Witches Four the Win

Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries #4

by Valia Lind

The new year brings new possibilities…and murder!

Cassandra Duke has officially accepted her dual role as witch and amateur sleuth. Life settles into a new rhythm— until a body is discovered in one of the houses she’s renovating, plunging Cassie right back into sleuthing. It looks like murder, but no one can tell how the man died.

Now, it seems her services are once again needed. But discovering a corpse isn’t her only problem. A fog has rolled into town, putting everyone on high alert. When a new witch shows up unannounced, Cassie’s magic is put to a new test, and it’s clear that something otherworldly is going on in Monroe Cove.

And, of course, it happens right when she and sexy handyman, Dean, were finally taking a step forward.

Between juggling a new relationship, her snarky furball familiar, a murder, and a magical mystery, Cassie has her work cut out for her.

It seems that anywhere she turns, someone she loves is in danger. Cassie must do whatever it takes to protect the town she calls home—even if it might mean giving up her magic forever.

If you love a little magic and wit with your murder, you’ll love this fast-paced paranormal witch cozy mysteries series from USA Today bestselling author, Valia Lind!

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2022

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind has always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first published book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and has found her voice in Young Adult fiction.
In 2015, her YA thriller, Pieces of Revenge, was the recipient of the Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
You can visit her online at http://valialind.com or follow her on Instagram, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
For a free book, sign up for her newsletter --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/f0t1xi1qmr

Reviews

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed some light relief in between books in another series & I found it here. This is the fourth book in the series , I've read everyone but don't feel someone new to this authors work would need to read the others to enjoy this. The characters flow with such ease & sometimes, you just need a happy ending!
I felt this book was a little weaker than the others in terms of plot & the crescendo of the plot but it didn't take away from overall enjoyment.
I received an advance review copy for free from booksirens.com, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Valia Lind]

OUT NOW --> https://amzn.to/3F81Ppw

These books are such a fun ride for me! With this being Cassie's 4th adventure/mystery, I took a bit of a different approach. Even though you still have a mystery, it really isn't front and center like the other books. This installment is more about Cassie herself and the journey she's been taking on growing as a person, a witch, a friend, a daughter, and someone who realizes that she has some incredible people in her corner.

I hope you love this book and I hope you'll be back for more Cassie shenanigans (because they are coming).
You can stay up to date by subscribing to my cozy newsletter & you get a FREE novella --> CLICK HERE

Happy reading friends!

[Crystalclearwpg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Cassie is thrown into a mystery she can not pass up and as she "works" the case more questions about other mysteries in her life keep building up. The Crooked Window Inn series is a great set to sit down and enjoy. Valia has a way of carrying on a series that is completely intriguing. I can so see myself within Monroe Coves atmosphere and walking along side Cassie and the gang solving the untimely mishaps in their lives. It is exactly how I envision small town life and I can't wait for the next mystery this gang will be thrown into.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fourth in this paranormal cozy, this book follows along the path of the previous three. Terrific reads for teens and beyond. Humour, magic, and a bit of mystery abound between the pages. In this one, Cassie is set upon by a very aggressive spirit who is seeking her help. And we're off. No way can she say no. Aside from the paranormal goings on, there is a bit of sneakiness surrounding the mayor. What exactly IS she up to.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and unbiased opinion of the tale.

[Jason Wrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I was provided an advanced reader copy of this book prior to publication. Although I am thankful to the author/publisher for the opportunity to read this book, the following review is completely mine and not influenced by their generosity. With that out of the way, let's get on to my review.

I've been lucky enough to read each of the previous books in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mysteries, so I jumped at the opportunity to check out Valia Lind's fourth installment in this series, Witches Four the Win. In many ways, I think this was the best out of the first four books. I enjoyed the new worldbuilding. I think it's great to see Cassandra Duke finally getting to take her relationship with the sexy handyman, Dean, to a new level. I am a little annoyed by some of the teenage antics that even the characters admit in the story are annoying. In that respect, I was admittedly annoyed at the adults for acting like teens, but I respected that the characters were at least self-aware enough to know they were acting like school kids. In that respect, I found the story believable.

As for the central mystery, I kind of figured the killer was a little too obvious. Anyone who knows anything about mysteries 101 would be able to make a pretty easy and accurate prediction about who the murderer is. I do wish there had been more of an explanation about why the town's condition seemed to effect some non-magical people but not others. If anything, I think this could have been an interesting way for Lind to reveal information Cassie has been wanting, but it was an opportunity that was missed (in my opinion). And while I enjoy the kooky cast of character, Birdie is probably my favorite, and I definitely want to get to know Birdie more than anyone else.

Overall, I really enjoyed my time reading this book. It was a quick, easy read. You do not really need to have read the four three previous books to enjoy the fourth one, but it's highly encouraged.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Mysteries are my thing. Don't get me wrong, I also love the thrilling not so cozy mysteries where your heart is beating in your throat while reading, but sometimes there is no time, energy or emotional capacity for that. Sometimes I need something nice and easy and still a little thrilling. So, when BookSirens notified me that the fourth book in this series was ready I downloaded a copy right away! And since another book couldn't hold my interest today, this was the perfect afternoon read.

There are so many elements in this series I love! Firstly: I love how well thought out the mysteries are, even if they are not that complicated. I had some inkling about who could be the murderer in this mystery, but I like how the characters combine facts, magic and gut feeling to eventually get not only answers but also a confession. And even though magic and gut feeling are involved the culprit never comes out of nowhere.

Secondly: I love the small town vibe this book has. I have both lived in small towns and big cities and I do know the difference between them. It's nice to have that written down, to see how the people here know each other, try to understand each other and deal with each other as they are. I also really like the idea of shop owners just delivering their goods to neighbors and other stores. It helps to create that "we're a town, but also a little of a forced family"-vibe.

Thirdly: I love all the different relationships in this series! And I love how this book shows us that first impressions aren't always everything and that it does pay to talk to someone and to give someone the chance to get to know you and vice versa. So, this book contains some amazing friendships, the kind where things are forgiven and breaking the law for each other is a given, and a lovely slow build romance!

I will certainly try to read the next book in the series as soon as it comes out!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fun cozy mystery with great characters. Cassie's Aunt Grace is helping Cassie learn more about her magic and Cassie is studying hard. Birdie, her familiar is a hoot full of stubbornness an lots of snark! Cassie and Dean are renovating one of the older homes in the town for the mayor with the idea of making the town more quaint and beautiful. There are so many threads in this book and of course while Cassie is working on one of the rooms, a dead man falls out of the closet with his ghost approaching her. Trying to question the ghost to help him, as she feels it is her duty to do, leads her to so many questions. He wanted to know who he was and how did he die? He remembers nothing of substance. So, Cassie with her friend Penny will investigate much to the chagrin of the police. And, her co-worker, Dean, is worried she could get hurt. A cute little romantic cat and mouse between the two. Will they come to terms with their feelings for each other? Who actually is this new witch in town? Is she the cause of the extremely strange weather? What actually is the mayor's plan with the renovations of the homes? Is there an ulterior motive? Who killed the man from the closet and why? And why was he in the closet in the house Cassie and Dean were renovating? All these threads are deftly woven by the author and the resolution in the end is great! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is back for another exciting case. She is still learning how to use her magic and learning to trust her intuition. She and the man of her dreams, Dean are still flirting around their feelings and working on a big project for the mayor. Cassie finds another body in one of the houses they are renovating. Turns out to be one of the investors in the mayor’s project. Not only does she have a murder to solve, but something is going on in Monroe Cove. The weather is getting worse and worse and there is a feeling of gloom and doom that Cassie feels. It’s up her to her and her faithful friend Penny to figure out the murder and for Cassie to try and use her magic to figure out what is happening in town.
I love this series! It’s been fun to see the Cassie and Dean relationship evolve and with each story we learn a little more about Cassie, her family and her magic. I feel like big things are coming and I can’t wait! I am not required to leave a review!

[SkyGrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

While I enjoyed this book as it’s nice to see Cassie is growing into her magic it just dragged on all about the weather. I know it was a part of the story but it made the book so slow. It didn’t flow like the other three previous books.

Cassie’s relationship with Dean is unrealistic being it took them months for a first kiss. They worked together every day and live in this little tiny town and you can’t have a dinner together?

A flaw in the story was when the author described how Cassie scrubbed her face totally clean, a few paragraphs later she was thinking about rubbing her eyes and getting mascara smudges around them. If she just washed her face how did she still have makeup on?

A few spelling mistakes.

I do like the series and I’ll definitely read another.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fun Witchy Cozy Mystery Series!!

I love this paranormal cozy mystery series so much!! Each book is around 150 pages or so, and the funnest mystery series!!

Cassie and her friends are witty, adventurous and basically family. I just love their banter. Cassie Grandma Grace is basically like her mother. Cassie mother left when she was very young and her Grandmother raised her. She runs the Crooked Windows Inn, and Cassie grew up there. Then there’s her cat, the sarcastic banter between them is hysterical. A witch and her cat, but they can’t stand each other. Just such an AMAZING cast of characters!!

I’m looking forward to more in this series!! Cassie has come a long way, but she still has so much to do!! These books are like a breath of fresh air and just leave me smiling!! I can’t wait for book 5!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie’s officially accepted that dead bodies are her thing. Her former nemesis is now her boyfriend (finally!), and she’s been hired by the Mayor to redecorate her home—and the rest of the spooky neighborhood. One of the houses? A place Cassie used to sneak into as a kid. Small town life, am I right?

Then a dead witch shows up, a creepy fog rolls in, and a new witch arrives in town. Coincidence? Cassie’s not buying it. She’s determined to solve the mystery, keep her magic in check, and maybe play matchmaker for her two best friends (who seriously need to get together already).

This book was fun, fast-paced, and full of magical twists. Cassie’s growing into her powers, her relationships, and her role as the town’s unofficial murder magnet. Also, that door-unlocking trick? Pure witchy brilliance.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches Four the Win is the fourth book in the Crooked Windows Inn Cozy Witch Mystery series by Valia Lind.

Cassie is busy renovating a house until she discovers a body. There is also a strange fog coming into town putting everyone on edge.

Cassie, Penny, Dean, Finn, Auntie Gracie, and snarky cat, Birdie, are wonderful characters. It was also fun to see characters from the past show up. There was plenty of mystery with the new person in town, the murder, and the mysterious fog. I really enjoyed this book. It is a great addition to the series.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series, which is so easy to read, with interesting characters, a good plot which is part of the continuing story of the town. It’s a standalone read, although I think you’d enjoy the series better if you’ve read the previous books. The relationship between Cassie and Dean is developing nicely, and it’s great getting to find out more about some of the other characters too. I’d like to know more about Cassies’ mother and Detective Ames, and also more about the magical side of Cassies family, including Auntie Grace. Here’s hoping we’ll find this all out in the next book. Enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori]

Customer Review
Lori B. Mathis
3.0 out of 5 stars Good read for a relaxing weekend!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 2, 2023

I had not read the first three books of this series when I came across the chance to read this book for free. I am now planning on going back and reading the first three. This is a great series, easy read with enough action to keep you coming back for another book. Good series for the weekend, cuddled up on a couch, reading.

If you're looking for a lighthearted, cozy series definitely pick up this series. You won't regret it.

I received this book free of charge as an ARC member and gave my honest review in return.

[Frances Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh dear! Poor Cassie! There she is, in the middle of renovating a beautiful old house when she comes across another body! The Sheriff isn’t impressed but then he never is. Detective Ames shows up again and he is a bit more helpful.

One of the main things about these Monroe Cove books is the sense of caring and family. Cassie is learning all the time about how lucky she is to have such supportive friends and an aunt who loves her. Of course, her snarky familiar always keeps her on her toes but she’s also not so bad in the advice department.

A very cute series.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassandra Duke is not only a witch settling into her power, but has also accepted the job as town sleuth on TOP of working with Dean flipping a house. Sean and Cassie work together. Will they develop something else?

This is the fourth book in the *Crooked Windows Inn" series but my first read of the series. I hope the others are as good. It's a easy read with quirky characters that make me want to add Valia Lind to my authors to watch for. Highly Recommended 5/5

[ Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sirens and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Bridget's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this book for free thanks to Book Sirens. Oh, how I am loving this series! I have only read two so far, and I actually came in on the third book, but they are so good. They are cozy little mysteries with a paranormal twist. Add that to the whole Cassie and Dean budding love story and it's a hit with me. I definitely enjoyed this one as much as the first (third book) one I read. I already can't wait for the next one!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picture Aunt Caroline from Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Mayor Kingsley from The Good Witch as the supporting characters (aunt/Mayor Moore). The words jump from the page and I flew through the book, and at the end was left wanting more.

Great story when you want to engage in reading but don't want a huge novel.

Would make for a TV series - updated…

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret A. Altemus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read

This continues the story of Cassie. Penny, Dean, and the detective they helped in
book 3. Cassie finds a body in a closet in a house she is renovating in a partnership with Dean. Then enters a stranger and-coincidentally-other strange things start happening . Who is she and what’s she doing to their town?

The book felt short, but things have moved along well with Cassie ‘s magic, her friendships, and Dean.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great cosy series this is! Detective Ames is in town - but all of the files on Cassie's mother have disappeared. There has been another murder - why is it always Cassie who discovers the bodies? I love the characters in this series! Great reading always - looking forward to more from this amazing author!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mickey Kay Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy to have the opportunity to have read each book in the series, and this one is fantastic, of course! The protagonist is inspiring, and the other fabulous characters are wonderful. What an easy to read page-turner with a surprise in between! I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one

I liked this series. Great characters including a sarcastic witches familiar, an entertaining story with murder, strange weather, a new witch arriving in town and a slow burn romance. Great stuff. Can be read as a standalone but would help to have read the series. Highly recommended.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series.

Although it can be read as a standalone, I liked to see how Cassie develops throughout the series and how her relationship with Dean progresses.

Genuinely entertaining read.

A review copy was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the very quirky characters in this series. Its hard to get back to decorating and renovating when so many other things are happening. Another quick fun read in the Cozy mystery genre.
I received this book from BookSirens and am happy to leave this reveiw.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witches Four the Win.

Cassie and Dean are working hard on a remodel project for the Mayor when Cassie finds a body in the closet. From there the mystery expands as a dark storm arrives preventing people from leaving town. Very interesting cozy with a little romance.

[Zara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful YA / coming-of-magical-age kind of story. I started with this one, book 4 in the series and I didn't feel like I had to read the previous books...but now I want to!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute and fun! I really liked this paranormal mystery. Very entertaining, clever, and original.. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book by author Valia Lind.
Cassie is a amazing character.
I Loved reading this awesome book.
Highly recommend reading this series of books...

[Dschaper54 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky and Fun

I absolutely loved these characters and their banter!!! Such a fun YA novel . As I’ve stated before, who could ask for more, a good mystery and witches.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed all of the books in this series (cute, easy reads) but, they seemed a bit repetitive.