What do you think?
Rate this book
Moonstone Bay #10
Witch is the Word
Hadley Hunter is finally getting a handle on life as a witch. Island living isn’t always beautiful sunsets and fruity cocktails, but things have never been better… until a body washes up on the beach during a private picnic with her boyfriend Galen Blackwood.
The body belongs to a local business manager, who just happens to be married to the daughter of one of the richest men on the island. Unfortunately for their victim, nobody – including his wife and daughters – seems to care that he’s gone. The deeper they dig, the more dirt they come up with on the victim… and the clues lead them straight to the isolated coven on the far side of the island.
Hadley doesn’t know a lot about witches, including herself, but what she learns doesn’t leave her with warm and fuzzy feelings. These witches mean business, and they’re intent on keeping their secrets from seeing the light of day.
When more bodies start dropping, all coven members, Hadley realizes something very big is about to happen. What, though?
With Galen and their friends at her side, Hadley is ready to engage in a new type of battle. This one is bigger than witches because it leads right through the heart of the island’s government body, the terrifying DDA.
Hadley thought she was adjusting but things are about to change. The question is, when the dust settles, who will be left standing and what side will they be on?
The body belongs to a local business manager, who just happens to be married to the daughter of one of the richest men on the island. Unfortunately for their victim, nobody – including his wife and daughters – seems to care that he’s gone. The deeper they dig, the more dirt they come up with on the victim… and the clues lead them straight to the isolated coven on the far side of the island.
Hadley doesn’t know a lot about witches, including herself, but what she learns doesn’t leave her with warm and fuzzy feelings. These witches mean business, and they’re intent on keeping their secrets from seeing the light of day.
When more bodies start dropping, all coven members, Hadley realizes something very big is about to happen. What, though?
With Galen and their friends at her side, Hadley is ready to engage in a new type of battle. This one is bigger than witches because it leads right through the heart of the island’s government body, the terrifying DDA.
Hadley thought she was adjusting but things are about to change. The question is, when the dust settles, who will be left standing and what side will they be on?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2022
565 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Lee
303 books2,898 followersWhen I was a kid, I was torn between whether or not I was going to grow up and be the Incredible Hulk or Wonder Woman. I flirted with being a Jedi Knight for awhile, but I wasn't up for the intense travel associated with the gig. In my teens, I settled on being a writer -- although I had no idea the effort that would entail.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Not only am I a writer now, but I'm a writer in several different mediums. I'm a longtime newspaper reporter, an avid reader and a voracious science fiction fanatic.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 10, 2022
10
Hadley Hunter is my least favourite of Amanda Lee's female leads. She's "that" girl who whined and moaned and all the boys would want. I really, REALLY dislike women like her.
Still, the story was good (as always) and I never miss reading one, although I KNOW I make a face while reading this series. 😣
Hadley Hunter is my least favourite of Amanda Lee's female leads. She's "that" girl who whined and moaned and all the boys would want. I really, REALLY dislike women like her.
Still, the story was good (as always) and I never miss reading one, although I KNOW I make a face while reading this series. 😣
August 7, 2022
Best one yet
I've read lots of Amanda M. Lee's books and I love her Wicked Witches series but, I think I actually love this one more! Maybe not, but I do love this one at least equally. This book in the series though was the best! All the characters coming together was awesome! There is so much going on and I can't wait for more. To finally see the DDA getting their comeuppance is going to be great! I really want to find out about the cemetery and its orgins, more about the mysterious mermaids and maybe some more about the wicked plane doors. There is so much opportunity to bring in more characters with different powers, and hey find out why Edna is being so nice but has under currents running through her. I love these books, but don't just take my word, read them on your own! I think its best to start with the first one, but be warned, it will become a reading marathon before you know it to read them all! Good reading!
I've read lots of Amanda M. Lee's books and I love her Wicked Witches series but, I think I actually love this one more! Maybe not, but I do love this one at least equally. This book in the series though was the best! All the characters coming together was awesome! There is so much going on and I can't wait for more. To finally see the DDA getting their comeuppance is going to be great! I really want to find out about the cemetery and its orgins, more about the mysterious mermaids and maybe some more about the wicked plane doors. There is so much opportunity to bring in more characters with different powers, and hey find out why Edna is being so nice but has under currents running through her. I love these books, but don't just take my word, read them on your own! I think its best to start with the first one, but be warned, it will become a reading marathon before you know it to read them all! Good reading!
January 8, 2024
A bit of a ranty review...
The bf is mad at the MC because she didn't stay home and read like he thought she was going to. He's so mad he is mean to her and his words feel like "an open palm slap" but she says she "understands" and is all meek and trying to get him to forgive her and he's talking about her "punishment" and not in a fun way.
This is a trend in every relationship in every series I've read by this author so far. Personally, I'd be in his face telling him to deal with it because I'm allowed to do whatever I want and he can take his "punishment" and shove it up his ***.
Apparently dominate male/submissive "feminist" female is a thing. I don't get it but I guess some people are into it for some reason. Anyway, as much as the relationships frustrate me, I do enjoy the creatures and the magic and I am here for the overarcing plot. Honestly the continuity issues bother me more than the relationship stuff but there weren't too many of those issues in this book.
The bf is mad at the MC because she didn't stay home and read like he thought she was going to. He's so mad he is mean to her and his words feel like "an open palm slap" but she says she "understands" and is all meek and trying to get him to forgive her and he's talking about her "punishment" and not in a fun way.
This is a trend in every relationship in every series I've read by this author so far. Personally, I'd be in his face telling him to deal with it because I'm allowed to do whatever I want and he can take his "punishment" and shove it up his ***.
Apparently dominate male/submissive "feminist" female is a thing. I don't get it but I guess some people are into it for some reason. Anyway, as much as the relationships frustrate me, I do enjoy the creatures and the magic and I am here for the overarcing plot. Honestly the continuity issues bother me more than the relationship stuff but there weren't too many of those issues in this book.
June 10, 2025
I give this book more of a 2.5 stars.
The “love” Hadley and Galen share is getting monotonous. I skimmed through so many pages in every chapter that was them either telling each other how much they loved each other, them telling others how much they loved each other, or others telling them how much they loved each other. Ugh.
It’s creepy how they make out in front of other people and get mad when people call them on the creepiness.
And in what world does a spoiled brat (Hadley) have the “right” to be included in official police business?!? She juts her bottom lip out in “rebellion” so often, I want to cut it off.
And Hadley’s obsession and nosiness about other people’s relationships is unnecessary. She’s that friend who, when you see her coming, you hope she doesn’t see you.
This series is going to way if every other Amanda Lee series in that the dialog is recycled nonsense with the two main characters who don’t grow.
The “love” Hadley and Galen share is getting monotonous. I skimmed through so many pages in every chapter that was them either telling each other how much they loved each other, them telling others how much they loved each other, or others telling them how much they loved each other. Ugh.
It’s creepy how they make out in front of other people and get mad when people call them on the creepiness.
And in what world does a spoiled brat (Hadley) have the “right” to be included in official police business?!? She juts her bottom lip out in “rebellion” so often, I want to cut it off.
And Hadley’s obsession and nosiness about other people’s relationships is unnecessary. She’s that friend who, when you see her coming, you hope she doesn’t see you.
This series is going to way if every other Amanda Lee series in that the dialog is recycled nonsense with the two main characters who don’t grow.
July 9, 2022
outstanding paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an outstanding paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Hadley is a witch who inherited her grandmothers lighthouse on a mystical paranormal island. She grew up not even knowing that she was a witch. Yet when she arrived on the island she soon began to realize things were a bit different here. As time went on she settled in is beginning to learn to use her powers more and more and is becoming part of the community. She has a boyfriend who is a shifter and a local sheriff. Her best friend is a half demon tiki bar owner. Who is dating a Cupid and so much more. Read on and follow the adventures of Hadley and her friends as they try and stop the turmoil going on in a tropical paradise.
This is an outstanding paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Hadley is a witch who inherited her grandmothers lighthouse on a mystical paranormal island. She grew up not even knowing that she was a witch. Yet when she arrived on the island she soon began to realize things were a bit different here. As time went on she settled in is beginning to learn to use her powers more and more and is becoming part of the community. She has a boyfriend who is a shifter and a local sheriff. Her best friend is a half demon tiki bar owner. Who is dating a Cupid and so much more. Read on and follow the adventures of Hadley and her friends as they try and stop the turmoil going on in a tropical paradise.
September 15, 2022
I absolutely love the relationship between Hadley and Galen, the constant teasing and bickering and fake fights. It’s adorable!
I also love the mystery and drive to find their bad guy as a team. Their friendships are sweet and reflect on their personalities and the world building in these books, it’s amazing.
Amanda M. Lee is an amazing writer, I love all her books. She always picks fantastic locations but in this series she’s created her own tropical supernatural island home for all these amazing characters. Nothing is better than that!
If you enjoy sleuthy witches, werewolf boyfriends threatening to propose marriage, Cupid’s with a spotty past, half demon’s that can create weapons from fire, sirens, and shark shifters working together to take down murders, and magic evils. Then this is the series for you, I highly recommend this and all of Amanda’s works!
I also love the mystery and drive to find their bad guy as a team. Their friendships are sweet and reflect on their personalities and the world building in these books, it’s amazing.
Amanda M. Lee is an amazing writer, I love all her books. She always picks fantastic locations but in this series she’s created her own tropical supernatural island home for all these amazing characters. Nothing is better than that!
If you enjoy sleuthy witches, werewolf boyfriends threatening to propose marriage, Cupid’s with a spotty past, half demon’s that can create weapons from fire, sirens, and shark shifters working together to take down murders, and magic evils. Then this is the series for you, I highly recommend this and all of Amanda’s works!
July 8, 2022
excellent
This one is excellent! The romance, and eating everything is just fun and funny. The plot is actually interesting and rich. I did disagree with the joke about who would want to look like Mr. Clean. We had a member of our riding group who was huge, totally bald and rode a work horse like a saddle house. All us girls called him Ajax and fanned ourselves as he and his horse hauled an entire tree to the center of our group camping area. I never knew his real name, he was an adult and we didn't talk to him much but we sighed and chose to follow him whenever he suggested a trail ride. He was swoon worthy, just sayin
This one is excellent! The romance, and eating everything is just fun and funny. The plot is actually interesting and rich. I did disagree with the joke about who would want to look like Mr. Clean. We had a member of our riding group who was huge, totally bald and rode a work horse like a saddle house. All us girls called him Ajax and fanned ourselves as he and his horse hauled an entire tree to the center of our group camping area. I never knew his real name, he was an adult and we didn't talk to him much but we sighed and chose to follow him whenever he suggested a trail ride. He was swoon worthy, just sayin
July 5, 2022
The mystery deepens.
Enjoyed this quite a bit. Hadley and Galen can be almost too sweet when they do their mutual gushing about each other (I’m with Booker on this), but they are so endearing that I’m willing to overlook that. The mystery surrounding the DDA has deepened and thanks to this books murder mystery, we finally get a glimpse into their goings on. Fast paced, action packed and fun, I had a fun time reading this.
Enjoyed this quite a bit. Hadley and Galen can be almost too sweet when they do their mutual gushing about each other (I’m with Booker on this), but they are so endearing that I’m willing to overlook that. The mystery surrounding the DDA has deepened and thanks to this books murder mystery, we finally get a glimpse into their goings on. Fast paced, action packed and fun, I had a fun time reading this.
July 6, 2022
Wow, big changes coming
This book was a fantastic addition to the series. Alliances are cemented and lines are drawn. Things are about to get really interesting in Moonstone Bay. I love the development of Hadley and her powers and I also love her relationship with Galen. All of the characters are fun, but also wonderfully flawed. Looking forward to next in series once out. I don't want to give spoilers. Summary provided by author covers basics.
This book was a fantastic addition to the series. Alliances are cemented and lines are drawn. Things are about to get really interesting in Moonstone Bay. I love the development of Hadley and her powers and I also love her relationship with Galen. All of the characters are fun, but also wonderfully flawed. Looking forward to next in series once out. I don't want to give spoilers. Summary provided by author covers basics.
July 12, 2022
Cliffhanger!
I have been waiting to find out what was up with the sinister and mysterious DDA since the beginning of the series. As this started to unfold I was thinking it is about time! But maybe Lee is writing too fast, details are missing. How does one eat a spell bag? And how does someone kill someone else in front of witnesses and not get arrested? Many questions need to be answered.
I have been waiting to find out what was up with the sinister and mysterious DDA since the beginning of the series. As this started to unfold I was thinking it is about time! But maybe Lee is writing too fast, details are missing. How does one eat a spell bag? And how does someone kill someone else in front of witnesses and not get arrested? Many questions need to be answered.
July 21, 2022
DDA
Doesn't matter if you want power or just to let others take responsibility but we all fall under 2 categories, 1 power grubbers 2 let others lead. One common goal is to live peacefully together. This story took a group of people who thought they could govern better, but they would have been worse then the people they currently have. Galen learned something about his mom. Hadley has grown into her powers. Let's see what they get into next.
Doesn't matter if you want power or just to let others take responsibility but we all fall under 2 categories, 1 power grubbers 2 let others lead. One common goal is to live peacefully together. This story took a group of people who thought they could govern better, but they would have been worse then the people they currently have. Galen learned something about his mom. Hadley has grown into her powers. Let's see what they get into next.
July 22, 2022
ummm
So this is one of my top three writers on this app. That said I don’t like how people treat her like she’s some ditz when she has saved them since she’s arrived. That said this is a good one outside of that as per usual. I like how people just over talk her but the whole time she’s figuring it out. Yes I know it contradicts my first comment but I can be of both minds. I hate how they treat her I love that she kicks butt. A great read
So this is one of my top three writers on this app. That said I don’t like how people treat her like she’s some ditz when she has saved them since she’s arrived. That said this is a good one outside of that as per usual. I like how people just over talk her but the whole time she’s figuring it out. Yes I know it contradicts my first comment but I can be of both minds. I hate how they treat her I love that she kicks butt. A great read
July 6, 2022
Finally some payoff
Hadley can be pretty annoying, especially in the last few books. But in this one the dreade confrontation with DDA starts. But it's not the main thrust of the book. We also learn more about Galen's mother and role in the DDA and some of her motivations for her actions. All in all, a great read.
Hadley can be pretty annoying, especially in the last few books. But in this one the dreade confrontation with DDA starts. But it's not the main thrust of the book. We also learn more about Galen's mother and role in the DDA and some of her motivations for her actions. All in all, a great read.
July 7, 2022
Love Moonstone Bay
I have read all the Moonstone Bay books and others by Amanda M Lee. Her cozy mystery books are the best! If you like paranormal characters, couples falling in love, humor, some seriousness and to be entertained, any of Amanda M Lee's series are just what you need to try.
I have read all the Moonstone Bay books and others by Amanda M Lee. Her cozy mystery books are the best! If you like paranormal characters, couples falling in love, humor, some seriousness and to be entertained, any of Amanda M Lee's series are just what you need to try.
July 8, 2022
Great read!
This has quickly become one of my favorite series! I really enjoy the mysteries in each book, which are well plotted and provide plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also really enjoy getting to come back to Moon stone Bay for each book and watching as the characters develop. I can't wait for the next book!
This has quickly become one of my favorite series! I really enjoy the mysteries in each book, which are well plotted and provide plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also really enjoy getting to come back to Moon stone Bay for each book and watching as the characters develop. I can't wait for the next book!
July 9, 2022
Another Great Moonstone Bay Story
Wow, in Moonstone Bay, the times they are a changin’ I find Moonstone Bay to be one of my many favorites of Amanda M. Lee’s wonderful series. And in this book, many threads seem to be reaching toward a temporary culmination. A lot of the characters are maturing. Interesting.
Wow, in Moonstone Bay, the times they are a changin’ I find Moonstone Bay to be one of my many favorites of Amanda M. Lee’s wonderful series. And in this book, many threads seem to be reaching toward a temporary culmination. A lot of the characters are maturing. Interesting.
July 9, 2022
A Great Series
I love the chemistry between Hadley and Galen and the relationship they have. They are very loyal and absolutely perfect for one another. I loved that we got to find out more about Galen’s mother and the DDA in this book. I can’t wait to see how all this develops in future books
I love the chemistry between Hadley and Galen and the relationship they have. They are very loyal and absolutely perfect for one another. I loved that we got to find out more about Galen’s mother and the DDA in this book. I can’t wait to see how all this develops in future books
July 11, 2022
all the feels
This book made me actually laugh out loud which is no easy feat! I love the character development as individuals and as a group. Wonderful insight into each of them is perfectly integrated into the story so that you don’t realize what you’re getting if you don’t pay attention. Couldn’t put it down!
This book made me actually laugh out loud which is no easy feat! I love the character development as individuals and as a group. Wonderful insight into each of them is perfectly integrated into the story so that you don’t realize what you’re getting if you don’t pay attention. Couldn’t put it down!
July 11, 2022
Witch is the Word (A moon stone cozy Mystery book 10)
This was another winner. This is my favorite Author. She writes my favorite books to read, paranormal mysteries. I have read almost all of her books. At least close to 100 of them. I highly recommend all her books and different series as they are all great. Diana Romano
This was another winner. This is my favorite Author. She writes my favorite books to read, paranormal mysteries. I have read almost all of her books. At least close to 100 of them. I highly recommend all her books and different series as they are all great. Diana Romano
July 13, 2022
More murders than usual
Kissy face to storyline, 55/45. I personally prefer that to be turned around, but that’s me.
The mystery side was tight until the end, but this is not a book to be read as a stand-alone. You have to be caught up in the series, and even the end is a prelude to the next book in the series.
I would like to live on Moonstone Bay.
Kissy face to storyline, 55/45. I personally prefer that to be turned around, but that’s me.
The mystery side was tight until the end, but this is not a book to be read as a stand-alone. You have to be caught up in the series, and even the end is a prelude to the next book in the series.
I would like to live on Moonstone Bay.
July 17, 2022
good series
I just wish the author would stop so much love talk it makes the men seem weak. I love the books, but the constant “ I love you” an the stupid stuff said is annoying. Few men talk like that! Let them get angry, in all your books the men are too girlish, they act like wimps!
I just wish the author would stop so much love talk it makes the men seem weak. I love the books, but the constant “ I love you” an the stupid stuff said is annoying. Few men talk like that! Let them get angry, in all your books the men are too girlish, they act like wimps!
July 22, 2022
Unfortunately and unbelievable
Normally it takes me a day to read a book but this took me 3 day, am not please with it been soo dam boring. Seriously enough with lovey dovey crap ot makes the book boring, we get they love each other but its like you talking to a kid and then they see something so their attention shift, its annoying
Normally it takes me a day to read a book but this took me 3 day, am not please with it been soo dam boring. Seriously enough with lovey dovey crap ot makes the book boring, we get they love each other but its like you talking to a kid and then they see something so their attention shift, its annoying
July 22, 2022
I binge read all 10 of the Moonstone series. I needed to find out what trouble Hadley and her posse would find and how they dealth with it. Each book had a unique adventure and foe for them to best. The bickering between Hadley and Galen was a bit tedious at times. The way this book ended leads me to believe that there will be a couple more adventures. I'm looking forward to them.
July 25, 2022
Go Hadley
Another good read, Ms. Amanda M. Lee. This sets us up for the changes to come. I hope they go the way of a council and maybe a mayor but no more DDA. I hope Marjory doesn't go bad. I think Clive might need to be taken out. I didn't find any glaring errors, either. They always mess the story up so I am glad your stories don't seem to have them.
Another good read, Ms. Amanda M. Lee. This sets us up for the changes to come. I hope they go the way of a council and maybe a mayor but no more DDA. I hope Marjory doesn't go bad. I think Clive might need to be taken out. I didn't find any glaring errors, either. They always mess the story up so I am glad your stories don't seem to have them.
August 13, 2022
Best of series
This book to you on a wild and fun ride. The revelations and changes that occurred boggled my mind. I loved it. This series keeps getting better as the main characters find their places in the group. As a group they are becoming unstoppable and it fun to read. Loved this book!
This book to you on a wild and fun ride. The revelations and changes that occurred boggled my mind. I loved it. This series keeps getting better as the main characters find their places in the group. As a group they are becoming unstoppable and it fun to read. Loved this book!
October 10, 2022
Good but
I love the moonstone bay series and this one was okay but it did drag a little while others have not. It did answer some questions i had. It also held the promise of exciting future books. This not quite as good book didn't put me off on the series. I just wouldn't recommend it as a first book of the series
I love the moonstone bay series and this one was okay but it did drag a little while others have not. It did answer some questions i had. It also held the promise of exciting future books. This not quite as good book didn't put me off on the series. I just wouldn't recommend it as a first book of the series
March 3, 2023
Finally
This book was tightly written. There was less needless babbling by Hadley. The story was different from other stories in the series. Although I believe Clive should have been arrested too. He's a murderer. It was nice to finally see Hadley's power become strong. I'm curious about book 11 now. I'd almost given up on the series.
This book was tightly written. There was less needless babbling by Hadley. The story was different from other stories in the series. Although I believe Clive should have been arrested too. He's a murderer. It was nice to finally see Hadley's power become strong. I'm curious about book 11 now. I'd almost given up on the series.
March 20, 2024
Good story line, I will read the series
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.I could tell.I could tead more of yhis authors books . sometimes the book storyline is extremely sweet.Which sometimes is a bit much but other than that the storyline was good and I would read the next book
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters.I could tell.I could tead more of yhis authors books . sometimes the book storyline is extremely sweet.Which sometimes is a bit much but other than that the storyline was good and I would read the next book
July 5, 2022
Moonshine Bay!!
Another great story in the Moonstone Bay saga. Hadley is introduced to the DDA. The plot and subplots move quickly with some surprising twists. The characters are growing and changing from the beginning of the series. I can't wait for the next book!
Another great story in the Moonstone Bay saga. Hadley is introduced to the DDA. The plot and subplots move quickly with some surprising twists. The characters are growing and changing from the beginning of the series. I can't wait for the next book!
July 7, 2022
More power
Hadley's powers are growing stronger, just like her bond with Galen. Putting them to the test to save the DDA seems a waste though. Changes are coming and I can't wait to see them.
Hadley's powers are growing stronger, just like her bond with Galen. Putting them to the test to save the DDA seems a waste though. Changes are coming and I can't wait to see them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews