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Witch in the Woods #5
Deadly Coffin
A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
When Shayla and the gang attend the Enchanted Island Museum celebration for the acquisition of an authentic Dracul coffin, they have no idea the chaos about to unfold. When the dead body of one of the guests is revealed inside the coffin, numerous suspects emerge. Who knew collecting antiques could be so dangerous and cutthroat? In between stakeouts at a seedy pier and chatting up a Papillon dog named Sassy for information, Shayla and Alex once again use their supernatural skills and hunt down the killer. Just when pieces start to come together, Zoie’s friend, Izzy, is kidnapped. With Needles leading the charge, can Shayla identify the killer and save Izzy too? If you like paranormal cozy mysteries and midlife main characters, then this series is for you!
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
When Shayla and the gang attend the Enchanted Island Museum celebration for the acquisition of an authentic Dracul coffin, they have no idea the chaos about to unfold. When the dead body of one of the guests is revealed inside the coffin, numerous suspects emerge. Who knew collecting antiques could be so dangerous and cutthroat? In between stakeouts at a seedy pier and chatting up a Papillon dog named Sassy for information, Shayla and Alex once again use their supernatural skills and hunt down the killer. Just when pieces start to come together, Zoie’s friend, Izzy, is kidnapped. With Needles leading the charge, can Shayla identify the killer and save Izzy too? If you like paranormal cozy mysteries and midlife main characters, then this series is for you!
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2021
592 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Jenna St. James
135 books275 followersJenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 22, 2021
Enchanted Island and the various paranormal characters has become a favorite of mine to to visit. Ms. St. James' writing brings the island and the characters to life. Murder, multiple suspects, kidnapping and plenty of twists keep Shayla and Alex busy. Another fun and engaging addition to this series.
January 28, 2024
I didn’t care for this story at all. Couldn’t hold my interest, even for the short 4 hr. audiobook.
September 10, 2023
I received this AUDIOBOOK for free. My opinions are my own. / There may be mild spoilers
A favorite thing about this series: NO Love Triangle
Things I loved about this book: Follow up with characters from a previous book / Follow-up on plot points
What I don't like: Zoe and at least one other teenager are allowed/encouraged to investigate events peripheral to a murder and are lucky not to end up dead. / Shayla promises to text details to someone on what is an active case
Contents: Adult mentions going home "for the rest of the tour" and her still being there.
A favorite thing about this series: NO Love Triangle
Things I loved about this book: Follow up with characters from a previous book / Follow-up on plot points
What I don't like: Zoe and at least one other teenager are allowed/encouraged to investigate events peripheral to a murder and are lucky not to end up dead. / Shayla promises to text details to someone on what is an active case
Contents: Adult mentions going home "for the rest of the tour" and her still being there.
July 9, 2021
Deadly Coffin is Book 5 in the Witch in the Woods Series by Jenna St. James.
I am HIGHLY addicted to this series. It is a great cozy paranormal womens fiction series that I can't get enough of. The world building is incredible and the story flows so perfectly.
Shayla and the crew attend the Enchanted Island Museum which is hosting a special night for acquiring an Dracul coffin. When the coffin is opened in the most grand fashion, a dead body is revealed of one of the guests that was in attendance.
Shayla joins her Sherriff boyfriend Alex in investigating the murder. There was so much action in this book, I literally stayed up until 1:00 am reading it. I absolutely love all the characters and the mystery is fantastic. Needles is my favorite!
I highly recommend this book . Do yourself a favor and start with book 1 , all the books are equally fantastic and great mysteries.
I am HIGHLY addicted to this series. It is a great cozy paranormal womens fiction series that I can't get enough of. The world building is incredible and the story flows so perfectly.
Shayla and the crew attend the Enchanted Island Museum which is hosting a special night for acquiring an Dracul coffin. When the coffin is opened in the most grand fashion, a dead body is revealed of one of the guests that was in attendance.
Shayla joins her Sherriff boyfriend Alex in investigating the murder. There was so much action in this book, I literally stayed up until 1:00 am reading it. I absolutely love all the characters and the mystery is fantastic. Needles is my favorite!
I highly recommend this book . Do yourself a favor and start with book 1 , all the books are equally fantastic and great mysteries.
July 21, 2021
Good
Shayla teams up with Alex to investigate a murder at the supernatural museum (Zoie’s best friend Izzy’s parents own it).
When Izzy disappears, Shayla and Needles (her magical miniature porcupine guard) rush to find her.
This is another enjoyable addition to this paranormal mystery series. A quick read, it’s fast paced and action packed.
Perfect for curling up to read one evening.
Recommended for those who enjoy light hearted paranormal mystery books.
Shayla teams up with Alex to investigate a murder at the supernatural museum (Zoie’s best friend Izzy’s parents own it).
When Izzy disappears, Shayla and Needles (her magical miniature porcupine guard) rush to find her.
This is another enjoyable addition to this paranormal mystery series. A quick read, it’s fast paced and action packed.
Perfect for curling up to read one evening.
Recommended for those who enjoy light hearted paranormal mystery books.
March 30, 2022
Enjoyable series.
I've been just kind of sighing that they have an elderly secretary/dispatcher because it's a magical island (although those are two completely different occupations)...
... but I'm so tired of books perpetuating the myth that you have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing! No, you don't. That's literally something that was made up for a movie in the 1970's and everyone just kind of kept it. It has absolutely no basis in fact.
I've been just kind of sighing that they have an elderly secretary/dispatcher because it's a magical island (although those are two completely different occupations)...
... but I'm so tired of books perpetuating the myth that you have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing! No, you don't. That's literally something that was made up for a movie in the 1970's and everyone just kind of kept it. It has absolutely no basis in fact.
July 21, 2021
Another wonderful addition to this fun series. I love all the characters and the setting. Totally magical. Plenty of suspects for this good mystery and I didn’t guess the killer. Fun watching Zoie developing her powers. Definitely read the series in order to fully enjoy and watch the character and relationships grow.
July 25, 2021
Good read, nice touch of humor as well
A fun summer read, we've read the entire series up to here and I think I have a new favorite author. Characters are engaging, consistent, in Needles case adorable, and a safe and engrossing read for both adults and teens. Very much appreciated.
A fun summer read, we've read the entire series up to here and I think I have a new favorite author. Characters are engaging, consistent, in Needles case adorable, and a safe and engrossing read for both adults and teens. Very much appreciated.
July 26, 2021
Coffin of Death
Great story. Love the characters.
In this book, Shayla is at an opening exhibition of a coffin that belonged in Dracula's family. When the coffin is unveiled there is a dead body in the coffin. As the investigation starts there is a kidnapping. Just when you thought nothing else was going to happen another mystery is solved.
Definitely a great book.
Great story. Love the characters.
In this book, Shayla is at an opening exhibition of a coffin that belonged in Dracula's family. When the coffin is unveiled there is a dead body in the coffin. As the investigation starts there is a kidnapping. Just when you thought nothing else was going to happen another mystery is solved.
Definitely a great book.
August 27, 2021
Unique, fun and fabulous.
Book 5 of the Witch in the Woods series is a fun, fast read. The characters and their relationships continue to grow and they get more interesting with each book. The world created in this series is unique and fascinating. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Book 5 of the Witch in the Woods series is a fun, fast read. The characters and their relationships continue to grow and they get more interesting with each book. The world created in this series is unique and fascinating. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 12, 2021
Wonderful premise, an island where almost everyone is magical. Every book has a murder to be solved and every book has people with different interesting magical talents. The characters are believable and although they are stand-alone books, there is a romantic thread running through them. Can’t wait for the next one. Well done!
December 13, 2021
A real Death and a Fake one.
Love the different paranormals that populate this series. Even though they have spectacular powers, the relationship issues are the same as those of normal individuals. The crimes are the same. The reasons are the same. Lots of action. Moving on to book 6.
Love the different paranormals that populate this series. Even though they have spectacular powers, the relationship issues are the same as those of normal individuals. The crimes are the same. The reasons are the same. Lots of action. Moving on to book 6.
January 24, 2022
Good read
Book 5 has humor, mystery, murder, and a lot of magical characters including witches, a gargoyle sheriff, vampires, and a werewolf deputy. And don't forget Needles, a flying porcupine and Black Forrest King, Shayla's father. If you like cozy paranormal mysteries, you'll love this series. Highly recommend.
Book 5 has humor, mystery, murder, and a lot of magical characters including witches, a gargoyle sheriff, vampires, and a werewolf deputy. And don't forget Needles, a flying porcupine and Black Forrest King, Shayla's father. If you like cozy paranormal mysteries, you'll love this series. Highly recommend.
March 1, 2023
Who knew
Who would ever guess reading cosy paranormal books would be such fun!? I can't read them fast enough! I enjoy trying new authors. Some I really enjoy. Jenna St. James is one of my favourites! I know with every new book I read of Jenna's it will be awesome. If you want a good story with humour, mystery a smidgen of romance, grab one of Jenna's. You won't be sorry.
Who would ever guess reading cosy paranormal books would be such fun!? I can't read them fast enough! I enjoy trying new authors. Some I really enjoy. Jenna St. James is one of my favourites! I know with every new book I read of Jenna's it will be awesome. If you want a good story with humour, mystery a smidgen of romance, grab one of Jenna's. You won't be sorry.
April 16, 2023
Enjoying this mystery series
Oh Needles is my favorite character , this really fun cozy mystery series with neat supernatural twist some comedy and side of romance . I like the wide range of of ages and even different types of supernatural characters Zoey is fun character and noe she can understand hear needles it is great .
Oh Needles is my favorite character , this really fun cozy mystery series with neat supernatural twist some comedy and side of romance . I like the wide range of of ages and even different types of supernatural characters Zoey is fun character and noe she can understand hear needles it is great .
May 24, 2023
Awesome series!
Shayla's back with another case to solve with Alex. This time Izzy, Zoie's best friend, is kidnapped in the process. Zoie is Alex's 16 year old daughter. She's a young witch who's being mentored by Shayla, Serenity, and Gigi (Shayla's family) learning her powers.
This series keeps getting better and better with each book!
Shayla's back with another case to solve with Alex. This time Izzy, Zoie's best friend, is kidnapped in the process. Zoie is Alex's 16 year old daughter. She's a young witch who's being mentored by Shayla, Serenity, and Gigi (Shayla's family) learning her powers.
This series keeps getting better and better with each book!
October 27, 2023
I really like how the characters in this story has evolved with each book and especially how Shyla, the main character, is always willing to help others out, even a young man she thought was stalking her. The plot is easily followed and the premise is to do no harm and keep others from harming. I most definitely recommend this book.
February 3, 2024
If you're looking for something light and enjoyable that doesn't leave you devastated and throwing things at the wall(lol) I have something for you. 0 spice. Jenna St. James has a series, A Witch in the Woods, of paranormal cozy mysteries. Witches, gargoyles, merpeople, silkies and all of the things on an enchanted island. Enjoy
January 24, 2025
Love the love
There is so much to love in this series. The mystery level is always perfect. I can set it down and ponder, be driven to finish at the same time. The love between family is so refreshing let alone the in hurried yet obviously deeply committed relationship Shayla is in is sweet. Zoie is developing into quite the Witch herself.
There is so much to love in this series. The mystery level is always perfect. I can set it down and ponder, be driven to finish at the same time. The love between family is so refreshing let alone the in hurried yet obviously deeply committed relationship Shayla is in is sweet. Zoie is developing into quite the Witch herself.
April 9, 2025
This installment of A Witch in the Woods series has a couple of murders and a kidnapping to keep readers enthralled while attempting to solve the mystery with Shayla and Alex. I love that animals are featured in this series. Shayla has amazing gifts that come from both sides of her family and make reading about her adventures so intriguing.
July 20, 2021
Good series
I like the idea of a paranormal island with a variety of characters and abilities. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. I can’t wait to see the next step in Shayla’s life.
I like the idea of a paranormal island with a variety of characters and abilities. The plot and subplots move quickly and the conversations flow naturally. I can’t wait to see the next step in Shayla’s life.
July 21, 2021
Great read
A victim with a laundry list of likely suspects, a kidnapped teen, and a missing citizen. Somehow they manage to solve all of them. I enjoyed all the action, the glimpses of Shayla's powers, and Zoie's growing powers.
A victim with a laundry list of likely suspects, a kidnapped teen, and a missing citizen. Somehow they manage to solve all of them. I enjoyed all the action, the glimpses of Shayla's powers, and Zoie's growing powers.
March 14, 2023
Mystery at the museum
It seems the peaceful life on the island all changed to murder and mayhem as soon as Shayla came home. This time a murder and a kidnapping keep everyone guessing in a fun read
It seems the peaceful life on the island all changed to murder and mayhem as soon as Shayla came home. This time a murder and a kidnapping keep everyone guessing in a fun read
November 6, 2023
Deadly Coffin: Book 5
Lots of adventures solving murders, kidnapping and antique cons. I was completely taken in by Chester's sister faking her own death and helping her brother con more suckers. Fortunately his adorable dog Sassy was saved by Shayla. Happy ending finally.
Lots of adventures solving murders, kidnapping and antique cons. I was completely taken in by Chester's sister faking her own death and helping her brother con more suckers. Fortunately his adorable dog Sassy was saved by Shayla. Happy ending finally.
February 20, 2024
On to book 6
These are so much fun, never over the top with the magic, more their intelligence carries them through, which make for great stories. Still laugh at the characters last names, what an imagination and what a talented writer.
These are so much fun, never over the top with the magic, more their intelligence carries them through, which make for great stories. Still laugh at the characters last names, what an imagination and what a talented writer.
July 1, 2024
Fanastic series
Love the characters, their interactions & the relationships they have built together. Looking forward to reading all the books in this series that you can not put down once you start,
Love the characters, their interactions & the relationships they have built together. Looking forward to reading all the books in this series that you can not put down once you start,
August 7, 2024
What a cool museum
This magical island sounds like a wonderful place to live...this story was great at keeping me on my toes. Two stories in one and I only had part of the bad ppl wrong...threw me for a baby twist.
This magical island sounds like a wonderful place to live...this story was great at keeping me on my toes. Two stories in one and I only had part of the bad ppl wrong...threw me for a baby twist.
October 18, 2024
Good read. Zoie needs to listen to what adults have to say and stay out of danger! Alex and Shayla are getting closer romantically. This story was well written. I love all the regular characters and meeting new ones on the way.
April 5, 2025
This book topped them all so far.
I really enjoyed this book in the series. I totally had no idea who killed who until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book. I am sure it will be just as good.
I really enjoyed this book in the series. I totally had no idea who killed who until the end. I cannot wait to read the next book. I am sure it will be just as good.
July 23, 2021
Great book
This is a great series by Jenna St James. I love the characters and I can't wait for the next book.
This is a great series by Jenna St James. I love the characters and I can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews