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Witches and Wine #2
Witches' Secrets
Pepper Jasper thinks she's had more shocks than anyone should have in one lifetime, yet more sinister secrets lie in wait for her. And when one of the guests is murdered, Pepper discovers a Shifter Wolf is closer than she thought. Can Pepper remain hidden from those who wish her harm? In the cozy Australian town of Lighthouse Bay, the weather heats up, but will the romance? Lucas O'Callaghan is hiding something, and Pepper is determined to find out what it is. As trouble brews, Pepper races to sift through the clues, and does her best to stay alive.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2017
284 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Morgana Best
200 books430 followersUSA Today best-selling author Morgana Best survived a childhood of deadly spiders and venomous snakes in the Australian outback. Morgana Best writes cozy mysteries and enjoys thinking of delightful new ways to murder her victims.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
January 17, 2020
I don't normally enjoy or read stories about vampires.
Morgana's sense of humor, and attention to detail are bringing me around (at least for this series).
Valkyrie (Pepper) Jasper discovers more about the mysterious Lucas, and the strange attraction he seems to hold over her.
When a guest at the B&B (where no breakfast is actually served) is murdered. Pepper is on the job to find the culprit as she doesn't want the business and her lively hood affected.
Morgana's sense of humor, and attention to detail are bringing me around (at least for this series).
Valkyrie (Pepper) Jasper discovers more about the mysterious Lucas, and the strange attraction he seems to hold over her.
When a guest at the B&B (where no breakfast is actually served) is murdered. Pepper is on the job to find the culprit as she doesn't want the business and her lively hood affected.
February 27, 2018
Valkyrie "Pepper" Jasper has a whole new mess on her hands. When she decided to stay on at her Aunt's Bed and Breakfast as a partner, she figured her biggest worry would be the ecclectic scenes her Aunt's picked for the cottages. A new murder makes things dicey and once again the suspect seems to be someone close.
After forming an unlikely friendship and being thrown into the drama, Pepper also has to deal with the feelings she can't seem to shake about Lucas O'Callaghan. The waters there are very murky and warnings from left and right dont make it any easier.
A good read, but it felt like I was repeating scenes and phrases. I like the Glossary at the begining, which helped a bit with the different lingo.
After forming an unlikely friendship and being thrown into the drama, Pepper also has to deal with the feelings she can't seem to shake about Lucas O'Callaghan. The waters there are very murky and warnings from left and right dont make it any easier.
A good read, but it felt like I was repeating scenes and phrases. I like the Glossary at the begining, which helped a bit with the different lingo.
December 17, 2019
This is a wonderful follow-up to the first book in the series. Pepper investigates the murder of one of the guests at the B&B. She's also learning more about herself and her aunts. But, she also realizes that they are still hiding a lot of information. Lucas is thawing towards her somewhat. I am excited to see what happens in the next book of this series.
March 13, 2017
This is the second book in the very interesting new series called Vampires and Wine. If you just happened across this entry, I am going to boldly suggest you stop reading this right now. YES. STOP. Go to Morgana Best's author page, find book 1 in the Vampires and Wine series and buy that and read it first. Why is that so important? Well Ms Best's ideas about Vampires and other supernatural beings are quite different from the run of the mill Hollywood ideas. By reading Witches' Brew Book 1 you will learn about the vamps down under and find out many new and important facts that will make this second book, Witches' Secrets make a lot more sense.
This is the continuing story of a gal who's only relatives are three maiden aunts who run a Bed and Breakfast (although they don't serve breakfast) that has been in the family for generations. The aunts have asked Pepper to live with them and help in running the Inn. A change in employment was needed, so Pepper moved and began as the assistant in the business. She is working on the webpage and trying to renovate the cottages so they are more appealing. (Would you want to stay in a themed cottage? Perhaps a Game of Thrones theme? or a Atlantis theme that is more of a pirates theme? No? Me either!) In between upgrading the property and the website, there is a little matter of a murder and trying to figure out who was responsible. A journalist is visiting during all this and the aunts and Pepper are hoping to make a good impression on her so they will have favorable publicity. However even that situation isn't what it seems. In fact none of the guests are what they seem and Pepper is so confused. However she befriends a widow (who isn't what she appears to be) and takes on the murder of the not at all nice husband. What results is a series of investigative brilliance and a resolution that will catch you unaware!
Ms Best has written many books about supernatural beings, however this is by far the best yet! It is funny, has moments of tenderness, shows family loyalty, and is a good murder that will be enjoyed by all ages. I love the way Pepper goes with the flow and does what the aunts want even when she hasn't a clue as to why she should. She does a good job of investigating even when avenues seem to be blocked. But what I like best about this unusual family is, well that's a discussion for another time as Aunt Agnes would say!
This is the continuing story of a gal who's only relatives are three maiden aunts who run a Bed and Breakfast (although they don't serve breakfast) that has been in the family for generations. The aunts have asked Pepper to live with them and help in running the Inn. A change in employment was needed, so Pepper moved and began as the assistant in the business. She is working on the webpage and trying to renovate the cottages so they are more appealing. (Would you want to stay in a themed cottage? Perhaps a Game of Thrones theme? or a Atlantis theme that is more of a pirates theme? No? Me either!) In between upgrading the property and the website, there is a little matter of a murder and trying to figure out who was responsible. A journalist is visiting during all this and the aunts and Pepper are hoping to make a good impression on her so they will have favorable publicity. However even that situation isn't what it seems. In fact none of the guests are what they seem and Pepper is so confused. However she befriends a widow (who isn't what she appears to be) and takes on the murder of the not at all nice husband. What results is a series of investigative brilliance and a resolution that will catch you unaware!
Ms Best has written many books about supernatural beings, however this is by far the best yet! It is funny, has moments of tenderness, shows family loyalty, and is a good murder that will be enjoyed by all ages. I love the way Pepper goes with the flow and does what the aunts want even when she hasn't a clue as to why she should. She does a good job of investigating even when avenues seem to be blocked. But what I like best about this unusual family is, well that's a discussion for another time as Aunt Agnes would say!
February 21, 2018
Trouble has found it's way back to Mugwort Manner and it's eccentric occupants. Linda, from the first book, her husband Paul has been murdered and everyone is rightfully in a tizzy! That is two murders that have happened in the same week on the grounds.
Everyone is on edge, and Pepper's eye keeps twitching in warning that there is more going on than she knows about. Who killed Paul? Why? The new detectives on the case are not the kindest duo but they seem pretty adamant about getting the job done. They also seem to think that Linda is the likely suspect.
Pepper and her Aunt's don't think that she killed her husband and want to help. This murder needs to be solved quickly as there is a possible threat among them, and it is bad for business. But that is not all that is going on! There is a writer from a posh magazine staying at the manner when this happens.
Lila is her name, and she has the hots for Lucas (Lot of L names in this book). As you can see, the sudden appearance of this lady is bad news all around. She could ruin the family business, and the way she flings herself at Lucas give Pepper a small jealousy streak.
There are quite a few guilty sounding people in this novel and it could have ended in many different ways. I am kinda surprised by who the villain was as I had it my head that it would be someone else. It wasn't bad, but I feel like it was a bit half-assed. The whole bad guy encounter read like something straight from a made for TV movie script. It was lack luster in the finale department, but it served it's purpose, I suppose.
And if you haven't read this yet, don't worry about the whole Lucas and Pepper romance situation. I am happy to report that it is still chugging along happily. We also get to learn some new things about the mysterious winery owner and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised! I think reading about Lucas might have been one of my favorite parts in this book!
That and whole murdering someone with green potatoes. I had no idea that green potatoes were poisonous to people! I thought that was very interesting. (The more you know!) Anyways, this witchy adventure was enjoyable enough. I will continue on in this series as I do really like the setting and the romance building. The aunts irritate me with all the secrets they keep but I guess I'll just have to deal with it.
The foreshadowing at the end of 'Witches' Secrets' makes me think that the third book is going to be a doozy. I am pretty excited about how it is all going to play out, and my eyes are completely zeroed in on Lucas! It should be pretty awesome. To more mystery and Witches Brew!
Everyone is on edge, and Pepper's eye keeps twitching in warning that there is more going on than she knows about. Who killed Paul? Why? The new detectives on the case are not the kindest duo but they seem pretty adamant about getting the job done. They also seem to think that Linda is the likely suspect.
Pepper and her Aunt's don't think that she killed her husband and want to help. This murder needs to be solved quickly as there is a possible threat among them, and it is bad for business. But that is not all that is going on! There is a writer from a posh magazine staying at the manner when this happens.
Lila is her name, and she has the hots for Lucas (Lot of L names in this book). As you can see, the sudden appearance of this lady is bad news all around. She could ruin the family business, and the way she flings herself at Lucas give Pepper a small jealousy streak.
There are quite a few guilty sounding people in this novel and it could have ended in many different ways. I am kinda surprised by who the villain was as I had it my head that it would be someone else. It wasn't bad, but I feel like it was a bit half-assed. The whole bad guy encounter read like something straight from a made for TV movie script. It was lack luster in the finale department, but it served it's purpose, I suppose.
And if you haven't read this yet, don't worry about the whole Lucas and Pepper romance situation. I am happy to report that it is still chugging along happily. We also get to learn some new things about the mysterious winery owner and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised! I think reading about Lucas might have been one of my favorite parts in this book!
That and whole murdering someone with green potatoes. I had no idea that green potatoes were poisonous to people! I thought that was very interesting. (The more you know!) Anyways, this witchy adventure was enjoyable enough. I will continue on in this series as I do really like the setting and the romance building. The aunts irritate me with all the secrets they keep but I guess I'll just have to deal with it.
The foreshadowing at the end of 'Witches' Secrets' makes me think that the third book is going to be a doozy. I am pretty excited about how it is all going to play out, and my eyes are completely zeroed in on Lucas! It should be pretty awesome. To more mystery and Witches Brew!
February 13, 2017
This is a great book; this is the second book in the Vampires and Wine series and was written by Morgana Best. Practicing witch, Pepper Jasper, thinks she’s had more shocks than anyone should have in one lifetime, yet more sinister secrets lie in wait for her. And when one of the guests is murdered, Pepper discovers a Shifter Wolf is closer than she thought. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
November 21, 2020
The two books that I've read are good. However, I can't give them a 5-star rating. The reason is the aunts. Their refusal to tell "Pepper" anything in spite of her being endangered by their secrets is now ridiculous. Also, the plots and secrets are so blatant that I'm left wondering if the characters are stupid. Either fill "Pepper" in on everything or don't make it all so obvious to the reader. In spite of all that, I really like the main character and the majority of the plots so far. Weaving in local lore and known legends is also a plus.
September 23, 2018
Short Diversion
The second book in this series ends at the 80% Mark of progress. The finishing 20% is advertising of other publishing by this authoress. This seems lacking in this particular storyline. Her other series I have vested my time in has more development than this. I will consider if I am willing to read the third book by the comments posted in the reviews. I really find honest reviews very helpful in my choices of books
The second book in this series ends at the 80% Mark of progress. The finishing 20% is advertising of other publishing by this authoress. This seems lacking in this particular storyline. Her other series I have vested my time in has more development than this. I will consider if I am willing to read the third book by the comments posted in the reviews. I really find honest reviews very helpful in my choices of books
August 23, 2021
Pepper is still reeling from discovering that she is a vampire witch! Another murder occurs at her aunt’s B&B to solve. Pepper’s aunts are still hiding things from her and only tell her cryptic things for her to puzzle about. She is trying to help solve yet another murder. Lucas and she are moving along, albeit slowly. Plenty of laughs and mayhem occur once again to make this another fun fantastic cozy murder read!
August 21, 2020
Good read
Book 2 has humor, murder, mystery, danger, vampires, shifters,and no sex. Pepper is learning more and more about her true being and getting closer to the mysterious Lucas. Her aunts are still keeping things from her, but she is keeping things from them. This is a well written paranormal series. Highly recommend.
Book 2 has humor, murder, mystery, danger, vampires, shifters,and no sex. Pepper is learning more and more about her true being and getting closer to the mysterious Lucas. Her aunts are still keeping things from her, but she is keeping things from them. This is a well written paranormal series. Highly recommend.
July 30, 2021
Okay, I finished this in one sitting. Was it worth the $4.99? I’m honestly not sure yet. But it was a good way to spend a Friday night.
Honestly this series is a trip. The revelations are so cliche and the romantic tension is laughable but so satisfying.
Basically, it’s fun and frothy and frivolous. I enjoyed this over a bottle of wine. Will likely continue to the third book.
Honestly this series is a trip. The revelations are so cliche and the romantic tension is laughable but so satisfying.
Basically, it’s fun and frothy and frivolous. I enjoyed this over a bottle of wine. Will likely continue to the third book.
August 4, 2021
Trying to attract customers to the b&b is difficult for Pepper and her aunts to do so. another murder at the manor? So many possible suspects, secrets revealed, new friends made makes this a page turner. proof that family does not have to be blood related nor do they need to be conformists. Love the aunts.
August 6, 2021
Pepper is back trying to adjust to her new life while bringing the bed & breakfast into the 21st century. Unfortunately, there’s another murder for Pepper to investigate. There’s a lot of suspects as the victim was not a popular person.
I really enjoy this series. I like the quirky characters and seeing Pepper learn more about who she is. I’m looking forward to the 3rd in this series.
I really enjoy this series. I like the quirky characters and seeing Pepper learn more about who she is. I’m looking forward to the 3rd in this series.
October 26, 2023
Number 2 in a great Australian series about witches - Witches and Wine. Vampires, werewolves, witches, etc. all lead interesting lives. Always a murder. Pepper is just coming to her powers and has many things to learn from her aunts. She's a witch, but also a vampire, but not what we normally think of vampires. I'm reading the series on Hoopla.
January 16, 2018
Fun and funny
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are very quirky, with deliciously evil villains and a briskly-paced plot. I plan to read the rest of the books in this series.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The characters are very quirky, with deliciously evil villains and a briskly-paced plot. I plan to read the rest of the books in this series.
January 3, 2020
Lots of fun
This is a typical Best-book: lots of fun, mayhem, magic, silliness, and a good mystery! Entertaining all the way, and I enjoyed it very much! But as much as it is in the same style, it is also unique! Different. Quirky. I love that!
This is a typical Best-book: lots of fun, mayhem, magic, silliness, and a good mystery! Entertaining all the way, and I enjoyed it very much! But as much as it is in the same style, it is also unique! Different. Quirky. I love that!
November 8, 2020
I am enjoying this series for its lightness and what a quick easy read these books are. The vampire thing still bugs me and so does how her Aunts continue to keep important info from Pepper and lie to her about it.
February 16, 2021
During this wretched pandemic I’ve turned to cozy mysteries to satisfy my need for escapism. The Witches’ and Wine series fills the bill well. I’ve read all seven and enjoyed them all. They are quick, light reads that entertain and intrigue with surprising plot twists.
January 12, 2022
These books are lighthearted and very cozy. It's a fast read.
If I could find them all Right Now, I would be binging them! The grammar is good, the characters are nicely developed, and the mystery is thought provoking. I did not guess the ending for this one, and I highly recommend this book!
If I could find them all Right Now, I would be binging them! The grammar is good, the characters are nicely developed, and the mystery is thought provoking. I did not guess the ending for this one, and I highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2025
Green potatoes anyone?
Pepper has another murder to solve, and this time it appears that she herself might be unintended victim.
With the help of Linda and Lucas and her eccentric aunts the story is fast moving and keep you on your toes
Pepper has another murder to solve, and this time it appears that she herself might be unintended victim.
With the help of Linda and Lucas and her eccentric aunts the story is fast moving and keep you on your toes
October 21, 2017
Okay
It looks like all the books by this author are pretty much made with one template. This story is the same as the previous and the next one.
It looks like all the books by this author are pretty much made with one template. This story is the same as the previous and the next one.
July 13, 2018
Very good
I am enjoying this Series. I don’t think I have read a series from Australia I have had to google a few things like vegemite but that’s the fun of it
I am enjoying this Series. I don’t think I have read a series from Australia I have had to google a few things like vegemite but that’s the fun of it
March 31, 2019
Not my glass of wine. Light, easy read, but not really funny, suspenseful...oredictable
December 28, 2019
very good
September 22, 2020
Enjoying these books they are light & easy to read.
January 14, 2021
Love Pepper & her crazy aunts! Great mystery!
January 25, 2021
E book
Another who did it. Characters continue from Book #1
Another who did it. Characters continue from Book #1
February 28, 2021
Witches secret
Another great book, I am really enjoying this series. The characters are great, the story flows. I sure would like some of that witches brew
Another great book, I am really enjoying this series. The characters are great, the story flows. I sure would like some of that witches brew
March 5, 2025
Delightful!
Pepper and her aunts make a great team with the recent mysteries to be solved. Look forward to the next book!
Pepper and her aunts make a great team with the recent mysteries to be solved. Look forward to the next book!
October 14, 2024
It’s taken me ages to finish this book again! I am going through this series much slower, but not because I don’t like it.
There are elements I don’t enjoy fully, especially the aunts. They are not helpful at all, and keep so many secrets from Pepper causing her to risk so much! Luckily Linda was around to tell her more about being a witch vampire and that
The mystery was quite fun, the murder weapon being green potatoes was so unexpected! And while the murder being
I can’t wait to see how this goes on, but I will have to wait for the audiobook.
There are elements I don’t enjoy fully, especially the aunts. They are not helpful at all, and keep so many secrets from Pepper causing her to risk so much! Luckily Linda was around to tell her more about being a witch vampire and that
The mystery was quite fun, the murder weapon being green potatoes was so unexpected! And while the murder being
I can’t wait to see how this goes on, but I will have to wait for the audiobook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews