What do you think?
Rate this book
English Village Witch #3
Halloween Hex Appeal
Turning her cat into a waitress seemed like the purrfect solution to a busy night at Magic Cakes Café. Until a guest is murdered…
When Evelyn Eldritch's landlord Randolph is poisoned at his own James Bond-themed party, she needs to find the killer fast. Who killed him? The nephew and heir? The best friend? Or the faithful secretary? Evelyn wants to prove to Detective Inspector Taylor that she's more than just a bumbling baker with a missing witness – that cat-turned-waitress spell is proving hard to explain! But how many clues did Evelyn miss while wrangling her diva cat? It's clear Randolph drank a poisoned cocktail, but was the cyanide really meant for him?
Halloween is the spookiest time of the magical year, and the new Invisibility Spell that Evelyn's granny Joanie taught her seems more trouble than it's worth. Although, it does come in handy for stealthily sleuthing in cupboards – if only Detective Inspector Taylor wouldn't stand so close! What this mystery needs is a powerful, competent witch to assist. Unfortunately, Evelyn will have to do…
Halloween Hex Appeal is the third book in the adorable English Village Witch Cozy series , set in the beautiful English countryside. If you love plucky heroines, small-town whodunits, and a touch of retro nostalgia, then you'll love Rosie Reed's fun and flirty tale.
When Evelyn Eldritch's landlord Randolph is poisoned at his own James Bond-themed party, she needs to find the killer fast. Who killed him? The nephew and heir? The best friend? Or the faithful secretary? Evelyn wants to prove to Detective Inspector Taylor that she's more than just a bumbling baker with a missing witness – that cat-turned-waitress spell is proving hard to explain! But how many clues did Evelyn miss while wrangling her diva cat? It's clear Randolph drank a poisoned cocktail, but was the cyanide really meant for him?
Halloween is the spookiest time of the magical year, and the new Invisibility Spell that Evelyn's granny Joanie taught her seems more trouble than it's worth. Although, it does come in handy for stealthily sleuthing in cupboards – if only Detective Inspector Taylor wouldn't stand so close! What this mystery needs is a powerful, competent witch to assist. Unfortunately, Evelyn will have to do…
Halloween Hex Appeal is the third book in the adorable English Village Witch Cozy series , set in the beautiful English countryside. If you love plucky heroines, small-town whodunits, and a touch of retro nostalgia, then you'll love Rosie Reed's fun and flirty tale.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2021
144 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 23, 2024
Evelyn Eldritch was on her own in the Magic Cakes Cafe and the place was busy. Her waitress had been held up, so turning Trixie, her cat, into a young woman to waitress for her, seemed like a good idea at the time. But when Trixie tripped, spilling a tray of drinks over one of the guests, plus the guest of honour felt ill and rushed away, Evie had no idea the night would end in murder.
Detective Inspector Alex Taylor was determined to solve the murder but had too many suspects. Evie tried to help him, but Alex told her not to become involved. But of course Evie did anyway. Her fledgling magic helped her a little - she'd be happy to have the powers her granny had, but she was a way off there. Evie was soon in the killer's line of sight - would she find out who it was before it was too late?
Halloween Hex Appeal is the 3rd in English Village Witch series by Rosie Reed and it was light and entertaining; an excellent cozy mystery with plenty of magic and fun characters. Highly recommended.
Detective Inspector Alex Taylor was determined to solve the murder but had too many suspects. Evie tried to help him, but Alex told her not to become involved. But of course Evie did anyway. Her fledgling magic helped her a little - she'd be happy to have the powers her granny had, but she was a way off there. Evie was soon in the killer's line of sight - would she find out who it was before it was too late?
Halloween Hex Appeal is the 3rd in English Village Witch series by Rosie Reed and it was light and entertaining; an excellent cozy mystery with plenty of magic and fun characters. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2021
Oh wow, this is another great book in this magical series. I have loved them all so far and this book is no exception. The mystery is cleverly crafted to keep you guessing the whole way through but at the same time the clues are there. It has also has a number of suspects and to be honest you weren't even sure if the right victim died until the end, which is always a sign of a good book. The Bond theme throughout the book was subtly done and made for some interesting costumes. Although the mystery was good it is the characters and the magic that has me eagerly awaiting the next book. I am really enjoying the budding relationship between the main character and the detective who is a little out of practice. The rest of the cast of characters are just as much fun from the newspaper reported who likes to wind the policeman up, to the man crazy Grandma and not forgetting the cat waitress. I read or listen to a lot of books but this series has really caught my imagination and I can't wait to finish reading it to find out who the killer is but at the same time I don't want it to end.
Evelyn is on her own catering for her landlords Bond themed birthday party, as her normal staff are stuck on trains. That's the only reason she would a tempt to use magic to turn a temperamental cat Trixie into a waitress. Tempers are already high with the guests as he introduces them to his new and much younger bride and the new waitress spilling the drinks doesn't help. Unfortunately things don't get any better when the birthday boy is found dead after drinking a cocktail with cyanide in and it wasn't even his drink. Someone also stole his wedding ring. Who was the killer trying to kill and why? surely it wasn't just for his ring? The new wife is scared that as the drink was hers, that someone might try again and asks Evelyn to help find the killer and the ring. Alex the detective might not suspect Evelyn but how can she explain Trixie and her sudden disappearance? At the same time Evelyn has to help run the village Halloween celebrations without the humans amongst the villages finding out that there lives could be in danger. Can she manage it all? Just when she thinks she might have a big clue, another body is found and she is left a deadly cupcake. Caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse who will come out on top? The killer or Evelyn?
I can't wait for both the next book and the audio book version of this one.
I was given this free book review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Evelyn is on her own catering for her landlords Bond themed birthday party, as her normal staff are stuck on trains. That's the only reason she would a tempt to use magic to turn a temperamental cat Trixie into a waitress. Tempers are already high with the guests as he introduces them to his new and much younger bride and the new waitress spilling the drinks doesn't help. Unfortunately things don't get any better when the birthday boy is found dead after drinking a cocktail with cyanide in and it wasn't even his drink. Someone also stole his wedding ring. Who was the killer trying to kill and why? surely it wasn't just for his ring? The new wife is scared that as the drink was hers, that someone might try again and asks Evelyn to help find the killer and the ring. Alex the detective might not suspect Evelyn but how can she explain Trixie and her sudden disappearance? At the same time Evelyn has to help run the village Halloween celebrations without the humans amongst the villages finding out that there lives could be in danger. Can she manage it all? Just when she thinks she might have a big clue, another body is found and she is left a deadly cupcake. Caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse who will come out on top? The killer or Evelyn?
I can't wait for both the next book and the audio book version of this one.
I was given this free book review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 13, 2021
After enjoying the first two books in this quirky new Cosy/Paranormal series, I was really looking forward to seeing what happened next to Evelyn and the magical residents of Maiden-upon-Avon - and I certainly wasn't disappointed!
This time, the story is set around Halloween-time - so the perfect backdrop for spells, magic, and the odd dose of witchcraft and saucy sorcery.
The story starts with a new murder in the peaceful village- this time it's Evie's landlord Randolph, who seems to fall foul to a spiked drink at his own James Bond-themed party.
Evelyn is soon on the case of her latest whodunnit - and the local detective Alex, whom she has a huge crush on, is customarily not far behind.
Add to that the complication of her spell to turn her grandmother's cat temporarily into human form as a waitress to help out at the fateful party, and Alex has one eye-witness who isn't exactly purr-fect.
This was another absorbingly fun read, and once again Rosie had planted some choice clues - not to mention the odd red-herring - to keep the reader guessing right till the end. There's a dash of romance too along the way, and an intriguing and twisty main plot involving inheritance and subterfuge.
If you enjoyed the first two books, you're sure to love this too - definitely a treat, with a few tricks up its sleeve too.
This time, the story is set around Halloween-time - so the perfect backdrop for spells, magic, and the odd dose of witchcraft and saucy sorcery.
The story starts with a new murder in the peaceful village- this time it's Evie's landlord Randolph, who seems to fall foul to a spiked drink at his own James Bond-themed party.
Evelyn is soon on the case of her latest whodunnit - and the local detective Alex, whom she has a huge crush on, is customarily not far behind.
Add to that the complication of her spell to turn her grandmother's cat temporarily into human form as a waitress to help out at the fateful party, and Alex has one eye-witness who isn't exactly purr-fect.
This was another absorbingly fun read, and once again Rosie had planted some choice clues - not to mention the odd red-herring - to keep the reader guessing right till the end. There's a dash of romance too along the way, and an intriguing and twisty main plot involving inheritance and subterfuge.
If you enjoyed the first two books, you're sure to love this too - definitely a treat, with a few tricks up its sleeve too.
June 24, 2021
Parties,Poison,, and Pumpkins
One of the best witchy Halloween stories that I've read in a long time. Clever, fast moving and very funny.
One of the best witchy Halloween stories that I've read in a long time. Clever, fast moving and very funny.
November 3, 2024
It was a interesting book.
April 29, 2022
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/04/29/4-...
Halloween Hex Appeal is the third book in the English Village Cozy Mystery series by Rosie Reed. We are back in a small town in England where those of the magical world live among humans, but humans don’t realize all that’s going on around them.
It was nice to be back with characters we’ve met before, along with some of the small businesses. Of course, there’s another murder, and once again, Evie is in the thick of things, much to the dismay of the police but especially Detective Inspector Taylor.
Halloween plays a backdrop for this tale, and clues are gathered to figure out whodunnit. With several suspects to choose from and clues pointing in various directions. Reed weaves together multiple storylines, and past crimes are mentioned.
Evie and the DI are once again fighting their attraction, or are they? The two of them spar continuously using innuendoes and double meanings bandied about but do they mean anything?
The story has a good flow and held my interest. There is closure with solving the crime, but what will Evie and her friends be up to next? I look forward to finding out! The cover is colorful and fits the title nicely.
If you like cozy mysteries with a touch of magic and the paranormal, Halloween Hex Appeal is a fun addition to the English Village Cozy Mystery series.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/04/29/4-...
Halloween Hex Appeal is the third book in the English Village Cozy Mystery series by Rosie Reed. We are back in a small town in England where those of the magical world live among humans, but humans don’t realize all that’s going on around them.
It was nice to be back with characters we’ve met before, along with some of the small businesses. Of course, there’s another murder, and once again, Evie is in the thick of things, much to the dismay of the police but especially Detective Inspector Taylor.
Halloween plays a backdrop for this tale, and clues are gathered to figure out whodunnit. With several suspects to choose from and clues pointing in various directions. Reed weaves together multiple storylines, and past crimes are mentioned.
Evie and the DI are once again fighting their attraction, or are they? The two of them spar continuously using innuendoes and double meanings bandied about but do they mean anything?
The story has a good flow and held my interest. There is closure with solving the crime, but what will Evie and her friends be up to next? I look forward to finding out! The cover is colorful and fits the title nicely.
If you like cozy mysteries with a touch of magic and the paranormal, Halloween Hex Appeal is a fun addition to the English Village Cozy Mystery series.
October 17, 2022
British Cozy
A cute paranormal cozy set in a British village. This is the third in the series - but my first read. Though you might miss some of the nuances by starting with this one, the author does a good job of bringing you up to speed. I absolutely loved the bit where cat gets changed into a woman! Hilarious. One thing I didn’t care for—or understand—was the stuff with Mr. Vilius (sp?) That didn’t seem to fit anywhere in the story and didn’t go anywhere. I guess that means he’ll show up in later books? Even so, it didn’t make sense here. Also, if you’re not up on your British terminology, some things might not translate (what is a snug? A den? Closest I could come up with).
The characters are fun (especially Joanie), the paranormal not too over the top, and a satisfying ending. So all good.
A cute paranormal cozy set in a British village. This is the third in the series - but my first read. Though you might miss some of the nuances by starting with this one, the author does a good job of bringing you up to speed. I absolutely loved the bit where cat gets changed into a woman! Hilarious. One thing I didn’t care for—or understand—was the stuff with Mr. Vilius (sp?) That didn’t seem to fit anywhere in the story and didn’t go anywhere. I guess that means he’ll show up in later books? Even so, it didn’t make sense here. Also, if you’re not up on your British terminology, some things might not translate (what is a snug? A den? Closest I could come up with).
The characters are fun (especially Joanie), the paranormal not too over the top, and a satisfying ending. So all good.
October 15, 2022
Another fun read. This starts off in the Magic Cakes Cafe & is a birthday party for Randolph who is 60. It is a tense party & lots of different drinks & due to the wrong sort of leaves on the lines the rail system is not working, so both Leia & Luke are missing. Evelyn has a brainwave & changes her car into a woman! She manages to drop the tray of drinks over Randolph’s new (much younger) wife. Things get a bit muddled with people coming & going all over the place & Randolph is feeling a bit off so goes to lie down in the Snug. The new vicar has arrived & finds him dead. As he was drinking his wife’s drink Carrie is sure someone is trying to murder her. There is a lot going on in this book. Well worth a read & of course, Evelyn gets it sorted!
January 6, 2025
Trixie Dimples that poor cat. If only Alex was more than just handsome DI Taylor. It really killed me in this book that he was not in on the loop. I was also disappointed about Luke not being in on the loop either. Especially after what he saw when he put on that ring. I'm interested in this new guy, to whom the ring belonged. I hope Evelyn takes him on and then hopefully that will make Alex move a little quicker on her. This was the last that I had on audio so I'm not sure I'll continue this series because I'll have to read it. But I would love to continue. I'm definitely invested in this small town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2021
When someone is murdered in Magic Cakes Café, Evelyn is determined to help Alex find the culprit. There are several suspects and possible motives. Evelyn is getting better at her magic but she doesn't seem to have learned all that much in 6 months. She learned to replicate objects in a previous book but couldn't do it in this one. It appears Alex has finally decided to act on his feelings for Evelyn. The scene with Lord Vilnius was weird and didn't have anything to do with the story. It exposed Luke to magic yet it was never mentioned again. It never told how it would affect Luke.
May 27, 2022
Evie is at it again! I look forward to each adventure she gets herself into. How she gets herself out of them, however, is even better. I am really enjoying the character development in the series. The series arc has me anxious for more tidbits each book, while the murder of the day has me scrambling to connect the dots. Ms. Reed never ceases to entertain! I've been binge reading this series and as I finish one, I'm eager to start the next! I can't wait to see what this group gets into next!
August 3, 2025
3.5 stars. I’m starting to enjoy this series more as I’m getting to know the characters and town a bit more. HALLOWEEN HEX APPEAL was still a bit silly, but there were some truly funny things that happened in the course of Evelyn’s and Alex’s investigation of yet another murder that made it more enjoyable. The town has such colorful characters, too—especially Trixie. I’ll definitely keep reading.
October 18, 2022
Evelyn, Alex and Murder!
Getting ready to enjoy Halloween and catering a birthday party shouldn't lead to a lot of fright. The birthday boy ends up dead, A cat is turned into a temporary waitress and Evelyn begins to follow the clues. When the murderers turn their attention to Evelyn a grouped of friends begin to hunt for the killers before any more dead show up!
Getting ready to enjoy Halloween and catering a birthday party shouldn't lead to a lot of fright. The birthday boy ends up dead, A cat is turned into a temporary waitress and Evelyn begins to follow the clues. When the murderers turn their attention to Evelyn a grouped of friends begin to hunt for the killers before any more dead show up!
March 14, 2023
So fun!
Halloween Hex Appeal was such a fun book! Evelyn's back and still getting caught up in the middle of the town's murders. It's fun watching her learning-- or trying to learn-- new spells, and getting her flirt on with the hunky Detective Alex. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
Halloween Hex Appeal was such a fun book! Evelyn's back and still getting caught up in the middle of the town's murders. It's fun watching her learning-- or trying to learn-- new spells, and getting her flirt on with the hunky Detective Alex. Can't wait to dive into the next book!
October 13, 2023
Definite Hex Appeal
This was a great Halloween mystery. With a bunch fun normal and paranormal characters. Evelyn is the quirky main character who is determined to solve the murders and not each too much cake. Some of the British slang went over my head, but I was able to look up most of them to get an idea of what they were talking about.
This was a great Halloween mystery. With a bunch fun normal and paranormal characters. Evelyn is the quirky main character who is determined to solve the murders and not each too much cake. Some of the British slang went over my head, but I was able to look up most of them to get an idea of what they were talking about.
August 25, 2024
I have submitted this review after listening to the audio book of this title within the series set box. (Audible Membership)
The death of a wealthy businessman at his sixtieth birthday bas has the inspector detective scratching his head and everyone else weary of eating food not of their own making.
It's a puzzling case, but our favourite witch is again ahead of the thugs.
The death of a wealthy businessman at his sixtieth birthday bas has the inspector detective scratching his head and everyone else weary of eating food not of their own making.
It's a puzzling case, but our favourite witch is again ahead of the thugs.
November 26, 2024
Too many plots in one book! It felt all over the place. I get that the idea is to continue reading the series to find out what happens with the characters and the plot(s), but some of them felt utterly unnecessary (better leave them for the next book) or more action and development were needed from the author.
I got this one fro free during one of the Cosy Mystery events.
I got this one fro free during one of the Cosy Mystery events.
October 19, 2022
Fantastic, awesome, excellent - I can’t think of enough superlatives to describe this book, it is that great. It has a wonderful story and the characters are so lovable and funny: I smiled, chuckled and laughed out loud throughout the book.
This is absolutely a must read!
This is absolutely a must read!
November 11, 2022
Fun read
I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It kept me interested to the end. I thought I knew who was guilty, but I only had part of it. I'd like for Evie to have had more magic ability. Good reading.
I enjoyed the characters and the story line. It kept me interested to the end. I thought I knew who was guilty, but I only had part of it. I'd like for Evie to have had more magic ability. Good reading.
November 20, 2022
Suspense to the end
A fun book with lots of twists and turns, keeping you guessing who the murderer was until the very end. I liked the easy writing style too.
This is the first Rosie Reed book I have read, ut will .OK out for more.
A fun book with lots of twists and turns, keeping you guessing who the murderer was until the very end. I liked the easy writing style too.
This is the first Rosie Reed book I have read, ut will .OK out for more.
February 23, 2023
Halloween Hex Appeal (3)
Quirky, confused and totally weird. This group of mixed magical and non magical characters fill the story out with quite a number of silly yet comical stuff! Certainly can not call this book lame because you would be made fun of anyway! 😂😋
Quirky, confused and totally weird. This group of mixed magical and non magical characters fill the story out with quite a number of silly yet comical stuff! Certainly can not call this book lame because you would be made fun of anyway! 😂😋
March 24, 2024
Evelyn turning her cat, Trixie, into a waitress and then expecting her to know what to do with absolutely no training or instructions is beyond stupid. Evelyn deserved everything that happened in this story.
October 7, 2025
Good Hallowe'en mystery.
I enjoyed this mystery. The plot and characters are good. I like the humor. Several suspects and motives. It kept me guessing who the killer is. There are twists. I recommend this book to readers who like cozy mysteries with witches and Hallowe'en.
I enjoyed this mystery. The plot and characters are good. I like the humor. Several suspects and motives. It kept me guessing who the killer is. There are twists. I recommend this book to readers who like cozy mysteries with witches and Hallowe'en.
October 12, 2022
3.5 Stars - cute
October 16, 2022
A Clean Paranormal Cozy mystery with several murders. This was a quick read mixing normal humans with witches, whose magic is unknown. This all happens around Halloween time with no evil spells.
November 26, 2023
Nice story was nice too me a while to figure out who the killer was. Alot ofdeaths but the lives of the characters are hot progressing as much.
October 28, 2024
DNF.
Too easy to guess, had it at 20%
Too easy to guess, had it at 20%
March 31, 2025
The part about the rescue and the magical talking horse was really sweet.
October 5, 2025
This was a cutesy and fun read. If you want to be entertained without having too much concentrating to do this is perfect.
It does need a bit of proofreading though…
It does need a bit of proofreading though…
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews