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Ophelia & Abby Mystery #7
The Seventh Witch
This is the seventh and last installment of the enchanting mystery series featuring a small-town librarian psychic and her grandmother, and a benevolent witch.
Small-town librarian and psychic Ophelia Jensen hails from a long line of wise and wonderfully gifted women. There's her grandmother, Abby, a talented witch, and her great-aunt Mary, who's about to celebrate her 100th birthday. But as Ophelia learns, when she and Abby travel to North Carolina for the centennial celebration, their family secrets aren't just magickal--they're murderous.
Someone in the sweet Southern town wants Abby dead. Could it be a rogue witch in Ophelia's own family? A vengeful local witch desperate to settle a bitter feud decades in the making? Ophelia must use all her talents to save her loved ones--before the witching hour comes upon them, and bad blood turns deadly
Small-town librarian and psychic Ophelia Jensen hails from a long line of wise and wonderfully gifted women. There's her grandmother, Abby, a talented witch, and her great-aunt Mary, who's about to celebrate her 100th birthday. But as Ophelia learns, when she and Abby travel to North Carolina for the centennial celebration, their family secrets aren't just magickal--they're murderous.
Someone in the sweet Southern town wants Abby dead. Could it be a rogue witch in Ophelia's own family? A vengeful local witch desperate to settle a bitter feud decades in the making? Ophelia must use all her talents to save her loved ones--before the witching hour comes upon them, and bad blood turns deadly
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 26, 2010
30 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Damsgaard
16 books439 followersI’ve read many bios that start with the words “I wanted to be a writer all of my life and wrote my first story at the age of five.” I honestly can’t say that’s true for me—at the age of five, as an only child growing up on a farm, my career goal was to be a princess. Unfortunately, all those positions happened to be filled, so I followed the path so many other women have traveled—marriage, children, a career outside of the home—in my case, with the United States Postal Service. It wasn’t until the tender of age of 48 that I really decided to try my hand at writing.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
My first attempt was a disastrous romance novella, and I might have given up had it not been for my late husband’s suggestion that I give mysteries a try. He pointed out my knack at spoiling movies for him by deducing how they would end. (Hey, it’s no fun being clever if you can’t share, right?) I combined his suggestion with my life long interest in the paranormal, and Ophelia and Abby were born. And in the end, creating the series helped carry me through a very difficult time.
Now seven years later, I still live in the same small town that I have for over twenty years, still have a career as Postmaster, and my grown children, with their children, all live within driving distance. I still enjoy gardening, reading, and needlepoint, but my world is larger thanks to Ophelia and Abby. Becoming an author has been the ride of a lifetime, and one for which I’ll always be grateful.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 28, 2020
I've finished the Ophelia & Abby paranormal cozy mystery series, and book number seven, The Seventh Witch, by Shirley Damsgaard is definitely the best one. Given its focus on North Carolina, how witchcraft came to their family, and their extensive genealogy, it was bound to be a wonderful read. I'll give it 4.5 stars... so glad to get through them and will miss them, but hopefully the author will write another one some day!
In this caper, Abby and Ophelia take Tink to visit Great Aunts Mary and Dot. They meet other extended family and learn of a vendetta one branch of the family tree has against them. They might not be related, but there's some mystery going on in terms of what happened in the past. We find out all the secrets, Ophelia might find a chance at love, and things are looking on the up and up at most points. I wonder if the author thought this would be the last one or there would be another one written that never got published. Maybe that's the secret one a few folks are thinking could be released in the next year - who knows?
I read this in 2.5 hours non-stop... just kept rolling along and never wanted to put it down. I wanted to unearth the family history. I wanted to smack Aunt Mary. I felt so bad for Abby when we learned her true past. And I was grateful to meet cousin Lydia. Thanks for this heartwarming but unnerving book.
In this caper, Abby and Ophelia take Tink to visit Great Aunts Mary and Dot. They meet other extended family and learn of a vendetta one branch of the family tree has against them. They might not be related, but there's some mystery going on in terms of what happened in the past. We find out all the secrets, Ophelia might find a chance at love, and things are looking on the up and up at most points. I wonder if the author thought this would be the last one or there would be another one written that never got published. Maybe that's the secret one a few folks are thinking could be released in the next year - who knows?
I read this in 2.5 hours non-stop... just kept rolling along and never wanted to put it down. I wanted to unearth the family history. I wanted to smack Aunt Mary. I felt so bad for Abby when we learned her true past. And I was grateful to meet cousin Lydia. Thanks for this heartwarming but unnerving book.
January 27, 2016
Here it is, the seventh and the last. I have been semi-hooked on the series from book one, delighted to indulge in another paranormal mystery.
Ophelia has come a long way since book one. She's come to embrace who she is, accept her powers, learn how to use them more, dug into her heritage, embraced her family, found a new daughter and romantic interest, and feels more at peace in her life.
In this book, the author brings the main characters out of the small, familiar town into the mountains to reunite in a large family reunion. While there Ophelia goes up against the local vicious witch who wants to destroy her family. The decades old rivalry comes to a head as Ophelia this time has to solve a whole new mystery - what really happened in the past and how to fix it in the present.
I like that Ophelia is braver now and confident in her abilities. I liked the realistic vulnerability that is finally exposed in her grandmother Abby, who was a little cartoonish before with her mannerisms and thought processes. It was interesting to see the tension in the family with the different witches and their different hang-ups. The family drama made this one work well as a series ender.
Finally, after so many books and men, Ophelia finds one that will hang around. I won't ruin it with a spoiler, so I'll just say the decision is a good one and I'm happy with her choice.
While Ophelia digs into her bag of magic tricks, the magic is still rather subdued compared to some glimpses in the first book. This must be a personal preference of the author to make it more realistic and her type of witch. Personally I would have liked to see more of the powers be supernatural over nature driven.
Overall this was a fun, quirky series that ended on a high note, wrapping things up well without dangling threads, giving peace to the man characters and making it seem like they have full lives ahead of them.
February 1, 2013
I write this review with a sense of sadness. Why? Because this novel is the final episode in a mystery series that I have grown to love. I have become friends with Addy and Ophelia and Tink. We have grown with Ophelia as she learned to accept her psychic gifts rather than run from them. During that journey, we the readers were ran through woods, arsons, murders, kidnappings, and more.
We met some spectacular persons along the trip. This series gave a positive look at Witches and others. A good look at the Mountain Women that helped us grow as a nation in their medicinal herbs and brews.
This story was both a darn good exciting mystery and a loving balance to end the series. I hope Ms. Damsgaard realizes how much these stories will be missed.
We met some spectacular persons along the trip. This series gave a positive look at Witches and others. A good look at the Mountain Women that helped us grow as a nation in their medicinal herbs and brews.
This story was both a darn good exciting mystery and a loving balance to end the series. I hope Ms. Damsgaard realizes how much these stories will be missed.
May 13, 2018
And now, sadly, my adventures with Ophelia and Abby have come to an end. I shall miss "visiting" with them. This last book was, hands down, my favorite. I got chills in several places. And the end, without spoiling things, was quite satisfactory, and I left them knowing that life will be sweet for this entire family whom I have come to care about.
May 9, 2011
Shirley Damsgaard has carved a new niche in the market: Appalachian Paranormal Fiction! Being a West Virginia gal, I love how Appalachia figures into the books without all the negative stereotyping that usually goes along with it!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
I always have problems getting started with Shirley Damsgaard's books. But once I make it past the first couple of chapters, I fall in love with the characters again (and again). I am sucked in by the storyline and I have a very hard time putting the book down.
I love that these books are "chick lit" without all those annoying sex scenes! Finally, we have a main character whose biggest concerns are her family (especially her adopted daughter and her grandmother), her job, her best friend, and her special psychic gift that helps her solve mysteries. There is a guy involved - sometimes, he even helps solve the crimes - but Ophelia's entire life doesn't revolve around him. And, because they aren't rushing off to bed together, they actually have a real relationship forming. It's a nice change from what's normally published and called "chick lit." I hope it takes!
June 23, 2015
An interesting final mystery and a nice wrap up to the series. It was fun to see Abby and Ophelia with their extended family and uncover the secrets of the past.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It had earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
October 9, 2010
Abby and Ophelia are going to the mountains of north Carolina to see and be with Great aunt Mary's 100th birthday.
Ophelia senses there is alot of saddness and mystery around Abby while she is at the old Homestead. A old fued between family witches has cropped up and Ophelia crosses Sharon one of the mountain witches. Sharon practices black arts and everyone on the mountain is afraid of her powers and crossing her.
Ophelia thinks she is a fake and sets out to prove it.
Several yards from the homestead is a clearing with 7 stones. A ancient people made a sacred place but now it is owned by Sharon Doran and her family of misfits. What is abby's secret? Why was the land sold to the Dorans' if they were so evil?
Ophelia senses there is alot of saddness and mystery around Abby while she is at the old Homestead. A old fued between family witches has cropped up and Ophelia crosses Sharon one of the mountain witches. Sharon practices black arts and everyone on the mountain is afraid of her powers and crossing her.
Ophelia thinks she is a fake and sets out to prove it.
Several yards from the homestead is a clearing with 7 stones. A ancient people made a sacred place but now it is owned by Sharon Doran and her family of misfits. What is abby's secret? Why was the land sold to the Dorans' if they were so evil?
November 13, 2012
Ophelia and her female relatives are witches who each have a different talent. They use their psychic and healing talents for good. In this book grandmother Abby, Ophelia, her daughter Tink, and her non witch parents travel to the Smoky Mountains to celebrate Great Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. Nearby Aunt Mary and Aunt Dot's homestead, which has been in the family for generations, is the Doran family. Sharon Doran claims to be a witch and the mountain folk avoid her. A run-in with Sharon means that something bad will happen to that person. Of course Ophelia takes her on but discovers that there's more evil than just being a witch in Sharon.
The mountain setting with its mysterious standing stones and ancient burial mounds makes for a spooky mystery and as always, I adore this series!
The mountain setting with its mysterious standing stones and ancient burial mounds makes for a spooky mystery and as always, I adore this series!
August 25, 2013
Great Aunt Mary's birthday was not so great to start with; but, hey, she was only 100. I guess witches live longer, if not always better. This last book of the series was great fun, and now I have, have, have to read the two I've missed. Ophelia and Tink were a great mother/daughter duo in this this, and Ophelia's mother was also along for the ride. Actually, every relative Ophelia had was in this story, but that made the story even better. I hope there's another book in this series, because the romance between Ethan and Ophelia just started cooking, well simmering, anyway, and I had hoped to be around for the boiling point, at least. This series is not deep or emotionally challenging, but it's fun. Kudos to Shirley Damsgaard.
January 30, 2010
Definitely an interesting read. It's nice to see Ophelia and Ethan finally admitting there's an attraction between them. After all, they keep meeting in the oddest places - how many more signs did they need that there could be a reason they keep running in to one another?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
This is the last book for this series. I am sorry there will be no more books on these characters, I will miss their adventures.
January 24, 2018
I very much enjoyed this series, although I'd like to slap Olivia around a little during each book!
January 10, 2013
First off i would like to say thanks to my two friends who presented this book to me for my Christmas present. I chose it to start off my year , to start my adventures created through the books i read for the year 2013.
Even though i haven't read the first 6 books of the series and i had to piece together the info i received in this book to get a good image of the others before it, I really enjoyed it.
It was a plot shrouded in mystery about a woman named Ophelia(psychic from a gifted family of so called witches each with their own talent) who travels with her grandmother & her adopted daughter to visit her great aunt Mary who was turning 100 years old. The whole family is getting together for the birthday including her parents, cousins and other aunts. Little did she know someone wants her dear grandmother dead and Ophelia won't stop until she finds out who and why..
What i liked about this book was the mystery how it was uncovered slowly in portions so as to provoke the reader to continue reading. It also showed how Ophelia who didn't really want to be burdened by her powers throughout the whole series finally excepts herself as she is.
There was very little romance in the story, a kiss here, a kiss there nothing really erotic, but enough for you yourself to imagine what was going on and wanting more.
Shirley Damsgaard exhibits Ophelia's relationship with each of her family members with plenty of detail. You feel like you are there with her experiencing the situations with her crazy aunt dot who believes in fairies or with her aunt Mary whose strict and whom nobody wants to cross. Also she expresses all the emotions in such detail you go through them yourself...
Sadly to say the description of the surrounding scenes wasn't that detailed it was mostly based on the characters so you could barely imagine the house or the woods, etc..
A fine read for paranormal witch/magic lovers.
Even though i haven't read the first 6 books of the series and i had to piece together the info i received in this book to get a good image of the others before it, I really enjoyed it.
It was a plot shrouded in mystery about a woman named Ophelia(psychic from a gifted family of so called witches each with their own talent) who travels with her grandmother & her adopted daughter to visit her great aunt Mary who was turning 100 years old. The whole family is getting together for the birthday including her parents, cousins and other aunts. Little did she know someone wants her dear grandmother dead and Ophelia won't stop until she finds out who and why..
What i liked about this book was the mystery how it was uncovered slowly in portions so as to provoke the reader to continue reading. It also showed how Ophelia who didn't really want to be burdened by her powers throughout the whole series finally excepts herself as she is.
There was very little romance in the story, a kiss here, a kiss there nothing really erotic, but enough for you yourself to imagine what was going on and wanting more.
Shirley Damsgaard exhibits Ophelia's relationship with each of her family members with plenty of detail. You feel like you are there with her experiencing the situations with her crazy aunt dot who believes in fairies or with her aunt Mary whose strict and whom nobody wants to cross. Also she expresses all the emotions in such detail you go through them yourself...
Sadly to say the description of the surrounding scenes wasn't that detailed it was mostly based on the characters so you could barely imagine the house or the woods, etc..
A fine read for paranormal witch/magic lovers.
February 13, 2017
3.5
Why weren't the previous books this fun? This series has always been somewhere between 'it was an ok read' and 'I liked this'. I am not tempted to go and rate the previous six books higher because some of them were just ok and some I liked. This one is the best of all. It is the last book in the series and I am kind of sorry it ends. It just became interesting.
Now when I think about it, this was Ophelia's journey to accept her gifts and to make peace with some of the people in her life.
So, what is so different here? The story completely takes place in the mountains. Abby, Ophelia, Tink and Ophelia's parents came to North Carolina for Great-Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. They didn't expect to be confronted by an evil woman bent on hurting them.
The Seventh Witch is about the past catching up to the present and revenge. Ophelia shines in this one. She isn't silly or stupid. oh, she is still as impulsive as before, only not stupid. The only thing that annoyed me was that her aunts and Abby didn't want to tell Ophelia everything she was supposed to know about their family.
Oh, and Ethan is there. That has to be worth at least half a star.
Why weren't the previous books this fun? This series has always been somewhere between 'it was an ok read' and 'I liked this'. I am not tempted to go and rate the previous six books higher because some of them were just ok and some I liked. This one is the best of all. It is the last book in the series and I am kind of sorry it ends. It just became interesting.
Now when I think about it, this was Ophelia's journey to accept her gifts and to make peace with some of the people in her life.
So, what is so different here? The story completely takes place in the mountains. Abby, Ophelia, Tink and Ophelia's parents came to North Carolina for Great-Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. They didn't expect to be confronted by an evil woman bent on hurting them.
The Seventh Witch is about the past catching up to the present and revenge. Ophelia shines in this one. She isn't silly or stupid. oh, she is still as impulsive as before, only not stupid. The only thing that annoyed me was that her aunts and Abby didn't want to tell Ophelia everything she was supposed to know about their family.
Oh, and Ethan is there. That has to be worth at least half a star.
January 3, 2012
Ophelia Jensen, her parent, grandmother Abby and adopted daughter Tink are off to the mountains of the Appalachia region to celebrate Great-aunt Mary's 100th birthday. Being that we are discussing Ophelia here, it doesn't take her long to stumble onto a dead body, and this time Ophelia finds herself up against an evil witch.
The Seventh Witch is the latest in the Ophelia and Abby tells and one of my favorites. Not only do we get to spend more time with Aunt Dot, but we finally meet the frigthening Great-aunt Mary and spend more time getting to know Ophelia's wonderful parents. Back stories and family history are revealed, giving even more depth to the characters, especially Abby.
The same formula is used again, of Ophelia finding a dead body and rushing off to solve problems better left to the police, but at this point in the game you can't expect much else. It is who Ophelia is, but this time I wanted to be right there by her side as she sought to protect her family from harm.
Couldn't hurt that one of my favorite side characters made an appearance.
The Seventh Witch is the latest in the Ophelia and Abby tells and one of my favorites. Not only do we get to spend more time with Aunt Dot, but we finally meet the frigthening Great-aunt Mary and spend more time getting to know Ophelia's wonderful parents. Back stories and family history are revealed, giving even more depth to the characters, especially Abby.
The same formula is used again, of Ophelia finding a dead body and rushing off to solve problems better left to the police, but at this point in the game you can't expect much else. It is who Ophelia is, but this time I wanted to be right there by her side as she sought to protect her family from harm.
Couldn't hurt that one of my favorite side characters made an appearance.
February 12, 2010
In the seventh installment to the Ophelia and Abby series, Damsgaard pens a fun loving adventure full of eccentric characters in “The Seventh Witch”. This volume takes readers to the small backwoods family town in North Carolina where Abby grew up for a monumental occasion. Warmly enveloped by their enormously extended family—well, most of them—upon arrival, Ophelia is shocked to find that this reunion may actually have dangerous consequences for several members of her family. In her unwavering search for the truth, she stumbles upon more trouble than one nosey witch can handle.
Those new to the series may initially believe they are missing a few key ingredients from previous editions as characters from the past suddenly appear; however, Damsgaard takes special care to preserve the forward momentum. With a healthy dose of creativity, humor and romance, “The Seventh Witch” is a pleasant weeknight getaway.
www.suspensemagazine.com
Those new to the series may initially believe they are missing a few key ingredients from previous editions as characters from the past suddenly appear; however, Damsgaard takes special care to preserve the forward momentum. With a healthy dose of creativity, humor and romance, “The Seventh Witch” is a pleasant weeknight getaway.
www.suspensemagazine.com
November 3, 2016
I loved this book. Another of my favorites in this series.
Gheez I just love this series! Loving you Shirley Damsgaard!
Once again you didn’t disappoint me with the ending. It all lead right up to it… no major explaining.
From the beginning I knew this was going to be another great addition to the series. I love all the new characters we met in this one and I love those we love were there as well.
They all come forth and shined. Relationships blossomed. Friendships strengthened. I felt such a bonding moment I had to grab a card to send to my dad. Let him know he’s in my thoughts and heart.
One of My Favorite lines from the book:
“Word around here travels faster than a grass fire in a high wind.”
ahh… don’t you just love a book… that touches you? Yea. I do too.
To read a good series with no cursing, and no sexual content. Awesome!
Gheez I just love this series! Loving you Shirley Damsgaard!
Once again you didn’t disappoint me with the ending. It all lead right up to it… no major explaining.
From the beginning I knew this was going to be another great addition to the series. I love all the new characters we met in this one and I love those we love were there as well.
They all come forth and shined. Relationships blossomed. Friendships strengthened. I felt such a bonding moment I had to grab a card to send to my dad. Let him know he’s in my thoughts and heart.
One of My Favorite lines from the book:
“Word around here travels faster than a grass fire in a high wind.”
ahh… don’t you just love a book… that touches you? Yea. I do too.
To read a good series with no cursing, and no sexual content. Awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2011
So, this got a 4 star rating. Likely for fans of this author and series. I waited to read one of these because they were just too predictable. This one was a bit more edgy, but puleeze. I heroine with this little insight, insighht into the motives and behavior of others? The injection of kindly Cherokee spirits- a I don't think they'd be so kindly, what with the Trail of Tears and all... It was all so facile, and obvious that Ms. Damsgaard doesn't really know much about the South, just threw a few things in there. Don't think I'll be reading the next instasllment, though I like the male lead, ethan. But likely in the veing of this story, any sex will be nonspecific and discreet- and where's the fun inthat?
December 30, 2013
This is such a well-done series and THE SEVENTH WITCH is my favorite so far. Abby and Ophelia go back home to North Carolina to celebrate an aunt's 100th birthday. All is not what it seems. Death, greed, dark magick abound.
Exceptionally fast moving page-turner. If I could have had the time, it would have been read in one sitting.
I love the relationship that Abby and Ophelia have, loving, firm, friendly, nurturing. Abby is able to gently lead Ophelia in strengthening her gifts as well as accepting them, something that Ophelia isn't always too thrilled about.
The paranormal enhances rather than overwhelms the mystery. Can highly recommend this book!
Exceptionally fast moving page-turner. If I could have had the time, it would have been read in one sitting.
I love the relationship that Abby and Ophelia have, loving, firm, friendly, nurturing. Abby is able to gently lead Ophelia in strengthening her gifts as well as accepting them, something that Ophelia isn't always too thrilled about.
The paranormal enhances rather than overwhelms the mystery. Can highly recommend this book!
March 4, 2018
Ophelia and her daughter have traveled to North Carolina to celebrate her great Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. Ophelia's family have lived in the mountains for several generations and have a history of witch craft. She learns that her family is shrouded in secrets and there is a vengeful feud that runs deep.
Sharon Doran who claims to be a powerful witch is feared by the community. Ophelia has plans to uncover the fact that Sharon is attempting murder since she is not a strong witch who can hex or cast.
This was a quick read and although it is the 7th book in a series I found that it could stand on its own.
Sharon Doran who claims to be a powerful witch is feared by the community. Ophelia has plans to uncover the fact that Sharon is attempting murder since she is not a strong witch who can hex or cast.
This was a quick read and although it is the 7th book in a series I found that it could stand on its own.
October 3, 2018
3,5 stars
January 3, 2013
Ethan is back!!! Better second half. No Darci, not enough Tink but still a great read.
Read
December 30, 2016It's a cozy mystery. It is exactly what you expect from that genre.
March 30, 2018
A nice end to a fascinating series.
May 28, 2019
This is the first Ophelia and Abby Mystery that I've read even though is it the seventh book in the series. I appreciate that for her 7th book, Damsgaard worked in that number into the plot of the story. I also appreciated that enough background was revealed so that I didn't feel lost but didn't feel bogged down either.
Ophelia felt like a semi-realistic character, some stereotypical feminine tropes but mostly someone I could feel she was capable and feel empathy with. Abby felt less capable, more distant but I think that was part of the plot. Their extended family felt realistic, too, both people you could love, be frustrated by, and feel both emotions for at the same time.
I particularly liked that the paranormal was not a substitute of Ophelia using her brain and for doing investigative work though it took a while to get there. I really liked that the romantic element was very minor because in these types of paranormal mysteries they can sadly become more important than the mystery itself. In this case the mystery is at least a hundred years old.
Ophelia felt like a semi-realistic character, some stereotypical feminine tropes but mostly someone I could feel she was capable and feel empathy with. Abby felt less capable, more distant but I think that was part of the plot. Their extended family felt realistic, too, both people you could love, be frustrated by, and feel both emotions for at the same time.
I particularly liked that the paranormal was not a substitute of Ophelia using her brain and for doing investigative work though it took a while to get there. I really liked that the romantic element was very minor because in these types of paranormal mysteries they can sadly become more important than the mystery itself. In this case the mystery is at least a hundred years old.
November 3, 2019
A nice ending to the series. This time Ophelia, Abby and Tink head to Abby's small hometown to celebrate Great Aunt May's 100th birthday, but they run into trouble with an old family feud.
What I enjoyed:
* It was great that Ophelia has confidence in herself and her powers
* Getting to know the family. The aunts were kind of what you expected. I really liked Lydia and Ophelia's parents.
* Solving some very old mysteries and reuniting some family members
*
* A new romance for Ophelia being set up
What could have been better:
* I wouldn't mind more books, but I can see how Ophelia has had a great character arc - maybe a spin-off series with Tink?
* Ophelia needs to keep her promises
What I enjoyed:
* It was great that Ophelia has confidence in herself and her powers
* Getting to know the family. The aunts were kind of what you expected. I really liked Lydia and Ophelia's parents.
* Solving some very old mysteries and reuniting some family members
*
* A new romance for Ophelia being set up
What could have been better:
* I wouldn't mind more books, but I can see how Ophelia has had a great character arc - maybe a spin-off series with Tink?
* Ophelia needs to keep her promises
March 11, 2019
A satisfying conclusion to the series
Ophelia and Abby face their biggest challenge yet when they return to the mountains of Abby's childhood for a family celebration. A tragedy from her past threatens Abby's future, while, an ancient mystical legacy, a fifty-year-old feud with a rival family, and a surprise encounter with a charming DEA agent keep Ophelia on her toes as she struggles to find her place in a large and talented family. The adventure is non-stop as Shirley Damsgaard wraps up the Ophelia and Abby series with plenty of magick, lots of family drama, and a dash of light romance.
Ophelia and Abby face their biggest challenge yet when they return to the mountains of Abby's childhood for a family celebration. A tragedy from her past threatens Abby's future, while, an ancient mystical legacy, a fifty-year-old feud with a rival family, and a surprise encounter with a charming DEA agent keep Ophelia on her toes as she struggles to find her place in a large and talented family. The adventure is non-stop as Shirley Damsgaard wraps up the Ophelia and Abby series with plenty of magick, lots of family drama, and a dash of light romance.
July 1, 2019
Small town Iowa librarian and psychic witch Ophelia Jensen, along with her psychic witch grandmother Abby and thirteen-year-old adopted daughter Tink, who is a medium, have traveled to the Appalachian mountains where Abby grew up to celebrate Great Aunt Mary's 100th birthday. Although the majority of the small mountain community is happy to see Abby and her family return for the celebration, the evil Doran family has a grudge against Abby and is determined to bring harm to Abby and her family. Ophelia receives help from an unexpected source.
March 11, 2020
Nice closure to the series & some reading challenge goals accomplished for me as I finish this series that's been on my shelf for a long time. The family travels to the North Carolina mountains for Great-Aunt Mary's 100th birthday & are caught up in an old family feud. It's up to Ophelia to figure it out, pull everyone together to work it out, save everyone, & coincidentally, meet up again with that hunky DEA agent, Cobra. One is left at the end with the feeling that Ophelia has grown into her gift and life will be good going forward.
February 17, 2021
Shirley Damsgaard is one of the best Paranormal Writers I have read. I just finished up book #7 The Seventh Witch in the series Ophelia and Abby Mystery Series and I need more of this series. Going home to celebrate the 100th Birthday of a Great Aunt and finding out of a feud between her Grandmother's Family and a Nasty Family. When threats come at Ophelia's family especially her grandmother well Ophelia won't stand for it. Taking on her Great Aunt and a nasty family bent on revenge Ophelia has a fight on her hands and she is determined to win it.
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