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It's the chance of a lifetime, but Holly's not sure she can survive the spotlight's harsh glow.

With her potions shop officially open for business, Holly sets off to the San Francisco Haven to compete with the most elite potions masters in the entire country. But what should be a fun and potentially life-changing experience quickly sours when Haven Council officials show up and start poking around Holly's workstation.

When one of the competitors is found murdered, all eyes swivel to Holly and her apprentice.

Holly doesn't know who killed the egotistical wizard, but she knows it wasn't her or Harmony. She also knows that there are some on the esteemed Haven Council who wouldn't hesitate to blur the lines of the investigation if it means getting rid of her once and for all.

Holly, Adam, Evangeline, and Harmony have to find the real killer before the clock runs out and Holly ends up wearing SPA handcuffs.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2022

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448 people want to read

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Danielle Garrett

89 books1,395 followers

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5 stars
890 (44%)
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802 (39%)
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292 (14%)
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19 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,445 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2021
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the 8th book in the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery. I love this series so much. Holly the main character is fun and has grow throughout all the books. I missed Posy in this book, and I think not having Posy in the other books is going to change the books a lot. I loved the Posy character so much. (*)
Profile Image for ✨ Gramy ✨ .
1,382 reviews
January 14, 2022
.
This is a paranormal, cozy mystery.

The hero competes in a competition that requires more than the skills to make a potion. Good thing she has already solved some murder mysteries and is ready and able to investigate this one.

This is a clean read and Holly succeeds in the H.E.A.
.
Profile Image for Sophia.
Author 5 books399 followers
July 30, 2020
After nearly dying in the last adventure, Holly is now facing a grand opening of her potions' shop, a deepened commitment in her love life, and, oh yes, a spot on a reality TV potions contest. She's sailing nicely until a body shows up and she's back under suspicion. Light and entertaining and the narration is sensational.

First Place Witch is the eighth in an engaging paranormal cozy mystery series, Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries. They work best when read/listened to in order.

The last book, A Royal Witch, was pretty action-packed and heavy on the paranormal and stirred up a lot of emotional drama. I was wary that this would be much of the same when it came to the excess drama, but instead it was calmer and more focused.

It had several plot threads going, but they were all going along steadily and not just focused around Holly. There is a romance plot for Evangeline. Harmony is proving to have really matured since her days as a troubling side character in her sister's series. Holly herself faces up to her life that now includes a legit potions shop and committed relationship with Adam, but now she joins the show contest because she still feels like she has to prove herself to others that she is beyond her past and deserves some respect. Unfortunately, she gets framed for a murder and people are more than ready to believe she did it because of said past though she has a loyal group of friends to stand by her and help her out of a jam.

The mystery was another clever one. I figured out part of it, but not all. There was a few exciting moments and a really low point for poor Holly, but she comes through.

Amanda Ronconi is fabulous as the voice of Holly and the series. I hear her voice for each character and catch the tone of the story easily. Her work is easy to listen to and get absorbed into the book. I can't recommend her work enough.

All in all, this was another fun one in the series with the TV show setting and the potions contest and that swoony final chapter. Those who enjoy paranormal mixed with cozy mystery should definitely put this series on their list of listens.

My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ashley.
190 reviews
December 4, 2025
rating: ★★★★½
audio narrated by Amanda Ronconi

I didn’t have the mystery totally figured out but I loved the whole cast
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
February 28, 2023
Things are really looking up for Holly in this one. Her shop is about to open, things are settled in her relationship with Adam and she is contacted about another good thing. The potions contest sounds like it would be right up her alley, but with Holly being Holly, you know things quickly go south and someone ends up dead with her being the suspect. With the help of everyone, it is quickly proven that she didn't have anything to do with things, the bad guys found and even more happy news right at the end. More changes coming for Holly, in the best way!
Profile Image for Zimmy W.
966 reviews15 followers
August 9, 2025
rate: 3.5/5 stars

holly, after doing the most insane and shady looking things: why doesn’t anyone trust me :/
1,417 reviews5 followers
August 15, 2021
Totally enjoyed this book! Good mystery, fun characters and great reader.
Profile Image for Jen (That's What I'm Talking About).
1,740 reviews312 followers
July 30, 2020
First Place Witch opens shortly after the conclusion of A Royal Witch, on the night before Holly opens her new Potions Shop. She’s stressed because one of the Council members doesn’t think she should have her license, and she worries that he’ll cause trouble. The author catches up on events that have occurred in between the books, like Adam receiving a job offer from the SPA. In addition to her new store, Holly is invited to participate in a televised potions contest (think The Great British Bake Off but for witches), and the whole gang decides to go to San Fransisco to support her. However, when the star contestant turns up dead, and illegal positions are being sold on the black market, the SPA considers Holly their number one suspect.

First Place Witch is one of my favorites in the series. I loved that Adam and Holly acted as a team throughout the story, working together instead of Holly keeping secrets or anguishing over what she wants to do next in her life. While slightly apprehensive over the opening of her new shop, overall she revels in her successes and how good life is. Additionally, they acknowledge the weird stuff that always happens around Holly, but their love is strong and Adam will do anything for her. She is finally content in her life and letting Adam be her equal.

The mystery was a pretty good one, made all the better because Holly and the gang worked together to clear Holly’s name. I liked that Holly didn’t go out of her way to investigate or get involved, yet still got drawn into the case because of who she is and the distrust some of the Counsel has. The only thing is that there were no clear clues to tell us who did it. Holly didn’t really solve the case; she and the gang just happened to be in the right place at the right time.

Narration: As always, Holly and her friends are brought to life through the performance of Amanda Ronconi, who has consistently done a wonderful job. Her interpretation of Holly is always spot on – a bit flustered and frazzled, but with an air of determination – just like Holly. Ms. Ronconi convincingly portrays Holly’s thoughts, concerns, and expressions. Her voices are all well-suited, and she gives paranormals their own fitting voices. However, I noticed that as the cast gets larger, some of the characters started sounding similar, but due to writing, I could usually tell them apart.

First Place Witch renewed my interest in and love of the Beechwood Harbor Magic Mysteries, and I look forward to following Holly and the gang as they move onto the next phases of their lives.

My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: A-

Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Profile Image for Kerry.
162 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2024
There were a bunch of mistakes in this one. One character who has been around for MULTIPLE books - suddenly her name is Agnes instead of Agatha. A very important scene - one character is there for the big reveal but then suddenly they're going to get her as if she wasn't there for it?

The author is clearly over it. Ma'am, no one forced you to write a 12 book series!!!

If I didn't love Amanda Ronconi's narration so much, I probably would've given up a few books ago. But I'm so close to the end!!!
142 reviews
December 17, 2019
Too Many Mistakes!!!!

Please, have someone proofread your books BEFORE they are published. I counted over 20 errors in this book alone. This is very annoying and distracting. Please fix any errors in your next book.
Profile Image for Mooncat.
362 reviews2 followers
January 4, 2025
To be honest, this would neutrally get three stars. The setting was new, which gave the series a much needed breath of fresh air, there was finally a good place in the relationship of Holly and Adam, Holly started to get recognized in the big way for her talent in potions and overall, the characters all seemed to have had a growth, which is very nice. I also liked the competition part, myself being a loyal watcher of several cooking and singing competition shows.
But - I just don’t get why there is a hero under suspicion plot this late in the series. I mean, what’s the point? We know Holly didn’t kill anyone, just as we know she’ll be cleared in the end. Which is always true, but if it’s at the start of the series, okay, I like that plotline as much as a lot of other cozy lover. But this late? Also, the whole poor Holly is the victim of always being the scapegoat and being under general suspicion because of her family name and past is so old by now, it should not just be buried but burned and scattered by the wind. I mean, she helped so many cases of the SPA so far, big cases. It’s - again - too late in the series to credibly sell that plotline as we know she’ll be cleared in the end. Instead, she should start getting recognized for the good she did - and it’s also high time for her to meet again with her aunt. As the wife of a high SPA person, she should long have reconnected with her. And I also expect another meeting with Adam‘s parents soon. Therefore only two stars after all.
Let’s see what comes next.
Profile Image for Berls.
1,027 reviews43 followers
December 14, 2020
I really love this series and this book was exceptionally good. Holly finally has her grand opening for her potion shop and the disaster she feared didn't happen. Instead it hits when she's in the San Francisco Haven getting her lucky break in a potion making contest... calling into question if it's really so lucky.

For me, it was the anxiousness about how she'd perform in the potion making contest more than anything else that made me eager to know what would happen next. I just wanted her to win so bad! Of course, the mystery she fell into is pretty dire too and I had a few guesses right up to the end - 1 of my guesses was right but it wasn't the one I was focused on.

And the characters/relationships continue to make this series! There were lots of developments in relationships in this book that were hinted at in the previous one and still they both excited me and saddened me. I'm eager to see how the changes will play out in future books. I plan to dive into the next one almost immediately.

oh and of course, Amanda Ronconi slays the narration. She's in my top 10 (maybe top 5?) of narrators.
1,303 reviews4 followers
November 15, 2024
Holly’s potion shop is open and doing great business when she is invited to compete in a potion masters contest (reality baking show with potions instead of cakes). While she’s very excited she gets nervous when she finds one of the Seattle council members (one who hates her), is the main judge. Then an obnoxious fellow participant is found murdered and it seems to be connected to an illegal potion ring, Holly of course becomes the main suspect.
With the help of Adam, Evangaline, Harmony and Teddy (her lawyer from previous books), Holly does some investigation although not as much as usual. This is more of a thinking investigation. There are quite a few suspects with different motives and no one except her close friends are on her side. And there are some surprises.
Per usual this is a fun, quick, humourous, enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Cassie.
401 reviews69 followers
October 26, 2025
I think this is more of a 4.5 star rating for me, but I could be easily convinced it’s 5 stars lol.

The ending for this book? So cute! Finally, is all I can say. 👀

I really enjoyed the potion competition setting. It was something different and lots of fun to read. Scarlett and co even showed up in this one, which was a pleasant surprise!

Overall, I can tell this series is somewhat winding down. Characters are leaving, things are changing, etc etc. All for the best, I imagine.

Onto the next one? Why, of course! ☺️
Profile Image for Ashley.
34 reviews
June 15, 2021
I love Beechwood Harbor ghost Mysteries they are hilarious and especially this series I really like a lot I like all the books but the reason why is she does such good detail in describing every little thing and it's a really funny book like I laugh a lot and you can picture everything especially the characters and what they're doing at the time and it's just amazing and this series all the series gets me out of my head with scarlet and with Holly
Profile Image for Linniegayl.
1,364 reviews32 followers
March 24, 2025
Another cute entry in the series, with Holly a last-minute replacement in a televised (on the supernatural air waves) potions contest. Some of her friends come along for the fun, and help investigate when a murder occurs at the contest, and Holly is the chief suspect.

It's clear, based on the ending, that there are going to be some big changes coming in Holly's life, and I look forward to reading about them.
202 reviews
October 4, 2024
This is my least favorite book so far. Although it was for a good cause, Holly’s lack of integrity is totally unnecessary. With the talent she has she could have done the same thing on her own and not been found in a badly compromising situation.

I also found the build up of Platt rather disappointing. To build him up as such an enemy then to not even have a mention of him at the end showed some real plot holes - unless he is going to make a come back in the remaining books.

Having said that, this book also contained a bit of the best humor.

However, if First Place Witch was my introduction to this series it’s probably the only one I’d be reading.
Profile Image for Donna Weaver.
Author 87 books459 followers
October 19, 2022
Holly and her friends get to travel to the San Fran Haven. And she ends up in jail, accused of murder.

Another fun adventure. The ending celebration shows how much she's healed from her disastrous relationship. And the story of their home back in Beechwood continues...
Profile Image for Miss Syreena.
775 reviews
July 27, 2023
It was fun to visit another haven for this installment! I wish the main romantic storyline was believable for me, but it’s not the main plot of the books and not a big distraction. Also glad that I read the Beechwood Harbor Ghost Mystery Series because a character from those books makes an appearance without any introductions.
Profile Image for Pam.
204 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2020
My favorite!

Danielle Garrett throws it outta the park again! Holly and cohorts at Beechwood Manor are my favorite characters! I feel as if they are my friends! Wonderful fun and new characters popping in keeps me entertained! Excellent work!!
Profile Image for Gail Harkins.
Author 19 books10 followers
January 18, 2020
First Place Witch is an exciting, high-energy romp -- and one I thoroughly enjoyed. With Holly opening her potions shop in the Seattle haven, you'd think she had enough on her hands. She does, but when she gets the opportunity to participate as a contestant on the reality show Bubbles & Bubbles, she jumps at the chance. Things are going great, too, until one of the stars is murdered and Holly's the prime suspect. This book lays the foundation for plenty of changes for the Beechwood Harbor gang. If you like the series, you'll love this installation!
Profile Image for Jana Gundy.
1,919 reviews17 followers
January 19, 2020
Still a great series

I love this author and all of her series. This was the first series of her I discovered and after many books, it’s still going strong. Holly lives an almost ordinary life in a paranormal world, while making her mark and solving crimes. Her boyfriend is her support and side kick along with her other house mates and a few paranormal. It’s a fun book.
Profile Image for Kira.
1,032 reviews32 followers
November 17, 2023
The next instalment in Beechwood Harbor Magic Mystery series by Danielle Garrett, First Place Witch sees Holly travel to San Franciso Haven for a potion making competition with Adam, Harmony and Evangeline in tow. It's not late though before one of the participants is hexed to death and Holly arrested for the murder!

I love murder mysteries in magical fantasy worlds and this one was so well written too. I loved that the setting was something different from the usual Seattle Haven and Beechwood Harbor that we've got used to in the series. Holly and Harmony's partnership is refreshing and it's great watching her be a boss and handle her very own business.

Adam was not quite at the forefront of this one which was a nice change of pace but their personal relationship advanced so much - I can't believe the couple is now engaged finally!!!! I am very excited to see Holly step into this new life in the next book.
283 reviews
January 20, 2023
Not my usual genre of book but I found this series because I was looking for books narrated Amanda Ronconi and I thought 'what the heck, I'll give it a try'. Well, I am so grateful I did. The stories are fun, the characters are interesting, and more importantly, the stories evolved and the writer matured the characters as the series moved forward. I often get frustrated when characters remain the same from book to book and as a result lose interest in the story line. FORTUNATELY, that isn't how Danielle Garrett managed this series. The character's maturing throughout the series made the stories more interesting and kept me engaged throughout.
Profile Image for Leigh Brooker.
225 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2024
This was an exceptionally fun read as I'm quite partial to TV reality shows that include baking, although this series is about magic not cookery and they are whipping up potions instead of a cake. So I thoughly enjoyed this one. Plus the fact I don't think anyone on the Great British Bake off would commit murder to get to first place, then again maybe they would 🤣

Finally, Holly's potion shop is up and running and open for business. Before she can catch her breath, she is invited to San Francisco to take part in a televised potion brewing contest to compete against some of the best potion masters in the country. But when one of her competitors is found murdered, Holly and her apprentice Harmony are considered to be the top suspects. Can Holly and her friends find the real culprit before Holly's time runs out and she is arrested for murder?

It seems that the more things change, the more they stay the same for Holly, and this time it's personal as Walter Platt council man for Seattle Haven is out to get her and destroy everything she has worked for. Yeah the slime ball really has it in for our girl and will stop at nothing to put her in what he considers her place. Of course her grand opening goes without a hitch and without him turning up to ruin anything, but when she accepts a place in the Bubble Bubble contest guess who one of the judges is... Before you can say bat wings Holly is knee deep in another murder investigation but this time she's a suspect. The one thing I admire about Holly is just how resilient she is while trying to figure out a murder case, I absolutely adore this girl and want her as my friend.

Adam is on hand to support Holly through her nerves on her grand opening and fuss over her like a mother hen due to the fact shes been running herself ragged in preparation for her shop opening. But when he gives her a bracelet with charms to signify all the important events and things she has achieved in her life, you can bet I totally swooned at that. The man is definitely a keeper.

It looks like Nick and Meryl are officially dating and I swear I couldn't be happier for the guy, they make an adorable couple and it's about time my Nicky had something going his way. And when he called Agent Bramble 'big bird' yeah I was officially dying with laughter. I've absolutely lost my heart to him now.

I had a lot of fun reading this book, the humor along with the mystery kept me hooked. And man oh man that ending literally had me shedding tears of joy (no spoilers) I could barely contain myself. I'm off to book 9 because I need to find out what happens next for the gang. I totally recommend this series if you like a cozy mystery with witches, shifters, werewolves and ghosts. Go read today. Loving it 😁
Profile Image for Shy The WidowMaker.
472 reviews176 followers
August 3, 2020
I went into this series having not listened to any of the others but I am a lover of the narrator Amanda Ronconi so I knew I would love it. I was not disappointed as this was a quick and fun listen with lots of action along the way. I got into this one getting introduced to Holly and Beechwood Harbor. I loved Holly as a character she was independent and strong willed and I loved that she owned her own potions shop. The fact that she got invited to the the potions contest was a fun additional as I am lover of all things competition shows and this audiobook brought it all to life. As with most mystery books as the competition gets started one of the contestants is murdered.

As the investigation continues Holly is named as the primary suspect and has to work to clear her name. She gets help along the way from her friends and lots of fun ensues along the way. I loved how the narrator brought all the characters to life and made it such a fun read. She kept me entertained and invested in the story and I didn't want to stop listening. I will definitely have to go back to start from the beginning on this series as I enjoyed this one a lot.

Thanks to Tantor Audio for this book for review.
Profile Image for ThundaBunz.
106 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2023
Holly's adventure this book was wild. She is competing in a potions competition which starts out with everyone doing their best to a crazy murder. Holly and Harmony are looked at as potential culprits of the crime. So it's up to Holly and the gang to solve the mystery. It was nice they brought back Teddy. I was really hoping that him and Eevee can rekindle their relationship or whatever it was. So seeing him with another woman was well crap.lol but yeah, in terms of the mystery, it was a good head scratcher because I couldnt pin point who was it. but when it was revealed and explained it made a lot of sense.

On a side note, they introduced a talking cat at the end who wasn't there before and that threw me off. They had mentioned that the ghost cat was mentioned previously but that isnt the case. This isnt really a spoiler because the cat was introduced at the end which felt like filler. There is an even bigger surprise at the end but I wont go into that.

All in all, it was a great mystery and I cant wait to see what adventures Holly gets into in the next book.
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