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A 40-year-old Witch with a New Career...

A Gargoyle Sheriff Raising a Teenaged Daughter...

And an Enchanted Island Full of Secrets...



With only a month to go before the big day, Shayla is feeling unusually calm. The only thing left to line up is the photographer. So when her very pregnant cousin, Serena, offers to help her with that errand, Shayla immediately says yes. But when the two women discover a dead body at the popular photo studio on Enchanted Island--Charmed Images--it doesn't take long before a list of suspects emerges--including forensic specialist Finn Faeton's uncle. With the help of her fiance, Alex Stone, her sidekick, Needles, and a young prodigy in forensics from PADA, Shayla sets out to discover who would want the photographer dead. But when the killer sets his sights on Shayla and another family member, Shayla vows to turn the island upside down in order to capture her killer. Will she succeed? Or will her wedding pictures contain one less family member?

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 24, 2023

448 people are currently reading
76 people want to read

About the author

Jenna St. James

137 books277 followers
Jenna writes in the genre of traditional cozy, paranormal cozy, and romantic comedy. Her humorous characters and stories revolve around over-the-top family members, creative murders, and there's always a positive element of the military in her stories. Jenna currently lives in Missouri with her fiancé, step-daughter, Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever dog, Brownie, and her tuxedo-cat, Whiskey. She is a former court reporter turned educator turned full-time writer. She has a Master’s degree in Special Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She also spent twelve years in full-time ministry.
When she’s not writing, Jenna likes to attend beer and wine tastings, go antiquing, visit craft festivals, and spend time with her family and friends. You can friend request her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/authorjennas... or catch her on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/authorjennas.... Check out her website at http://www.jennastjames.com/. Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with the latest releases!

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Community Reviews

5 stars
757 (72%)
4 stars
228 (21%)
3 stars
59 (5%)
2 stars
7 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,873 reviews20 followers
January 25, 2023
Good

Running across a dead body is unfortunately not exactly unusual for Shayla Loci, but it is annoying when it is the photographer for your upcoming wedding!
It’s also not exactly convenient when your forensic tech is related to a suspect either, but luckily Shayla and Alex have everything under control… mostly!

Enchanted Island is definitely busy in this book, and we have a couple of rather important events that occur, but I’m not going to spoiler those, just let others enjoy them- let’s just say there are a couple of stars of the book that managed to edge out Needles for the position this time.

It’s an enjoyable, quick trip back into the island with the forest family, for this cosy paranormal mystery, perfect for those who want something lighthearted to read.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,113 reviews
December 30, 2022
Many times, long running series become stale and redundant. This is definitely not the case with Jenna St. James’ series. She always has fresh elements, new characters, and plenty of surprises. Deadly Focus is no exception. I was totally hooked. Loved the new characters that appeared. There is always plenty of suspects and plenty of misdirection. It’s always great to be around Shayla’s warm and loving family, which just grew bigger in Deadly Focus. So fun to watch the younger generation grow in their powers and personalities. Great mystery. Great surprises. Can’t wait for the next adventure, and maybe the wedding.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,796 reviews155 followers
January 11, 2023
Deadly Focus is Book 15 in the Witch in the Woods series by Jenna St. James.

I love this series; every book is like going on an adventure. I love the characters, the family and friends. There are two different mysteries perfectly intertwined.

The mystery was fantastic, and I love all the interactions between the different characters and all the magical elements.

Needles continues to be my favorite character! He is so fun and protective.

The end was exciting and mysterious, I can't wait to hear more about Zoie and the PADA!

Can't wait for the next book in the series!

Profile Image for JoAn.
2,469 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2023
Another enchanting read in the Witch In the Woods cozy paranormal mystery series. Shayla and Serena stumble upon the body of the man Shayla has chosen to be her wedding photographer. Thrills, chills and pursuit of a criminal keep Shayla and Alex busy. Oh, and Serena and Grant's twins are here! I love visiting Enchanted Island because I never know what Ms. St.James is plotting next.
167 reviews1 follower
February 5, 2023
I sincerely hope that this series keeps going and going! I love all the characters and feel like there is so many more options to be explored! What are the twins going to grow up to be like? Zoie and Brick’s adventures with PADA, will Shayla and Alex have their own family and what would they be like with genius loci DNA?
2,217 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2023
Good!

While Shayla and Serena are busy wedding planning, Shayla's photographer, A Normal, is murdered on the island.

Now with the list of suspects being high, they are led on a chase looking for the killer. Meanwhile, Serena delivers her twins when someone tries to hurt the women, making her water break early.

Come read this series!
1,273 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2024
The fun series continues as the characters plan for Shayla's wedding. The wedding photographer is killed. A surprise delivery occurs. I was able to piece the mystery together thanks to a few clues, but as usual, it's pretty well done with a few twists. This continues to be a consistently easy and quick read that is enjoyable. Looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Dragonfly.
106 reviews
January 25, 2023
Book 15 in the series, Jenna St. James continues to amaze and surprise me!!! I did not see this book ending the way it did with the best possible twists and turns till the very end! I seriously look forward to the release of the next book in this series and the Kara Hilder series!
1,502 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2023
Good read

Another short but sweet story. Its got quirky characters, humor, mystery, love, a tiny bit of danger, and loads of magic. This author knows how to hold your interest and entertain. Highly recommend.
404 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2023
Another enchanted mystery

Even though it seems to appear deadly, Enchanted Island feels like home. The family is growing and growing up and murders still seem to sprout up. But each mystery gets solved to make home safe again.... Until the next time.
168 reviews
Read
February 17, 2023
Always a fun fast read

I've loved these books. The characters are cute, sweet, and funny. The flying porcupine is the cutest. Www Its a series a mother and her teen daughter could read together without mom cringing at certain scenes.
1,290 reviews19 followers
October 7, 2023
Deadly Focus is a fantastic paranormal cozy mystery. It is fun and interesting. I love the characters. This book is full of magic and adventure. The mystery has many twists to keep you guessing until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
167 reviews
March 22, 2024
Always great

Just wanted to say how so good this series is, each book just grows and grows.; so many surprises, lots of laughs, quite a few moments of tears. Another fantastic story.
1,900 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2025
With Shayla and Alex’s wedding coming up soon, they work to find out who murdered their wedding photographer. There are plenty of possibilities. The new addition of a forensics expert from PADA was amusing and sparked Zoie’s career path.
Profile Image for Miriam.
384 reviews27 followers
May 25, 2025
This series is very good. I recommend reading them in order to avoid spoilers, but if you don't care about spoilers there is enough background given that the stories will make sense. I do love these characters, and the writing is good, and some laugh out loud moments are part of the joy.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,385 reviews15 followers
January 5, 2023
This just may be my favorite book in this series!! Very well written, and I love the characters. The storyline was so good, and I did not figure it out. Can’t wait for the next book!!
470 reviews
January 25, 2023
Great series!

This series is a fun, quick one to read! I love getting to revisit characters and follow along as their stories continue! I'm looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,126 reviews12 followers
January 25, 2023
Great book

A Witch in the Woods is a great series by Jenna St James. I love all of the characters and now we have two new ones.
798 reviews2 followers
January 26, 2023
deadly focus

I really enjoy this series. It’s fun, fast moving with wonderful characters. Now I will have to wait for book 16
143 reviews
January 29, 2023
Terrific Read

This installment is just terrific. The who done it is one that keeps you thinking and reading. The humor and the side stories are fun. Great read.
8 reviews
February 11, 2023
Quick

A quick read with familiar characters. This one is pretty good. I love the fantasy. It's a good escape from the daily grind.
48 reviews
March 27, 2023
Fun and engaging cozy mystery. Likeable characters that have become friends over the course of the series. Fast, fun read. Can't wait for another book in this series.
122 reviews
July 17, 2023
Another exciting adventure!

This book was another exciting adventure with a murder to solve. New babies arrive and future endeavors are revealed. A fun escape.
50 reviews
November 3, 2023
Fun

This was a peaceful, fun and interesting book. You’ll enjoy the twists and turns and then trying to figure out who the murderer is. It will leave you guessing.
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,835 reviews
January 8, 2024
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
Profile Image for Jessica King.
90 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2024
Another Great One!!!

Here's another GREAT A Witch in Woods story!!! It grabs you and keeps you on your toes the whole way through!!! On to the next one!!!
468 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2024
Good Story

Didn’t guess the villain this time! Lots of believable suspects. The twins’ birth was very sweet. Going on to the next book.
1,344 reviews8 followers
October 29, 2024
Shayla, Alex and Needles worked hard to figure this murder out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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