Moonlight and Magic

Mysteries of Moonlight Manor #2

by Molly Fitz, Trixie Silvertale

An ancient grimoire. A family curse. Will Halloween bring treats or death?

Sydney Coleman is coexisting with her ghostly roommates. But if she hopes to keep the Gothic manor, she has to bring in some cash. Charging for haunted Halloween tours could save them, if it doesn’t kill her first…

It’s a pity she didn’t listen when the lordly feline warned her not to toy with the spellbook. Now Sydney’s reliving the same day over and over—and every loop ends with a corpse on the floor and her in handcuffs.

Can Sydney unravel the confusing clues, or will time run out?

Moonlight and Magic is the second book in the spell-tacular paranormal cozy mystery series, Mysteries of Moonlight Manor. If you like snarky heroines, quaint locations, and clever cats, then you'll love Molly Fitz and Trixie Silvertale’s twisty mystery.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Ghosts, Fantasy, Magic, Cats

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 20, 2022

About the author

Molly Fitz is the quirky, cozy mystery pen name of USA Today bestselling author, Melissa Storm. And while she can't technically talk to animals, she and her doggie best friend, Sky Princess, have deep and very animated conversations as they navigate their days. Add to that, five more dogs, a snarky feline, comedian husband, and diva daughter, and you can pretty much imagine how life looks in the Casa de Fitz.

Molly lives in a house on a high hill in the Michigan woods and occasionally ventures out for good food, great coffee, or to meet new animal friends.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlight and Magic is the second book in the Mysteries of Moonlight Manor series. It could work as a standalone, but will be more enjoyable if you have read the first book. Sydney Coleman's original plans of turning a large home she purchased in Maine into a Bed and Breakfast hit a few obstacles, including a bad online review and unexpected residents in the home - three ghosts! However, her new business begins to take off when she decides to take advantage of the mansion's reputation and start offering ghost tours on the days leading up to Halloween. However, when the body of a meddling neighbor is found inside Moonlight Manor, Sydney becomes the sheriff's prime suspect.

When Sydney is arrested, the plot takes an unusual turn and the only way for things to go back to normal is for Sydney to solve the crime. No spoilers, but this plot turn will remind readers of a popular movie, but is a unique set-up in a cozy mystery. Sometimes Sydney seems to make things harder than they need to during the investigation, but it's still a fun book. I'm looking forward to reading book 3 to see what further adventures await Sydney.

I received a free copy of this ebook from the authors, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Hollow’s Eve is just around the corner and Sydney is hoping the spooky holiday will give her a chance to improve the Manor’s finances with the assistance of her ghostly trio of helpers. But an ancient grimoire, an accidental spell, and her neighbor nemesis are all about to make that more difficult. That was such an enjoyable mystery. There’s plenty of suspects to choose from and the Groundhog Day nature of the repeating timeline made it a fascinating challenge to try to outthink the plot. I never managed it, so the big reveal was a big surprise for me, and I consider that the mark of a very fine mystery. I can’t wait to see what Sydney and the ghostly trio get themselves into next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Kathy Brackin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series 🎃

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Sydney just cannot get a break! After solving the murder case of the previous owner of Moonlight Manor and freeing her disturbed soul, the ghosts of Sir Bogart, the feline lord of the manor, Velma the cook, and Norman the butler decide to stay and continue to serve her. Together they plan to turn the manor into a haunted one, to sell ghostly tours for All Hallows Eve, and thus earn the money she so desperately needed to keep their manor. However whilst preparations were underway, Sydney found the Blodfyss sisters' grimoire which she used as a prop, as well as a magical crystal ball and of course her ghosts put on a show which was thoroughly authentic. However during opening night of the tours a murder was committed and the body was dumped in her mudroom, and obviously Sydney was the prime suspect and Haley Allen, the sheriff placed her in handcuffs. Strange thing though, was that once these clicked on Sydney and her ghost companions entered into a time loop which kept replaying the tours and the finding of the body. Sydney knew she had not committed this crime but that unless she found the real murderer she would lose all that she was working for. Case 2 is exciting in that Sydney and the ghosts, Frannie and even Davis discover clues as to the real murderer whilst working through the time loops. I love the originality of the idea behind the solving of this case, and I absolutely love the loyal ghosts of the Manor and look forward to joining our crew on another mystery case!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! the second book in spectacular and fun paranormal murder mystery with the greatest characters both human and ghostly! Sydney Coleman new owner of Moonlight Manor in a small town Maine. But in order to be able to stay there, she has to do something to earn money so she can pay for the upkeep and manor expenses. When trying to make a go as a bed and breakfast didn't make it since one of the guests was a travel critic and Sydney's ghostly roommates, the talking and all knowing cat, Sir Bogart, the maid and cook, Velma and the Butler, Norman showed up at the wrong time. So what is plan B? Lets try making a Halloween Spooky mansion and her ghostly roommates can even take part. With Sydney's nasty neighbor, Gladys Williams constantly angry and harassing Sydney in the way, Sydney decides to go ahead with the opening of the spooky, Halloween, haunted mansion. Her best friend, Frannie, who owns the local bakery, Sydney and her ghosts put all the spooky touches to the mansion and sell out tours. This looks so promising even though Sir Bogart warns Sydney that the props she found in the attic are dangerous and she shouldn't use them which included a book of magic spells. Not believing that it is true, she even recites what she thinks is a poem from the book. The tours go well and while in bed, Velma, her maid, screams and Sydney finds the dead body of her nemesis, Gladys, dead in her mud room. And now the problems begin with the Sheriff, Haley making Sydney suspect number one and has to shut down the tours. And they are all caught in a loop and the day keeps repeating. How can Sydney stop that and how can she find who the real murderer is? With the help of her friends real and ghostly, she has to try. WOW! Great surprises and lots of fun trying to figure things out. This is an amazing series and so much fun. I love the surprise ending too. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sydney and the 3 ghosts inhabiting her new home managed to solve the murder of the former mistress of the manor, allowing her soul to finally be at rest. And while that solves one problem, it doesn't solve the issue of her needing to earn an income after having received a bad review from the reviewer who had stayed at her bed and breakfast. (It hadn't been advertised as haunted, so the negative review wasn't really all that surprising, just unfortunate.)

So they do the only thing that really makes sense after that…. They decide to give haunted Halloween tours. After all, with 3 ghosts in residence, why not make use of the building's haunted reputation? But once again, something goes wrong, leaving Sydney and the others trapped in a repeating loop of the events from the day of the first tours. (Read the book, if you want to know why, I won't spoil that part for you.)

I was amused by this tale, though somewhat disappointed that there was no reference made by the main character to the movie Groundhog Day. (If you’ve ever seen the movie, then you know why.) Still, the events of each day they are forced to repeat and the ways they try to break the cycle and get out of the loop were quite innovative and well worth reading.

If you like paranormal cozy mysteries, or cozy mysteries in general, then I believe you should enjoy this book. Also, if you've enjoyed any of the other books written by either Ms. Fitz or Ms. Silvertale, you probably won't want to skip this fun series. But as this is the second book in the series, I strongly recommend reading book 1 in the series before reading this one.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her hopes of opening a bed and breakfast inn dashed, Sydney decides to make the haunted mansion one where people can pay to have a tour and her ghostly trio can give some spooky hauntings of their own to add to the experience. However, once again, things get derailed as her nasty neighbor ends up dead inside her house and she is accused of the murder!

However, an interesting thing has occurred. Before the tour can began she found an old book, a grimoire, and reading one spell she thought was a poem has caused her to relive the opening night over and over again up to and including her being arrested for the murder the next morning. With her ghostly trio and her best friend to help her can she figure out whodunnit to stop the loop from continuously repeating itself and bring the perpetrator to justice!

This is a fun cozy mystery with characters you’re going to fall in love with! Our heroine,Sydney, who after being dumped by her ex finds herself in a town with a best friend and three ghostly apparitions who make her life worthwhile once again! It seems her life is jinxed but she is doggedly determined (maybe I should say catly tenacious) to clear herself and solve yet again another murder that seems to have happened in this mansion she has bought.

I enthusiastically recommend you get this series and enjoy a good clean reading experience! I certainly wouldn’t mind being in Misty Meadows and seeing Moonlight Manor myself or eating one of Frannie’s delicious creations from her bakery, Heaven Can Bake! It would be fun to “see” the ghostly trio move through the rooms or strut their stuff so to speak as well!

Pick up this series today and enjoy this experience that is awaiting you!

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. There isn't many stories were the amateur sleuth can repeat her day over and over in order to find a killer, the ghosts add a fun twist to the story. The story does repeat a lot but is slightly different with each retelling, so it doesn't get boring. I like the characters and the haunted ghost tours are a lot of fun and what make this series a just read. Despite the murder victim not being liked there was only one real suspect, which was a little bit disappointing. Although the real fun was trying to work out how she would break the time loop. This is the second book in the series but although it can be read as a standalone I think it works better as part of a series. Looking forward to the next book.

With the disaster of her B&B launch Sydney decides to take her business in a new direction by opening up her mansion and offering ghost tours. Only she has real ghost to scare people. In order to decorate and save money she investigates the attic and uses props. One is a grimoire and Sydney cast s a spell without knowing it. Now she gets to repeat the same day over and over, the day she gets arrested for murder. The only way to break the spell is to solve the murder. Can Sydney and her ghost friends find the killer?
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Molly and Trixie have given their readers a fun escape from their everyday lives. Book 2 in this series gives us a murder mystery set in a haunted house, along with some laughs and feel-good vibes. I absolutely loved it!

Poor Scarlett just cannot get a break. Her plans to set up a B&B in her newly acquired mansion didn’t work out. With Halloween approaching and desperate for some income, she decides to host some haunted house tours. Should be a breeze since she shares the mansion with three ghosts (a cook, a butler, and a cat). But it just wouldn’t be a mystery if something didn’t go wrong. Right?

I laughed over the hijinks the ghosts reveled in pulling on the tour guests. But Sydney unknowingly sets into play a spell that will ruin their fun. In a nod to “Groundhog Day,” the opening day for the tours will day over and over, each time ending with a dead body in the house and Sydney being arrested for murder. How does Sydney now get out of this mess?

I am totally loving the ghosts. And it seems one could not find a better bestie than Scarlett’s new friend Frannie.

This is a quick read. This entire series of three books can easily be read over a relaxing weekend. I highly recommend this delightful series.

I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

MOONLIGHT AND MAGIC is the second installment in Molly Fitz's and Trixie Silvertale’s Mysteries of Moonlight Manor series. These two authors have done a great job creating this fun and entertaining haunted manor mystery series. I was drawn in from the beginning and hooked until the end.

Sydney Coleman had it all,  until she found her almost fiancé cheating on her.  She left New York behind to start a new life in Misty Meadows, Maine. With plans to open a B&B in an historic manor, she finds she has a ghost problem. Three ghosts opposed her turning the manor into a B&B until she solved the seventy year old murder of their mistress. With the murder solved the ghosts agree to support her endeavors. The plans to hold Haunted House tours for Halloween go awry when a body shows up in the mud room. Suddenly, Sydney is living in a twenty-four hour loop of the first haunted tour. If she can't figure out who the murderer is, will the loop continue through eternity?

If you like mysteries, snarky heroines, entitled felines, and friends then you'll love Molly Fitz and Trixie Silvertale’s haunting at Moonlight Manor. I am looking forward to more of those hijinks from Sydney, Bogart and friends.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I seem to be in the minority, but this book did not work for me.

SPOILERS!!!!!!!!

So, first of all lets talk about the dead body appearing in the mudroom. Sydney has 3 ghosts living with her that I'm assuming do not need to sleep. Why could she not have one of them hang out, invisible, in the mudroom to see who was dropping the body off? Or, she could have set up her phone in a hidden area to record the events that were taking place.

Second, there is no way anyone would discover someone was living on their property, and not tell someone else about it. Sydney could have called the sheriff, person would have been removed from the property, and probably not have been killed. Even if she didn't want to do that, if she was having an altercation with them she could have called the police and the other person would have went to jail for the night and lived. But no, Sydney turns her back on them and gets knocked out, and then wonders what happened? And STILL didn't call the police about being knocked out? This whole book was filled with plot holes and illogical actions. It was very frustrating.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in a three-part series. As you have read in the first book Sydney Coleman has bought a manor and now has to find a way to keep it. Her first thought was a bed and breakfast but after the first guest, a high-profile travel agent, posted his very negative review, she now has to come up with another way to make money. As the first try failed because of ghosts, she has now decided to try Halloween tours by selling tickets. As she is staging the home, she found a spell book in the attic and has brought it down. She read one of the spells and just thought it was a poem not knowing what type of book she had. As a murdered victim is found the next morning in her pantry, she is arrested. When they put handcuffs on her, that whole night and morning happens again. As this looping continues, each time they work harder to figure out who is the murderer and why it happened. The victim was not a well-liked woman but didn’t deserve to be murdered.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney Coleman and her spectral roommates are doing well living together at Moonlight Manor. But things get dicey when Sydney reads from an old grimoire she finds while decorating the house for their haunted tours. Now she's living the same day over and over. Can Sydney follow the clues, solve the mystery, and get time back on track?

This is the second book in a new series that is shaping up to be excellent. I'm really enjoying the collaboration of these two authors who each have series which I love. This book was a quick, fun read with wonderful characters. I was drawn into this magical and intriguing story and kept hooked from start to finish. The mystery is fun to solve and will keep you guessing. I'm truly looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished book one and jumped right into this one! It was even better than the first book! Love the characters, especially the ghosts. I enjoyed getting to know some of the townspeople who were befriending Syd and becoming part of her story - even the sheriff. Can't wait to read the next book!

Amazon synopsis:
An ancient grimoire. A family curse. Will Halloween bring treats or death?

Sydney Coleman is coexisting with her ghostly roommates. But if she hopes to keep the Gothic manor, she has to bring in some cash. Charging for haunted Halloween tours could save them, if it doesn’t kill her first…

It’s a pity she didn’t listen when the lordly feline warned her not to toy with the spellbook. Now Sydney’s reliving the same day over and over—and every loop ends with a corpse on the floor and her in handcuffs.

Can Sydney unravel the confusing clues, or will time run out?

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight and Magic is the second book in the Mysteries of Moonlight Manor Series. This book is set at Halloween, (which makes it perfect fall reading), and is set in Maine. 
Sydney has decided to give haunted tours for Halloween to try to make some money to continue living in the Manor. Ghosts Velma and Norman are back as is Sir Bogart, ghost cat of the manor. I adore Bogey! All seems to be going well and opening night a success. Unfortunately, that changes in the morning. That is when Sydney has her own Groundhog Day. Ha! 
You need to read this book! This series is just so good. Buy the set because you are going to want to read them one after another. They are quick reads so you can totally do that! Grab the books and get comfy. 

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining paranormal ghost fantasy series

This is an paranormal ghost fantasy series. Great cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. After a break up with her boyfriend in New York City and getting fired from her job. Sydney packs up takes all her money and buys a haunted mansion in Maine. She tries to turn into a bed-and-breakfast and that doesn’t work out. needing a way to make money to be able to keep her man and make a living she decides to do haunted tours. After spending what little money she has fixing it up and getting ready for her first tour. Along with her three resident ghosts more trouble comes her way. read and find out what adventure awaits her now. It’s an entertaining series and a fun read. Check it out

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well written true para cozey style mystery with mayhem and murder. The array of characters are so vibrant, so colorful and quirky but of course this wouldn't be a mystery without a deadly schemer unlike Ms.Fitzs other wonderful characters and the mystery of the death is a well crafted discise that blends into the plot that carries you through with an intriguing amount of ghostly magical wonderment having you wanting to turn page after page in determination to figure out who did the dirty deed and if it can be discovered by you before the exciting and climatic conclusion is revealed. Acquire " Moonlight and Magic " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat.

[Sarah A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment for the mysteries of Moonlight Manor by Trixie Silvertale and Molly Fitz.

Sydney needs funds to save the Manor and to survive. Between her and her three ghostly roommates they decide to do genuine haunted tours of the mansion.

When Sydney finds an old grimoire, things go horribly wrong and she finds herself reliving the same day over and over. To make matters worse there's a murder in her house and the Sheriff believes her to be the murderer.

Can Sydney and the ghostly trio solve the murder so life can get back to normal?

I really enjoyed this book and the series.
Buy it and you won't be disappointed.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog Day!

I really enjoyed this book.
While there were quite a few errors (missing words, whole sentences split in two by a period [ex: There is one. Sentence split into two] ), it was only mildly irritating.
The story itself, however, was cleverly done and had a definite "Groundhog Day" theme.
Thanks to the ghosts, Sydney, and her close friend Frannie, Sydney is able to figure out the solution and also learns that some magical items just aren't to be messed with. Maybe she'll listen to her beautiful cat Bogart next time!!
I definitely recommend this story for a fun mystery.

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog Day meets paranormal.

I was given the first and second book in this series as an ARC read and I've just read them back to back. There was a little more working out to do in this episode than the first. I don't do spoilers, but I feel if one thing hadn't have happened towards the end (which kinda didn't have to) the killer wouldn't have been so easy to snare. My only critique!

Other than that I enjoyed it. I could feel the frustration, I like the way the characters are not always warm and friendly and the main character has to root around to keep afloat. Another good read.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to be had by all, ghostly tours with real ghosts, what more could you ask for when you own a haunted house. You will laugh and worry along with Sydney and the gang as they relive the same day over and over again. How can Sydney break out of a spell that she thought was just a poem? Join in the fun and find the killer, again, as Sydney tries to keep the manor house. Enjoy the luscious baked goods that Frannie keeps making, just reading the description makes your mouth water. A wonderful series that I highly recommend.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

After failing as a bed-and-breakfast, Sydney Coleman decides to turn Moonlight Manor into a haunted house and host tours. Preparations have all been made and the resident ghosts are prepared to add their own touch of reality to the tours. Things have gone great on the first night of tours but that comes to a screeching halt when a body is discovered in the mud room the next morning. Sydney has to find the killer before she is arrested for the murder! Unique story with interesting twists and perfect for fall reading! Molly Fitz has treated us once again!

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ghosts and Magic

Sydney has a wonder Manor house filled with ghosts and magical objects, and hopes to cash in on the spooky ambiance of here house over Halloween. Unfortunately problems from the magical objects make life …or unlife for Sydney and her ghosts.

I always feel bad giving a book a bad rating, because I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to write a book and put it out there. That being said, the writing is good, but the story felt forced. I was attracted by the cat on the cover, and truthfully the cat was the best part. Two stars for the writing.

[Miss W Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight and Magic is the second book in this fantastic new series!

Wow ! This book was so good and went in unexpected directions!!!!

I love the ghost characters so MUCH! Sydney embraces the ghosts and opens up the B&B to ghost tours.

There are some twists and turns that I really enjoyed!

The end really surprised me! I am really enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book!

[Kathy Brenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sydney is coming to terms with the fact that she is living with ghosts. Whilst getting the house ready for the up-coming haunted house tour, she accidentally speaks a spell from an old grimoire - even though the cat told her not to. What the spell unleashed was phenomenal and lead to a time loop, involving a murder and her arrest. It would seem she had to find the real killer to stop the loop.

This series is just marvellous.

[Angie R Geissman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When her first venture of making the mansion into a bed and breakfast, Sydney decides to make money by having haunted tours of her mansion. While decorating her mansion she comes across a grimoire and says one of the spells. A dead body is found in the house and Sydney is blamed. She finds herself in a time loop and keeps reliving the same day. Can her and her haunted trio find the real killer and clear her name before the day resets. This was a clever plot and I enjoyed it.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Groundhog Day! Sydney and her ghost pals are getting ready for their haunted Halloween tours. When looking for decorations in the attic, Sydney comes across an old grimoire which she thinks are just poems. Then proceeds to put a spell on the house. They are stuck in a loop. Living the same day over and over until they find a killer. Her neighbor was an old grouch, but she didn't deserve to die. Can they find the killer and end the loop?

[Book Dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly and Trixie deliver another wonderful cozy mystery.

Moonlight and Magic by Molly Fitz and Trixie Silvertale was really well written and a joy to read. I appreciate the position Sydney is in and how she is trying to earn an income and her plans are thwarted again by events beyond her control. Of course I kept reading until the early hours until I finished this wonderful story.

[Kayla Mcvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Sydney starts a haunted house out of her mansion, the first night goes great, until she wakes up and finds the body of her annoying neighbor in her mudroom. When Sydney is accused of the murder, she is thrown into a time loop where she is forced to repeat the same horrible day over and over again. Can Sydney solve the murder and break the time loop, or will the true murderer catch on and end the time loop for Sydney.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Groundhog Day meets the Haunted Mansion

Join Sydney and the gang at Moonlight Mansion as they try to run a haunted mansion on the weekends for Halloween. What could possibly go wrong, after all they have the mansion and the ghosts, so how could this not be a gold mine. I’ll never tell, but I promise if you read this book all your questions will be answered for you. All I have left to say is enjoy your reading and have a wonderful time.