Bells and Bombshells

Harper and Moon Investigations #1

by Trixie Silvertale

A pattern of murder. A threadbare case. Can our psychic sleuth pick out the guilty before time spools out?

Mitzy Moon is finally tying the knot. And she’s loving the whole town’s excitement for their upcoming big day. But when their tailor is found buttons up behind a jazz lounge, the almost-newlyweds will have to hem in a murderer before their dreams rip apart at the seams.

Knowing they’ll get no help from the new sheriff in town, the couple embarks on a tightly woven undercover assignment. But Mitzy fails to heed ominous warnings from her mentor, Ghost-ma, and her entitled feline. When another body drops, she could be the next target erased by the mounting powers in the darkness…

Can Mitzy and Erick unravel the twisted clues, or will their wedding be eclipsed by a funeral?

Bells and Bombshells is the first book in a hilarious new paranormal cozy mystery series, Harper and Moon Investigations. If you like snarky heroines, supernatural intrigue, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s wedded whodunit.

Genres: Paranormal, Ghosts, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and and obsesses about all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she's thrilled to write them and share them with you.

Amazon Author Page:
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Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bells and Bombshells is the first book in the Harper and Moon Investigations series. This new series is a spinoff of the Mitzy Moon series, but has all of the main characters you love. This book is very well-named as it looks like wedding bells may finally be ringing for Mitzy and Erick and there is a definite bombshell dropped during the story. I enjoyed the original series and think this book is a great start to a new one. Erick and Mitzy seem to be on the same page in this one and we get to see that firsthand since a few of the chapters in the book are told from Erick's point-of-view and not just Mitzy's. 

Mitzy and Erick's first case as business partners hits close to home when Mitzy's lawyer, mentor, and friend Silas Willoughby is arrested for murder by Mitzy's nemesis, former Deputy Paulsen who is now the sheriff. The investigation is fun and Erick even goes undercover to gather clues. Mitzy is a psychic, but this time the murder also has a hint of the paranormal in it. I love seeing Mitzy using her psychic abilities, but am not as interested in the alchemy aspects, which play an important role in the book. I was still entertained throughout the book, but felt the resolution of the case wasn't totally complete. I am assuming the unanswered questions will be addressed in future books. 

I received a copy of this book at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Darcysmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved the Mitzy Moon series, it pales in comparison to how much I love Harper and Moon Investigations!
While all the familiar people and places are part of the series, the new partnership between Erick and Mitzy makes for a whole new world and is fantastic!
Harper and Moon Investigations get their first case early in the book and it is a doozy! Silas has been arrested for murder. It will take all of the combined brain power of Erick, Mitzy, Pyewacket, and Ghostma to save their dear friend.
Their first case isn't the only big thing for Mitzy and Erick - their wedding is coming up quickly!
I loved everything about this book - especially the addition of Erick's point of view in several chapters.
I highly recommend Bells and Bombshells!

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Mitzy and Erick prepare for their wedding, two people suddenly die and the murders could be related! The suspect? None other than Silas Willoughby! Mitzy is furious at Paulsen for even thinking such a thing, even though notes on both bodies point toward him as the suspect! She is determined to find out whodunnit and get him released! He teaches her a new ability and she uses it to discover something about the magic around both bodies. She uncovers the murder weapon and Silas is freed but who really killed these two people and has the real murderer escaped justice?

This will be more of the fun times and excitement we fans of Trixie have come to expect and love with our lovable heroine Mitzy Moon! She and Erick do finally tie the knot at the conclusion of the book and I look forward to many many more cases coming their way
as they investigate murders as private detectives!

I wholeheartedly recommend this new series as I did the previous series where we got to enjoy Mitzy and the gang leading up to this new series and life she and Erick are embarking on! It is funny, quirky, exciting, with everything you’ve grown to love from the old series, with the cast of characters returning to add to the flavor of this new series!

Don’t miss out and start at the beginning of this series now! I can promise you that you’ll be sooo glad you did!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

This is the first book in the Harper & Moon Investigations series. It’s a continuation of the Mitzy Moon series, but now she and her fiancé are starting their own private investigation business. She’ll no longer be an amateur!

Erick calls Mitzy a corpse magnet for a reason. She tends to stumble on murder scenes frequently, and now is no exception. In this case, her beloved mentor, Silas, is arrested for the murder of an old friend. Of course, Mitzy and Erick have to help Silas. It’s their first case together!

Although there are a couple of bumps along the way, I enjoy watching Mitzy grow as she gets better at “adulting.” She and Erick make it through their first case, but will Silas make it to their wedding? And what powerful sorcerer have they uncovered?

It was fun reading about both Mitzy and Erick going undercover, and Mitzy learning more paranormal abilities. All of the characters are unique, and I feel like I know each one of them. When someone is out of town, I wonder what they are up to! Mitzy’s grandma (ghost-ma) and caracal, Pyewacket, are always funny!

The Harper & Moon Investigations has started off with a bang, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Trisha Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great opener.

I can’t find fault with these books and I thoroughly enjoy reading them. This one has all the ingredients needed. The tender moments, one liners, danger, and of course, we finally have the wedding instalment!
I do like it when an author has not only individual stories going on but also a backstory that unwinds little-by-little because it is important to love the characters and root for them.
Silas is always the star for me, he is actually my favourite character. Mitzy and Erick a joint, close second! I just know there is so much more to unfold about him, pretty much the same as Pyewacket. Here he is with the spotlight on him and not in a good way. Firstly, he shuns Mitzy and is quite unkind to her - but she is not prepared to give up on him.
We have murder, obviously, and the only grumble I have about the first episode in the new series is the ending – it isn’t quite resolved. Will it be? The books don’t usually end on a cliffhanger. There will be a lot of adjustments needed for both Erick and Mitzy as they move forwards. I’m interested to see how it all pans out with the interim Sheriff and her deputies. Great read.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

So the first book in the new series started off with a bang or should I say a bomb? Mitzy is meant to marry Erick, the too hot to handle sheriff of pin cherry harbour, however in the usual Mitzy style and as she is a corpse magnet a crime is committed and due to unforeseen circumstances she feels she has to solve the crime before her big day. The wedding is therefore postponed as Silas, her mentor and her ghost-ma's friend and lawyer, is taken in custody suspected of murder. Furthermore Erick has decided to move on, ditch his job as sheriff, and start on a new venture with Mitzy as partner not just in wedded bliss but on a working level too. It is through their new investigation agency that they work together to solve this latest crime which is steeped in mystery and supernatural innuendos. As always Pyewacket drops a very important clue before they even knew who they were after. I love the good feel of this book as finally our girl is married to her beloved Erick. May this new series give us many more whodunnit crimes to solve side by side with our favourite detective duo and all the laughs Mitzy the klutz provides for us.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this new series from Trixie Silvertale. I was already a Mitzy Moon fan from the previous series. Now her boyfriend Erick has resigned as sheriff and has opened Harper and Moon Investigations so they can crack cases together as private detectives.

Mitzy is funny, klutzy, vulnerable, and totally loveable. The sweet romance between her and Erick has slowly grown throughout the previous series. Now their wedding day is coming. Everyone is excited. Ghost-Ma has planned a spectacular wedding at the bookshop and designed an amazing bridal gown.

But there are two murders just days before the wedding. The prime suspect is someone so important to Mitzy that she insists the wedding be postponed. Will this person be cleared so the wedding can proceed?

I knew Trixie would not let her readers down. Our favorite characters from Pin Cherry Harbor have moved on into this series. I am excited to see where Trixie takes Mitzy and Erick.

If you haven’t read the previous series, there are enough “flashbacks” so new readers can quickly grasp the backstories. I enjoyed reliving those moments.

I highly recommend “Bells and Bombshells.”

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Book one in a wonderful spin off of the Mitzy Moon series with the same characters you have come to love. We are treated to the Harper and Moon investigation team. With Erik Harper, adjusting to his new job with Mitzy as one half of the new Mitzy Moon Investigations and their wedding getting closer, things couldn't be happier for the pair complete with Ghostma and Pyewacket, her feline familiar with a mind of his own. When Mitzy's wedding tailor is found dead and her closest and dearest friend and mentor, Silas gets accused of murder, can Mitzy and Erick be able to solve the murder and still have a happily ever after day? And despite the warnings from Ghostma and Pye, Mitzy plods on even after a second murder. And watching as Mitzy's magic grows, I had to read this book in one sitting since once you begin, there is no way you can stop turning pages! With so many twists and turns and red-herrings, can they solve this murder before the date of their wedding? I can't waif for more books in this incredibly fun new series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Amanda Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, it seems oddly cut off

I don't mean the big event, but the resolving of the crime seems peculiarly cut short.

Did she run out of words? Was it going to be overlong and require cutting the nuptials?

Mitzy takes her wedding gown to be altered by Rivail Guvstafson, the best tailor anywhere to be found and, more importantly, trusted by Grams. He's an old friend of Silas, although when Mitzy mentions their friendship, he appears slightly diffident, and it strikes Mitzy as odd.

Leaving the dress in Rivails' expert hands Mitzy is shocked to discover that the leaving party she thought she was attending for Paulson is actually Eric's and he's also set up a completely new business for them both as private investigators. Paulson, far from leaving, is about to take over as Interim Sheriff.

With just a few hours to go as a sheriff, the body of Rivail is discovered at the jazz club where he moonlights as a singer, worse still Silas is implicated in the murder by virtue of a note in the victims pocket that says if I'm dead you need to contact Silas.

So Harper and Moon have their first case.

[Katinka · Rating 4 out of 5]

The week before her wedding to Sheriff Erick Harper is a big one for Mitzi, full of unexpected surprises. First, Erick retires as the town's Sheriff, with Deputy Paulson, being named as acting Sheriff until the next election. So what will he be doing now? He has surprised her with the opening of Harper / Moon private investigations, where they will work together solving crimes. And just before their wedding, they have their first case… finding out who has killed 2 people leaving Mitzi's mentor and friend Silas being blamed for the murders.

This was the first book in the new Harper/Moon series and was just as good as the previous Mitzi Moon series. Watching the former Sheriff realize how much more difficult solving crimes without the authority he used to have helped to make this book even more entertaining. Watching him try to come up with an on the spot cover identity and backstory showed that in some ways Mitzy was ahead of the game in this case. I very much enjoyed reading this book and will be looking forward to the next one.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, the previous Mitzy Moon books, or books with a large paranormal component, then I think you will enjoy this one too.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a long time fan of Mitzy Moon and was sad when the series ended. After reading Bells & Bombshells, though, I know the time to end the series was right. I love the direction the new series is taking! I admit I was shocked by a decision Erick made and how it was made. I do believe it was right even though it seemed out of character. After thinking about it, I came to the conclusion we didn't really know Erick as much as we do Mitzy. It appears this will change as we got to read from Erick's point of view. This is an exciting development! The mystery in this book was a big one for me. Silas has been a favorite of mine all along and to see him arrested had my heart pumping. I couldn't read fast enough!
You don't need to have read the Mitzy Moon series, (I do recommend it as it's fun reading), to enjoy this book. Just go ahead and dive in.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ecopy of this book. My thoughts are based upon my enjoyment of the book.*

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not miss out on wedding plans, fittings, new renovation to make a home and a murder to boot! One busy bride to be. Add in a huge surprise and this Mitzy journey is a head spinner. Non stop action and add in an unfamiliar new factor and we find both Mitzy and Harper adjusting to what is their life now.

In a heart to heart talk with ghost ma, we learn where her perfect destination wedding would take place. She has one for every season, but, I think she has THE perfect destination wedding to top them all. In her own words “I would absolutely choose Iceland and have the ceremony under the aurora borealis.” Imagine that in a clear ice church!

Take a deep breath, yes, there IS a wedding, exactly like ghost ma planned. Absolutely total bling bigger than life, just like Myrtle Isadora Johnson Linder Duncan Willamet Rogers!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute. It’s fun and enjoyable and has a little bit of mystery and suspense all at the same time. I thought at the beginning this wasn’t for me. Although I’ve done so, planning a wedding is not for me. I actually thought this was going to be rather “frou frou”. It wasn’t that way at all. As I said it was a cute mystery cozy, much more than the romance I thought it would be.
While the reviews made me want to go back and read the first series, Mitzy Moon Mysteries, I can’t say there is any reason this book couldn’t be a stand-alone. However, my advice would be to start with the first series. Just read ‘em all!

[Darla Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mitzy Moon and Erick Harper are finally getting married, but when their tailor is found dead behind a jazz club, things change. They go undercover to find a killer and clear a friend knowing they'll get no help from the new sheriff.

This is the first book in a new series that promises to be excellent. The book's well-written and the characters are well-developed. This book s the start of a series that builds upon Trixie's Mitzy Moon series, so you'll know the players in this story. I was hooked from page one and really enjoyed this captivating tale. Full of humor with an intriguing mystery, this is a must-read that I highly recommend. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Katrina F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

felt unfished

I’ve read through all of the novels and was surprised and excited she was revisiting Pin Cherry and all its residents. Unfortunately, I thought this novel felt unfinished.

I didn’t understand the decision to give up being Sheriff, considering this seemed to cause a great amount of sorrow for Erick, not to mention he just sprung a joint venture career on Miss Moon without discussing it with her.

I didn’t feel there was a clear resolution to the case. It seemed like they paused investigations to do the wedding quick. I was expecting them to go back and finish out the case in the end. I guess it just felt rushed.

I still love the characters and am so happy to have more stories, just thought this one was different from the others.

[Kathy Brenzi]

What a great start to a new spin-off series. Just a week shy of their wedding, Mitzy and Eric find their new detective business has their first case. Their tailor and friend who is putting the finishing touches on her wedding dress is found murdered outside a jazz club, where here was the singer at night. Circumstance places a dear friend as the number one suspect, even more so when a second body drops. Both Eric and Mitzy go undercover to find the real murderer. They had postponed the wedding a week and hopefully they could finalise the case in time.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for the wedding that took 20+ books to arrive? Can Mitzy and Erick make it down the isle without stumbling over any dead bodies? This is the launch of a wonderful new cozy series in Pin CherryHarbor.

Few books arrive in the world with a well developed cast of characters numerous enough to populate a small town. Owing its origins to the Mitzy Moon Mysteries series, this one does.

You don't have to be a lover of the past books to benefit from the excellence they add to this one. Just dive in and enjoy.

[Mike Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

entertaining Paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. This series is a new series spin off from the Mitzi moon series. This is the combined series of missing moon and Eric harper the sheriff in their small town. Read on and see what new adventure they embark on as they are engaged and getting ready to get married. Original series was entertaining and fun and this one with them combine together turn it up a notch and he’s in even more entertaining series. Check it out

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I put off starting this series because I knew Harper was going to somehow stop being sheriff and end up as a private detective, and I didn't like that idea. I also was opposed to the marriage. It wasn't as bad as I feared it would be, but I don't like the "new sheriff in town." I also felt the mystery was a bit murky and wasn't really fully solved. I'm assuming it will continue into the series. I will follow on through because I love Ghostma, Diner Grandpa, Twiggy, and the cat. I like Mitzie. I tolerate Harper. I've missed reading about them.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is excellent, the sense of humor unparalleled.

Wow. Erick is making a huge sacrifice for Mitzy. It will take him some adjusting, that’s for sure! New job, new life! No longer Sheriff Too-Hot-To-Handle, now plain Mr.

I loved Mitzy’s new powers. I loved little Stash (cat), poor thing! Silas is in trouble. He’s one of my favorite characters, oh who am I kidding, they’re all my favorite characters!

It was so good. Erick’s POV really added an extra layer. A true pageturner!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Mitzy Moon and Erick Harper from the beginning. Mitzy will go into my "favourite book character" collection. I'm so happy that the adventure continues with them, Ghost-Ma, Silas, and Pye into a new series. If you're thinking about reading these books/this series, I suggest you start with the first book in the Mitzy Moon series and you will fall in love with these characters, too.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are wedding bells going to happen? There are some bombshells too. Mitzy and Erick's wedding is coming up. When their tailor is found murdered, Silas is arrested for the murder, and they consider postponing the wedding. How can they get married when Silas is in jail? While Erick goes undercover as a singer, Mitzy is investigating her own way. They discover not only clues to exonerate Silas, but something very personal about Erick. Will the wedding go ahead?

[Angela Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises abound in Pin Cherry Harbor!

Apparently author Trixie Silvertale thought she'd like to shake things up in Pin Cherry Harbor for the new spin-off series! A new business venture, stunning revelations from a couple of characters, a murder mystery that strikes surprisingly close in multiple ways...and , of course, a countdown to Mitzy's and Erick's nuptials. This is such a fun read, and Mitzy's wedding day surprise is so sublime! I heartily recommend this series!!

[Randy Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bells and bombshells a Harper and moon investigation s. Book one

Excellent !!! I was sad to loose my favorite characters when I finished misty moon book twenty one only to find out that my favorite characters are all back in the new series of Harper and moon investigation. This book is different and exciting with new twist and turns for the reader to experience. I can't wait to read book two.

[Kayan Sherrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

If you like the paranormal and cozy mysteries I truly believe that you will enjoy this book and the series. The characters have personalities that you will most likely fall in love with. The story line is well thought out with adventure, a little romance, a bit of magic, and a whole lot attitude. But don't take my word for it, read it yourself, I don't think you'd be disappointed in this book.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bells and Bombshells is a fantastic start to a new series with the characters we love. Mitzy and Erick are in for new changes and adventures. I loved this book. It is so fun and entertaining. I enjoyed getting to know Erick more from scenes in his perspective. The book is well written and flows great. The mystery has many surprises. I highly recommend this book! It is wonderful.

[Angie R Geissman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first of hopefully a long series. Mitzy is getting married. The wedding is getting close and the tailor for her wedding dress is murdered. Silas is arrested for the murder. This kicks off the new adventure of Harper and Moon investigations. Erick gets to go undercover this time. After Silas is freed they finally are able to become husband and wife. Can’t wait to see where their new venture takes them and of course Grams and Pyewacket are along for the ride.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of Erick and Mitzy! It’s strange not having Sheriff Harper being, well, Sheriff Harper. But PI Harper works! The undercover work Erick did was hilarious! He didn’t plan out his part at all. It was great! Mitzy, of course, is fabulous and fun as always. This mystery was amazing. There were things inside other things to discover. A definite must read!

[Theresa Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooray for Mitzy and Erik! They're getting married, starting a new PI business, AND they've got their first case! Unfortunately, their client isn't being very cooperative. Can Mitzy and her crew save the day, prove Silas is innocent, and get to the wedding on time?

Don't miss this newest fantastic book from Trixie Silvertale! You won't want to put it down!

[Lee Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series

I have very much enjoyed the Mitzy Moon series and was excited for this new series and I was not disappointed. This series starter was fun and full of all the characters I have come to love from the previous series. I can not wait to see what is next for Mitzy and Eric.