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Spell's Bay Mysteries #1
Sauvignon Slaying
A Grisly Murder, a Desperate Ghost, and a 100-year-old Secret?
Buying the rundown Vineyard on Spell's Bay is Verity's Do-Over. It just needs a little TLC. And maybe a bulldozer. It's here in the Magic-Filled town of Veil Falls that she will find out she's something more than Over-the-Hill and Broke... According to Honor, her handsome next-door neighbor and resident Vine Warlock, she has a certain gift. Only a Wine Witch isn't all she is. When the Naked Ghost on the Chair in her Bedroom starts asking questions, she's certain she's ready for the Not so Funny Farm... and determined to get rid of the Curse!But after her first paying venue goes belly up.... and Dead Hostess down, Verity, along with her newly adopted crime-sleuthing kitten Lois, will need to solve the murder quick if she want to get paid and keep the farm. There's a load of secrets in this seemingly cozy little town where nothing happens by chance...And the biggest one of all may be just past the spiders in the cellar on the left...
Sauvignon Slaying is the first book in the exciting new Spell's Bay Mysteries... Come to Crooked Tree, sit for a spell, and have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as part of the Veil Falls Wine and Murder Show...
Buying the rundown Vineyard on Spell's Bay is Verity's Do-Over. It just needs a little TLC. And maybe a bulldozer. It's here in the Magic-Filled town of Veil Falls that she will find out she's something more than Over-the-Hill and Broke... According to Honor, her handsome next-door neighbor and resident Vine Warlock, she has a certain gift. Only a Wine Witch isn't all she is. When the Naked Ghost on the Chair in her Bedroom starts asking questions, she's certain she's ready for the Not so Funny Farm... and determined to get rid of the Curse!But after her first paying venue goes belly up.... and Dead Hostess down, Verity, along with her newly adopted crime-sleuthing kitten Lois, will need to solve the murder quick if she want to get paid and keep the farm. There's a load of secrets in this seemingly cozy little town where nothing happens by chance...And the biggest one of all may be just past the spiders in the cellar on the left...
Sauvignon Slaying is the first book in the exciting new Spell's Bay Mysteries... Come to Crooked Tree, sit for a spell, and have a glass of Sauvignon Blanc as part of the Veil Falls Wine and Murder Show...
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2022
257 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Rain
50 books38 followersWhen I was a child I wanted two things. To Write a Novel and to be Wonder Woman and save the world.
Somewhere past 40, I realized the tights were never going to fit, and the only flying I was ever going to do was in a plane.
So instead, I write my Strong and Sassy Heroes/Heroines into the novels I pen…
I build doorways into contemporary worlds filled with magic, that allow all of us to be a hero to our own fantastical imaginations.
To me, every character is real. I walk alongside them as they discover that fear is the flip side of courage, that survival may just be a badge of honor, and that our flaws are an opportunity to emerge stronger, and discover our own personal brand of superpowers—at any age.
Somewhere past 40, I realized the tights were never going to fit, and the only flying I was ever going to do was in a plane.
So instead, I write my Strong and Sassy Heroes/Heroines into the novels I pen…
I build doorways into contemporary worlds filled with magic, that allow all of us to be a hero to our own fantastical imaginations.
To me, every character is real. I walk alongside them as they discover that fear is the flip side of courage, that survival may just be a badge of honor, and that our flaws are an opportunity to emerge stronger, and discover our own personal brand of superpowers—at any age.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 28, 2023
This is book 1?????
As I started reading, I told myself more than once that I had started with book 2, so it was unsurprising there were references I didn't understand.
Except it isn't book 2. Many of the references are eventually comprehensible through context eventually, and the book ends with a clear indication there's more to come in the next book, but many questions remain.
There were several instances of poor punctuation, improper word use, and random capitalization.
Great premise, "meh" execution.
As I started reading, I told myself more than once that I had started with book 2, so it was unsurprising there were references I didn't understand.
Except it isn't book 2. Many of the references are eventually comprehensible through context eventually, and the book ends with a clear indication there's more to come in the next book, but many questions remain.
There were several instances of poor punctuation, improper word use, and random capitalization.
Great premise, "meh" execution.
December 30, 2022
Sauvignon Slaying
OH I really like and enjoy a good witchy mystery and I found one by the very clever Elizabeth Rain she brings this witchy paranormal cozey mystery to life with the array of colorful and quirky characters spirits and talking cats included will draw you in with their dramatic personalities and passion for life and spirits. With an intriguing mystery enticing you in further with its particular style of unfolding magical mystique, while the plot keeps you turning page after page with its enchanting drama and engaging and mystical small town witchy charm .Acquire " Sauvignon Slaying " (Spells Bay Mysteries 1) so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
OH I really like and enjoy a good witchy mystery and I found one by the very clever Elizabeth Rain she brings this witchy paranormal cozey mystery to life with the array of colorful and quirky characters spirits and talking cats included will draw you in with their dramatic personalities and passion for life and spirits. With an intriguing mystery enticing you in further with its particular style of unfolding magical mystique, while the plot keeps you turning page after page with its enchanting drama and engaging and mystical small town witchy charm .Acquire " Sauvignon Slaying " (Spells Bay Mysteries 1) so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
April 22, 2022
Verity Blume has moved to Veil Falls with her nephew Joel following her divorce. She uses most of her savings to buy Crooked Tree, a rundown vineyard and orchard, with the dream of bringing it back to life. The first event at the farm is a wake for a 98 year old quilter being hosted by her 93 year old sister. Unfortunately, the event ends with the attack and death of the sister. Her niece is standing over her with the bloody weapon and is charged with the murder. Verity doesn’t believe she did it and knows she must find the real killer in order to be paid for the event. To make matters even more interesting, the handsome neighbor has set his sights on her, she discovers that several townsfolk have supernatural abilities, and she discovers that she has supernatural abilities that she never knew she had. This book is filled with wonderful, and a little quirky, characters that you will fall in love with. It starts with a couple of chapters “setting the stage.” As you read on, the book draws you in more and more until you find that you can’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!
April 8, 2022
Verity and her nephew Joel have moved to Spell’s Bay to farm and more. There’s an old vineyard, orchard, and lots of potential outbuildings. Too bad everything is run down needing lots of work and more money. There’s a little mystery in the air with a touch of witchiness but Verity doesn’t really believe in that.
Verity gets her first paying job if she can rehab the party barn and host a wake. Unfortunately, the hostess is murdered and now she has more bills. Join Verity and her neighbor in solving the murder of her hostess.
I loved this book. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Good mystery, great characters, nice setting, and more.
Verity gets her first paying job if she can rehab the party barn and host a wake. Unfortunately, the hostess is murdered and now she has more bills. Join Verity and her neighbor in solving the murder of her hostess.
I loved this book. I can’t wait to read more in this series. Good mystery, great characters, nice setting, and more.
April 9, 2022
Veil Falls is home to a new cast of characters and mysteries. Some of your favorite characters from the Snips and Snails Café make an appearance and you get another view how this magical community works. Verity and Honor have their very own mystery to solve. Told from the Verity's point of view Sauvignon Slaying is her coming to terms with being a vine witch and generally believing in a magical world. Getting to know new people in Veil Falls is fun and I am looking forward to more. And Ms. Rain should get an award for her cliff hangers! Can't wait for the next one!
May 28, 2023
An interesting tale
This book tells a story with few tropes. This I like. The story is about a woman
, divorced, who is drawn to a town and a new life as owner of a former winery. Verity also takes care of her deaf teenage nephew. But what makes this story good is that things are drawn out with subtle happenings and clues. The murder of an elderly woman causes Verity to become a sleuth. The culprit is a surprise and there are other strange things involved. The author teases with the clues and strangeness. Looking forward to the next book,
This book tells a story with few tropes. This I like. The story is about a woman
, divorced, who is drawn to a town and a new life as owner of a former winery. Verity also takes care of her deaf teenage nephew. But what makes this story good is that things are drawn out with subtle happenings and clues. The murder of an elderly woman causes Verity to become a sleuth. The culprit is a surprise and there are other strange things involved. The author teases with the clues and strangeness. Looking forward to the next book,
May 7, 2025
Magic,Wine,Mystery!
This was a great read! Magic, sleuthing,wine, murder, money and a sexy wine maker! Who could ask for more! This book really kept my interest! The mystery of what was happening kept me guessing who was the murderer. I had my idea and it turned out to be almost right. Greed and gambling were also contributing factors. I also loved the talking cat! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend this series and following this author! Happy reading!
This was a great read! Magic, sleuthing,wine, murder, money and a sexy wine maker! Who could ask for more! This book really kept my interest! The mystery of what was happening kept me guessing who was the murderer. I had my idea and it turned out to be almost right. Greed and gambling were also contributing factors. I also loved the talking cat! I’m looking forward to the next book in this series. Highly recommend this series and following this author! Happy reading!
May 26, 2022
I picked up this book because of the apparent wine theme which was really barely touched on in the book. The is mainly a paranormal mystery, interesting with potential for development. It’s not really my genre and, due to circumstances utterly unrelated to the book, it took me ages to finish. However, by the end I rather liked the characters and I intend to read more in the series to see how things move on.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy of the book in return for an honest review.
July 22, 2023
This highly entertaining book has a little paranormal activity, a little magic, a little larceny and mayhem, and, of course, a smidgen of romance. The story continues to change and evolve into a deadly mystery with casualties as an interesting side story reveals more about Verity's supernatural abilities. It was a pleasure to visit with Verity, Honor, and the residents of Veil Falls. Good Read!!!!!
July 29, 2023
SAUVIGNON SLAYING
Spell's Bay Mystery, Volume 1
ELIZABETH RAIN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Verity and her deaf nephew Joel move to an Upper Peninsula farm with orchards and a winery. Verity talks to her cat Lois, and Lois talks back. Is Verity a vine witch?
Verity has a lot on her plate when she agrees to open a Party Barn for Agatha Greystone's sister Matilda's funeral. Life for Verity gets more complicated when Agatha is clobbered to death at the event.
Verity and Lois go into action to unravel this cozy mystery. The twists and turns are unpredictable. There are some ghostly events that Verity and Joel encounter that will lead the reader to volume 2.
A snappy and fun quick read with developed supporting characters.
Spell's Bay Mystery, Volume 1
ELIZABETH RAIN
Review by Author Roy Murry
Verity and her deaf nephew Joel move to an Upper Peninsula farm with orchards and a winery. Verity talks to her cat Lois, and Lois talks back. Is Verity a vine witch?
Verity has a lot on her plate when she agrees to open a Party Barn for Agatha Greystone's sister Matilda's funeral. Life for Verity gets more complicated when Agatha is clobbered to death at the event.
Verity and Lois go into action to unravel this cozy mystery. The twists and turns are unpredictable. There are some ghostly events that Verity and Joel encounter that will lead the reader to volume 2.
A snappy and fun quick read with developed supporting characters.
September 13, 2023
This one will keep you reading and guessing! So much going on--besides trying to get the buildings up to code on the farm she bought--and trying to keep an eye on her teenage nephew! She does not beleive in ghosts--but there is one that is haunting her to try and get her help--Then there are the murders--what's up with that--and the spiders in the basement!! Also a very helpful next door neighbor!!
June 29, 2022
Above average read
I would read the Prequel to the series before starting book one. I usually skip prequels but for this series it's really should be the first book. I was a bit lost, honestly. The book was really good though with characters I actually liked more than the previous books set in Bridal Veil.
I would read the Prequel to the series before starting book one. I usually skip prequels but for this series it's really should be the first book. I was a bit lost, honestly. The book was really good though with characters I actually liked more than the previous books set in Bridal Veil.
August 15, 2023
Great Book!
Riveting plot, fascinating characters, and plenty of twists and turns. The prose brings the story to life so you can actually taste the wine, feel the icy blasts of wind, and smell the delicious food. Can’t wait to read the next book! Well done, Elizabeth Rain! Highly recommend.
Riveting plot, fascinating characters, and plenty of twists and turns. The prose brings the story to life so you can actually taste the wine, feel the icy blasts of wind, and smell the delicious food. Can’t wait to read the next book! Well done, Elizabeth Rain! Highly recommend.
August 18, 2023
Murder Mystery
This was a good book with a lot of twists. Verity bought a winery along with a house on property. She has her nephew with her because her sister passed away. There is romance and ghosts involved. A murder to solve. The neighbor is not so bad. He helps quite a bit. A must read.
This was a good book with a lot of twists. Verity bought a winery along with a house on property. She has her nephew with her because her sister passed away. There is romance and ghosts involved. A murder to solve. The neighbor is not so bad. He helps quite a bit. A must read.
March 31, 2024
Pretty good once it gets going
Book started slowly, but part of the way in the pace improved a great deal. There were a couple of places that I got confused by lack of information, but that info turned up after a couple of pages. So, be patient because once the plot gets going it's well worth reading.
Book started slowly, but part of the way in the pace improved a great deal. There were a couple of places that I got confused by lack of information, but that info turned up after a couple of pages. So, be patient because once the plot gets going it's well worth reading.
April 9, 2024
A Whole New Life!
A very entertaining story!! Many characters first introduced in the Snips and Snails series. Verity Blume and her nephew Joel are new arrivals in Spells Bay. They are shocked to learn that they just might have unrealized abilities...paranormal abilities. Come along on their journeys of discovery and solve a murder mystery.
A very entertaining story!! Many characters first introduced in the Snips and Snails series. Verity Blume and her nephew Joel are new arrivals in Spells Bay. They are shocked to learn that they just might have unrealized abilities...paranormal abilities. Come along on their journeys of discovery and solve a murder mystery.
May 17, 2024
Good read
In this first book in the Spell's Bay Mysteries, we see Verify trying b to come to terms with her newly discovered magical gifts. With what looks like a murder occurring at a celebration of life, Verify and her magical cat Lois go into action to solve the mystery. This is a good cozy mystery, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
In this first book in the Spell's Bay Mysteries, we see Verify trying b to come to terms with her newly discovered magical gifts. With what looks like a murder occurring at a celebration of life, Verify and her magical cat Lois go into action to solve the mystery. This is a good cozy mystery, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
April 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book, very much. The main characters are interesting, the plot easily followed, and the story is well written. I can understand Verity's reluctance to ask for help, but she needs to loosen up a little when help is offered. I can easily recommend this book.
December 16, 2022
Fun and captivating read
Loved this book - fun delightful characters and enough suspense with a little flirty romance to keep.it interesting - highly recommend giving this book a chance!
Loved this book - fun delightful characters and enough suspense with a little flirty romance to keep.it interesting - highly recommend giving this book a chance!
January 7, 2023
Very good
Great story with wonderful characters this is somewhat darker than the usual murder mysteries lots of action to keep you turning pages, and there's murders magic even a little romance and not forgetting the vein of dark humor, on the whole a great read, Baz.
Great story with wonderful characters this is somewhat darker than the usual murder mysteries lots of action to keep you turning pages, and there's murders magic even a little romance and not forgetting the vein of dark humor, on the whole a great read, Baz.
January 8, 2023
I enjoyed this story very much, especially when it got to the ghost elements, my favorite type of story!
The twist at the end gave good closure and I look forward to reading more about these characters.
The twist at the end gave good closure and I look forward to reading more about these characters.
January 31, 2023
Good plot nicely developed with a couple of twists.
A bit patchy around the minor characters, who often disappear and reappear without reference.
It is enough to lure me into the second in the series.
A bit patchy around the minor characters, who often disappear and reappear without reference.
It is enough to lure me into the second in the series.
July 27, 2023
Hint of magic
Sometimes you know there's something more, it's just a coincidence, and your logical mind takes charge. Add some alcohol and the impossible looses its control.
Second chances and desperation help nudge the magical possibilities.
Quick read, definitely a cosy story.
Sometimes you know there's something more, it's just a coincidence, and your logical mind takes charge. Add some alcohol and the impossible looses its control.
Second chances and desperation help nudge the magical possibilities.
Quick read, definitely a cosy story.
August 3, 2023
Has it all
A fun story with all kinds of angst, teenage, middle age, old age.
Also new love, old money, murder, betrayal, and best of all magic.
What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery?
A fun story with all kinds of angst, teenage, middle age, old age.
Also new love, old money, murder, betrayal, and best of all magic.
What more could you ask for in a cozy mystery?
October 5, 2023
spellbinding
A lot of action, story lines and sometimes a jumble of activity, but over all a very high quality mystery, with just the right amount of ghostly characters. Also learned a bit more about wine.
A lot of action, story lines and sometimes a jumble of activity, but over all a very high quality mystery, with just the right amount of ghostly characters. Also learned a bit more about wine.
October 21, 2023
Fun mystery
At first I didn't think there would be the mystery that unfolded. I knew there were certain people that would be guilty. But I actually got a little worried that I was wrong.
I liked the main characters male and female.
At first I didn't think there would be the mystery that unfolded. I knew there were certain people that would be guilty. But I actually got a little worried that I was wrong.
I liked the main characters male and female.
November 15, 2023
Could not get into this one. It was confusing for who was talking, timelines, and other writing issues. Could have used a beta reader to help with some of that. Possible other books are better, but I do not plan to investigate.
April 14, 2022
A wonderful cozy mystery by author Elizabeth Rain that I loved reading.
This is the first book in the series and can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading...
Loved it...
This is the first book in the series and can't wait to read more. Highly recommend reading...
Loved it...
December 31, 2022
his is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Very entertaining! Great Reading Everyone!
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book, the storyline is entertaining and I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews