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Witches of the Pacific Northwest #1
Half-Baked Witch
The only thing worse than a funeral is finding the wrong body in your beloved grandmother's casket...
Ariel Black was raised in Seattle and doesn't know the first thing about small town life. When she inherits her grandmother's bakery, Ariel is finally going to meet the family her mother left behind. The second she sets foot in Hallow's Bend, she’s convinced that her life couldn't get any worse.
That thought is short-lived, however, when the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket. Instead of poor old Grammy, the body belongs to a murder victim that wasn't dead earlier that morning.
Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain died by mysterious causes and the cops are on the case, including Hallow's Bend most eligible bachelor, Sheriff Henry Palmer. Ariel promised herself to never date again, but one look at Henry makes her forget her own name.
Unfortunately, when rumors fly that Ariel's new cupcakes killed Rob, the bakery loses business faster than she can say 'hocus pocus.' And when Ariel learns she comes from a long line of witches, it leads to more questions, than answers, especially when the family cat starts talking to her.
With her inherited bakery at stake, Ariel is more determined than ever to figure out who the murderer is, but unless she learns to open up and make a few friends, she may not survive to solve the case.
Ariel Black was raised in Seattle and doesn't know the first thing about small town life. When she inherits her grandmother's bakery, Ariel is finally going to meet the family her mother left behind. The second she sets foot in Hallow's Bend, she’s convinced that her life couldn't get any worse.
That thought is short-lived, however, when the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket. Instead of poor old Grammy, the body belongs to a murder victim that wasn't dead earlier that morning.
Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain died by mysterious causes and the cops are on the case, including Hallow's Bend most eligible bachelor, Sheriff Henry Palmer. Ariel promised herself to never date again, but one look at Henry makes her forget her own name.
Unfortunately, when rumors fly that Ariel's new cupcakes killed Rob, the bakery loses business faster than she can say 'hocus pocus.' And when Ariel learns she comes from a long line of witches, it leads to more questions, than answers, especially when the family cat starts talking to her.
With her inherited bakery at stake, Ariel is more determined than ever to figure out who the murderer is, but unless she learns to open up and make a few friends, she may not survive to solve the case.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 18, 2021
Excellent Beginning . . .
Ariel Black was contacted to go to Hallow’s Bend when the lawyer told her she must attend Grandma Norma’s will reading. That family had disowned her mother, so she wasn’t inclined to even bother going. She didn’t know her grandmother or any of that side of the family. They kicked her mom out when she was pregnant with Ariel, so she didn’t want to know any of them. But when she and her fiancé broke up, she decided a little change might be good right now. No one seemed angry with her, but she still felt uncomfortable. When the Will was read, she learned that her grandmother gave her the Whipping Willow Bakery. Aunt Luna took her to the bakery and urged her not to sell it. She even offered to help Ariel run it if she would stay on. Before she could decide, the phone rang and Aunt Luna wrote down their first catering order! But it was baked goods for a funeral! She also told Ariel there was more to the story with her mother than she was aware.
Ariel hoped nothing else strange would happen, but unfortunately, the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket at the funeral. The victim is Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain, dead through mysterious causes. Sheriff Henry Palmer is handling the case. Rumors said the victim had eaten cupcakes before he died. With the bakery now losing business, it will be harder to sell it. And Aunt Luna tells Ariel more about the family, which she didn’t want to know. Witches don't exist, do they? So Aunt Luna showed her magic and then the cat talked to her!
There is of course much more going on. Ariel needs to decide if she will live in Hallow's Bend now. And she needs Rob Reye's murder solved. So grab your copy and find out if Ariel stays and learns more about her family. And I hear the Sheriff is an eligible bachelor if she ever changes her mind about men.
Ariel Black was contacted to go to Hallow’s Bend when the lawyer told her she must attend Grandma Norma’s will reading. That family had disowned her mother, so she wasn’t inclined to even bother going. She didn’t know her grandmother or any of that side of the family. They kicked her mom out when she was pregnant with Ariel, so she didn’t want to know any of them. But when she and her fiancé broke up, she decided a little change might be good right now. No one seemed angry with her, but she still felt uncomfortable. When the Will was read, she learned that her grandmother gave her the Whipping Willow Bakery. Aunt Luna took her to the bakery and urged her not to sell it. She even offered to help Ariel run it if she would stay on. Before she could decide, the phone rang and Aunt Luna wrote down their first catering order! But it was baked goods for a funeral! She also told Ariel there was more to the story with her mother than she was aware.
Ariel hoped nothing else strange would happen, but unfortunately, the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket at the funeral. The victim is Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain, dead through mysterious causes. Sheriff Henry Palmer is handling the case. Rumors said the victim had eaten cupcakes before he died. With the bakery now losing business, it will be harder to sell it. And Aunt Luna tells Ariel more about the family, which she didn’t want to know. Witches don't exist, do they? So Aunt Luna showed her magic and then the cat talked to her!
There is of course much more going on. Ariel needs to decide if she will live in Hallow's Bend now. And she needs Rob Reye's murder solved. So grab your copy and find out if Ariel stays and learns more about her family. And I hear the Sheriff is an eligible bachelor if she ever changes her mind about men.
August 11, 2023
Good
A bad breakup and her grandmother’s funeral, send Ariel to Hallow’s Bend, the town filled with relatives she has never met, and many of whom she never knew even existed.
She’s surprised to discover that her grandmother left her a bakery, and even more surprised when she learns that both it, and she, are magical.
None of that compares, however, to the discovery of a strange body in her grandmother’s casket, and the murder of a man most of the town hated.
Ariel is suffering from a bit of a crisis; and it’s fortunate for her that her inheritance and her family give her the ability to make a new start for herself. We see her beginning to pick up the pieces in this book, as she throws herself into trying to solve the mystery of “whodunnit”.
The characters around her include her aunt and uncle, her cousin and her cousin’s friend, and of course, the cat.
Several intriguing things about Ariel are revealed, while a lot of her background and story are kept shrouded in mystery, presumably for future books to reveal.
It’s a well written book, with an unusual magical explanation, and with some very interesting loose ends that are barely mentioned, but make for some mysterious background. Oddly enough, Ariel doesn’t seem to be quite as interested as I am!
A enchanting paranormal cosy mystery, with fun characters, and absorbing mystery and a world I look forward to reading more about. Recommended for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
A bad breakup and her grandmother’s funeral, send Ariel to Hallow’s Bend, the town filled with relatives she has never met, and many of whom she never knew even existed.
She’s surprised to discover that her grandmother left her a bakery, and even more surprised when she learns that both it, and she, are magical.
None of that compares, however, to the discovery of a strange body in her grandmother’s casket, and the murder of a man most of the town hated.
Ariel is suffering from a bit of a crisis; and it’s fortunate for her that her inheritance and her family give her the ability to make a new start for herself. We see her beginning to pick up the pieces in this book, as she throws herself into trying to solve the mystery of “whodunnit”.
The characters around her include her aunt and uncle, her cousin and her cousin’s friend, and of course, the cat.
Several intriguing things about Ariel are revealed, while a lot of her background and story are kept shrouded in mystery, presumably for future books to reveal.
It’s a well written book, with an unusual magical explanation, and with some very interesting loose ends that are barely mentioned, but make for some mysterious background. Oddly enough, Ariel doesn’t seem to be quite as interested as I am!
A enchanting paranormal cosy mystery, with fun characters, and absorbing mystery and a world I look forward to reading more about. Recommended for paranormal cosy mystery lovers.
September 20, 2021
A Fun, Fast Paced Paranormal Cozy Mystery and a Wonderful Start to the new series!!!
Half-Baked Witch is the first book in the Witches of the Pacific Northwest Series by Elena Blackwood.
Ariel Black was called to attend her Grandma's will reading in a small town of Hallow's Bend. As soon as she arrives in Hallow's Bend her life is turn upside down and there is a lot for Ariel to learn about her self and her estranged family. When there is a murder that involved her newly acquire inheritance the Whipping Willow Bakery Ariel needs to get to the bottom of it and find the killer.
This book is my first book by Elena Blackwood and I really enjoyed it. It's a page turning fun cozy mystery that provides something for everyone with magic, mystery, suspense, and romance. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoy paranormal cozy mystery. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Half-Baked Witch is the first book in the Witches of the Pacific Northwest Series by Elena Blackwood.
Ariel Black was called to attend her Grandma's will reading in a small town of Hallow's Bend. As soon as she arrives in Hallow's Bend her life is turn upside down and there is a lot for Ariel to learn about her self and her estranged family. When there is a murder that involved her newly acquire inheritance the Whipping Willow Bakery Ariel needs to get to the bottom of it and find the killer.
This book is my first book by Elena Blackwood and I really enjoyed it. It's a page turning fun cozy mystery that provides something for everyone with magic, mystery, suspense, and romance. I recommend this book to any reader who enjoy paranormal cozy mystery. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2021
Ariel has been summoned to Hallows Bend for her grandmothers reading-of-the-will. That family had disowned her mother when she became pregnant with Ariel, so she does not have any willingness to make friends with them. She inherits the town bakery, but before she can think of selling, the local bad guy dies after just eating a few of the bakery products, making her a suspect and killing business.
The characters are quirky and determined in their goals. The storyline has drama, murder, new family members, old backstories, clues, surprises and so much more. Loved seeing Ariel learn about the witches in her family and herself being one of a proud line. The ending was terrific and I can not wait to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are quirky and determined in their goals. The storyline has drama, murder, new family members, old backstories, clues, surprises and so much more. Loved seeing Ariel learn about the witches in her family and herself being one of a proud line. The ending was terrific and I can not wait to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2021
Excellent debut to a series by a debut author. I thought the blurb for this sounded quite good so I picked it up. The first couple of chapters went a bit slow as Blackwood developed her setting, world and characters. After that it really took off and was a page turner till the end.
I very much enjoyed the characters and the spin on witchiness that Blackwood gives but my highest props are to the murder mystery itself. Extremely interesting and well done with many suspects and an ending I did not see coming at all!
Very happy to have spent a few hours getting to know Ariel Black and the citizens of Hallow's Bend. I look forward to the next book by this author.
I very much enjoyed the characters and the spin on witchiness that Blackwood gives but my highest props are to the murder mystery itself. Extremely interesting and well done with many suspects and an ending I did not see coming at all!
Very happy to have spent a few hours getting to know Ariel Black and the citizens of Hallow's Bend. I look forward to the next book by this author.
September 20, 2021
Ariel makes a number of discoveries when she decides to go for the reading of the will for grandmother
The town heavily populated by her relatives is only a few hours away from Seattle where Ariel grew up. So why dod her mother raise Ariel alone? Did their family cut her off, or was it something else?
As a whole witchly heritage is revealed to Ariel, a world of opportunities and dangers is revealed
Drama, adventure and intrigue
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The town heavily populated by her relatives is only a few hours away from Seattle where Ariel grew up. So why dod her mother raise Ariel alone? Did their family cut her off, or was it something else?
As a whole witchly heritage is revealed to Ariel, a world of opportunities and dangers is revealed
Drama, adventure and intrigue
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 29, 2021
Good
I did enjoy this book and the writing is solid. The bakery setting has definitely been over done in the cozy genre. Thankfully this book isn't too obsessed with the bakery. The store could have been anything and still work. Overall, I was impressed. I did hate the book cover and it doesn't fit the characters at all. I have no idea why the witch looks so angry on the cover because it fits nothing and the black around the eyes is just weird and wrong on so many levels. As much as I hated the cover, the book was still good.
I did enjoy this book and the writing is solid. The bakery setting has definitely been over done in the cozy genre. Thankfully this book isn't too obsessed with the bakery. The store could have been anything and still work. Overall, I was impressed. I did hate the book cover and it doesn't fit the characters at all. I have no idea why the witch looks so angry on the cover because it fits nothing and the black around the eyes is just weird and wrong on so many levels. As much as I hated the cover, the book was still good.
March 9, 2025
I have learned not to expect much for authors I am unaware of and since this is a "new to me" author, I wasn't expecting a whole lot. I am glad i read this story though, because it exceeded my expectations by quite some bit. The characters came alive quite soon in the story. The plot is straightforward and the premise is finding out how the grumpy old man was killed and why. The answers were hard won with quite a few mistakes, but the truth eventually comes out. I do, indeed, recommend this book.
March 13, 2022
Which is dead bodies
Ariel has come to check out her inheritance that her grandmother left her. She never met her grandmother because her mother told her that they kicked her out of town. When she comes into town she finds out that things aren’t what they seem.. she makes all kinds of new relatives and cute sheriff. Even if she has worn off man. Not really sure how I feel about this book yet I’m going to read the second one and see if I enjoy it a little bit more. 😜
Ariel has come to check out her inheritance that her grandmother left her. She never met her grandmother because her mother told her that they kicked her out of town. When she comes into town she finds out that things aren’t what they seem.. she makes all kinds of new relatives and cute sheriff. Even if she has worn off man. Not really sure how I feel about this book yet I’m going to read the second one and see if I enjoy it a little bit more. 😜
June 27, 2024
I must have missed this was for almost teen girls
After finishing the latest of the ‘House Witch’ series, I expected a witch fantasy and what I got was a book that a young girl might enjoy (sort of like Nancy Drew books). I’m still puzzled at what I missed. If this is for adults it amateurish, ludicrous and downright silly and unbelievable. I won’t be reading any more of this series for sure.
After finishing the latest of the ‘House Witch’ series, I expected a witch fantasy and what I got was a book that a young girl might enjoy (sort of like Nancy Drew books). I’m still puzzled at what I missed. If this is for adults it amateurish, ludicrous and downright silly and unbelievable. I won’t be reading any more of this series for sure.
February 19, 2023
Wonderfully twitchy!
Great characters and storytelling! The main character Ariel is unaware she is from a magical family. Her mother told Ariel her family kicked her out while she was pregnant. A few years after her mother passes Ariel is informed her grandmother has passed and left her an inheritance. This is where the fun begins. I highly recommend this book.
Great characters and storytelling! The main character Ariel is unaware she is from a magical family. Her mother told Ariel her family kicked her out while she was pregnant. A few years after her mother passes Ariel is informed her grandmother has passed and left her an inheritance. This is where the fun begins. I highly recommend this book.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed this book even though it has my most disliked plot structure. * The characters were very interesting. The small-town dynamics were done well and the family she discovers is delightful - well...most of them! Looking forward to reading the next book.
*new witch, life in shambles, moves home and discovers witchiness, gets involved in a murder - first as a suspect and then trying to solve it on her own...and also interested in the law enforcement officer! WRITERS - get a new plot! This one is SO overused!
Amazon synopsis:
Ariel Black was raised in Seattle and doesn't know the first thing about small-town life. When she inherits her grandmother's bakery, Ariel is finally going to meet the family her mother left behind. The second she sets foot in Hallow's Bend, she’s convinced that her life couldn't get any worse.
That thought is short-lived, however, when the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket. Instead of poor old Grammy, the body belongs to a murder victim that wasn't dead earlier that morning.
Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain died by mysterious causes and the cops are on the case, including Hallow's Bend most eligible bachelor, Sheriff Henry Palmer. Ariel promised herself to never date again, but one look at Henry makes her forget her own name.
Unfortunately, when rumors fly that Ariel's new cupcakes killed Rob, the bakery loses business faster than she can say 'hocus pocus.' And when Ariel learns she comes from a long line of witches, it leads to more questions, than answers, especially when the family cat starts talking to her.
With her inherited bakery at stake, Ariel is more determined than ever to figure out who the murderer is, but unless she learns to open up and make a few friends, she may not survive to solve the case.
*new witch, life in shambles, moves home and discovers witchiness, gets involved in a murder - first as a suspect and then trying to solve it on her own...and also interested in the law enforcement officer! WRITERS - get a new plot! This one is SO overused!
Amazon synopsis:
Ariel Black was raised in Seattle and doesn't know the first thing about small-town life. When she inherits her grandmother's bakery, Ariel is finally going to meet the family her mother left behind. The second she sets foot in Hallow's Bend, she’s convinced that her life couldn't get any worse.
That thought is short-lived, however, when the wrong body is found in her grandmother's casket. Instead of poor old Grammy, the body belongs to a murder victim that wasn't dead earlier that morning.
Rob Reyes, Hallow's Bend's biggest villain died by mysterious causes and the cops are on the case, including Hallow's Bend most eligible bachelor, Sheriff Henry Palmer. Ariel promised herself to never date again, but one look at Henry makes her forget her own name.
Unfortunately, when rumors fly that Ariel's new cupcakes killed Rob, the bakery loses business faster than she can say 'hocus pocus.' And when Ariel learns she comes from a long line of witches, it leads to more questions, than answers, especially when the family cat starts talking to her.
With her inherited bakery at stake, Ariel is more determined than ever to figure out who the murderer is, but unless she learns to open up and make a few friends, she may not survive to solve the case.
September 18, 2021
This is a great cozy mystery.. I liked it very much.. It is magical and fun to read, with a cool mystery to solve..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 1, 2022
Loved it!
A new start, a new family, a new business and magic. I read it through in one setting and thoroughly enjoyed it. A murder with plenty of suspects and a hunky sheriff is the perfect recipe.
A new start, a new family, a new business and magic. I read it through in one setting and thoroughly enjoyed it. A murder with plenty of suspects and a hunky sheriff is the perfect recipe.
January 31, 2023
Fun cozy mystery
This was a really fun cozy mystery to read! I loved the characters, plot, and setting! It was thoroughly enjoyable with family drama, new friends, magic, a mystery, and a bit of romance! I'm looking forward to the next book!
This was a really fun cozy mystery to read! I loved the characters, plot, and setting! It was thoroughly enjoyable with family drama, new friends, magic, a mystery, and a bit of romance! I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 6, 2023
Great new series!
This was extremely easy to get carried away in. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in just a few hours! Great characters and a fantastic murder to figure out.
This was extremely easy to get carried away in. I couldn’t put the book down and finished it in just a few hours! Great characters and a fantastic murder to figure out.
March 30, 2025
So much fun.
I had a lot of fun reading this, and have since gone on and read all the books available in this series. Fun characters, quirky moments galore, intriguing overarching mystery, highly recommend 👌 😉
I had a lot of fun reading this, and have since gone on and read all the books available in this series. Fun characters, quirky moments galore, intriguing overarching mystery, highly recommend 👌 😉
November 6, 2025
Interesting story
I'm not sure if this is going to make it onto my favorite book list, but it was good. Definitely some interesting characters. I'm going to keep giving the series a chance and see if the next book hits me better.
I'm not sure if this is going to make it onto my favorite book list, but it was good. Definitely some interesting characters. I'm going to keep giving the series a chance and see if the next book hits me better.
September 19, 2021
This is cute
This is cute with a new girl witch being more than what she is. I like her solving crimes and taking over a bakery.
This is cute with a new girl witch being more than what she is. I like her solving crimes and taking over a bakery.
October 13, 2021
Enjoyed
This was the first book of yours that I have read and enjoyed your characters,humor and story line are fun to read.
This was the first book of yours that I have read and enjoyed your characters,humor and story line are fun to read.
November 19, 2021
Enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is good and kept me interested until the end. Looking forward to reading more of Ariel's adventures
February 27, 2022
Loved it
I loved this. I love the fact that there is something new used as the murder weapon. So many are over used. I just love the show thing.
I loved this. I love the fact that there is something new used as the murder weapon. So many are over used. I just love the show thing.
May 20, 2022
Cupcakes
Now that was an excellent murder mystery. Of course, full invested with what is happening with Ariel and her powers.
Now that was an excellent murder mystery. Of course, full invested with what is happening with Ariel and her powers.
November 14, 2023
It was fine.
I prefer a bit more romance in my cozies, this was very-slow burn. Like not even a date or a kiss slow burn.
I prefer a bit more romance in my cozies, this was very-slow burn. Like not even a date or a kiss slow burn.
September 28, 2024
loved this book
What a great story. I thought I knew who the killer was but nope I was wrong. Think I found another great author.
What a great story. I thought I knew who the killer was but nope I was wrong. Think I found another great author.
August 3, 2025
Good read
Book 1 starts out with a bang....some introductions and a murder. There are witches in this small town and our heroine finds out she is one. Pretty entertaining.
Book 1 starts out with a bang....some introductions and a murder. There are witches in this small town and our heroine finds out she is one. Pretty entertaining.
September 4, 2025
Comfy read
Cute, warm, and easy read. I loved it and the mystery kept me guessing. Usually I can figure it out, but not this time!
Cute, warm, and easy read. I loved it and the mystery kept me guessing. Usually I can figure it out, but not this time!
December 28, 2023
A new-to-me author, with a blurb which sounded well interesting. I am glad that I requested the ARC as it proved to be a fun and interesting read.
New to town, convinced that her mother's family are monsters, Ariel Black only turned up for the reading of her grandmother's will because her whole life in Seattle went up the creek when her long term boyfriend made it clear that marriage was not on the cards. So it was a real surprise for her to find that they are not monsters, in fact they turned out to be rather nice and the sort of family she would have loved to have had and the samll town that she would have lved to have lived in. But of course, that was until the dead body turned up.
Well written, cleverly plotted, with enough read herrings and well fleshed out, likeable and believable [!!yes, I obviously beleive in magic! ;) ] characters. I enjoyed the book very much and I will certainly be looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
New to town, convinced that her mother's family are monsters, Ariel Black only turned up for the reading of her grandmother's will because her whole life in Seattle went up the creek when her long term boyfriend made it clear that marriage was not on the cards. So it was a real surprise for her to find that they are not monsters, in fact they turned out to be rather nice and the sort of family she would have loved to have had and the samll town that she would have lved to have lived in. But of course, that was until the dead body turned up.
Well written, cleverly plotted, with enough read herrings and well fleshed out, likeable and believable [!!yes, I obviously beleive in magic! ;) ] characters. I enjoyed the book very much and I will certainly be looking forward to more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews