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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 discovers a dead body on the north side of the island, not only are the locals upset, but so is her dad, Black Forest King. No supernatural is supposed to venture to the north side of the island--those are the rules. Now it's Shayla's job to discover who broke those rules and why. With the help of Sheriff Alex Stone and Needles, Shayla sets out to do her job...that is, in between helping Serena pick a wedding venue, giving Zoie dating advice as she goes on her first official date, and juggling her own pathetic and lacking love life with Alex. Just when Shayla is sure she's narrowed down the suspects to two supernaturals, a new discovery leaves her baffled and confused. Can Shayla, Alex, and Needles take down the killer before one of them is next?

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

469 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

Jenna St. James

135 books274 followers
Jenna 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!

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5 stars
935 (70%)
4 stars
300 (22%)
3 stars
83 (6%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,855 reviews21 followers
October 6, 2021
Good

This enjoyable cozy paranormal mystery series continues with a murder on the North side of Enchanted Island. Shayla and Alex must try and figure out who it is before their suspects leave the island.
There are plenty of goings on in the book, a little wedding planning for Shayla‘s cousin, some interesting Forest King interaction, and a smidgen of romance for Shayla and Alex.

This is an enchanting series, with likeable and amusing characters (it’s always a toss-up as to whether Needles the magical porcupine or Gigi is the funniest).
The mysteries are fast paced, and logically written (the clues are there folks!), and the stories are quick to read- perfect for cosying up on a comfy seat to while away a couple of hours.

Recommended for fans of paranormal/witch mysteries.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,776 reviews153 followers
September 30, 2021
Deadly Client is Book 7 in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James.

I am seriuosly addicted to this series! I absolutely love Needles, who steals every scene.

And the fireflies in the forest make me so happy!

Shayla has gotten permission to go to the North side of the island and when she does she finds a body. No one is supposed to be on that side of the island and her ad Black Forest King is not happy.

Shayla and her boyfriend Sheriff Alex sets out to find out who the killer is.

Meanwhile, Shayla is helping Serena find a place to hold the wedding.

Oh and Alex's daughter Zoie is going on her FIRST date!

This was such a fantastic mystery! Kept me guessing until the end. I love Shayla an Alex's romance and all the characters, animals included are fantastic.

A perfectly paced plot and well defined characters keep me coming back for more !
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,462 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
Deadly Client by Jenna St. James may be the seventh book in the series but it's just as fresh and exciting as the first book. This time Shayla and Sheriff Stone have a murder on the north side of the island which is off limits to all residents and visitors to Enchanted Island. With several deft twists, red herrings sprinkled throughout and a deadly dramatic reveal, I was completely captured by the story and didn't put it down until the end.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,109 reviews
October 7, 2021
Another great addition to this wonderful series. I always enjoy our visits to this enchanted setting with all of the unique characters. Each story reveals more secrets about the residents and the island itself. Good mystery with plenty of suspects and some great surprises. Looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Mary Willard.
326 reviews2 followers
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!
Profile Image for Lisa.
39 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2021
A fascinating new episode in this series

I love seeing the characters lives develop and new to the reader parts of the island so this
definitely was a great book for that. Plus the forensics people played a bigger part and it was wonderful to see a work life balance being prioritized by many.
1,497 reviews3 followers
Read
January 27, 2022
Good read

Book 7 has all the same humor, mystery, murder, quirky characters and teeny romance as the 1st 6 books. There are 3 added characters from off island and then a murder. Well written, great characters, and really holds your interest. Great series for anyone who likes paranormal cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Catherine.
487 reviews
August 28, 2022
Never a disappointment when Shayla, Alex & especially Needles who lives up to his name. Witch, gargoyle, dragon, and the mysterious Black Forest King keep this series fresh and well-paced. I’ve read them from the beginning. The concept that even in the supernatural world, midlife doesn’t mean the end but an infinite array of beginnings.
35 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2023
Best book series

I love all the characters.I love the whole idea of her books it's brilliant and funny.You get all the feels with these books.The mysteries are fun to figure out.You always think you know but your wrong.I have binged read a lot of her books while sick and it was the best time.
Profile Image for Larry.
3,050 reviews17 followers
November 7, 2023
I really like this series, and this story was very good. The characters grow with each story, the plot is easily followed and the premise is the protection of Enchanted Cove and it's inhabitants. I don't understand what makes people kill, but it is usually a stupid reason, although not so much to the killers. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
38 reviews
May 3, 2024
This one kept me guessing more.

I’m not sure if it qualifies as a spoiler but I really enjoyed getting more of a glimpse into the power of Black Forest King, Shayla, and the north side of the island.

There were several grammar or spelling issues I noticed in this one. They seem like oversights from editing. I wish I didn’t find such things so distracting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,242 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2024
A fun cozy mystery series. The characters are enjoyable, and the mysteries are straightforward and believable. Usually, the murderer is not immediately recognized and there are a few twists and turns in the plot. Secondary characters work well within the story and this time both Serena's wedding and Zoie's new gargoyle shifting are discussed. GiGi and Needles continue to have good snarky and/or comic relief lines. GiGi helps an injured friend and recognizes Black Forest King's part in the process.
Profile Image for Kimberly Gordon-Bercich.
1,852 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2025
Bad Business

These are easy, fast, fun reads. Cozy witchy murder mystery series where Shanna finds herself solving murders that are unprecedented on Enchanted Island. This time a business deal gone sour. This time she is going to need the King of Black Forrest and Gigi to work together in order to stop the killer from taking a second victim.
470 reviews
October 8, 2021
Great series!

This is such a fun series! I love the world the author has built and it's wonderful to be able to read about the characters again and again and follow their progress. I'm looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Neena Christianson Martin.
1,185 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2021
Computer Apps

Two local paranormals have designed a dating app, and three supernatural companies have come to try to buy the software. Before a decision can be made Shayla and Alex are called out to the fancy island resort to solve the mystery murder of the face of the startup.
Profile Image for Lori Kern.
247 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2021
Deadly Client

Once again St. James has written a book that keeps one guessing until the very end of the book who done it. This book continues to lead the reader to follow the characters through their lives.
467 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2021
Geeks, Gargoyles, and Gumshoes

An exciting sojourn at a luxurious Enchanted Island getaway, leads to a business deal disaster, murder and nearly fatal injuries . The team of Alex, Shayla, GiGi, and Serenity work their magic to sort it all out.
1,282 reviews19 followers
April 7, 2022
Deadly Client is a fun and entertaining paranormal cozy mystery. I love this series. This book is interesting. The characters are great. They are quirky and interesting. The mystery has so many twists that I was kept guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
404 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2022
Fun magical ride

Murder aside, this was a fun romp with the characters with their some personal moments when not investigating. Gigi is a hoot and would definitely be fun to hang with! Also a magic carpet ride sounds like so much fun! Onward to the next mystery.
122 reviews
October 29, 2022
Another exciting adventure!

This book was as fun as the previous ones. It is always interesting to hear about the new characters, locations, folklore, etc. I am excited to see what happens next.
167 reviews
February 23, 2024
So good

Another excellent story, again, many twist and turns, a lot of twists I never seen coming. Love Jenny's imagination, such a great book. Do wonder though if the fireflies will ever get any treats.
139 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2025
Finished another good read. at hey just keep getting better and better.

I am so ready to start my new book. Little secret , When I start , I keep reading. It’s usually day light when I fall asleep. lol
1,896 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2025
Enchanted Island is becoming a hotbed of crime lately. Black Forest King is concerned. Shayla, Alex and the gang work together again to solve the murder of a local young man with an app to sell. I loved how Shayla’s family is growing towards more acceptance and understanding.
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,096 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2021
Great book

I love this series and all of the wonderful characters in it. Especially Needles. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Matthew Murray.
1,002 reviews
October 17, 2021
Fantastic

Your mysteries are fascinating to read the characters,humor and story line are interesting and I am really looking forward to your next book.
Profile Image for Dragonfly.
106 reviews
October 21, 2021
Outstanding book #7 in the series!!! It's well written with twists, turns, new characters and the core group of characters. Each book reveals more of the Enchanted Island's secrets.
168 reviews
November 27, 2021
I love this series.

Any book that has a flying porcupine as a character in it is amazing to me. Add on a witch with a tree for a father and you have a very fun read.
788 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2021
Deadly Client

Enjoyed this book. I really like the characters in this series. The storyline moves right along and is great fun.
Profile Image for Marti.
933 reviews3 followers
April 1, 2022
Shayla and Sherriff Alex are on the case after Shayla finds a dead body in a place where no one is supposed to be.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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