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Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery #4
Witch Way Home
Life on magical parole can be a real witch…
I’ve got a final shot at freedom, but when my strongest ally is found murdered, everything is on the line—including my own life.
With my rag-tag band of supernatural friends in tow, I have to launch my biggest—and most dangerous—investigation yet. I’ve got to stop the killer without setting off the SPA’s alarms or else I can kiss my last chance goodbye.
**Grab a Lemon Cloud and come back to Beechwood Harbor with Witch Way Home, the fourth book in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series of paranormal cozy mysteries where vampires, ghosts, shifters, and witches all work, play, and—mostly—get along.
I’ve got a final shot at freedom, but when my strongest ally is found murdered, everything is on the line—including my own life.
With my rag-tag band of supernatural friends in tow, I have to launch my biggest—and most dangerous—investigation yet. I’ve got to stop the killer without setting off the SPA’s alarms or else I can kiss my last chance goodbye.
**Grab a Lemon Cloud and come back to Beechwood Harbor with Witch Way Home, the fourth book in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries series of paranormal cozy mysteries where vampires, ghosts, shifters, and witches all work, play, and—mostly—get along.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 20, 2019
Witch Way Home is book four in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery by Danielle Garrett. This story picks up right where
Witch Slapped
ends.
Holly has a chance at getting her potions license and reinstatement to the Haven, but she must have a Council hearing first and her SPA officer, Harvey, has promised to speak on her behalf. Things don’t goes as planned and Holly finds herself sleuthing as she tries to solve a murder-mystery and why a certain council member HATES her.
This story focuses on Holly, the mystery, and getting her license. Her housemates and local PI Nick are present, but they don’t take away from Holly’s growth. Nothing is ever simple for her. She’s still finding her way and stays strong with all the changes and road blocks in her way.
The story starts out slow, but builds setting up all the pieces for an exciting finish and many surprises along the way. I enjoyed the murder-mystery, the internal and external conflicts, and following Holly as she works out her fears and tries to put the pieces together to solve the mystery. The ending was exciting with the action and Holly and friends going up against a big supernatural threat.
I’ve come to love the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series. It’s a fun cozy mystery with just the right amount of paranormal, growth, and action. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Holly and gang.
Rated: 4 Stars
Holly has a chance at getting her potions license and reinstatement to the Haven, but she must have a Council hearing first and her SPA officer, Harvey, has promised to speak on her behalf. Things don’t goes as planned and Holly finds herself sleuthing as she tries to solve a murder-mystery and why a certain council member HATES her.
This story focuses on Holly, the mystery, and getting her license. Her housemates and local PI Nick are present, but they don’t take away from Holly’s growth. Nothing is ever simple for her. She’s still finding her way and stays strong with all the changes and road blocks in her way.
The story starts out slow, but builds setting up all the pieces for an exciting finish and many surprises along the way. I enjoyed the murder-mystery, the internal and external conflicts, and following Holly as she works out her fears and tries to put the pieces together to solve the mystery. The ending was exciting with the action and Holly and friends going up against a big supernatural threat.
I’ve come to love the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series. It’s a fun cozy mystery with just the right amount of paranormal, growth, and action. Can’t wait to see what’s next for Holly and gang.
Rated: 4 Stars
July 6, 2018
Witch Way Home picks up right where Witch Slapped left off. Thanks to help from Evangeline, Holly has a meeting with the Haven Council to request her potions license. Her SPA officer, Harvey has promised to speak on her behalf. Teddy her lawyer is confident they will have no issues, but things goseriously wrong.
Once again Holly finds herself sleuthing as she tries to solve a murder-mystery as she also tried to figure out why a certain council member hates her. Th story focuses on Holly, the mystery and getting her license. While her motley crew of housemates and local PI Nick are present, the secondary threads didn't overwhelm the case. I felt Garrett allowed for some growth in Holly in Witch Way Home. She is still finding her way, but despite all the troubles she seemed stronger.
I found the murder-mystery fascinating and loved how it weaved previous threads into the current case. The author answered questions, shared the Seattle Haven with us from shopping to its governing ideologies. It was fantastic to see Holly open up to her friends and accepts their help. Something happens with Nick that changes the dynamics with their friendship and dealings with those from Beechwood Manor. I was glad and liked how Garrett made it all happen.
Garrett still wove in her signature humor and snark balancing the light and the dark. She makes me want to move to a small coastal town and live in a haunted manor.
Amanda Ronconi is a talented narrator with a wide range of voices. She has become the voices of these characters and I couldn't imagine one without the other. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Once again Holly finds herself sleuthing as she tries to solve a murder-mystery as she also tried to figure out why a certain council member hates her. Th story focuses on Holly, the mystery and getting her license. While her motley crew of housemates and local PI Nick are present, the secondary threads didn't overwhelm the case. I felt Garrett allowed for some growth in Holly in Witch Way Home. She is still finding her way, but despite all the troubles she seemed stronger.
I found the murder-mystery fascinating and loved how it weaved previous threads into the current case. The author answered questions, shared the Seattle Haven with us from shopping to its governing ideologies. It was fantastic to see Holly open up to her friends and accepts their help. Something happens with Nick that changes the dynamics with their friendship and dealings with those from Beechwood Manor. I was glad and liked how Garrett made it all happen.
Garrett still wove in her signature humor and snark balancing the light and the dark. She makes me want to move to a small coastal town and live in a haunted manor.
Amanda Ronconi is a talented narrator with a wide range of voices. She has become the voices of these characters and I couldn't imagine one without the other. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
September 20, 2019
In the last installment, Holly found out she had a chance at getting her potions license and reinstatement to the Haven with a Council hearing. Witch Way Home takes it from there.
Poor Holly, nothing is ever simple. Her hearing doesn't go well when her character witness is found dead. Harvey was working a high profile case and his work was dangerous and very discreet for the the supernatural policing agency he worked for. Holly is an outsider now, but is determined to discover who the hostile witch on the council was and who killed her sponsor, Harvey.
Meanwhile, she has human private investigator, Nick, starting to remember the events with the vampires in spite of the memory charm and a decision to make about her future. Her boyfriend, Adam, and her roommates at the manor are supportive, but just what will she do if she can't make potions?
This one started out building slowly and setting the pieces in place for a very exciting finish. I loved how it was a blend of internal and external conflict and I enjoyed tracking along with Holly as she worked through her fears and tried to hold it together as she tried to solve a few mysteries. The action in the end gets pretty exciting and seeing Holly and her friends go up against a big supernatural threat was quite the slam bang finish.
I've really come to love this series and can't wait to pick up the next installment. It's a cozy mystery series, but I think those who like light urban fantasy would be a good match, too.
Poor Holly, nothing is ever simple. Her hearing doesn't go well when her character witness is found dead. Harvey was working a high profile case and his work was dangerous and very discreet for the the supernatural policing agency he worked for. Holly is an outsider now, but is determined to discover who the hostile witch on the council was and who killed her sponsor, Harvey.
Meanwhile, she has human private investigator, Nick, starting to remember the events with the vampires in spite of the memory charm and a decision to make about her future. Her boyfriend, Adam, and her roommates at the manor are supportive, but just what will she do if she can't make potions?
This one started out building slowly and setting the pieces in place for a very exciting finish. I loved how it was a blend of internal and external conflict and I enjoyed tracking along with Holly as she worked through her fears and tried to hold it together as she tried to solve a few mysteries. The action in the end gets pretty exciting and seeing Holly and her friends go up against a big supernatural threat was quite the slam bang finish.
I've really come to love this series and can't wait to pick up the next installment. It's a cozy mystery series, but I think those who like light urban fantasy would be a good match, too.
September 19, 2019
4.5 hearts
This is the best one in the series. There was plenty of action and a good complex mystery. Holly was a little too ready to jump into dangerous situations but she did pretty well. There were many big happenings. I have to wonder if Holly should be a PI or even an SPA person herself.
This is the best one in the series. There was plenty of action and a good complex mystery. Holly was a little too ready to jump into dangerous situations but she did pretty well. There were many big happenings. I have to wonder if Holly should be a PI or even an SPA person herself.
June 7, 2018
Witch Way Home opens shortly after the mysterious conclusion of the previous book, with our heroine, Holly the witch, reacquainting herself with the Seattle Haven after being banished for the past year. She’s preparing for her hearing with the Haven Council, hoping to gain permission to get her Master Potions license and reopen her store. Unfortunately, things don’t go well for her at the hearing, and it gets even worse when her SPA case worker, Harvey, suddenly leaves the hearing and goes missing. Once again, Holly ends up in the middle of a murder mystery and this time, he own future is at risk.
Witch Way Home was an absolute delight, and it addressed pretty much everything I felt was missing from (wrong with) the previous book, Witch Slapped. I loved the focus on Holly: both her quest for her Potion license and how the events surrounding the trial and murder mystery impact her life. Gone were most of the side stories and confusion surrounding Holly when she is around Nick. Don’t get me wrong, Holly is still questioning what she’ll do with her life, but it wasn’t couched in any sort of romance/man-related setting. It’s all her and what she’s going to do - what will make her happy.
I also am very happy that she’s not running around behind her friends’ or Adam’s backs when looking for answers to the murder mystery during this story. Holly relies on her friends, and even better, confides in Adam. This is such an improvement over the past couple of titles. And it’s not just with the mystery, but also with her concerns over Nick and the fact that the memory wipe doesn’t seem to be holding. The residents of Beechwood Harbor all come together to deal with/help Nick, and even Adam considers him a friend. *fist pump*
Once again, Holly and gang are brought to life through the performance of Amanda Ronconi. I adore her work and commend her interpretation of Holly. Ms. Ronconi convincingly portrays Holly’s thoughts, concerns, and expressions. She helps solidify Holly as a favorite character of mine. Her female voices are each a bit different and well-suited. However, her male voices tend to be a bit problematic for me, as many sound alike making it difficult to discern who is speaking from time to time.
In the end, I really enjoyed Witch Way Home. There was resolution of some of the earlier plotlines like Holly’s SPA battles, her potion making, Nick knowing about the world of supernaturals. I also liked that this book’s mystery was more personal for Holly and that she relied on the help of Adam and friends, rather than being secretive.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
Witch Way Home was an absolute delight, and it addressed pretty much everything I felt was missing from (wrong with) the previous book, Witch Slapped. I loved the focus on Holly: both her quest for her Potion license and how the events surrounding the trial and murder mystery impact her life. Gone were most of the side stories and confusion surrounding Holly when she is around Nick. Don’t get me wrong, Holly is still questioning what she’ll do with her life, but it wasn’t couched in any sort of romance/man-related setting. It’s all her and what she’s going to do - what will make her happy.
I also am very happy that she’s not running around behind her friends’ or Adam’s backs when looking for answers to the murder mystery during this story. Holly relies on her friends, and even better, confides in Adam. This is such an improvement over the past couple of titles. And it’s not just with the mystery, but also with her concerns over Nick and the fact that the memory wipe doesn’t seem to be holding. The residents of Beechwood Harbor all come together to deal with/help Nick, and even Adam considers him a friend. *fist pump*
Once again, Holly and gang are brought to life through the performance of Amanda Ronconi. I adore her work and commend her interpretation of Holly. Ms. Ronconi convincingly portrays Holly’s thoughts, concerns, and expressions. She helps solidify Holly as a favorite character of mine. Her female voices are each a bit different and well-suited. However, her male voices tend to be a bit problematic for me, as many sound alike making it difficult to discern who is speaking from time to time.
In the end, I really enjoyed Witch Way Home. There was resolution of some of the earlier plotlines like Holly’s SPA battles, her potion making, Nick knowing about the world of supernaturals. I also liked that this book’s mystery was more personal for Holly and that she relied on the help of Adam and friends, rather than being secretive.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: B
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
October 5, 2018
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I really love being in Beechwood Harbor. It is a really fun small town with some fun paranormal characters. In this book however, we spend more time in the Seattle Haven as Holly works to get her potions license and be allowed back into the Havens system. However, her greatest ally was found dead in Seattle proper.
I don’t want to go too much into the investigation. I will just say that I really liked the SPA investigator, who is an eagle shifter (I can’t remember her name at the moment). I didn’t like her partner, a bear shifter, from the beginning.
Because this book doesn’t take up a lot of time in Beechwood Harbor, we don’t see as much of some characters, like the humans, Nick, the PI that Holly has worked with in previous books. He does make an appearance and there are some other things with him, but he isn’t involved in this investigation this time. We also don’t seem much of the ghost landlord or vampire roommate. We do, however, get plenty of time with boyfriend and werewolf, Adam. And also her witch friend, Evie.
Anyway, this is another fun addition to this series. If you like your paranormal with some humor and some light romance, this is a fun series.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi is amazing with this series. She really brings out the humor with her narration. I love the voices that she chooses for each of the characters, both male and female. Her pacing and tone are always spot on. She has yet to disappoint me with anything she’s put out.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really love being in Beechwood Harbor. It is a really fun small town with some fun paranormal characters. In this book however, we spend more time in the Seattle Haven as Holly works to get her potions license and be allowed back into the Havens system. However, her greatest ally was found dead in Seattle proper.
I don’t want to go too much into the investigation. I will just say that I really liked the SPA investigator, who is an eagle shifter (I can’t remember her name at the moment). I didn’t like her partner, a bear shifter, from the beginning.
Because this book doesn’t take up a lot of time in Beechwood Harbor, we don’t see as much of some characters, like the humans, Nick, the PI that Holly has worked with in previous books. He does make an appearance and there are some other things with him, but he isn’t involved in this investigation this time. We also don’t seem much of the ghost landlord or vampire roommate. We do, however, get plenty of time with boyfriend and werewolf, Adam. And also her witch friend, Evie.
Anyway, this is another fun addition to this series. If you like your paranormal with some humor and some light romance, this is a fun series.
Narration
Amanda Ronconi is amazing with this series. She really brings out the humor with her narration. I love the voices that she chooses for each of the characters, both male and female. Her pacing and tone are always spot on. She has yet to disappoint me with anything she’s put out.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2022
Ehh it was okay.
I could do a longer review but what it would boil down to
It was okay 🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
I could do a longer review but what it would boil down to
It was okay 🤷🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️
March 31, 2023
3.5 stars
November 19, 2018
Looses, gains and truth
Not sure why but I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous books. The book was well written, the plot was good, the characters as great as ever but some the just felt off.
She has come to the Haven to see if she can get her masters potion licence. Together with Teddy and Harvey. However the witch in charge has already made up her mind to block it and Harvey has vanished halfway through. What grudge did she have against her? Where did Harvey go? What they do know is that Harvey's body was found hours later in a taxi! Poisoned! As she tries to come to terms with this back at the manor house, Nick becomes more and more restless. His memories are returning. As the group dig into the witch's identity the things they learn lead to more questions. What does the case of the founder of cheap potions group have to do with the witch? Betrayals, attacks and domination are all wrapped up into a story that leads to answers but also physical change and suffering. Will they all be changed by the events? Will the killer of Harvey be brought to justice?
Not sure why but I didn't enjoy this as much as the previous books. The book was well written, the plot was good, the characters as great as ever but some the just felt off.
She has come to the Haven to see if she can get her masters potion licence. Together with Teddy and Harvey. However the witch in charge has already made up her mind to block it and Harvey has vanished halfway through. What grudge did she have against her? Where did Harvey go? What they do know is that Harvey's body was found hours later in a taxi! Poisoned! As she tries to come to terms with this back at the manor house, Nick becomes more and more restless. His memories are returning. As the group dig into the witch's identity the things they learn lead to more questions. What does the case of the founder of cheap potions group have to do with the witch? Betrayals, attacks and domination are all wrapped up into a story that leads to answers but also physical change and suffering. Will they all be changed by the events? Will the killer of Harvey be brought to justice?
December 27, 2017
Another Spellbinder!!!
Wow, Danielle Garrett has created a community I want to continue to visit for a long time. The deeper into the Beechwood Harbor adventures I go, the more of them I crave. As the characters become more fleshed out, I find myself genuinely caring what happens to them and rooting for actions and outcomes. If you enjoy magical journeys with mystical beings, dive into Beechwood Harbor - you won’t regret it! I’m anxious to start the next trip there myself!
Wow, Danielle Garrett has created a community I want to continue to visit for a long time. The deeper into the Beechwood Harbor adventures I go, the more of them I crave. As the characters become more fleshed out, I find myself genuinely caring what happens to them and rooting for actions and outcomes. If you enjoy magical journeys with mystical beings, dive into Beechwood Harbor - you won’t regret it! I’m anxious to start the next trip there myself!
July 4, 2019
I had a feeling ...
Well, I don't want to give anything away, but I'm not surprised about Nick. I knew it would happen one way or the other. I'm sad about Harvey though.
Well, I don't want to give anything away, but I'm not surprised about Nick. I knew it would happen one way or the other. I'm sad about Harvey though.
November 12, 2024
Holly has a chance to get her potions permit but has to go through a Council hearing first. A witch on the Council seems to have it out for her without hearing anything but her SPA handler, Harvey, has promised to testify in her behalf unfortunately before he can do so, he is murdered.
Holly of course wants to get involved in the investigation and her friends are willing to help.
This book is a good look at how things in the haven work compared to the regular world. There are subtle differences that make quite a difference.
This is a good mystery with several leads, interesting problems and the usual good characters.
There is also a bit of action, humour and some surprises. This is a quick, easy, fun read.
There are some new storylines to follow in the future and I’m looking forward to checking them out.
Holly of course wants to get involved in the investigation and her friends are willing to help.
This book is a good look at how things in the haven work compared to the regular world. There are subtle differences that make quite a difference.
This is a good mystery with several leads, interesting problems and the usual good characters.
There is also a bit of action, humour and some surprises. This is a quick, easy, fun read.
There are some new storylines to follow in the future and I’m looking forward to checking them out.
February 24, 2025
This picks up where the last in the series ended. Holly is back in Seattle after one year, hoping to get her permit to make and sell potions, and to clear her record once and for all. She has a powerful lawyer, who is confident he will convince the Haven Council (magical court) to approve Holly’s request. Of course, things go badly awry. Not only does Holly not get her permit, but she’s also soon entangled in a dangerous murder investigation, that leads to some treachery within the Haven Council.
A lot of Holly’s friends help her investigate the murder. I liked this entry in the series, and look forward to reading the next and to seeing what happens with some of Holly’s friends and with Holly herself. A number of the main characters are facing some new beginnings as the story ends.
A lot of Holly’s friends help her investigate the murder. I liked this entry in the series, and look forward to reading the next and to seeing what happens with some of Holly’s friends and with Holly herself. A number of the main characters are facing some new beginnings as the story ends.
May 21, 2025
Well, now that was a merry chase, and it contained a whole lot of things I never saw coming. This time, while learning even more about the SPA, we also learn about the haven system. Everything goes a little bit sideways before Holly’s able to pinpoint what’s really going on, and I don’t know if any of it’s going to come back to center now that it’s all been sorted out. One thing’s for certain, I can’t wait to read what comes next to find out.
October 30, 2025
I lts been a year since last October when I last roamed the streets of Beechwood Harbor. it was nice to be reunited with friends. The story was enjoyable and a bit surprising for me on the direction it went with the crime, a lot less complicated than I had envisioned, which is just fine. sweet and simple plot with a focus on the characters.
June 4, 2021
Great reader! Fun book!
September 4, 2023
With its recaps, this can be enjoyed without previous books, but I recommend getting o know our band of friends - they are the best parts. Funny enough I was starting to like Harvey.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2023
One of the best in this series. Especially strong plot and character development.
October 2, 2024
Another good read, and I'm glad Nick is finally now part of the paranormal world, but feel sorry for him the way it happened.
July 10, 2023
We get even more of the haven paranormal world building and there’s some important turning points in the characters’ lives. Really good installment!
August 23, 2025
rating: ★★★★½
audio narrated by Amanda Ronconi
audio narrated by Amanda Ronconi
April 16, 2018
Great book.
Really enjoy these characters and immediately wanted to start the next to see the addition of Scarlett. No Wi-Fi but have downloaded it now and can't wait to start. Will :) e interested to see where Nick's story goes, as well as what Posey's will look like (from short story introducing Scarlett). Would be nice to see her get a little more time. Would like to have Lacey filled out some more too. We get bits and bits, and I'm enjoying her character development.
Really enjoy these characters and immediately wanted to start the next to see the addition of Scarlett. No Wi-Fi but have downloaded it now and can't wait to start. Will :) e interested to see where Nick's story goes, as well as what Posey's will look like (from short story introducing Scarlett). Would be nice to see her get a little more time. Would like to have Lacey filled out some more too. We get bits and bits, and I'm enjoying her character development.
August 26, 2021
Witch Way Home sweet Werewolf?
I highly recommend Witch Way Home to all of you who enjoy a good mix of murder, mystery and humor! This is the best book so far! All Holly wants is her Potions License but other things are in store for her…a court hearing, a new werewolf…oh and a murder, of course. Holly’s life is anything but boring to say the least! This book will keep you busy trying to to check all the nooks and crannies to find the answer to the big question….Who dun it?
I highly recommend Witch Way Home to all of you who enjoy a good mix of murder, mystery and humor! This is the best book so far! All Holly wants is her Potions License but other things are in store for her…a court hearing, a new werewolf…oh and a murder, of course. Holly’s life is anything but boring to say the least! This book will keep you busy trying to to check all the nooks and crannies to find the answer to the big question….Who dun it?
September 14, 2021
Will Holly finally get her potions license?
This is Book 4 in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series. It begins immediately after the closing events of Book 3. At that point in the romance of Holly and Adam, they had mutually declared their love for each other and sealed their romantic declaration with several G-rated hugs and pecks on the lips. Though the two are in love, and have been dating for over a year, throughout this book, as in the previous three books, neither Holly nor Adam displays any sexual interest in each other. Holly has a room on the first floor of Beechwood Manor, and Adam has a room on the second floor, and neither ever spends the night in any bed but their own, or ever shares anything more than kisses and hugs so tame, they would not be inappropriate between a grandparent and a three-year-old grandchild.
In addition to Holly and Adam, there continue to be only four other permanent residents of Beechwood Manor: Posy, the ghost who owned it when alive and runs it in death; Lacey, a beautiful female vampire; Evangeline, an equally gorgeous witch, and Boots, Holly’s lazy, rotund, cat familiar. Adam is a tech consultant whose clients are businesses in the human city of Seattle, and most of the time he works remotely. It has never been stated how Lacey supports herself, but she seems to have plenty of money. Evangeline is famous among paranormals for her long-time role on a popular soap on Haven TV. She has used her considerable savings to start a spa in Beechwood Harbor.
Harvey Culpepper, a 3-foot-two-inch half-goblin, who is Holly’s assigned agent from the Supernatural Protection Agency (SPA), has made it impossible for Holly to continue her unlicensed potions business—selling magical potions to local paranormal residents and supplying Evangeline with a magically enhanced line of beauty products for her spa. Which means her only remaining source of income is her part-time job at a local coffee shop. Fortunately, she still has quite a lot of money in savings, since Evangeline is paying her $100,000 of legal fees from Teddy, a wizard who is an expensive, prestigious, paranormal attorney from the Los Angeles Haven—and a wannabe boyfriend of Evangeline.
In the opening scene of this novel, Holly is in the Seattle Haven which, much like the wizarding world in Harry Potter, is described as “the secret community hidden somewhere between the human and supernatural worlds.” She has not visited the Seattle Haven in over a year because Harvey informally banished her to the mortal world for selling potions without a license. He has been able to enforce that banishment because Harvey is an agent in the highest echelons of the SPA, which is the powerful enforcement arm of the unelected ruling body of all paranormal creatures, the Haven Council (HC). In less than 24 hours, Holly and Teddy have a formal hearing scheduled with the HC which, because Harvey has offered to provide testimony in support of her petition, should at long last result in the HC’s awarding her a potions license.
Unfortunately, Holly’s hearing turns out to be a total disaster. A witch about Holly’s age (29), who is decades younger than all the other witches and wizards on the HC, and who is never identified by name, obviously has it out for Holly. She sneers at Holly throughout the hearing and generally acts as if her mission in life is to destroy any hope Holly might have of a legitimate career as a potions master. All that might not have mattered, though, if Harvey had remained in the hearing room, as promised, to give his testimony. But midway in the session, Harvey suddenly leaves, without a word to Holly and Teddy. And worse than that, a few hours later, Holly discovers, to her horror, that Harvey has been murdered!
During the first three books of this series, as well as the prequel, Harvey has been presented as a threatening antagonist in Holly’s life, even so far as being viewed several times as an outright villain. In order to cause Holly to be motivated to perform her standard amateur-sleuth function in this murder-mystery series, the author suddenly transforms the now-dead Harvey’s reputation into that of a benevolent figure in Holly’s life, someone who, had she but known it, has always liked her and watched over her. That 180-degree switch was rather too head-spinningly convenient for me to swallow.
As all good murder mysteries need to do, this novel provides multiple red herrings, in the form of three viable suspects in the murder of Harvey. I was kept guessing, until the big reveal at the end of the book, as to who committed the murder.
Once again, unlike the first two books in this series, this book continues the dark tone of Book 3. There is no humor, or even lightness, at all in this book either.
I continued to struggle with the unsophisticated magical world building in this book, as I did in Book 3. I’m finding that the farther I get into this series, the more I crave explanations for the overarching structure of this paranormal world that the author never delivers in any coherent, consistent or complete manner.
I am also finding the utterly spark-free relationship between Holly and Adam increasingly frustrating as the series progresses—and their romance never does. I think the author must have regretted the declarations of love between the two of them that exist at the end of Book 3, because in this book she has the romantic pair acting as if that interaction between them never happened. Holly thinks to herself that she and Adam have been dating for "several months now," even though they’ve been dating a year, and she is presented as having mixed feelings about Adam’s knowing her well enough to figure out whenever something is bothering her. For the first time she is presented as someone who prefers going off on her own to mull over her problems rather than discuss them with anyone else, an extreme introvert who suddenly considers a sensitive, caring boyfriend who displays interest and concern as an irritating interference. What? Since when?
Overall, fans of “cozy��� mysteries who don’t mind paranormal-lite will have no problem with this series. But if you are a fan of outstanding, paranormal, romantic suspense, written by premiere authors, such as the talented Jayne Ann Krentz, and the mind-bogglingly brilliant writing team, Ilona Andrews, this series will seem rather tame and underdone by comparison.
If you’d like to read an extremely witty, well done, comedic, witch-mystery novel, with an adorable romantic couple who exhibit loads of exciting sexual chemistry, I highly recommend the 5-star read, What the Hex by Alexis Daria. The audiobook version of that novel is outstanding as well.
This is Book 4 in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series. It begins immediately after the closing events of Book 3. At that point in the romance of Holly and Adam, they had mutually declared their love for each other and sealed their romantic declaration with several G-rated hugs and pecks on the lips. Though the two are in love, and have been dating for over a year, throughout this book, as in the previous three books, neither Holly nor Adam displays any sexual interest in each other. Holly has a room on the first floor of Beechwood Manor, and Adam has a room on the second floor, and neither ever spends the night in any bed but their own, or ever shares anything more than kisses and hugs so tame, they would not be inappropriate between a grandparent and a three-year-old grandchild.
In addition to Holly and Adam, there continue to be only four other permanent residents of Beechwood Manor: Posy, the ghost who owned it when alive and runs it in death; Lacey, a beautiful female vampire; Evangeline, an equally gorgeous witch, and Boots, Holly’s lazy, rotund, cat familiar. Adam is a tech consultant whose clients are businesses in the human city of Seattle, and most of the time he works remotely. It has never been stated how Lacey supports herself, but she seems to have plenty of money. Evangeline is famous among paranormals for her long-time role on a popular soap on Haven TV. She has used her considerable savings to start a spa in Beechwood Harbor.
Harvey Culpepper, a 3-foot-two-inch half-goblin, who is Holly’s assigned agent from the Supernatural Protection Agency (SPA), has made it impossible for Holly to continue her unlicensed potions business—selling magical potions to local paranormal residents and supplying Evangeline with a magically enhanced line of beauty products for her spa. Which means her only remaining source of income is her part-time job at a local coffee shop. Fortunately, she still has quite a lot of money in savings, since Evangeline is paying her $100,000 of legal fees from Teddy, a wizard who is an expensive, prestigious, paranormal attorney from the Los Angeles Haven—and a wannabe boyfriend of Evangeline.
In the opening scene of this novel, Holly is in the Seattle Haven which, much like the wizarding world in Harry Potter, is described as “the secret community hidden somewhere between the human and supernatural worlds.” She has not visited the Seattle Haven in over a year because Harvey informally banished her to the mortal world for selling potions without a license. He has been able to enforce that banishment because Harvey is an agent in the highest echelons of the SPA, which is the powerful enforcement arm of the unelected ruling body of all paranormal creatures, the Haven Council (HC). In less than 24 hours, Holly and Teddy have a formal hearing scheduled with the HC which, because Harvey has offered to provide testimony in support of her petition, should at long last result in the HC’s awarding her a potions license.
Unfortunately, Holly’s hearing turns out to be a total disaster. A witch about Holly’s age (29), who is decades younger than all the other witches and wizards on the HC, and who is never identified by name, obviously has it out for Holly. She sneers at Holly throughout the hearing and generally acts as if her mission in life is to destroy any hope Holly might have of a legitimate career as a potions master. All that might not have mattered, though, if Harvey had remained in the hearing room, as promised, to give his testimony. But midway in the session, Harvey suddenly leaves, without a word to Holly and Teddy. And worse than that, a few hours later, Holly discovers, to her horror, that Harvey has been murdered!
During the first three books of this series, as well as the prequel, Harvey has been presented as a threatening antagonist in Holly’s life, even so far as being viewed several times as an outright villain. In order to cause Holly to be motivated to perform her standard amateur-sleuth function in this murder-mystery series, the author suddenly transforms the now-dead Harvey’s reputation into that of a benevolent figure in Holly’s life, someone who, had she but known it, has always liked her and watched over her. That 180-degree switch was rather too head-spinningly convenient for me to swallow.
As all good murder mysteries need to do, this novel provides multiple red herrings, in the form of three viable suspects in the murder of Harvey. I was kept guessing, until the big reveal at the end of the book, as to who committed the murder.
Once again, unlike the first two books in this series, this book continues the dark tone of Book 3. There is no humor, or even lightness, at all in this book either.
I continued to struggle with the unsophisticated magical world building in this book, as I did in Book 3. I’m finding that the farther I get into this series, the more I crave explanations for the overarching structure of this paranormal world that the author never delivers in any coherent, consistent or complete manner.
I am also finding the utterly spark-free relationship between Holly and Adam increasingly frustrating as the series progresses—and their romance never does. I think the author must have regretted the declarations of love between the two of them that exist at the end of Book 3, because in this book she has the romantic pair acting as if that interaction between them never happened. Holly thinks to herself that she and Adam have been dating for "several months now," even though they’ve been dating a year, and she is presented as having mixed feelings about Adam’s knowing her well enough to figure out whenever something is bothering her. For the first time she is presented as someone who prefers going off on her own to mull over her problems rather than discuss them with anyone else, an extreme introvert who suddenly considers a sensitive, caring boyfriend who displays interest and concern as an irritating interference. What? Since when?
Overall, fans of “cozy��� mysteries who don’t mind paranormal-lite will have no problem with this series. But if you are a fan of outstanding, paranormal, romantic suspense, written by premiere authors, such as the talented Jayne Ann Krentz, and the mind-bogglingly brilliant writing team, Ilona Andrews, this series will seem rather tame and underdone by comparison.
If you’d like to read an extremely witty, well done, comedic, witch-mystery novel, with an adorable romantic couple who exhibit loads of exciting sexual chemistry, I highly recommend the 5-star read, What the Hex by Alexis Daria. The audiobook version of that novel is outstanding as well.
December 19, 2020
This book was disappointing on so many levels. It wasn't at the same caliber as the first 3 books in this series. There were so many errors. Missing words, words in the wrong order in a sentence, misspellings, etc.
The story was boring. So boring that I kept falling asleep while attempting to read it. It also took me three times longer to read than most books.
I hated Harvey so this whole mystery centering around him didn't interest me. The whole thing with the vampire-witch hybrid was ridiculous. I could have sworn that the author at some point stated that this sort of thing couldn't happen.
Then there was the ending. I hate it when the "bad guy" just has this long monologue and confesses everything for no apparent reason. It's lazy story telling. It shows that the author couldn't figure out how to put out the clues for the MC to follow.
You would think that Holly finally getting her license (which dragged on for too long, btw) would be more satisfying. It wasn't.
I like Holly and I like Adam. I like them together. They just have zero chemistry. The author has put no effort into making them a couple. Compared to the book that has Ana and Caleb in it (A Touch of Magic series) and seeing the chemistry those two have, I know the author can do it. It just surprises me that she didn't do it with these two. It's almost like she regrets putting them together and wishes she had put Holly with Nick instead.
I don't know if I will read more in this series. Maybe if I run out of other things to read.
The story was boring. So boring that I kept falling asleep while attempting to read it. It also took me three times longer to read than most books.
I hated Harvey so this whole mystery centering around him didn't interest me. The whole thing with the vampire-witch hybrid was ridiculous. I could have sworn that the author at some point stated that this sort of thing couldn't happen.
Then there was the ending. I hate it when the "bad guy" just has this long monologue and confesses everything for no apparent reason. It's lazy story telling. It shows that the author couldn't figure out how to put out the clues for the MC to follow.
You would think that Holly finally getting her license (which dragged on for too long, btw) would be more satisfying. It wasn't.
I like Holly and I like Adam. I like them together. They just have zero chemistry. The author has put no effort into making them a couple. Compared to the book that has Ana and Caleb in it (A Touch of Magic series) and seeing the chemistry those two have, I know the author can do it. It just surprises me that she didn't do it with these two. It's almost like she regrets putting them together and wishes she had put Holly with Nick instead.
I don't know if I will read more in this series. Maybe if I run out of other things to read.
June 2, 2017
By now, Holly is used to living in Beechwood Harbor, but would really like to get her Master potion's license. Her trial is finally here and Teddy (Evangeline's lawyer friend) is fairly confident that it will go well. Harvey is going to speak on her behalf, and finally Holly should get her license and be able to make potions legally. If only things went according to plans! Harvey disappears during the trial before he gets a chance to speak. One of the council members is nasty and convinces the council to deny Holly's license. Heartbroken, Holly and Teddy try to get ahold of Harvey to find out where he went and what can be done. Only nobody knows where Harvey is.
Holly ends up with another murder to solve in the name of friendship. Along the way some astonishing discoveries make Holly and Teddy understand the council's decision. Never giving up the fight, Holly seeks to establish her innocence and deserving of the license. When back in Beechwood Harbor the vindictive council member comes to town and releases horror on Holly's friend.
This is an action packed mystery that Holly manages to put the puzzle pieces together, just not quite in time. I appreciated the author's descriptive words and shifting locations to make it such an exciting book. It certainly had twists and turns that kept this reader anxiously reading to find out how things end! A good book in an excellent series about supernatural beings.
Holly ends up with another murder to solve in the name of friendship. Along the way some astonishing discoveries make Holly and Teddy understand the council's decision. Never giving up the fight, Holly seeks to establish her innocence and deserving of the license. When back in Beechwood Harbor the vindictive council member comes to town and releases horror on Holly's friend.
This is an action packed mystery that Holly manages to put the puzzle pieces together, just not quite in time. I appreciated the author's descriptive words and shifting locations to make it such an exciting book. It certainly had twists and turns that kept this reader anxiously reading to find out how things end! A good book in an excellent series about supernatural beings.
August 3, 2019
Holly ended the last book in the series with hope. She's got a court date that may mean she will be licensed to practice potions again. Unfortunately, her court date doesn't go as planned. First, there is a witch on the council who seems way to delighted to turn her down; it almost seems personal. Also an issue? Her SPA agent, Harvey, who promised to speak up in her favor, is nowhere to be found. Is it because he doesn't want her? Is he wrapped up in the major trial that is happening across the way? Or is he dead? Holly didn't particularly like the guy but that doesn't mean she wishes him gone.
This book will end in a final battle that will change the lives of everyone at the manor forever.
I am really hoping that Holly's relationship with Adam will be resolved soon. I still am not at all seeing why he is her OTL based on anything other than the author assuring of it often. The mystery was okay but I was dragged down by this relationship.
This book will end in a final battle that will change the lives of everyone at the manor forever.
I am really hoping that Holly's relationship with Adam will be resolved soon. I still am not at all seeing why he is her OTL based on anything other than the author assuring of it often. The mystery was okay but I was dragged down by this relationship.
January 27, 2020
The most disappointing thing about this series is that the "Villain" has to go through a bad guy monologue to reveal their motive and the details of their plot after Holly just happens to stumble into some information.
She never really deduces anything, follows up on a lead that results in real clues, or comes to any conclusions on her own. It is typically the characters around her that just hand her pertinent information on a silver platter and the bad guy STILL has to spell everything out for her at the end while she tries to keep them talking until help arrives.
I had hoped they would get better at the mystery telling, but it seems to be more of the same.
She never really deduces anything, follows up on a lead that results in real clues, or comes to any conclusions on her own. It is typically the characters around her that just hand her pertinent information on a silver platter and the bad guy STILL has to spell everything out for her at the end while she tries to keep them talking until help arrives.
I had hoped they would get better at the mystery telling, but it seems to be more of the same.
July 1, 2020
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a very entertaining storyline. Holly Bolt a potions which who is kicked out of Haven the supernatural world. She was forced to live in the human world. She lives in a small northwestern town works at a coffee shop with humans and has a nose for mystery. Read on and find out how her and her friends always seem to be in the middle of a mystery a murder or some other Mayham. Follow the clues and see if you can figure it out before she does. Very entertaining and a fun and quick read. Check it out
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a very entertaining storyline. Holly Bolt a potions which who is kicked out of Haven the supernatural world. She was forced to live in the human world. She lives in a small northwestern town works at a coffee shop with humans and has a nose for mystery. Read on and find out how her and her friends always seem to be in the middle of a mystery a murder or some other Mayham. Follow the clues and see if you can figure it out before she does. Very entertaining and a fun and quick read. Check it out
September 12, 2020
Injustice then Relief
I am so glad everything worked out (well, for the most part anyway). Can't wait to dive into book 5! Poor Nick. I only wanted peace for him and for him to stop having nightmares and thinking he was crazy. I think the next book will come together nicely and everything will all work out. And how about Cassie? Will she learn the truth? Will we hear wedding bells? Will the Chief wind up being a supernatural of some sort? Will Holly be assigned a great SPA agent? All questions that will probably be answered in book 5, among the other many questions I have...
I am so glad everything worked out (well, for the most part anyway). Can't wait to dive into book 5! Poor Nick. I only wanted peace for him and for him to stop having nightmares and thinking he was crazy. I think the next book will come together nicely and everything will all work out. And how about Cassie? Will she learn the truth? Will we hear wedding bells? Will the Chief wind up being a supernatural of some sort? Will Holly be assigned a great SPA agent? All questions that will probably be answered in book 5, among the other many questions I have...
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