Stella Bixby is a native Coloradan who loves to snowboard, pluck at the guitar, and play board games with her family. She was once a volunteer firefighter and a park ranger, but now spends most of her time making up stories and trying to figure out what to cook for dinner.
Every time I get a Stella Bixby book, I am thrilled beyond words because I just know it's going to be an amazing cozy mystery... and Stella has not disappointed me yet. Before I get into this review, make sure you read Meeting Mona (prequel novella) and Argentina Abduction (novella between books 4 & 5). There's a few clues hidden in those that will help everything make sense in Spelunking Speculation.
Ellie is definitely one of my favorite witches. As she grows into her role, her magic and confidence grows with her. Finding support in a magical community she never knew was right in front of her, she realizes she has more responsibility and power than she wants and has to come to terms with her personal life as a witch. She, with the help of Xander, are on a mission to find a local witch after some gruesome clues are found in the local park. While she goes after the missing witch, she begins to speculate what really happened to her. When they stumble across something shocking, she wonders if it has something to do with her mother or the missing witch, which has Ellie asking more questions about her past and how reliable her powers and "feelings" really are.
While uncovering shocking deception, an actual murderer, and knowledge about her family history, Ellie is also finding love confusing as she is torn between two warlocks, and only one of them is liked by Penelope. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series to see what happens with the two heartthrobs, Ellie's magical growth, and more information on her family search, with a mystery or two along the way.
*I was given an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review. The author did not purchase my review or persuade me in any way. These thoughts and words are my own.*
This is the fifth book in the Magical Mane Mysteries, and it is a stand alone book as is the other four. They can be read in any order, but I would recommend reading at least the first one first to get the background story.
At the end of her class with some of the older ladies from town. One of them mentions that a ring has been found from a cold case of a young girl who simply disappeared.
Ellie is asked to assist if she can.
She discovers where the young girls body has been hidden for many years, at first mistaking it for her mom who she's been searching for for some time now.
She has an admirer coming for a visit from Argentina where she recently visited on a short vacation.
Bernardo is Xander's cousin, and Ellie likes both of them.
But Xander appears to be in a relationship with a girl the Ellie really doesn't like. Not to mention that her pig interrupts them anytime they start to get close, and several people are telling her not to get involved with him but won't give a reason why.
This is really fun story with developed characters and plot with several twists. I really wish the author would finally come out and let us know why Penelope is so strongly against any romantic steps between Xander and Ellie. It's starting to get really old. This has been going on for 5 books now.
This series gets better and better. In my opinion, Spelunking Speculation (A Magical Maine Mystery #5), by Stella Bixby is the best book in the series yet. This time, Ellie gets a magical clue about a dead body in a cave. She stumbles across the granddaughter of Lucy, a client of hers.
As always, the key characters are back which include Jake as Chief of Police and Xander a warlock friend of Ellies. In addition, all of Ellie’s friend including Katie, Bonnie, Renee to name a few are also back as is the introduction of Bernardo, Xander’s cousin. The mystery is well done as Ellie adapts more and more to her magical ability. The pieces did click together for me about 3/4s of the way through, but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of the book. The triangle of Ellie, Bernardo, and Xander kept the story interesting too. What I really loved about this book was the increase in magic and how it’s all working in regards to Ellie. We learn about the Grand Witch, more about people who have magic abilities in the town of Cliff Haven, and how the magical world works along side the real world. And I especially loved learning Mona (Ellie’s Van) has a mind of her own. You become so absorbed in the book, you forget, Cliff Haven and it’s people are fiction.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed this book as much as I like this cover, which is to say, a whole lot! Since book one, I've been all-in to watch Ellie's journey from a wandering yogi to the owner of a magical farm and occupational therapy business. In this installment, we learn more about Ellie's mysterious family and a huge expectation that awaits her. She may be taking on a very important role in the magical world she is just now learning to navigate. I'm so excited to see what happens next.
The central mystery in this book is a good one, I was kept guessing right up until the reveal. I liked the introduction of a witch that can communicate with animals. I would like her to come and chat with my dog!
My favorite scene in the book is not part of the mystery at all, it's a scene between Jake and Ellie. I don't want to spoil it, suffice it to say I love that theme of found family that winds through this series.
I also like Xander and I hope my trust that at the end of the day he will actually be good for Ellie despite what others say, is not misplaced!
Overall, as I have said each time I read a book in this series, if you like a magical cozy, read this series! It's fun and I like that it takes place in Iowa--not a typical cozy town location!
Another interesting book in this series. This one was a little confusing as it was easy to confuse the 2 characters named Misty and Melly May. Once I got near the end it became clear.
Amazon synopsis: When a woman went missing years ago, the official report claimed she was a victim of Deadman's Falls. But her family is convinced there's more to the story. Enter Ellie - back in Cliff Haven after an enlightening trip to Argentina - who finds herself caught up in a new mystery when new evidence is revealed in the case.
Ellie's sleuthing partner, Xander, joins her on what was supposed to be a simple hike in the state park. But as they venture deeper into the wilderness, the sparks between them begin to fly. With the added tension of their growing romantic connection, Ellie and Xander find themselves on a dangerous spelunking expedition, as they uncover clues that could break the case wide open.
As they navigate the treacherous cave system, Ellie and Xander must use their skills and wits to stay alive and solve the mystery. But as the stakes get higher and the danger intensifies, the lines between their personal and professional lives begin to blur. Will they be able to keep their feelings in check and focus on the case, or will their romantic tension put them both in danger?
So this is the fifth in the Magical Mane Mystery series and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order to get a feel for the characters and the arc mystery of Ellie's mother. I would also recommend reading the short story Argentine Abduction (a novella, in the Kindle ebook, at the end of Tango Trouble) or you won't know who Xander’s cousin Bernardo is.
Ellie is back in Cliff Haven with her not Dad Jake, Xander her not boyfriend, and the usual group of friends, Katie, Bonnie, and Grand Witch Renee. Lucy, one of the ladies at the home for witches had a family member go missing years ago, a supposed victim of Deadman's Falls but she suspects there was more to the story. Xander and Ellie set on a hike to check out the area and see what they find. What they discover and see while on their trip, (including exploring a cave) brings up more questions than answers. Ellie's magic is absolutely growing and changing.
I really enjoyed this, story and Penelope is still a favorite of mine. Another excellent, and fun, cozy mystery. Definitely recommend this series for fans of animal sidekicks, cozy mysteries and a little magic.There is a mystery going on in this book, but it's more of a second story line, as the primary is Ellie's expanding magic.
So this is the fifth in the Magical Mane Mystery series. While it can be read as a standalone, I would definitely recommend reading some of the other books in the series just to get a better understanding of the characters. I would also recommend reading the short story Argentine Abduction too.
A woman went missing years ago and when her ring turns up, Ellie is asked to put her newly discovered magical skills to the test and find out what happened to her.
This is such a charming, cozy mystery series and just pure entertainment.
Like the previous books, there's a baffling mystery coupled with some sweet moments and an intriguing cast of characters.
There was a bit of a love triangle going on through the story, too. Xander is no longer holding all of Ellie's affections, which was fun to read.
I'm enjoying seeing Ellie's magical powers grow, but I felt this book changed gears a bit too much in certain respects and introduced some witch lore/characters that I felt was a bit sudden.
Spelunking Speculation is a short yet engaging mystery, perfect if you love your cozy mystery with a witchy twist.
When Ellie and Xander stumble across a body in a cave, now they have to find out who it was, and what happened. When Ellie finds a second body, they begin to wonder if a serial killer is in town…
As always, these cosy paranormal mystery stories are fun. There is so much mystery to the witching world within, and to Ellie’s own background, and the secrets seem to be mounting rather than lessening. There was a little romance in this one, but it’s also part of a love triangle, which I dislike, even though the story was well written and both characters are likeable (also I’m Team Xander lol). It’s an entertaining read, and the mystery had a good twist (or two) to it. That being said, I really hope we get some answers soon! (Especially as to why everyone is down on Xander).
An enjoyable paranormal cosy mystery for cosy fans!
This series seems to not have been planned out as a whole like the author wrote book one then changed the direction of the series in book two. The characters even change later in the series. Renee in book four is not the same as Renee in book five. I do not like Ellie and Xander's relationship in the later books and it's never explained. I believe Bixby is a good author but this book feels like she wrote in sections and put it all together and it never feels like a linear whole book. I'm confused why anyone pregnant would want to kill someone. These murders make no sense. Why would magic houses be tiny? There's so many "whys" in this series that's never explained.
Fun and easy reading . . . great for that quiet afternoon watching the rain fall.
A Bixby book is always a good book and Book Five in the Magical Mane series is no exception. A bit of romantic mayhem, some inner confusion and decisions to be made, and a mystery to solve - these all combine to put Ellie in a bit of a pickle.
Engaging characters and a bit of magic make this book a fun read and a great continuation of Ellie's adventures. I'm looking forward to the next one!
[I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Ellie is back solving mysteries with more turns than you would think possible. With hair changing events Ellie and crew barrel along through one of their most baffling mysteries yet. And when you think you have it figured out, you don't. Mona develops more magic as much as Ellie. All of the characters are here to make you feel like home and you get know one of them even better. More clues as to Ellie's past come at you fast and hard so pay attention. Grab your favorite drink and settle in for a fact enjoyable read.
Best book of the series so far! Buckle up for a magical mystery ride with Ellie & Mona. Just when Ellie thinks she is beginning to understand her magical abilities, she learns to see her abilities in a whole new light. I love this series and I think that this is author Stella Bixby’s best work yet! This story is, quite literally, spellbinding! I cannot recommend this series enough. Just be sure to read to free short story, Argentina Abduction before you read Spelunking Speculation. Buckle up my magical friends!
I am enjoying this series. Ellie is gaining more magic ability every day and with that more challenging decisions to make about her life. She is interested in two guys that are cousins and her pig has her own opinions on that front. This story has Ellie solving an old case and a new case with help from many people. The story is interesting and the characters are coming to be more interesting too. The stories her more and more interesting in this series. This can read ok without the others books but a little better with the books.
I just love this series and seeing how Ellie is growing into her powers. This time not only is she gaining more powers but Mona is too. I wasn't exactly thrilled that she brought in another male character to get Ellie's attention, because I'm team Zander, but the storyline is interesting and really sets up the next book ( well I'm assuming it is). There is a short story, Argentina Abduction, that is helpful to read before this book but if you don't thats ok too.
Every time I receive a Stella Bixby book, I am excited. This is the 5th book in the magical mane cozy mystery series and is as good as the other 4. Ellie is such a loveable character. You want to get to know her more and more with each book. The other characters interact so well with her. These are great cozy mysteries to read. I would recommend to anyone to give thus series a try.
** I received an ARC of thus novel for my honest opinion.
I Liked this book, again as a change of pace. It was good to see the relationships grow. Ellie does need a boyfriend that declares his love for her. She solved it before me again and I didn't see the conclusion as it was until she put it all out there. I think Wix will make a good member to her growing family even if it is temporary. I'm glad I bought the series as these books need to be read that way or you'll miss something you might need later. I still like Penelope as her pet and feel she is magical somehow.
There is a big and important jump between the previous book and this one, which is only hinted at. If you want to fill it in, you have to sign up for the author’s mailing list to get the short story which comes between. The short story is lackluster and disjointed. Book was pretty good, but annoyed by the character inconsistencies and the timeline jump.
I really enjoyed this storyline with Ellie being a witch and a therapist is amazing. I have one question. So after they discover the truth about mellie may and they were talking to trishia Jake said Misty's name like he was asking a question I got confused when they were questioning Tricia
It's always a fun read with Ellie and Penelope. Ellie us finding out more about her powers while trying to solve a murder mystery when a body is found in the cave.Ellie is also mixed up in a bit of a love triangle with Cancer and Bernado. Enjoyed meeting some new /old witches that Will help Ellis find her way.
Ok Murder isn’t funny, but parts of the book were. Enjoyable Ellie book. In this one a friend, Lucy, asks Ellie to help find one of her grandchildren when her ring 💍 is found many years later. They never found her body. Ellie has been working on her tracking, not realizing it’s not a normal witch trait nonetheless. Can she connect the dots?
This was very compelling. These characters just seem to stay with me. A well written book will do that to this reader. The mystery of missing people is resolved, a murder is solved, a new pet joins the family, a pathway forward is reveled for Ellie. Such a good read. Recommend you enjoy it too.
I enjoy this Magical Mane Series. After the loss of my son, former husband of 55 years and my older sister, I knew that I needed some light, fun reading ... Well this series certainly fills the bill. Laughter mystery and a little romance had me giggling out loud.
Spelunking Speculation (A Magical Mane Mystery Series book 5)
Ellie, Penelope, Xander and the gang are together again. Ellie is trying to get her magic under control and learn more about her family. An old mystery lifts it head again. Then a women goes missing.
Ellie is torn between Xander and Bernardo, she's totally frustrated over not being able to find her mother, and guess what folks----she's found another body.
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the character development and it was helpful to the the list of characters in the front of the book. I look forward to the next book.
This book/series is so good. I cannot put it down once I start reading it. The characters and the plot are outstanding. I will try the Rylie Cooper series next.