Team up with Nora Ashcroft, a psychic witch who's just getting used to her powers, and her snarky hellhound familiar, Grim, as they solve Eastwind's toughest, hairiest, and twistiest crimes... all while trying to keep the lights on at the local all-night diner.
Included in this box set: Crossing Over Easy (Book 1) Death Metal (Book 2) Third Knock the Charm (Book 3) Queso de los Muertos (Book 4) Psych-Out (Book 5) Gone Witch (Book 6)
Nova Nelson grew up on a steady diet of Agatha Christie novels. She loves the mind candy of cozy mysteries and has been weaving paranormal tales since she first learned handwriting. Those two loves meet in her Eastwind Witches series, and it's about time, if she does say so herself.
When she's not busy writing, she enjoys long walks with her strong-willed dogs and eating breakfast for dinner.
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I was hooked from the word go. I immediately loved it. I loved the writing style: just a hint of crazy. In a good way. In a seeing ghosts kind of way. I couldn’t stop thinking I love it love it love it! These books were such fun!!! I laughed out loud several times. I’m totally obsessed with this series! I loved reading about the quirky characters of Eastwind. Ted is my favorite (just read and you’ll see why! Heh heh). Or Grim, Nora’s large familiar. Or Tanner. Or… well, read for yourself.
I read straight through all 6 books in the set. It was so totally different than any book series I’ve read and it grabbed me and kept me riveted. I love this series now I need to read the rest with all the different types of witches and weres and intrigue,etc. I will be in withdrawals until I can continue reading the rest of the series.
Some great characters as well as some rather grim characters are found within the pages of this series. You will be able to solve the mysteries within the first few chapters. I found Donavan to be one of my favorite characters. I liked his sense of humor the most. Landon and Tanner were good supporting characters, but that’s about all. Ruby True was very interesting and didn’t hold back her thoughts. And her Clifford and red slippers were a nice touch. Ted and Grim were both likable. Grim a bit snarky and Ted a bit “dark.” As for Nora, I didn’t like her. There was something about her that made me want to tell her to think of the others. It was a struggle to get through the last three books. Not a recommended read from this reader.
I enjoyed the characters, the plots and the world building. I like that it didn’t get too granular about topics like where did they source the liquor and so on. Why one character (Hyacinth Bouquet) is named after a tv character was distracting. My one criticism is that a character is plopped into the story and it’s like a record scratch. I don’t get what they add to the story, if anything.
I was slightly confused when I started reading this over the reading order having read the first Ruby True book and not realising that they were set separately.
I hadn't enjoyed the Ruby True novel as much having found it awkwardly imparting the background of the North, South, East, West and Fifth witches. I might however go back and read the rest of the series as it's much clearer and better laid out in this series.
Nora arrives in Eastwind after a car crash, she's awoken in the deadwood forest by a hound has no car or phone and stumbles into Medium Rare a diner on the outskirts of town.
Like Ruby she's a fifth wind witch, and having no idea how, why, when or where she's soon bunking in Ruby's spare room and taking over her investigations, she has to clear her name as the diner owner is murdered, as she's retired. Learning as she goes she gets into plenty of tricky situations and starts a relationship with Tanner who inherits the diner.
There's a few plot holes.. in the human world Nora was a chef, highly qualified and ran a high class restaurant (chain?) that made her very wealthy in her own right but at various times her cooking skills are referred to as poor or rubbish and yet in others she's a total whizz.. which is it?
Occasionally the plots are slightly off.. or seem a little bit too contrived as the "evidence" just pops up or they miss something totally obvious and don't follow logical reasoning over who to question or what to look into.
The Roland bit is weird.. Ruby's reaction to it weirdly bland considering what she says about past lives.. it doesn't feel like it fits her character to walk away from the thing she warned about when All Hallow's Eve is supposed to be a big issue.
That said they are entertaining and quite enjoyable.. I will be looking for the rest of the series.
Eastwind Witches: Eastwind Witches - I love these kinds of witches; nothing mean or nasty but tough when needed. My friend had these three books and we spent a day reading and laughing about the characters and the happenings. Funny, entertaining and well written, the stories are strong enough to keep the reader immersed in the pages, but with a simple storytelling style. The characters grow as the pages fly by and there's no Stupid Formula, just plain entertainment. Surprise, no vulgar language or cussing. Plus, you'll love Ted; sorry no spoilers. Little editing needed but not much.
Crossing Over Easy #1 - I love these kinds of witch stories. This is our first book by this author; my friend and I read her copies during one of our get-together weekends. We both had fun with them. Easily and quickly read, COE was funny and interesting. The characters are funny and entertaining; the story line was entertaining; and the dialog and actions weren't of the stupid variety. Even without a friend's comments, this book is good for relaxation or something simple but entertaining. Did I mention the book was entertaining. OK, I'm not funny, but Nova is a lot. 5*
Death Metal #2 - This book starts three months after Crossing Over Easy ended. We loved the dialog; it was almost as if we were doing the talking. Well written, funny and entertaining, the pages flew by as we laughed our way to the end. The characters are filling out more, including Eastwind, and their dialog is extremely entertaining. Nora is discovering more about herself and the perks and dangers of being a Fifth Wind witch. 5*
Third Knock The Charm #3 - This book begins two weeks after Death Metal ends. This time no one is killed, but many other things are instead. Funny, entertaining and this time filled with lots of sexual tension. My favorite character is the Library, which I wish all readers had access to one of their own. Ms. Nelson writes well, describes vividly and add humor in abundance. My friend and I just laughed ourselves silly about the message of sexual harassment is wrong, but physical assault is OK. Nope, we didn't disagree on half of that message, but we come from a time of real sexual harassment where slapping hands or faces was a must; now it's a crime to defend yourself. 5*
Queso de los Muertos #4 - Another well written, intriguing but quickly read Eastwind tale. Fast paced, entertaining and a touch of sexual tension, this is a good addition to the series. It's nice the author doesn't use vulgar language or explicit sex, but uses humor and well thought out storylines. The characters remain interesting and their dialog believable. There's no stupid formula in this series. I could use a bowl of queso and handmade chips. I contacted the author to review her books since I enjoyed the first three. 5*
Psych Out #5 - Wow, we've a few twists to the plot! This book isn't a cliffhanger, but it will fun to find out what's happening with Nora in the next book. Well written, intriguing and with a few kinks added to mix, along with more development of the characters. The plot is really intense near the end of the story and there's a few laughs along the way. Plus, the sexual tension is still running amok. 5*
Gone Witch #6 - Imagine the sexual tensions with three guys available, poor Nora. Another well written, fast paced plot filled with intrigue and suspense. Along with humor, there's a build up for a bad future ahead for Eastwind. Changes are already taking place, especially with several characters. Once started, this story was hard to put down. 5*
Love Spells Trouble #7 - What a neat spell, but what terrible residuals. Another fun and magical book. There's all kinds of characters from the past, along with trouble for the future. The storyline was pretty good and there's plenty of sexual tension and then some. There's plenty of intrigue and suspense to go with the tension and the humor. One of the characters leaves and I hated to see him go, but the ending still works just fine. 5*
Storm A-Brewin' #8 - Storm picks up a week later from when Love Spells Trouble ended. This is a very good story! All our favorite and not so favorite characters are dealing with a lot of hatred with certain businesses being targeted. The story mirrors the reverse discrimination that's so prominent in the news, but at least the book is interesting and with humor. 5* Eastwind Witches End.
The first six books in this series are entertaining and imaginative. I must be missing something about Texas and its charms because this is the second series of books set in the area that make me want to find a small Texas community and settle in — the first being the “Midnight, Texas” series. In the Eastwind Witches books, Nora, a stressed out workaholic chef has a fatal car accident on a Texas road and makes her way into the fringes of a little town populated with witches, werefolk, elves, fairies, etc., and soon learn that she is herself a witch, a rare type of witch who can communicate with the dead. This is useful when, on her first day in town, she happens upon a murdered werewolf, whose ghost hangs around offering clues that help her find out who killed him. In addition, Nora finds romance with the handsome manager of a restaurant, Tanner, also a witch. Through the series, Nora learns that she cannot help getting involved in whatever mysterious happenings occur in Eastwind, making this an entertaining series of cozy mysteries, heavier on the emotions and politics in town than on blood and gore and specifics of crimes. Book six ends with a preview of book seven, and I’m looking forward to reading on about this charming little town.
The series of 6 averages 3½-4 ☆, with the 1st two books staring off very strongly, on book in the middle that completely lost its way, and book 5 marking an upswing, with mystery winning over a, seemingly, pointless sub-plot.
#6 was also a return to proper 'mystery,' or simply *better* mystery, although I liked Tanner's character a lot less after it. The overly friendly ghost may, or may not, be a replacement for the 'annoying secondary romance,' but the rising tensions between witches and weres, colonist invaders and the indigenous population, is a meatier plot development. Racism and political manoeuvring encouraging it, were not something I expected from a Cosy series, and I have to say, I pleased to be surprised.
5☆ = Loved/Highly Recommend 4☆ = Really Enjoyed 3☆ = Good, Solid, Read 2☆ = Had Potential, or At Least A Decent Premise AND Some Difficult-To-Overlook-Flaws 1☆ = Why?
This "review" is to protest the mis-focus of books in the cozy and light humor categories. I want to read about the plot and the characters, NOT their inability to think of anything besides lust. It's irritating, unfunny, and a crutch to hold up poor ideas and development.
These two reviews from another service are why I didn't buy this box set for FREE:
1.0 out of 5 stars Verified Purchase Oh, get a room! Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2021 Nothing much going on here. Except when will she... Anyway, I finally just gave up. Hope your love life is better than hers.
3.0 out of 5 stars Verified Purchase Did not finish Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2021 The mystery part was good, but I got real tired of the main character's unrequited lust, which appeared in nearly every chapter. THAT should have been resolved at least by the end of the first book, but wasn't. Overshadowed the rest of it.
I was just browsing for something new to read that didn't disappoint when I found this series. From the start it was great. It has easy storylines with cleverly written characters that I have grown to enjoy the farther I get into the series. I have laughed out loud many times ( usually involving grim, Nora's familiar who is awesome). The books are easy reads with mystery, romance, friendship and learning the ropes of her new life which is so different from the life she lead before coming to eastwind. I recommend this series if you like a good cozy mystery wrapped in humor. It is also a clean read with no bad language, no sex scenes or violent descriptions. if that is important to if you read a book or not.
listened to the audio book and must give credit to the narrator who did a really good job.
A supernatural mysteries similar to the TV show Grimm and the series, the Dresden Files. A decent mystery, interesting setting, some good world building and likable characters.
One thing I didn't like is that the book mixes fairy tale, mythology, and the supernatural. That might be more of a pet peeve of mine because the boundaries of those things are pretty fuzzy anyway. It's just that I don't believe werewolves, witches, angels, and the Grim Reaper belong in the same story.
it is really hard to pull off a good fantasy mystery because its hard for the author to explain everything the reader needs to know without giving it away. Nova Nelson does a decent job.
Just finished book 6 and while the whole series is interesting I'm not sure if I'm going to continue. I just keep finding myself so irritated with Tanner. He's just too much of a goody two-shoes! He's likeable enough but the sparks with Nora and Donovan are just SO much better, IMO! I don't have closure on them when it's so clear there is so much chemistry! I can appreciate the author keeping things tame and that this isn't a sleezy sex series but come on! I surely can't be the only one that wants to see these two at least date or something. I have downloaded book 7 on my Kindle but I think if I don't get a little more Donovan instead of Tanner then that'll be the last one. Good series but leaves out so many other interesting possibilities with characters I'd like to know better!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I really liked this set of books, enough to compel me to read them straight through. Great character details, a new and most interesting setting, just lots of good imagination written in a super easy to read style that flows with the fast pace. Sometimes suggestive, but clean otherwise. Wonder conundrums and crimes to solve in this very tricky new plane. Well worth reading if you like your supernatural cozies with a side of impending death and mayhem in the romance department.
What can I say? I did not stop reading until I finished reading all six books. They were that interesting and much more! Characters that were brought to 'life' and who managed to captivate. Nora was a treasure, strong, sassy, Tanner who overcame his 'niceness' and developed jealousy. Werebears, Werewolves, Wereelks, all manner of mystical beings woven together in stories that together not only captured the imagination but held it until the end. Fascinating, if you like the paranormal, you will like this box set.
I bought this set of books as much as a palate cleaner as anything else. After finishing a serious novel, I like to read something lite and fun before starting the next serious book. But I enjoyed these books I so much i didn't want to stop. I felt rewarded with entertainment peppered with moral lessons along the way. Count me a fan.
The writing style, the world and some of the characters are the reasons why I'm in love with the Eastwind series and Nelson's creativity, the world she created is a little gem and the secondary characters have a depth that makes them even more interesting than the MC. That said, the story has a tendency to fall a bit too much and too often in the romance genre more than the mystery one, and that is distracting and off-putting at times.
Very enjoyable series.. The lust factor is not too intrusive while the humor is outstanding. This series is in line with Harry Potter or the Middle Earth series but lighter. I immediately read thru all 6 in the group that was free on Book Bub….an excellent resource by the way. I like the way Nelson gives character to ideas we don’t think of as having it….like Death or Winds. Here and there are philosophical thoughts too about people’s behavior and intents.
This series of 6 books have ghosts, werewolves, several kinds of witches, werebears, wereelks, faeries, leprechauns, and several species of familiars in a town on a different plane. The characters are interesting and quirky. There are murder mysteries, missing persons, and loads of magic. If you like urban fantasy mixed with mystery, you'll love this series. And it isn't over yet. Onto the book 7. Highly recommend.
Gotta say right off the top that I'm now a loyal fan! Talk about life changes... hmmm... yeah, to say the least. Total fantasy that I've gotten totally immersed in. From Ruby to Tanner, to Donovan... and ALL of the others, I'm living my fantasy life vicariously through Nora. Can't wait to see what she & they, get mixed up with next! Thank you, Nova Nelson for creating a world for me to escape into as often as I can. Gotta go get book 7 now!
I like this series. At first I was a little unsure. Each book got better than the one before it. Fairly quick reads. Clean with just hints of romance. Hugs and kisses kind of thing. Looking forward to the next book wish they were a box set too. This last book though…I’m beginning to question Roland’s motives and if he is safe for Nora. We shall see, but I’m not getting a good vibe.
She has a couple of misconceptions about truck drivers. They're not on meth, they take drug tests just like other employees for big businesses. And the semis are equipped with governors which restrict the speed to 65 normally, it's too expense to run something that big at 100 MPH. Otherwise the books are decent murder mysteries with great world building.
This was a typical cozy, in that a woman realizes she is good at mysteries, there's a good looking male love interest, there's a "pet", and there's an unbelievable number of deaths! But, there are also witches, werewolves, leprechauns, and fairies! Oh my! Its a fun read and it did hold my interest. I would recommend as long as you don't expect " serious"!!
Boy did I get that wrong! It's addictive once you start reading you won't be able to put it down. I've just finished reading the entire box set none stop books one to six unputdownable, a whole new magic structure with witches weres of every description lots of magic romance humour mayhem and murder, what's not to love. Recommended read, Baz.
Every story in the book was fast & fun to read. I like the characters, the individual personality of the familiars and can't wait to know more about the people in the story. The prejudice was a real thing & I thought handled well. I will be reading the rest of the series.
After 6 books this book the characters were a bit silly. The action was slim and the story did not have a conclusion to the plot line. Yes Tanner and Nora talked about their problems etc.
I'd recommend this series to anyone who needs a relief from the problems of the world.
I gave it 4 stars because of the lack of conclussion of so many plot lines.
What a wonderful cozy mystery series. Nova Nelson is absolutely paranormal talented, she creates characters you want to get to know, and situations you want to help solve. Bottom line, these are quick reads that continuously call you back to finish to the very last page! Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. I think it is fantastic. Nora's adventures are so thrilling. Couldn't decide which story was the best. Highly recommended for paranormal cozy mystery lovers.
omgosh! every page keeps you on your toes....i can't even start to say which book was better... they all flow together... worth every second to read! especially the late night seconds where you can't put the book down!
I just finished the first 6 books of this series and they kept me reading late into the night. The stories were engaging and intriguing. Plenty of action and I loved all of the main characters and they reacted to each other. You will not be disappointed!