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Familiar Spirits #1
Spells and Spaniels
Something’s got a spaniel familiar’s tongue…and it isn’t a cat.
Charity Hughes is the first witch in more than a century to possess a gift like hers. She’s a “familiar whisperer” — someone who can communicate with other witches’ troubled familiars and resolve their problems.
When Darla Fitzgerald, an influential but abrasive witch, brings in her familiar, Milo, Charity runs into a barrier she’s never before encountered. The spaniel isn’t talking. At all. And when a potion to reveal Milo’s thoughts doesn’t work, Charity calls Darla to get more information...only to learn the woman has been found dead.
But that’s not the weird part. Though familiars always pass with their witches, Milo is hale and hearty. After something — or someone — attacks the dog, Charity desperately calls local vet (and secret crush) Noah Jenkins for help.
Now Charity is walking a double How to manage her attraction to Noah without revealing the world of witches right under his nose...while trying to figure out who would go to any lengths — including dognapping — to ensure Milo stays silent as the grave.
Spells and Spaniels is Book 1 in USA Today bestselling author Christine Pope’s newest series, “Familiar Spirits”. Contains a slow-burn romance that develops over the course of the series, a murder mystery of Olympic proportions, and an adorable cocker spaniel who needs his Wubby.
Charity Hughes is the first witch in more than a century to possess a gift like hers. She’s a “familiar whisperer” — someone who can communicate with other witches’ troubled familiars and resolve their problems.
When Darla Fitzgerald, an influential but abrasive witch, brings in her familiar, Milo, Charity runs into a barrier she’s never before encountered. The spaniel isn’t talking. At all. And when a potion to reveal Milo’s thoughts doesn’t work, Charity calls Darla to get more information...only to learn the woman has been found dead.
But that’s not the weird part. Though familiars always pass with their witches, Milo is hale and hearty. After something — or someone — attacks the dog, Charity desperately calls local vet (and secret crush) Noah Jenkins for help.
Now Charity is walking a double How to manage her attraction to Noah without revealing the world of witches right under his nose...while trying to figure out who would go to any lengths — including dognapping — to ensure Milo stays silent as the grave.
Spells and Spaniels is Book 1 in USA Today bestselling author Christine Pope’s newest series, “Familiar Spirits”. Contains a slow-burn romance that develops over the course of the series, a murder mystery of Olympic proportions, and an adorable cocker spaniel who needs his Wubby.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2023
150 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Christine Pope
217 books1,096 followersA native of Southern California, Christine Pope has been writing stories ever since she commandeered her family’s Smith-Corona typewriter back in the sixth grade. Many reams of dead trees later, she’s happy to announce that her debut novel, Fringe Benefits,was published by Pink Petal Books on April 8, 2010. Her short fiction has appeared in Astonishing Adventures, Luna Station Quarterly, and the new journal of dark fiction, Dark Valentine. Her paranormal novella, Playing With Fire, was released on August 5, 2010.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
While Fringe Benefits is a straight contemporary romance, she writes in a variety of genres, including paranormal romance, fantasy, horror, science fiction, and historical romance. She blames this on being easily distracted by bright, shiny objects, which could also account for the size of her shoe collection.
After spending many years in the magazine publishing industry, she now works as a freelance editor in addition to writing fiction. She lives with her husband and an explosively fluffy Pomeranian mix. Her house is pink, but don’t hold that against her.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 13, 2025
This was a good debut story in a new story. It was definitely character driven as there wasn’t a lot of investigation.
May 25, 2023
Spells and Spaniels is the first book in a new series by Christine Pope. I received an ARC copy and this review is my honest opinion.
Charity Hughes isn’t just any old witch. She has a very special talent of being able to communicate with other witches’ familiars. And with her college degree in psychology she is the best person to help a witch and her familiar work out their problems. That’s how Milo ends up in her home in Salem. Milo’s problem is he can’t talk. To anyone. Kind of hard to tell someone what’s wrong when you can’t talk. While this alone would make a somewhat interesting story, Christine Pope never has a just had an interesting story. So she throws in what happens to Milo’s witch. Nope. Sorry. I don’t do spoilers. And then there’s the time when Milo is attacked and the hunky vet Noah Jenkins runs to the rescue. Sounding more interesting? Well just wait until Milo, nope that would be another spoiler. But it’s a really good event.
So if I won’t give you any spoilers, what will I tell you? Well, the characters, including Milo, are well done. I’d like to know Charity even though I’m not a witch. And Charity’s home and garden sounds amazing! So, yes, there’s plenty to keep you interested. There are witches, talking animals, strange animals, and then that other event.
Yes, I loved it. Yes, I recommend it! Yes, you need to read it! And all of the other books Christine Pope has written. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
Charity Hughes isn’t just any old witch. She has a very special talent of being able to communicate with other witches’ familiars. And with her college degree in psychology she is the best person to help a witch and her familiar work out their problems. That’s how Milo ends up in her home in Salem. Milo’s problem is he can’t talk. To anyone. Kind of hard to tell someone what’s wrong when you can’t talk. While this alone would make a somewhat interesting story, Christine Pope never has a just had an interesting story. So she throws in what happens to Milo’s witch. Nope. Sorry. I don’t do spoilers. And then there’s the time when Milo is attacked and the hunky vet Noah Jenkins runs to the rescue. Sounding more interesting? Well just wait until Milo, nope that would be another spoiler. But it’s a really good event.
So if I won’t give you any spoilers, what will I tell you? Well, the characters, including Milo, are well done. I’d like to know Charity even though I’m not a witch. And Charity’s home and garden sounds amazing! So, yes, there’s plenty to keep you interested. There are witches, talking animals, strange animals, and then that other event.
Yes, I loved it. Yes, I recommend it! Yes, you need to read it! And all of the other books Christine Pope has written. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!
May 27, 2023
This is a cozy witchey mystery with just a few brief violent scenes and a romance that is just getting started. The characters are engaging, the mystery is well-done, and the writing is pleasantly relaxed.
Charity Hughes, the proprietor of Full Moon Apothecary, is also a witch’s familiar whisperer. She can communicate with the familiar when there are problems between it and the witch. It’s a very rare talent. She has Milo, a cocker spaniel familiar as a client, who was brought by Darla Fitzgerald. Naturally, she need a good vet, and Noah Jenkins, besides being competent, was way more distracting to Charity than the previous vet. When Charity finally discovers Milo’s problem, she is shocked to learn Darla has been murdered, and Milo had not died at the same time. Now it’s a double mystery. When someone or something attacks Milo, the plot thickens. Finding a mysterious pawprint just deepens the mystery, and Milo getting dognapped takes the cake. Charity finally solves the case, much to her horror in a violent confrontation with the perpetrator. The mystery solved, she thinks things can get back to normal, but it’s not to be.
Charity Hughes, the proprietor of Full Moon Apothecary, is also a witch’s familiar whisperer. She can communicate with the familiar when there are problems between it and the witch. It’s a very rare talent. She has Milo, a cocker spaniel familiar as a client, who was brought by Darla Fitzgerald. Naturally, she need a good vet, and Noah Jenkins, besides being competent, was way more distracting to Charity than the previous vet. When Charity finally discovers Milo’s problem, she is shocked to learn Darla has been murdered, and Milo had not died at the same time. Now it’s a double mystery. When someone or something attacks Milo, the plot thickens. Finding a mysterious pawprint just deepens the mystery, and Milo getting dognapped takes the cake. Charity finally solves the case, much to her horror in a violent confrontation with the perpetrator. The mystery solved, she thinks things can get back to normal, but it’s not to be.
April 24, 2024
Good
Charity is a witch with the unusual ability to talk to familiars. When she’s asked to help a familiar who seems disinclined to talk, she’s sure she can help; and when his owner is murdered, Charity decides to see what she can find out, after all the police don’t know anything about the witching world. Then the familiar, Milo, is attacked, and the stakes are suddenly much higher.
With the help of an attractive local veterinarian, Charity is determined to find out why Milo was attacked, and why his witch was murdered.
WARNING! The book ends on a traumatic book hook 4/5 on my trauma scale. It actually has very little to do with the main story, which is why I call it a hook, but it raises questions!
This is an engaging book, with a likeable heroine, and the spaniel is definitely the star (although I still maintain he seems too smart to be one!). The world is an intriguing one, and the side characters are also interesting. I admit I’m certainly intrigued enough to want to read more (though I am a little peeved at a certain character).
An enjoyable first in series, that paranormal cosy mystery lovers, and which mystery fans will enjoy.
Charity is a witch with the unusual ability to talk to familiars. When she’s asked to help a familiar who seems disinclined to talk, she’s sure she can help; and when his owner is murdered, Charity decides to see what she can find out, after all the police don’t know anything about the witching world. Then the familiar, Milo, is attacked, and the stakes are suddenly much higher.
With the help of an attractive local veterinarian, Charity is determined to find out why Milo was attacked, and why his witch was murdered.
WARNING! The book ends on a traumatic book hook 4/5 on my trauma scale. It actually has very little to do with the main story, which is why I call it a hook, but it raises questions!
This is an engaging book, with a likeable heroine, and the spaniel is definitely the star (although I still maintain he seems too smart to be one!). The world is an intriguing one, and the side characters are also interesting. I admit I’m certainly intrigued enough to want to read more (though I am a little peeved at a certain character).
An enjoyable first in series, that paranormal cosy mystery lovers, and which mystery fans will enjoy.
May 17, 2023
Time for a brand new cosy paranormal murder mystery! Set in Salem and out FMC is a familiar whisperer. She helps witches and their familiars when they have a problem/ But her newest client is about to be her biggest headache!
Milo is refusing to speak to his witch and it's down to Charity to find out why. When Milo is attacked Charity has to call in the local vet for assistance. But Noah is handsome as well as kind to animals and he's causing all kinds of reactions in Charity's world!
Fabulously witty new series. I loved the premise of familiar whisperer and add on the awkward attraction for Noah. I loved learning about the magic of this world and how it's not dependent on your parents as to what kind of magical talent you get. Charity has strong friendships and her relationship with her mum is strong too. Noah is the perfect distraction for our wallflower-like witch...but what secret is he keeping?
Milo is refusing to speak to his witch and it's down to Charity to find out why. When Milo is attacked Charity has to call in the local vet for assistance. But Noah is handsome as well as kind to animals and he's causing all kinds of reactions in Charity's world!
Fabulously witty new series. I loved the premise of familiar whisperer and add on the awkward attraction for Noah. I loved learning about the magic of this world and how it's not dependent on your parents as to what kind of magical talent you get. Charity has strong friendships and her relationship with her mum is strong too. Noah is the perfect distraction for our wallflower-like witch...but what secret is he keeping?
May 30, 2023
A new series is on the way by Christine Pope. As with many of her previous series, this one will also be an outstanding success.
In this first book, we meet several interesting characters as well as an unusual witchy gift. Charity is a witch who can speak and listen to animals. Many witches take advantage of her gift if they lose touch with their “familiar”. This first book introduces many characters in addition to Charity. We meet her mother and the rest of her coven, a dashing, handsome vet, a familiar spaniel named Milo, and a young witch that works for Charity to name but a few. Milo, a spaniel is refusing to speak and it is up to Charity to find out the reason. (Apparently, familiars speak to their witch and Charity). There are many twists and secrets in the book and certainly well-written. It does end with a cliffhanger – will all the secrets hinted at in this first book be answered? I can’t wait for book #2!
In this first book, we meet several interesting characters as well as an unusual witchy gift. Charity is a witch who can speak and listen to animals. Many witches take advantage of her gift if they lose touch with their “familiar”. This first book introduces many characters in addition to Charity. We meet her mother and the rest of her coven, a dashing, handsome vet, a familiar spaniel named Milo, and a young witch that works for Charity to name but a few. Milo, a spaniel is refusing to speak and it is up to Charity to find out the reason. (Apparently, familiars speak to their witch and Charity). There are many twists and secrets in the book and certainly well-written. It does end with a cliffhanger – will all the secrets hinted at in this first book be answered? I can’t wait for book #2!
May 24, 2024
SPELLS and SPANIELS:
A Witchy, Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Familiar Spirits Book 1
CHRISTINE POPE
Review by Author Roy Murry
Salem witch Charity, a renowned familiar whisper, is approached by a new witch client, Darla. She seeks Charity's expertise to evaluate her familiar, unique Cocker Spaniel named Milo, who mysteriously remains silent when spoken to.
While in Charity's care, Milo does not speak until Darla dies, which a Chicago detective reports to Charity via telephone. From then on, unusual events reveal the real reason for Milo's silence.
Milo is attacked and then kidnapped. Charity goes into investigative mode, leading to a crazy ending.
Ms. Pope's writing is crisp and enjoyable. She leaves the reader with a hook that kills a romance, an underlying theme a romantic may want to pursue in Book 2 of this series.
If you are a romantic, purchase Book 2 because Book 1 is free on Kindle.
A Witchy, Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Familiar Spirits Book 1
CHRISTINE POPE
Review by Author Roy Murry
Salem witch Charity, a renowned familiar whisper, is approached by a new witch client, Darla. She seeks Charity's expertise to evaluate her familiar, unique Cocker Spaniel named Milo, who mysteriously remains silent when spoken to.
While in Charity's care, Milo does not speak until Darla dies, which a Chicago detective reports to Charity via telephone. From then on, unusual events reveal the real reason for Milo's silence.
Milo is attacked and then kidnapped. Charity goes into investigative mode, leading to a crazy ending.
Ms. Pope's writing is crisp and enjoyable. She leaves the reader with a hook that kills a romance, an underlying theme a romantic may want to pursue in Book 2 of this series.
If you are a romantic, purchase Book 2 because Book 1 is free on Kindle.
June 2, 2023
Charity is a witch in Salem, known as a familiar whisperer. She’s trying to help Milo, a familiar who’s stopped speaking to his witch. That witch is murdered and then Milo goes missing. She gets help from hot vet Noah who knows nothing of her witch side. This is an interesting new witch world, especially given that the witch culture (for lack of a better term) is different from those in the author’s other witch series. There are some inconsistencies with details. The book ends with a cliffhanger which I don’t like, but the main storyline was already wrapped up. I’m intrigued by these new witches and I like Charity so I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 29, 2024
Poor Milo. I know he's just a character in a book, but my heart broke for him. Otherwise, I enjoyed this book. I really liked the fact that it's a book about witches with actual witchcraft in it. I've read a few that just says they're witches, but there are no spells, or magic. I really appreciated the magical elements in this book. The mystery seemed to be in the background a bit, and wasn't very eventful. Although I didn't mind. There were some scenes that had just the right amount of suspense to have me on the edge of my seat. With an ending like this one, I will be looking for the next books in this series.
I received a free digital copy and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free digital copy and this is my honest opinion.
May 10, 2023
We have a new delightful book series from Christine Pope. Spells and Spaniels, a Familiar Spirits Book 1, will be out in all its glory. To start, we have Charity Hughes, a Familiar Whisperer, which if you don’t know what this is then you must read the book and find out. Add a very friendly cocker spaniel named Milo, and of course, Noah Jenkins the local veterinarian; and now you have the mix for a good mystery dappled with romance. The book in this new series is surpassed with enough twist and turns to keep you hopping. I recommend the book highly along with this new series.
May 24, 2023
This is a fantastic cosy paranormal murder mystery that has you hooked from the very beginning. Charity Hughes Is a witch who is the first familiar whisperer in more than a century. Whilst Charity is helping a witch called Darla with her familiar problem Milo. Unfortunately things do not go to plan and then on top of that Darla turns up dead but Milo doesn’t die with her. It’s a fantastic read, exciting, suspenseful with a sprinkle of romance as we meet Charity’s crush, Noah the local vet! Secrets, twists and turns, mysteries, I absolutely loved this and am looking forward to more!
July 5, 2024
I actually liked this! Although the ending was not really that great, a good 80% of it was really engaging. An easy and simple read, with a little romance on the side, I could easily see this as one of those books that can take away my slump. It's the first of a series, but each installment I think finishes a mystery so even if Charity's story is still continuing, it won't leave the reader hanging. Think Nancy Drew series, it's like that. I devoured this. The book cover though, I have a lot to say about that 😅
July 31, 2024
Charity meets Milo
I liked the beginning chapters of this book but I was not particularly fond of the end. It definitely did not resonate with me in the same way as the beginning.
The characters were, for the most part, well developed. Some of them seemed to have been placed in the story as a way of introduction for later books.
It was a witch story with a whole new slant on witches.
I liked the beginning chapters of this book but I was not particularly fond of the end. It definitely did not resonate with me in the same way as the beginning.
The characters were, for the most part, well developed. Some of them seemed to have been placed in the story as a way of introduction for later books.
It was a witch story with a whole new slant on witches.
May 15, 2024
Charity and Milo
The Familiar Whisperer takes on the care of a Cocker Spaniel who talks but doesn't at the moment. But within a day his owner is murdered and Charity begins to hunt for the killer. What will happen to Milo. Enter a love interest and the mystery murderer. Can Charity find the elusive murderer in time to save Milo?
The Familiar Whisperer takes on the care of a Cocker Spaniel who talks but doesn't at the moment. But within a day his owner is murdered and Charity begins to hunt for the killer. What will happen to Milo. Enter a love interest and the mystery murderer. Can Charity find the elusive murderer in time to save Milo?
June 18, 2024
Cute book about a witch solving a mystery in Salem. I downloaded this during a Stuff Your Kindle day because it had a dog on the cover 😂 But honestly so happy I did. The romance aspect of it lost me a bit in the middle, but all in all a cute little read. A faster reader than I would finish it in a day.
October 20, 2024
As much as I love formulaic cozy mysteries, I always love it when something unique is thrown into the mix. This charming story had the usual small town vibes and animal helper vibes. But the mystery was unique in how it was portrayed. The characters were charming and the smallis town Salem MA setting was pristine. I really enjoyed the story and hope to read more with this character and setting.
May 28, 2024
An awesome book!
Full of magic! This has some really good characters. I loved that the main character was a familiar whisperer. Now I’m wondering what the next book is going to be like.
Full of magic! This has some really good characters. I loved that the main character was a familiar whisperer. Now I’m wondering what the next book is going to be like.
July 28, 2024
Fun new series witch who's talent is familiar whisper
Fun read different twist on witches a familiar whisper . mysteries some plot twist fun characters , Milo the spaniel who stop talking to his witch .
Fun read different twist on witches a familiar whisper . mysteries some plot twist fun characters , Milo the spaniel who stop talking to his witch .
August 8, 2024
This book was ok. In some ways the FMC was slow, didn’t ask the talking dog what attacked him! Didn’t think to use head shakes and nods with him either. Started investigating a murder randomly in another state- just felt that there wasn’t a lot of logic happening here. It was ok. Didn’t finish it.
August 25, 2024
Vets and Villians
A witch who can talk to other witches’ familiars tries to help a dog who can’t speak even to his own witch. I enjoyed the voice of this book. It was warm, intelligent and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
A witch who can talk to other witches’ familiars tries to help a dog who can’t speak even to his own witch. I enjoyed the voice of this book. It was warm, intelligent and engaging. I look forward to reading more in this series.
November 17, 2024
Interesting
Charity has the rare gift of hearing other witches' familiars. She mediates between the two. Darla brings Milo to her hours before she is killed. This book has some violence but is mostly a cozy murder mystery.
Charity has the rare gift of hearing other witches' familiars. She mediates between the two. Darla brings Milo to her hours before she is killed. This book has some violence but is mostly a cozy murder mystery.
February 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The characters are unique, like most humans are and mostly witches. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed Milo the dog familiar's prior witch and why. The answers were both myriad and macabre. I definitely recommend this book.
October 9, 2025
This was sweet and soo cozy. I tried to figure out the mystery, but couldn't until the reveal which was awesome. The whole mystery was really intriguing and it kept going into directions I didn't expect. Definitely recommend.
November 19, 2025
This was great! I like the characters and I love Milo. I enjoyed the story and the setting is interesting. The end took me absolutely by surprise and now I’m looking forward to getting my hands on the next book immediately. 5 stars for an excellent first book in a series.
July 19, 2023
Wow what a last line
Without telling the ending, this was a good and entertaining book. Christine has done it again, can't wait for the next book.
Without telling the ending, this was a good and entertaining book. Christine has done it again, can't wait for the next book.
August 13, 2023
Dr Doolittle
What a fantastic book loved the plot , characters and world I highly recommend this book a well deserved 5 stars
What a fantastic book loved the plot , characters and world I highly recommend this book a well deserved 5 stars
April 21, 2024
cozy
Such a cute spaniel. Witches and drama. Why there are no male witches. Dating a mundane and keeping magic secret
Such a cute spaniel. Witches and drama. Why there are no male witches. Dating a mundane and keeping magic secret
April 24, 2024
Loved it!
It's a sweet yet angst ridden story of a witch and her dog. I enjoyed the story and am curious about the next book.
It's a sweet yet angst ridden story of a witch and her dog. I enjoyed the story and am curious about the next book.
April 28, 2024
Awesome!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews