What a great collection!
Oh wow, there were so many great stories in this anthology! I highly recommend it to any paracozy lover! It’s such a great way to find new-to-me-favorite authors, as well as read the stories by already-favorite authors!
I’ll review per story, and also add the description per story:
Lost Cases and Hallowed Places by Trixie Silvertale -
A remote cabin. A hidden chest. Will this psychic sleuth find treasure or tragedy? Mitzy Moon thinks exploring the wooded island will be fun, but a trapped spirit has other plans. If she and her alchemist mentor can't solve the mystery of the missing witch, the consequences will be deadly!
My review: Getting used to living in a tiny town that tech forgot.
Mitzy is googling how to read a map, but yes, Mitzy, you will need that skill when you go to places with bad cell reception! LOL! What a wonderful story! Such great sense of humor. It was so good that I just wanted to read as fast as I could, but at the same time read slowly to savor it! This story falls between books 1 and 2.
Crystals, Cauldrons, and Crime by Shéa MacLeod -
Edwina Gale started every morning for twenty years with a maple bacon donut. Until the day the donut maker disappeared under mysterious circumstances, leaving Edwina sans donut and with mystery on her hands. Supernatural citizens are disappearing during the full moon and it's her job to find out why.
My review: I love this sense of humor!
I loved the tone of this story, LOVED the style! What an exciting story! Edwina is a no-nonsense kind of witch and she means business and she has a strong sense of right and wrong and justice, and I liked her for it.
All in Vein by Jane Hinchey -
She's an ex-assassin. He's ex-military. Together they are Clean Scene Inc, where blood splatter matters, and these vamps, along with their adorable vampire kitty, Fang, are on the case.
My review: Fantastic story! It was so interesting! This is a new-to-me author who I will definitely be following!
Lunar Croakies by Sam Cheever -
Moon Madness has hit Croakies like an out-of-control freight train. My demon dog is howling at the moon. Somebody ate one of my neighbors. And things are falling apart up and down Arcane Avenue. Buckle up lunar lovers. Things are about to get bumpy.
My review: Great fun! Wicked sense of humor ;) Really, it’s So. Much. Fun!
The Sigil Detective by Kirsten Weiss -
Metaphysical detective Riga was never all powerful, but she was once a lot more magical than she is now. Now, she's back to basics... and trapped in a faux-Viking village. But will brains and the basics of magic be enough to bring a murderer to justice?
My review: This was a good story. Well crafted, and I liked it. A sort of practical writing style, no frills and I really appreciate that!
Murder in the Moonlight by J A Whiting -
Peggy, Jennifer, and Nadine are middle-aged women with "special" skills. Nicknamed the "Murder Posse," they're members of their town's murder mystery book club. While working to set up the annual Halloween celebration, something unexpected happens. Will they figure out who the killer is before he or she comes for them?
My review: Enjoyable story. I liked it! I will be reading more by this author!
Jinx Are On Me by Rebecca Regnier -
In Widow's Bay, an empty nest coven of witches keep supernatural forces in balance. But lately, a series of seemingly random, and potentially dangerous accidents are turning Widow's Bay upside down. Midlife witch, and local reporter, Marzie Nowak, teams up with her best witchy friends to try to uncover what's turned their cozy town into chaos.
My review: I really liked this one. Now it’s time for me to read a full-length book by this author, because this story was promising!
Once in a Brew Moon by Erin Johnson -
This is the prequel to the Magical Tea Room Mysteries
It's All Hallows Eve, and the fortune-telling festivities abound at a magical party near charming Bath, England. Only no one predicted that the coven leader would be poisoned! Now, new witch, Minnie, and her vampire bestie, Gus, must catch the killer before Gus's secret gets out.
My review: I love Minnie! And Gus too! I love all Ms Johnson stories and this one was no exception, what great fun! Clever mystery.
Luna the Magickless Fluff by Molly Fitz -
If you've never been to a magical cat wedding, then you are definitely missing out! But with so many supernatural creatures gathered in one small space, there's bound to be a kerfuffle or two. Luckily, Gracie Springs, resident human, wedding planner, and familiar extraordinaire, is on the case.
My review: So easy-to-read, and I caught myself smiling a lot! Loved it!!! Quirky and original!
Drac’s Back by Summer Prescott -
A notorious vampire mends his bloodthirsty ways, settles into a relatively normal life in small-town Iowa, and discovers a delightful gal. But when a body is discovered, suspicious glances are quickly cast his way. Can he solve the crime and get the girl, or will he meet his fiery end?
My review: What a great story! Well done, well crafted and very entertaining!
Maggie's Missing Moonstone by Morgan Vale -
When Maggie is chosen to host the Lunar Festival, she knows she's going to have her hands full. There's just one problem: her ceremonial moonstone goes missing! With the help of her quirky grandma and some good old-fashioned magic, will she be able to earn the Moon's Blessing for another year?
My review: Enjoyable and fun! Some depth added as well, which made it quite layered for a short!
Totally in Moon by Wendy Meadows -
Thea has a gift, but her bubble of tranquility is soon dashed when death comes calling. Thrust into investigating a mysterious death, working with her cat, Pebbles, she learns a date with destiny doesn't always arrive when you're ready.
My review: It was a good story, I enjoyed it.
The Case of the Magic Moon by Nikki Haverstock -
Ella's invited along for a Magic Moon girls' weekend. She doesn't know anyone at the snowed-in mansion, except her sidekick and her black cat familiar, which makes it tricky to be a sleuth when a group spat escalates into unexpected murder.
My review: I love Ms Haverstock’s books! I adore the Casino Witch series! And this one was another awesome story!
Doom and Moon by Nova Nelson -
A night shift at Eastwind's 24-hour diner turns chilling for Nora Ashcroft when her psychic landlady arrives with shocking news: someone is about to be murdered there. To trap the murderer inside, they must lock all the doors... and wait. Who will die, and who is the killer?
My review: Loved being back in Eastwind!!! Wonderful story, with Nelson’s usual sarcasm and fun!
Dead on a Blue Moon by Lily Webb -
The magical residents of Starfall Valley live according to the stars. But when a once-in-a-lifetime Blue Moon illuminates new clues in an unsolved murder, it's up to psychic witch Selena Smith to follow the light. Can her prophetic powers solve the case, or is she reaching for the moon?
My review: Oh wow, this is one of the best stories in this collection IMHO. So good!
A Moon for Manifesting by Amorette Anderson -
In the quirky magical village of Covenstead, manifesting and moons go together like candy and trick-or-treaters. New witch Grace Littleton doesn't know much about lunar magic, but it's high time to learn! A local is missing, and it's up to Grace to follow the celestial clues...
My review: Oh my witch, I so loved this story! I love this series and Ms Anderson was already a favorite author and she delivered yet again!