It's time for the July Jubilee celebration, and Shayla is excited to help her cousin, Serena, prepare her famous Sea Salted Dark Chocolate Caramel Chews for the annual bakeoff. What she wasn't prepared for was the heart-stopping tense moment that took place immediately before the decision was made. A deadly spell nearly killed Shayla's friend, and the victim has begged Shayla to solve the mystery. With the help of Sheriff Alex Stone, Detective Grant Wolfe, and Needles, Shayla uses her skills and magical powers to find out who tried to hurt someone close to her. But when a dead body is discovered during their investigation, Shayla wonders if maybe they aren't on the wrong track. Maybe the killer wasn't after a specific target...but many targets. Can Shayla stop the killer from taking another victim? Or will the July Jubilee be the last celebration for certain Enchanted Island citizens?
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!
Deadly Caramel by Ms. St. James was another twisty paranormal mystery on Enchanted Island. Shayla and Alex have few clues and few suspects when a baking contest during the July Jubilee goes wrong. I enjoy reading how the mystery twists and turns as a murder complicates the story. Zoe has stolen my heart and I can't wait to see how she continues to grow into her own magical abilities.
Deadly Caramel is Book 6 in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James. I am so ADDICTED to this series.
Enchanted Island is celebrating their July Jubilee festival and every one is excited for Serena's Sea Salted Dark Chocolate Caramels, OMG those sound so good. Trouble is brewing as someone almost dies after eating one of the candies before the competition. The victim is a friend of Shayla's and asks her to help investigate. She helps her boyfriend Sheriff Alex Stone and Detective Grant Wolfe. Lets not forget Needles!
During investigating a dead body shows up to complicate matters more.
This was such a great mystery, I had no clue who did it until the final reveal.
The characters are so well written and fun and the setting of Enchanted Island is truly a magical place. I absolutely LOVED this book and I am anxiously waiting for the next one!
I received this AUDIOBOOK for free. My opinions are my own.
Real Rating: 3.5*
Some big things happen for Zoe. Shayla & Alex seem to have settled into a relationship. And someone else dies - will there be anyone left alive on this small island by the end of the series?
Setting the Scene: "A Forty-year-old Witch with a New Career
A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter
And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets
It's time for the July Jubilee celebration, and Shayla is excited to help her cousin, Serena, prepare her famous Sea Salted Dark Chocolate Caramel Chews for the annual bakeoff. What she wasn't prepared for was the heart-stopping tense moment that took place immediately before the decision was made. A deadly spell nearly killed Shayla's friend, and the victim has begged Shayla to solve the mystery. With the help of Sheriff Alex Stone, Detective Grant Wolfe, and Needles, Shayla uses her skills and magical powers to find out who tried to hurt someone close to her. But when a dead body is discovered during their investigation, Shayla wonders if maybe they aren't on the wrong track. Maybe the killer wasn't after a specific target . . . but many targets. Can Shayla stop the killer from taking another victim? Or will the July Jubilee be the last celebration for certain Enchanted Island citizens?"
What I Thought: I enjoy this series. It's unique setting and characters, as well as the well plotted mysteries. provide the reader with a compelling escape. The dialogue is intelligent, and the humor, wit, and sarcasm make for an entertaining read. Both Shayla and Alex are strong characters with interesting abilities, and I enjoy watching their personal and professional relationships building naturally. I look forward to the next book and hope this series has a good long run.
The narrator does a good job voicing each character.
Another fun trip back to enchanted island, where Serena’s entry into a miniature dessert contest is poisoned, and it leads to an attempted murder inquiry. There’s lots of investigating for Shayla and Alex, some Needles shenanigans… and Zoe has a potential new suitor (Alex isn’t happy).
As with all the books in this quirky paranormal mystery series, this was an enjoyable, quick read. The characters are fun and often amusing (though I wish Gigi would give the Forest King a break!), and the mystery investigation moves fast. A fun series for those who enjoy paranormal mystery or paranormal women’s fiction.
I am really enjoying this series. I read the first one as part of a book group and now I can't stop. Towards the end I thought I figured out who the killer was and earlier thought what might be Zoies problem. I was right. Shayla and Alex take us through the Enchanted Island citizens and solve a murder. Shayla family and bodyguard help along with Alexes daughter Zoies. On to the next book. Enjoy all the books in this series. They are very enjoyable.
Still a great series for an easy and relaxed read.
I would note - I got a little hung up when Zoie shifted back to human form but there was nothing addressing the inevitably ripped clothing (which had been specifically addressed regarding Alex’s shifts.)
This installment in the series seemed to have a few more editorial oversights and I wasn’t as happy with the case flow. One of the weaker build ups.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!
Book 6 has pretty much the same characters, with several twists. Some has a surprise toward the end, but mostly the story centers around a poisoning and a murder. Again, there are several suspects to wade through and all with motives. There is still humor and mystery. Highly recommend.
I loved this story. The whole series has been great. The characters just keep getting better and filled out more, the plot is meandering but still brings us to the end and the premise tells us be careful not to assume things. Zoie got a big surprise. I definitely recommend this book and the whole series.
This is a great book in this series. It has lots of humor and lots of action. I would have felt terrible at sixteen if I had shifted into a gargoyle! Now it sounds pretty cool. This was a great addition to this adorable series with Needles and the Black Forest King.
Stories in this series are all very good, I love the brand new and never read concept od Shaylas dad. They only issue I have with this series so far is that the author seems to love the word "mused", people don't "muse" at a murder scene or to a doctor or when hiding. "muse" I'd. Word that is used rarely and I have never seen it used so much in any other book.
Another great book in this series. I'm excited to see what's to come for these characters. Shalya's connection to nature is such an imaginative element and so unique.
Book 6 I the A Witch in the Woods series is a fast, fun read. The characters are growing and developing with each book in the series, and they are great characters. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.
Always fun to return to Enchanted Island and visit with all wonderful residents. Plenty of suspects and plenty of unexpected twists. Zoie is still developing some amazing powers. I already have the next adventure downloaded. Such a wonderful series.
Absolutely fantastic!!! I am loving this series, each book is a story in itself with familiar characters and new characters. There continues to be unexpected twists and turns. Way to go Jenna St. James!
Fun characters, interesting plot lines and …. A living tree as your dad? I’m in. I’m looking forward to finishing this series and then starting all of Mz St James’ other books!
This is a story line I have not seen before. I plan to read the other books. I enjoyed the cast of characters and how the story developed. I look toward to reading the other books. I recommend this book for a quick read and something different.
This book was another fun adventure with humor, likeable characters and some surprises. I am excited to see what happens next as the North side of the island will be getting explored.
When the annual summer bake off takes place, someone tries to frame another paranormal with a powerful spell that's been forbidden centuries ago. But when the wrong person eats it, things turn deadly.
Not sure what else to really review, if others have gone thus far in the series then they already know how good it is; but, I do like to make sure I get in the 5 stars, so there us that. Lots of twists in this one, another fantastic story Jenna.