerful. That’s my issue with Aunt Grace. Secrets yes, but the reveals that come up in the book are the type of secrets that I can't find any reason she should’ve kept especially considering their relevance or lack thereof to the case. This plot angle along with Cassandra not delving deep into her opinion of the ever so dreamy Dean was more confusing and frustrating than entertaining and plot moving.

Then there are the appliances in Penny’s shop/bakery. I was ready for some revelation. It never came. The fact remains items were magically tempered with. Dark magic is afoot as was evidence by one of Cassandra’s spells going wrong when it was perfectly executed. This almost brought a glimmer of hope in the Cassandra Aunt Grace secrecy battle, she still doesn’t offer up much beyond an apology for keeping secrets. Big missed opportunity. The point, however, is the reason behind all this, especially since it was a main factor in the murder case and it was confirmed magic was around and it was nefarious, who and why? From what we know the one witch who did bring her magic to the place was bringing good magic as a gift so if her magic was lingering around why was it sabotaging things, more importantly, how was it doing this before she was even murdered. It wasn’t fully explained and what was explained gave the impression dark magic was on the rise in town so someone had intentionally done it so who?

As far as cosy mysteries go this one had the humour, had the fun, and was sprinkled with just the right amount of tension. For the most part it was amazing. Sometimes more than amazing, but that could be because this author’s comedic flair is my kind of humour. The only thing, as I mentioned above, is that some things that define Cassandra and are essential plot seemed off. There’s even something with the Mayor and Police chief that gets dropped as it also doesn’t connect to the case much like the magic in the shop. That, for me, even though this book is miles better than the first one, is where the book failed. Just like in the first book all the clues, are non-clues. Nothing actually ties itself to the murderer so Cassandra, yet again, goes hunting for things only to come to a nonrelated conclusion.

Still, it gets a high recommendation. I honestly challenge anyone who reads this and likes cosy mysteries to not love it. But even a feel-good mystery with a super witchy sleuth should have clues that directly connect to the culprit. Furthermore, we need more Dean. Like lots more. Preferably topless carrying lumber, purely for science of course. Nothing untoward going on over here with this reader. That and I saw book three is written and maybe on preorder. If they don’t hook up in the next book, if Aunt grace doesn’t start being more cooperative and if it’s another nonclue type mystery that would be me bowing out of this series. There’s only so far, on both the Dean and Grace angle I can be strung along on. As Cassandra’s coming into her own and her love life seemed tied together, there isn’t much further I can go before becoming disinterested. Even if I accept that the clues are only devices for Cassandra to discover herself, I can’t be strung along on the other two points forever. Which is a shame cause this author definitely has a flair for making me big smile when I read and that’s more than just a good thing.

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in this series. I'm really enjoying how the stories are flowing. This second book picks up right after the first and I love that. I don't have to try to remember what the characters were doing the last time I visited with them. Every single character is just spot on and I am growing to love them all so very much.

I cannot wait to see how things progress in each newfound relationship. The town is adorable. I love all of the stores and how everyone works together.

The author has done such a great job tying everything together. There are no loose story ends and there is always some fascinating tidbit that pops up at the end to make you excited for the next book.

I have enjoyed these books so much. They're charming and easy to follow. I don't get confused on who everyone is. Absolutely worth the read.

Highly highly highly highly recommend.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for the ability to read and review this wonderful book.

[Ann Dudzinski · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s witch lit time! More specifically, cozy mystery witch lit. Quite a niche genre but I love it and haven’t read any in a good while so I was happy to dive into Book 2 in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries.

Here’s the blub: Cassie Duke is trying to fit back into her hometown of Monroe Cove. At the start of the book, she’s busy helping her BFF Penny prepare for the town’s annual Bake Off. But things are not kosher at Penny’s bakery. Appliances are malfunctioning, ingredients are going missing, and Cassie’s protection charm isn’t working. Not to mention finding a dead woman behind the bakery.

Cassie’s not sure if the victim was at the wrong place at the wrong time or if Penny was the intended victim, but she’s not going to take any chances. With the help of her irritating cat and too handsome for his own good former frenemy Dean, Cassie sets out to find out the identity of both the dead woman and the killer before Penny comes to real harm.

My overall impression of this book is that it was cute. If I can further niche it, this was also a new adult witch cozy mystery. I say that mostly because of Cassie’s voice - which was very authentic for an early twenty something. Not irritating, which I’ve run into in new adult, but really quite enjoyable. However, Cassie seemed to be stuck in the trope of the witch who hasn’t learned to use her powers. With her aunt Grace being the only other (known) witch in Monroe Cove, Cassie is depending on her for answers but Grace is keeping that knowledge to herself. Fortunately, she seems to start figuring things out by the end of the book. I assume it’s her series arc.

This book is more novella-length than a full novel. Which makes it a quick read but I think it probably should have been fleshed out more. The author seemed to spend more time on the budding romance between Dean and Cassie than she did on the mystery. I’m still unsure if Cassie did very much to figure it out, since the antagonist was barely mentioned until they (I don’t want to give away the gender) were revealed and Cassie seemed to just run into them. Granted, she crossed a few suspects off her list but she didn’t actually figure anything out.

While the book was enjoyable, with the mystery aspect taking backstage it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. Still, it definitely had appeal.

Thank you to BookSirens for providing the ARC copy of this book. I've left my review honestly and voluntarily.

[Mariya T (msbookworld) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to start off by saying that I definitely recommend picking this book up. This is the perfect book for days when you just want to curl up with a good book and finish it in one sitting.

Two Can Witch the Game revolves around a murder mystery with a bit of magic and romance mixed in. The main character, Cassandra Duke is a witch, who has only recently begun re-connecting with her magic. She has moved back to her hometown and is picking up the pieces of old friendships while trying to figure out what her next steps should be. She also seems to constantly find herself solving murder investigations that somehow involve those closest to her.

Technically this is the second book in a series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed the setting, the characters and the romance elements of the story. I felt that Valía Lind did a great job of capturing the essence of life in a small town with her descriptions of Monroe Cove and its inhabitants. I loved the main character Cassie, because not only is she a coffee obsessed witch trying to figure out her wonky magic, but she is also loyal to a fault. And then there is the romance, which is slow burn and left me looking forward to book 3 so that I can find out what finally brings (I hope at least) Cassie and and her childhood nemesis turned possible love interest, Dean together.

I thought the mystery itself was interesting and it was fun trying to figure out who the killer was right along with Cassie. However, I wish that Cassie’s “Aha” moment when it came to solving the case wasn’t as abrupt.

For more reviews like this check out my blog at http://reviewsbym.com

[HeatherAnne Norbury · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

Cassie and friends are back for book number two in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries series by Valia Lind. When strange things start happening at her best friend’s bakery, Cassie finally starts to embrace her witchy powers in order to help figure out this mystery. When a body is found behind the bakery - and it turns out the victim is a witch! - Cassie dives into another mystery, including the mystery of why Aunt Grace is avoiding her.

Cassie again finds herself embroiled in another mystery. Fortunately, this time, unlike in Book One of the series, the ghost of the victim doesn’t torment her, though she does make an appearance to give Cassie some guidance. Magic is involved in the victim’s life and, it turns out, she was a witch. Cassie starts to embrace her own magic in an effort to help solve the woman’s tragic end and to solve why Penny’s bakery equipment seems to be cursed. She is also starting to work as an interior designer again and gets a job to help the new mayor remodel her home as well as help rehabilitate an old neighborhood in town that needs attention. It looks like she is fitting back into her hometown seamlessly and with more deep connection than Cassie could have ever dreamed or hoped for.

While the mystery of the murdered witch is solved in this book, a lot of larger mysteries are opened up and not answered, leaving way for the third in the series and many more to come after that, I’m sure. Some of the plot devices were frustrating and left mostly unanswered: why did Auntie Grace suddenly become MIA just as Cassie does the very thing she’s been wanting (embrace her magic); why is Cassie still being so hard on Dean when, from all appearances in the first two books, he is a kind and good man; what is the dark magic that is happening around the town? While the end of this book brought us to the edges of answers on some of these big questions, none of these were solved. I will definitely be reading book three, Third Witch’s the Charm.

This cozy series checks all my favorite cozy boxes: magic and talking cats. (spoiler? …. hmmm). If the talking cat is magic too… well, then. That’s even better. The one thing I don’t like about the series? The cover art. But we can’t have everything. I recommend the series to anyone who likes cozy mysteries with magic and felines.

[Jason Wrench · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank the author/publisher for giving me an advanced reading copy of this book for this review. Although I am very grateful for their generosity, the following review is completely my own and not influenced by either the author or the publisher.

I previously read and reviewed Lind's , so I was glad to jump into the second book in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries series, Two Can Witch the Game.

I really enjoy the world building that Lind continues in the second book. Many of the characters introduced in the first book are back again for a new mystery.

In this new tale, Casssie and Penny find a body outside of Penny's bakery one evening. Cassie is determined to figure out who the woman was and who killed her. In this case, Cassie has a sneaking suspicion there are magical hijinks going on as Penny's bakery starts having all kinds of meltdowns and Cassie finds evidence of dark witchcraft at work.

So, I enjoyed this book. I found the book easy to read and enjoyable. I think the book fits well within the cozy mystery genre without feeling like it's simply rehashing what other authors in this genre have created. Admittedly, there are the usual cozy mystery tropes: small town, crazy town folk, and a dead body, but the tale that Lind spins is definitely something new and unique. I really enjoyed this read and encourage fans of cozy paranormal mysteries to give this one a read.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in a series, I hope, Two Can Witch the Game is another witch/magical themed cozy mystery. It follows the classic cozy mystery points of a small town, a random murder and clues that make sense to no one but the main character at the very last minute. I loved the story and would very much enjoy another book. That being said I did have one issue with it. The relationship, or lack there of, between Cassie and Dean. Not wanting to give much away she has memory issues and that leads her to act and think badly of him while everyone in her circle is telling her he is a nice guy and all of his actions back that sentiment up. But instead of thinking that her memory issues may be leading her to the wrong idea about him as with other things she decides that what she knows is 100% correct and doesn't want to give him a chance. It's a bit frustrating because it shows her to be a bit childish when she is a full grown adult solving mysterious problems and helping almost everyone. I don't need a happily ever after but just don't be a child about things Cassie. Anyway that being said I would definitely read more and look forward to doing so. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Eve Hallows · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really liking the characters and how they’re opening up so I can learn more about them. Cassie and Penny have a great friendship. The inner conflicts Cassie has with Dean and Aunt Grace are realistic considering the back story. I’m looking forward to the next books to see how these relationships grow.

In Two Can Witch the Game, the mystery is good, and again I’m a little surprised at whodunit. The climax is good, and Cassie putting all the pieces together is smart even though she thinks she’s not a great detective. At this time, there’s a description of where Penny’s bakery is located, and it is a little confusing to me.

I believe there are a couple of wording mistakes, but they are easy to overlook. The pacing is good, the characters are blooming and the way Valia Lind writes the cozy mystery is spot on. I really like the start of this series and will be reading more!

5 Stars

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

I will be adding this review to my website EveHallows.com.

#TwoCanWitchtheGame #ValiaLind #WitchyCozyMysteries #CozyMystery #WitchFiction #BookSirens

[Frances Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Cassie. She’s come home to Monroe bay and was confronted with a murder as soon as she arrived! So, okay she managed to get the murderer to confess, as he was about to shoot her! Luckily Mean Dean, her childhood nemesis, stepped in and saved the day. And what’s he about anyway? Mean Dean has grown up to be a very sexy man with absolutely gorgeous eyes; not that she’s looking, mind you. And her reality is spinning because he’s been nothing but nice to her since she got home. But she’s worrying about her friend Penny, because strange things are happening to her and she has the Annual Bake Off coming up which she is organising. Then, to top off a very bad day for Penny, they find a dead body behind the bakery. This leads to Cassie deciding to learn more about her magic so that she can control it and help her friend.

This is a very funny and whimsical little series. I have to say that I feel that I know Cassie and her friends and acquaintances and I look forward to the next book.

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

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries series, with Cassie, who has returned to her home town, realising this is where she now wants to be, despite having nearly been killed recently. Her best friend Penny runs a bakery, that seems to have a problem, it appears to be cursed. Cassie is desperate to help her friend and then they find a body at the cafes back door.

This is a lovely quick and easy read, with a likeable bunch of characters - even the town gossip - a very knowing cat and a good looking handyman. Cassie is developing nicely, while trying to get her Aunt Gracie to talk to her about what happened to her mother, why she can’t remember some of her past and why does she keep finding bodies. Nicely paced and written, it’s just the sort of book you want to curl up with and lose yourself in for a few hours. I look forward to the next book in the series.

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

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, this one wasn’t for me. I read the first one and it was ok, not great but not bad. This one is about the same. But it needs a decent editor in the worst way. The story was so scattered and unorganized that several times I had to back track and reread to figure out what the author was trying to say. It had missed words, wrong words, extra words, and some REALLY confusing phrasing. There were also parts where the character speaking changes mid sentence with nothing to show the change. Several places contradicted things in either this book or the last. And Cassie is not a nice person. I don’t like her at all. I do like the idea of the story, a cozy witch mystery should be perfect for me. Problem is this is a but juvenile and the mystery is nonexistent. Cassie doesn’t do anything but blunder around and get in trouble before she ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time and gets attacked by the killer. Same as the last book. If you’re looking for a light quick read and can over look the editing issues this could be a good book for you. Me not so much.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie’s still in denial about her feelings for the local handyman (who’s somehow gotten even more attractive), and her magic is still misbehaving. Then she finds out her Aunt gave her mind-wiping tea as a teen—not to erase her life, but to help her cope with the emotional chaos of growing up magical. It explains a lot… like why she can’t remember half the people she grew up with.

She’s not mad exactly, but she’s definitely not thrilled.

Her best friend now runs the town’s top bakery, which becomes the scene of the next murder. Because of course it does. Cassie’s got a knack for finding dead bodies, and this one’s no exception.

Between solving the mystery, sorting out her feelings, and trying to keep her magic from turning her life into a sitcom, Cassie’s got her hands full. This installment brings more cozy charm, emotional twists, and magical mischief—and I’m here for all of it.

[Angela Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fine tale

Cassie has finally stopped trying to run from herself, and the series is going to start reflecting this. She's coming to terms with her power and making (possibly RE-making) a place for herself in town, so naturally another murder drops in her lap and another loved one, Penny, needs to be protected. The mystery is interesting and leaves some intriguing loose ends that may impact the story arc later. Still don't understand Auntie Grace's actions; however, Tootsie's tidbit about the town supporting Mary Grace opens up the possibility that some secrets aren't so secret! It's good to see that the Sheriff and Finn aren't incompetent caricatures, and there are still questions about Dean...and why is the mayor on my radar? I certainly look forward to uncovering more secrets in Monroe Cove.

[Books_inthe_Batcave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is still trying to find her way in her old town & agrees to help her friend Penny with the up coming Bake Off for the whole town. Penny is having issues in her shop & Cassie is trying to solve that mystery when they stumble on a dead body & Cassie can't help herself trying to solve what happened. A great cozy mystery with a cute small town setting. Moves a good pace with cute characters. I love the friendship between Cassie & Penny & also Cassie & Finn. I was getting a bit frustrated with the secrets her aunt was keeping & not even trying to explain why she was hiding information. As well as constantly denying her feelings for Dean. I really hope of theres a book 3 that Cassie will finally allow Dean in. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassie is an absolute hoot! What a fun quick read. This has everything you want in a good cozy. It was fun getting to know a few more characters around town including Penny a bit more in this book and seeing Cassie put her interior decorating skills to work. A witch who doesn't like cats stuck working with her childhood nemesis who grew up hot. Her train of thought cracked me up at times. Fun watching her work though the clues to solve the mystery.

This is book 2 in the Crooked Windows Inn series but can be enjoyed as a standalone. Loved the teaser and surprise at the end for book 3! I'm thinking this mean interesting things for Cassie and her misbehaving magic. If only her Aunt would say something!

[LizJ. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quirky, cozy mystery with a paranormal witchy twist. I love Cassie and her interactions with the town and its people, some she remembers, some she doesn't, courtesy of her Aunt. Cassie is finally starting to accept her gifts and I love how loyal she is to the people she loves. It's a quick read, totally engrossing but the mystery (catching the murderer) is very predictable and the story could use some editing but in no way takes anything from the story itself. I also love that the interactions with Mean Dean and Cassie are heating up! I wonder if there's more to that story that Cassie "forgot"? I can't wait for the next installment.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Can Witch the Game is the second book in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mystery series by Valia Lind.

Cassie’s best friend, Penny, is having bad luck at her bakery and Cassie is trying to see if there is something magical going on. Then there is a murder that Cassie gets involved in investigating.

I like the interesting characters in this book. The mysteries of what is happening to Penny and the murder force Cassie to start coming to terms with her magic after repressing it for so long. The one thing that is a bit much for me is how she acts every time she is around “Mean Dean.”

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book In This Series!!

This is such a fun and cute cozy mystery. I’m loving every minute of it! Cassie is such an enjoyable character, who seems to be growing into her own as the series goes on. I’m looking forward to book 3!!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, friendship, family and magic, you will love this series! If you’re not sure what a cozy mystery is, as I’ve had a few people ask me, cozy mysteries are defined by their lack of graphic violence, explicit sex, or foul language. Instead of having the main character be a professional sleuth, they tend to be someone who has been pulled into the mystery through proximity. But there is still a great mystery to solve, twists and turns, great characters and suspense!!