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Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery #0.5
Once in a Brew Moon
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.
Once in a Brew Moon is the prequel story to the Magic Tea Room Mysteries.
Once in a Brew Moon is the prequel story to the Magic Tea Room Mysteries.
Unknown Binding
Published January 1, 2022
5 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Erin Johnson
90 books717 followersA native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 30, 2022
A coven of thirty witches met on All Hallow’s Eve celebration to discuss the politics, promotions, where the coven is heading, etc.…but as there are politics in this coven, there is competition for who should lead…and with very strong disagreement/resentment, there is a murder; the death of their leader Ronnie Windsor.
Minnie Marsh (having discovered that she’s a witch is in search of a coven; trying to find a place to fit in, where she could learn and develop her newfound powers and these new powers came as a result of having sipped the sulfurous water from the healing springs of the Roman baths) and happens to be in attendance for this meeting with her bestie vampire friend Gustave; and because they are outsiders, they are highly considered to have murdered the coven’s leader but not likely as was suggested by one of the younger witches, Becky, who asked that they try to solve who murdered Ronnie and why.
It was Ronnie who had invited Gus and Minnie to sit down and joined some of the witches; who sat in a circle with several other women atop a patchwork of picnic blankets…Ronnie was coughing and did not seem well. Ronnie explained to the ladies present that Gus was an old friend and that Minnie was from America, and came along tonight with Gus to see if their coven might be a good fit for her.
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This coven has too much mayhem and murderous intent for Minnie who does not think she wants to be a member of this largest coven as they drove off after Becky's capture and the police arrival at the barn area where they were at.
Minnie Marsh (having discovered that she’s a witch is in search of a coven; trying to find a place to fit in, where she could learn and develop her newfound powers and these new powers came as a result of having sipped the sulfurous water from the healing springs of the Roman baths) and happens to be in attendance for this meeting with her bestie vampire friend Gustave; and because they are outsiders, they are highly considered to have murdered the coven’s leader but not likely as was suggested by one of the younger witches, Becky, who asked that they try to solve who murdered Ronnie and why.
It was Ronnie who had invited Gus and Minnie to sit down and joined some of the witches; who sat in a circle with several other women atop a patchwork of picnic blankets…Ronnie was coughing and did not seem well. Ronnie explained to the ladies present that Gus was an old friend and that Minnie was from America, and came along tonight with Gus to see if their coven might be a good fit for her.
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This coven has too much mayhem and murderous intent for Minnie who does not think she wants to be a member of this largest coven as they drove off after Becky's capture and the police arrival at the barn area where they were at.
January 23, 2025
While waiting for her crush to text her back, Minnie goes with her vampire friend to see if one of the local witch covens would be a good fit. But instead, someone ends up dead, and guess who's suspect number one?
Considering this is a free novella, it does what it needs to. It's a prequel, but don't read it first.
Considering this is a free novella, it does what it needs to. It's a prequel, but don't read it first.
November 2, 2025
A great prequel to get into this witchy series!
December 1, 2022
I’m absolutely loving this vampire tea room magical mystery series. I’m working my way through all the currently available books in the series and this one happens to be a prequel. I wasn’t sure if Minnie’s life before Fitz and the tea room would be as interesting but this book showed me it was. While we are missing the Darcy-esque Fitz in this book, we do get a whole lot of Gus, Minnie’s vampire bestie, and he is one of the best characters in the series.
In this prequel, we see a younger Minnie, who is very new to being a witch, trying out a new coven. Gus is with her for moral support. We soon find out exactly why Minnie is so apprehensive at joining a coven in future books as the coven leader dies in front of everyone and it turns out she was murdered. As outsiders Minnie and Gus are the most suspicious people and they’re scrutinized by everyone. In order to get the heat off them and prevent the witches from finding out Gus is a vampire, Minnie makes it her mission to find out the murderer.
Minnie really missed her calling as a private eye with all these murder mysteries she gets involved in. Her witchy senses guide her in the right direction as she talks to the people highest on her murder suspect list. I do love trying to solve the mystery along with Minnie. It’s my favorite thing to do as I read every book in this series.
The one downside to this prequel is we don’t get to see any awkward Minnie and Fitz flirting or any progression of that relationship. But we get a whole lot of sassy Gus, which I love. Minnie and Gus have a great friendship and I’m glad she was able to pick up their friendship again after her divorce. It was interesting to see predictions to her future relationship as she took part in witchy divinations at the coven gathering. If only we could warn her of the awful mistake she would make in marrying Desmond.
I recommend reading this book if you’re already reading the vampire tea room series. It doesn’t really matter when you read it though as it is a prequel. You don’t have to read it at all. But, I think it’s worth the read to get more context into Minnie’s apprehension with covens and see how great her friendship with Gus has always been. Plus, we get another murder mystery to solve.
In this prequel, we see a younger Minnie, who is very new to being a witch, trying out a new coven. Gus is with her for moral support. We soon find out exactly why Minnie is so apprehensive at joining a coven in future books as the coven leader dies in front of everyone and it turns out she was murdered. As outsiders Minnie and Gus are the most suspicious people and they’re scrutinized by everyone. In order to get the heat off them and prevent the witches from finding out Gus is a vampire, Minnie makes it her mission to find out the murderer.
Minnie really missed her calling as a private eye with all these murder mysteries she gets involved in. Her witchy senses guide her in the right direction as she talks to the people highest on her murder suspect list. I do love trying to solve the mystery along with Minnie. It’s my favorite thing to do as I read every book in this series.
The one downside to this prequel is we don’t get to see any awkward Minnie and Fitz flirting or any progression of that relationship. But we get a whole lot of sassy Gus, which I love. Minnie and Gus have a great friendship and I’m glad she was able to pick up their friendship again after her divorce. It was interesting to see predictions to her future relationship as she took part in witchy divinations at the coven gathering. If only we could warn her of the awful mistake she would make in marrying Desmond.
I recommend reading this book if you’re already reading the vampire tea room series. It doesn’t really matter when you read it though as it is a prequel. You don’t have to read it at all. But, I think it’s worth the read to get more context into Minnie’s apprehension with covens and see how great her friendship with Gus has always been. Plus, we get another murder mystery to solve.
August 28, 2022
This short tale is a prequel to a series of magical tea room mysteries and in this tale which takes place on all hallows night Ronnie, the leader of the coven, which Gus and Minnie are visiting is poisoned and dies. She is poisoned by moon thistle which could have been in either the tea she was served or the slice of cake and Minnie, the new witch on the block and Gus her vampire bestie set out to solve the mystery behind the death before Gus's secret is outed. Many witches could have carried out the murder since there was a lot of political intrigue in this rich and powerful coven so the sleuthing points to some witches whilst others hide in plain sight. A very sweet tale, a fun light hearted read for all those who love anything to do with magic and witches.
February 9, 2023
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.
The culprit is trying to make the decision go to someone else.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Now, new witch, Minnie and her vampire bestie, Gus, must catch the killer before Gus’s secret gets out.
The culprit is trying to make the decision go to someone else.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
This is the prequel story to the Magical Tearoom Mysteries series.
We learn about Minnie's search for a coven where she fits. Her bestie, Gus, is introducing her to some covens and at the current event on All Hallows Eve, Minnie witnessed the death of the current coven leader. Since she and Gus gets blamed by the other witches, Minnie tries to solve the case as no one knows that Gus is a vampire.
Cute little story, can be read out of order.
We learn about Minnie's search for a coven where she fits. Her bestie, Gus, is introducing her to some covens and at the current event on All Hallows Eve, Minnie witnessed the death of the current coven leader. Since she and Gus gets blamed by the other witches, Minnie tries to solve the case as no one knows that Gus is a vampire.
Cute little story, can be read out of order.
April 2, 2023
Quick and easy to read in a half hour or so. This is before she marries and starts divorce proceedings. This is where she is trying to find a coven but during the evening one witch dies and Gus with Minnie are determined to find out who did it. They question all of them, put the pieces together and crack the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
Having recently come into her witchy powers, Minnie is looking for a coven to join. Her good friend, Gus, who happens to be a vampire is helping with the task.
When the coven leader is murdered, they are the most likely suspects. BUT then there is coven politics, as well.
When the coven leader is murdered, they are the most likely suspects. BUT then there is coven politics, as well.
February 22, 2022
Looking for a coven now that Minnie knows she is a witch can be dangerous when you come across a murder. Can she and her vampire friend Gus discover the perpetrator before the witches pin the murder to them?
December 28, 2022
I enjoyed this prequel to this series. This a quick mystery and I didn't feel rushed reading it. I can't wait to read more of this series. The characters are loveable and I want more from this duo. I hope they both find their true love!
March 29, 2023
I received this book for free in return for my honest opinion.
A fun little prequel - who thought looking for a coven could be so difficult. Poor Minnie, she needs help to learn how to be a witch. Will be interesting to read more books in the series to see if she finally finds one.
A fun little prequel - who thought looking for a coven could be so difficult. Poor Minnie, she needs help to learn how to be a witch. Will be interesting to read more books in the series to see if she finally finds one.
January 26, 2022
This is the start of a really good series.
February 5, 2022
Not my cup of tea
February 6, 2022
A delightful little story and introduction to the main characters in the series.
May 7, 2022
A fun prequel novella that has inspired me to try out more from this new-to-me author. Mystery + paranormal + tea = fun combination
September 4, 2022
I love this series. The characters are so good. I look forward seeing what comes next.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher.
February 11, 2023
A good prequel for a new series. It was fun and interesting watching Minnie and Gus solve who killed the witch. recommend reading.
March 12, 2023
A fun cozy mystery. I just wish it had dogs
May 26, 2023
Cute entry to the series.
November 15, 2023
Good storyline, just ended with a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read more from this autht. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
November 30, 2024
A prequel of Tea Room Mysteries. I will be reading the series. Minnie and Gus are good characters, and I like the plot.
February 4, 2025
Cute prequel, short and sweet. Love this supernatural cozy mystery series.
October 14, 2024
This was short and quite nice, I think the writing was pleasant and the story cool. Pretty soon I could tell that , but I still enjoyed the mystery.
I didn’t really connect to the main characters though. They both seem quite nice, but maybe I need to read a full-length novel to get to know them properly. Moreover, while I usually like books set in the UK for a change, somehow this didn’t feel very British, and I kept forgetting we were not in the US.
I am also going to try the first novel in the series, I still think it has potential and I’m curious to see what direction it takes.
I didn’t really connect to the main characters though. They both seem quite nice, but maybe I need to read a full-length novel to get to know them properly. Moreover, while I usually like books set in the UK for a change, somehow this didn’t feel very British, and I kept forgetting we were not in the US.
I am also going to try the first novel in the series, I still think it has potential and I’m curious to see what direction it takes.
November 7, 2023
What a fun prequel to an even more fun (if that's possible) series!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews