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English Village Witch #4
'Twas the Bite Before Christmas
It’s up to Evelyn Eldritch to solve the mince pie murder. But first, she must save Christmas…
When a young woman is murdered at the village pub during the office Secret Santa, Evelyn believes one of the partying colleagues must be guilty. But she’s equally suspicious of a vainglorious vampire who bit off more than he could chew when he messed with Evelyn’s family. He’d better watch out because novice witch Evelyn Eldritch knows how to cast magical spells… or at least she tries to.
Looking impressive in his police uniform (at last) Detective Inspector Alex Taylor has warned Evelyn to stay off the case. But this time she can’t. This time, it’s family. To protect her nephew, the village, and the world of magic, Evelyn must not only solve a murder, but also cheer up a depressed weather god, wrangle a vampire, and kiss Alex under the mistletoe…. well, the kissing’s probably not necessary, but it’s Christmas!
When a young woman is murdered at the village pub during the office Secret Santa, Evelyn believes one of the partying colleagues must be guilty. But she’s equally suspicious of a vainglorious vampire who bit off more than he could chew when he messed with Evelyn’s family. He’d better watch out because novice witch Evelyn Eldritch knows how to cast magical spells… or at least she tries to.
Looking impressive in his police uniform (at last) Detective Inspector Alex Taylor has warned Evelyn to stay off the case. But this time she can’t. This time, it’s family. To protect her nephew, the village, and the world of magic, Evelyn must not only solve a murder, but also cheer up a depressed weather god, wrangle a vampire, and kiss Alex under the mistletoe…. well, the kissing’s probably not necessary, but it’s Christmas!
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
135 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 8, 2021
On wow, this author continues to pull out all the stops by creating a fun, entertaining and magical mystery. I loved this book just as much as the first book and the series continues to stay fresh and exciting. This is book four in the series and normally I will read a book and then wait a few weeks before starting the next in the series but I can't do that with this series. I have actually found I can't wait to start the next book while the characters are still fresh in my mind, you don't have to read them in order but oh they are so much better if you do and then you also don't miss out on all the fun. I really liked the mystery side to this story, as every time I thought I had a handle on the killer the author hit me with another twist and with so much going on it kept me hooked. The characters are what I love best about this series. I must admit the author had me worried about one of them there for a while and I can't wait to start the next book to see what Valentines has in store for them. I also like the way each book is set around a holiday or celebration and magic is the reason behind the festivities for the small English country village.
Christmas is a magical time of year and for the village of maiden on Avon that is even more so with most of the villagers being of magic. But there is a problem with all the murders in the village and unrest, things are out of balance and Jack Frost is unable to sheppard in the cold weather needed for the new season and stuck as annoying talking seagull he needs Evelyn's help. The trainee witch also has her hands full with a rogue Vampire that is targeting her and her nephew Luke. The only way to help them both is to solve a Christmas party murder. A young girl was poisoned while eating a mince pie, as she brought them the only people who had access to them was her work colleagues but which one and why? The murder proves to be just as complicated as getting a certain grumpy detective under a sprig of mistletoe when another body is found, this time with bite marks in her neck. Is the vampire problem bigger than she thought? Or is it the same killer? If only Evelyn had a fairy godmother to help solve the case.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Christmas is a magical time of year and for the village of maiden on Avon that is even more so with most of the villagers being of magic. But there is a problem with all the murders in the village and unrest, things are out of balance and Jack Frost is unable to sheppard in the cold weather needed for the new season and stuck as annoying talking seagull he needs Evelyn's help. The trainee witch also has her hands full with a rogue Vampire that is targeting her and her nephew Luke. The only way to help them both is to solve a Christmas party murder. A young girl was poisoned while eating a mince pie, as she brought them the only people who had access to them was her work colleagues but which one and why? The murder proves to be just as complicated as getting a certain grumpy detective under a sprig of mistletoe when another body is found, this time with bite marks in her neck. Is the vampire problem bigger than she thought? Or is it the same killer? If only Evelyn had a fairy godmother to help solve the case.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
January 1, 2023
Supernatural Festive Murder Mystery
Evelyn is a novice witch, living in a small town full of both other supernatural beings, and humans who, being human, do not see magical occurrences. When a local is poisoned, Evelyn decides to help police officer, Alex, who is also the object of her affection.
Vampires, werewolves and demi-gods combine in this, sometimes laugh out loud story, to create an off-beat murder mystery. Great entertainment
Evelyn is a novice witch, living in a small town full of both other supernatural beings, and humans who, being human, do not see magical occurrences. When a local is poisoned, Evelyn decides to help police officer, Alex, who is also the object of her affection.
Vampires, werewolves and demi-gods combine in this, sometimes laugh out loud story, to create an off-beat murder mystery. Great entertainment
December 5, 2021
This is a truly magical story of Christmas in Marvelton from this enjoyable series.
Apprentice witch Evelyn Eldritch conducts magic and solve murders alongside Detective Alex and other characters - with the help of tea and cake from her cafe.
As the story unfolds we are transported into an intriguing magical world where nothing is what it seems, but some how becomes right in the end for all the characters! This is wonderfully descriptive and perfectly magical story for the Christmas season.
Apprentice witch Evelyn Eldritch conducts magic and solve murders alongside Detective Alex and other characters - with the help of tea and cake from her cafe.
As the story unfolds we are transported into an intriguing magical world where nothing is what it seems, but some how becomes right in the end for all the characters! This is wonderfully descriptive and perfectly magical story for the Christmas season.
June 25, 2021
A seagull, Jack frost, and mistletoe
Vampires, murder, and lots of magic make Christmas in Maiden unlike any other. Can Evie save Luke? Will Alex and Evie find the murder and themselves? Lots of action and misdirected efforts wind throughout this tale. Can't wait for the next installment.
Vampires, murder, and lots of magic make Christmas in Maiden unlike any other. Can Evie save Luke? Will Alex and Evie find the murder and themselves? Lots of action and misdirected efforts wind throughout this tale. Can't wait for the next installment.
June 20, 2021
After really enjoying the first 3 books in this fun and original cosy mystery series, it was a real pleasure to read this 4th installment - this time set at the festive season.
The story starts with an incongruous murder at an office party in the village pub - where a bite of an innocent-looking mince pie proves fatal to one of the guests. But there's more to come, as apprentice witch Evelyn once again gets on the case as an amateur sleuth - helped (and often hindered!) by the local detective Alex Taylor, who'd much rather she left the police work to him - but for whom of course she has other 'extra-curricular' plans.
But there's an extra bite to come for Evelyn, as a vampire from beyond the veil has his own devilish plans for her.... and it all comes to a head at a swish ball at a local manor house.
Can Evelyn once again put the clues together, solve the mystery and find the murderer? Or will she instead find something shocking in her stocking!
This was again a well-crafted and beautifully written book from this enjoyable series, full of warmth, humour, mystery and intrigue - and of course the odd red herring along the way. The chapter set at the ball was wonderfully magical and descriptive, and as a reader you feel you're also along for the ride.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, as well as a couple of genuine surprises. But I won't reveal any more - you'll just have to read it for yourself, and see what the most wonderful time of the year has in store for a spellbound Evelyn!
The story starts with an incongruous murder at an office party in the village pub - where a bite of an innocent-looking mince pie proves fatal to one of the guests. But there's more to come, as apprentice witch Evelyn once again gets on the case as an amateur sleuth - helped (and often hindered!) by the local detective Alex Taylor, who'd much rather she left the police work to him - but for whom of course she has other 'extra-curricular' plans.
But there's an extra bite to come for Evelyn, as a vampire from beyond the veil has his own devilish plans for her.... and it all comes to a head at a swish ball at a local manor house.
Can Evelyn once again put the clues together, solve the mystery and find the murderer? Or will she instead find something shocking in her stocking!
This was again a well-crafted and beautifully written book from this enjoyable series, full of warmth, humour, mystery and intrigue - and of course the odd red herring along the way. The chapter set at the ball was wonderfully magical and descriptive, and as a reader you feel you're also along for the ride.
There are plenty of twists and turns along the way, as well as a couple of genuine surprises. But I won't reveal any more - you'll just have to read it for yourself, and see what the most wonderful time of the year has in store for a spellbound Evelyn!
August 12, 2022
Another great story!
I really like these quirky characters and the beautiful village of Maiden-upon-Avon. Evelyn continues to learn witchcraft from her highly inappropriate granny Joanie. Leia and Luke make such a cute couple. And the dangerously handsome green-eyed and dimpled DI Taylor still has Evelyn swooning.
These stories are a joy to read and I find myself laughing aloud and annoying my cat who usually sleeps by my side when I read. I look forward to the next story.
I really like these quirky characters and the beautiful village of Maiden-upon-Avon. Evelyn continues to learn witchcraft from her highly inappropriate granny Joanie. Leia and Luke make such a cute couple. And the dangerously handsome green-eyed and dimpled DI Taylor still has Evelyn swooning.
These stories are a joy to read and I find myself laughing aloud and annoying my cat who usually sleeps by my side when I read. I look forward to the next story.
October 19, 2022
Well, what a surprise or three in this book! There is Avery nasty black vampire in town. Sadly he’d been invited there & could only be got rid of by shooting with a gold crossbow bolt! He attacks Luke & infects him much to Evelyn’s horror. There is a works party happening at the pub & someone gets murdered.
There are more murders as the tale unfolds & lots & lots of surprises! Loved the book.
There are more murders as the tale unfolds & lots & lots of surprises! Loved the book.
November 7, 2022
Evelyn and Friends
Evelyn is growing into her magical abilities but still isn't strong enough to be able to control her beginner magic yet. She finds out about her real father and that her nephew is really her half brother. And that she has more power than she even expected. Great story with more stories to go.
Evelyn is growing into her magical abilities but still isn't strong enough to be able to control her beginner magic yet. She finds out about her real father and that her nephew is really her half brother. And that she has more power than she even expected. Great story with more stories to go.
January 18, 2023
Their simple minds
I have always appreciated the mingling of species, but not the ruling that human minds are to feeble to understand different. Really wanted to see what would happen when the police inspector was filled in on the towns secrets. Having the heroines problems multiplied makes for interesting reading. I like to call that type of situation "Life".
I have always appreciated the mingling of species, but not the ruling that human minds are to feeble to understand different. Really wanted to see what would happen when the police inspector was filled in on the towns secrets. Having the heroines problems multiplied makes for interesting reading. I like to call that type of situation "Life".
March 14, 2023
Loved it!
'Twas The Bite Before Christmas is finally bringing the romance! This series has been really good so far--the storylines keep me intrigued and turning the pages, book after book, and now they've stepped up their game as Evie finally gets her kiss from her hunky Detective Alex Taylor. Loved it!
'Twas The Bite Before Christmas is finally bringing the romance! This series has been really good so far--the storylines keep me intrigued and turning the pages, book after book, and now they've stepped up their game as Evie finally gets her kiss from her hunky Detective Alex Taylor. Loved it!
February 25, 2023
'Twas The Bite Before Christmas
What a very enjoyable experience this book was! The characters add a lot to Ms Reed's story. These characters are silly and scary and mostly a little bit wacky!! The only way to really enjoy these stories is to grab a copy for yourself asap!!
What a very enjoyable experience this book was! The characters add a lot to Ms Reed's story. These characters are silly and scary and mostly a little bit wacky!! The only way to really enjoy these stories is to grab a copy for yourself asap!!
May 26, 2023
Will it snow for Christmas?
Great story of vampires and magic and an annoying seagull.
Many twists and turns and of courseca murder or 3 that Evelyn and Alex have to solve.
Highly recomend this - if you haven't read from book 1 you must start and catch up!!!
Great story of vampires and magic and an annoying seagull.
Many twists and turns and of courseca murder or 3 that Evelyn and Alex have to solve.
Highly recomend this - if you haven't read from book 1 you must start and catch up!!!
July 11, 2022
Whimsical
Playful and creative writer Rosie Reed's pulls you in and gets you hooked with her whimsical books!
Enjoy the read.
Playful and creative writer Rosie Reed's pulls you in and gets you hooked with her whimsical books!
Enjoy the read.
September 17, 2022
I love my series! And this one is adorable. The mystery is engrossing, the characters are extremely likable and I happen to like a little romance in the story.
December 26, 2022
A perfect read for Christmas ( and any other day of the year), I loved it.
February 7, 2023
3.25 stars
November 26, 2023
2.5 ⭐️⭐️
Easy read. I like the main character dynamics.
Easy read. I like the main character dynamics.
April 25, 2024
Hmmm
Now normally i really enjoy vampire books but I for some reason couldn't get into this one but can't figure out why
Now normally i really enjoy vampire books but I for some reason couldn't get into this one but can't figure out why
November 22, 2025
Love Story
Very intriguing for two people who just met Supernatural people and their friends and family. I especially like Dijuana and Jaqua
Very intriguing for two people who just met Supernatural people and their friends and family. I especially like Dijuana and Jaqua
October 11, 2023
Great story. I highly recommend this series.
June 22, 2025
Entertaining and interesting
August 16, 2022
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/07/08/4-...
‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas is the fourth book in the English Village Witch Cozy mystery series by Rosie Reed, and we picked up where we left off.
We have reunited with novice witch Evie, her love interest and copper, Alex, as well as her aunt Joanie, nephew Luke, and his girlfriend Leia, who also waitresses for Evie at Magic Cakes Cafe. There are twists and turns to the story as there are many murders to be solved. There are also magic, witches, vampires, and other magical creatures and demons known as the Beings of Magic by those in the magic world. They live among the humans looking and acting like humans, and the real humans don’t see the magic happening around them even though it happens all the time.
As we are introduced to the new characters, it took me a while to sort them all out, whether they were dead or alive. Set at Christmas in their quaint English village, we are privy to some of the traditions they follow. The story has a good flow as Evie once again is helping Alex solve a case or two by helping to find clues, piece them together and chat with some of the suspects. Primarily since all the victims work for the same company. Alex knows Evie’s always up to something. He just can’t put his finger on what it is.
Things are going on in Luke’s life, and Evie is trying to help him get some rest and figure out how to get him back to his normal self. There are some laugh-out-loud moments and lots of descriptions of the crimes and the magic.
There is closure with the crimes solved, but there are hints of what’s to come in the following books. I love the details on the cover that depict different parts of the story, and the vibrant colors drew me in. The author’s titles are always playful and very apropos to the book, and this one didn’t disappoint.
With fun and playful characters and fulfilling mystery, Ms. Reed has delivered another winner for the English Village Witch Cozy mystery series.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/07/08/4-...
‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas is the fourth book in the English Village Witch Cozy mystery series by Rosie Reed, and we picked up where we left off.
We have reunited with novice witch Evie, her love interest and copper, Alex, as well as her aunt Joanie, nephew Luke, and his girlfriend Leia, who also waitresses for Evie at Magic Cakes Cafe. There are twists and turns to the story as there are many murders to be solved. There are also magic, witches, vampires, and other magical creatures and demons known as the Beings of Magic by those in the magic world. They live among the humans looking and acting like humans, and the real humans don’t see the magic happening around them even though it happens all the time.
As we are introduced to the new characters, it took me a while to sort them all out, whether they were dead or alive. Set at Christmas in their quaint English village, we are privy to some of the traditions they follow. The story has a good flow as Evie once again is helping Alex solve a case or two by helping to find clues, piece them together and chat with some of the suspects. Primarily since all the victims work for the same company. Alex knows Evie’s always up to something. He just can’t put his finger on what it is.
Things are going on in Luke’s life, and Evie is trying to help him get some rest and figure out how to get him back to his normal self. There are some laugh-out-loud moments and lots of descriptions of the crimes and the magic.
There is closure with the crimes solved, but there are hints of what’s to come in the following books. I love the details on the cover that depict different parts of the story, and the vibrant colors drew me in. The author’s titles are always playful and very apropos to the book, and this one didn’t disappoint.
With fun and playful characters and fulfilling mystery, Ms. Reed has delivered another winner for the English Village Witch Cozy mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews