Savvy Swift’s life is turned upside-down when she discovers her fiancé cheating. What’s a scorned girl to do? Take off in his classic Dodge Charger, of course!
Savvy is just settling into her new home in Wickerton Hollow when the woman who takes her in is accused of killing the town hussy. Strange things a talking cat grants her wishes, the gnomes in the garden come alive, and she must steal back a relic a troll took from them because – whoops! – it is her fault he stole it in the first place. All this, while trying to solve the murder so she can spare her friend from prison.
Will Savvy have what it takes?
Perhaps. But it will take a whole lot of luck and a little bit of magic.
2023 bk 158. This one earned a five star rating. It does not pretend to be in a serious, alternate world, in fact, there is no pretention to this book at all. One must suspend disbelief and go along for a joy ride of unruly gnome children, a murder in a knit shop (yeah, I know, a tried and true trope), a magic knitting needle (not 2, just one in the right hands), a bad break-up turned into a new life of puzzlement, purpose and joy. Joy - yes, that is what bleeds through in even the most discouraging moments. Ginny, the accused, reminds us to look for joy - and that is why I gave this book a five star rating. We need more joy!
I really debated how many stars I was going to give this story. It was quirky and fun with silly character/place names that had me cringing (but in a good way), but… a better editor is needed. That being said, I couldn’t put this down. It made me smile and even laugh and there’s a lot to be said about those happy emotions these days.
Savvy is really down on her luck. Engaged to a man she caught doing the deed with their secretary, she takes his car (that she paid for) and heads for who knows where. She just drove until she ran out of money and gas. And ended up in the Adirondacks in a strange small town with odd characters—one who ends up dead. And it’s up to Savvy to figure out who the real killer is so her friend, the sweet Ginny, doesn’t get blamed for the deed. There’s a hunky cop (Shotgun) and his newsy twin brother (Sayer), a nasty newspaper guy (Nitpicker), and the man who owns most of the town (McGreedy). There are also garden gnomes and trolls and witches and more.
It’s a cute story with fun characters - and a definite nod to more books to come as there were a lot of threads left dangling. Ignore the editorial issues and this is a fun book to read.
I really enjoyed this! The author slowly reveals how it's possible for a life to gradually spiral downward until it lands in an unexpected place. This is certainly Savannah Swift's experience as she ends up in Wickerton Hollow; however, whether this will prove to be a positive experience is in question! Savvy is charming, feisty, and can roll with the punches. A well-imagined sense of the locale and brief introductions to the townsfolk adds to the reading experience. The mystery is a delight with bits of comedy throughout, although the resolution is bittersweet. The paranormal aspects also provide some humor, and I look forward to furthering my acquaintance with these characters.
Looking for something to take your mind off of the chaotic events in today's world ... this book is just the thing. It is the story of a young woman named Savvy running from heartache in her life and ending up in a quaint little place when her car runs out of gas and her pockets run out of money.
She meets Ginny, a little old lady who takes her in and that's when this story takes off. Strange things happen, including a murder with plenty of suspects to go around, and Savvy is right in the middle of it all.
You will be drawn into this 'whodunit' and won't want to put it down.
Welcome to Wickerton Hollow, Where Strange Things Happen. That is exactly what Savvy found when she got there, 'by accident', strange things for which there were no logical explanation except magic. Stranger yet, she took them in her stride and realized that she had found a home. Quirky characters whom you will get to love, fairy tale characters whose actions will cause you to laugh, they are all here. An entertaining way to spend a few hours.
A non-pretentious, silly, quirky and highly amusing and entertaining cozy fantasy. The characters were stereotypical and intended as nothing else including the setting and theme which is leaned into heavily with extravagance at its heart. This is a well-crafted (pun intended) murder mystery and witchcraft adventure. A great and quick read perfect for those cold, rainy days when amusement is craved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery with the interesting characters!! I especially loved the talking cat!!! The characters were interesting and well described and just fun! It was a relaxing read! The narrator did a great job on some of the characters, but others weren’t so well done, but I still enjoyed the book!
a page turner... you want to see what happens... and then you'll need book 2! you'll bask in the warmth of the friends and neighbours and you'll know what community means...
Entertaining little story. Could use an edit as there are extra or missing words and some grammatical errors. Quick read though. Great for a pre-teen or young teen reader.
This was a cute stoy.A down on her luck woman arrives in a magical place after her car runs out of gas. She solved a murder and helps a gnome get back an artifact that was stolen by trolls.
I loved the way that our protagonist was able to take charge of her life and destiny! Watching her defend her new friends and solve the mystery was a delight!
Fun and funny. I enjoyed this book and characters. I greatly enjoy mysteries and this book didn't disappoint. Well written and leaves one looking forward to the next ones. Interesting for knitters and mystery buffs.
Lyla Lockwood has Done a good job of humanizing her characters good and mysterious bad person..Her plot is very much fun to read. A good Read. Santa Mike
Long drawn out murder mystery with lots of strange characters. Along with humans, you also have cats, dogs, gnomes, and more. It is up to the newcomer to the town to solve the mystery.
An easy on your nerves tale of witches, ghosts, a talking cat and murder. I enjoy books that take me out of the real world. There are a lot of well developed characters. You'll forget you don't live there.