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Magical Misfits Mysteries #1
Every Witch Way but Ghouls
Murder most ghoulish...
Feisty enchanted hedgehogs with eye-watering gas issues, a half-dragon with an attitude, and a headless corpse aren't the best things to start the day with!
But that's what we encounter in our first week working for animal control in Crimson Cove. We'd only come here to find a missing person but got more than we bargained for. As an enchanted cat, few things phase me, but even I wince when my wonderful witch, Zandra Crypt, finds a body missing its head.
Much like my witch, I have a strong sense of justice, and when the angels are stumped over the killer, we poke around. It doesn't take long before we find a worrying connection to the body, a dangerous gang of magical criminals, and what happened to Zandra's mother (she's the missing person.)
How will a plucky witch and a strikingly beautiful white cat (that's me) beat the gang, find the killer, and locate Zandra's mother?
Care to find out, help me solve a murder, and share a secret or two with you?
Then welcome. The price of entry into this magical witch mystery is one head tickle and some Finest Fishy treats for me. Enjoy!
Feisty enchanted hedgehogs with eye-watering gas issues, a half-dragon with an attitude, and a headless corpse aren't the best things to start the day with!
But that's what we encounter in our first week working for animal control in Crimson Cove. We'd only come here to find a missing person but got more than we bargained for. As an enchanted cat, few things phase me, but even I wince when my wonderful witch, Zandra Crypt, finds a body missing its head.
Much like my witch, I have a strong sense of justice, and when the angels are stumped over the killer, we poke around. It doesn't take long before we find a worrying connection to the body, a dangerous gang of magical criminals, and what happened to Zandra's mother (she's the missing person.)
How will a plucky witch and a strikingly beautiful white cat (that's me) beat the gang, find the killer, and locate Zandra's mother?
Care to find out, help me solve a murder, and share a secret or two with you?
Then welcome. The price of entry into this magical witch mystery is one head tickle and some Finest Fishy treats for me. Enjoy!
292 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2022
560 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
K.E. O'Connor
164 books192 followersK.E. O’Connor is the author of the Witch Haven mystery series, the Crypt Witch cozy mysteries, the Lorna Shadow ghost mysteries, the Holly Holmes baking mysteries, the Zee Town paranormal cozy series, and the Old Sarum mystery series, along with other titles available if you cast the right spell. She can imagine dragons, taste cookies when they aren’t even there, and hear the crack of a witch’s broom at a hundred paces.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
K.E. (the K stands for Karen) lives in the United Kingdom (it isn’t very united, but that’s a mystery for another time) among the mystical stones and fairy creatures of Somerset. She graduated from the Universities of Southampton and Reading, where she received degrees in Archaeology and Cognitive Evolution (both highly entertaining to take part in, but with the career options of a ground witch’s toe bone.)
If you’re of the curious persuasion and want to know more, visit her website at www.keoconnor.com for enlightening knowledge on all things cozy mystery, book news, and a peek into the magical world of a writer who believes animals talk and magic is just a finger click away.
To contact her, visit her Facebook page – www.facebook/keoconnorauthor, join her email list, or dust off that haunted mirror in your cellar and speak the ancient magical words to transport yourself into her lounge. There may be tea and cookies waiting, or there may be giants – it depends on her mood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 15, 2022
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining new paranormal cozy mystery series. It is a spinoff of the crypt which Siri‘s. If Ancaster captures a new entertaining storyline. Zandra the Health Sister the Crip witches is Rudolph to town where her mother lived and has gotten a new job as a magic creature warden. Along with her for mayor she goes out and hunts down magical creatures that are causing issues. There is more to the story but you will have to read on to find out. It sent in the same world as the crypt which family in their story it is just a town a little ways away from where her half sisters live. It’s about her and her familiar and their new adventure in life. Check it out
This is an entertaining new paranormal cozy mystery series. It is a spinoff of the crypt which Siri‘s. If Ancaster captures a new entertaining storyline. Zandra the Health Sister the Crip witches is Rudolph to town where her mother lived and has gotten a new job as a magic creature warden. Along with her for mayor she goes out and hunts down magical creatures that are causing issues. There is more to the story but you will have to read on to find out. It sent in the same world as the crypt which family in their story it is just a town a little ways away from where her half sisters live. It’s about her and her familiar and their new adventure in life. Check it out
March 8, 2025
Every Witch Way But Ghouls - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
There's trouble brewing in Crimson Cove and it's up to Juno the magical cat, and her bonded witch Zandra, to investigate in their usual inimitable style.
With new friends for both, a new job for Zandra, plus lots of scares, danger - and of course the eponymous ghouls - to deal with along the way, there's never a dull moment.
Get your copy of K.E O'Connor's captivating Any Witch Way But Ghouls, to find out what's next for our dynamic duo...and the town they've come to call home!
There's trouble brewing in Crimson Cove and it's up to Juno the magical cat, and her bonded witch Zandra, to investigate in their usual inimitable style.
With new friends for both, a new job for Zandra, plus lots of scares, danger - and of course the eponymous ghouls - to deal with along the way, there's never a dull moment.
Get your copy of K.E O'Connor's captivating Any Witch Way But Ghouls, to find out what's next for our dynamic duo...and the town they've come to call home!
January 24, 2023
A fantastic start to a new (for me) series!
I absolutely love this series! I was looking for some-
thing new and a tad different from my usual cat detective mysteries and happened upon this series. I couldn't put it down once I started it. The characters are fascinating and the story line is so interesting. The idea of the cat narrating the mystery is great! I find myself liking Juno, Zandra's familiar, the best. I do like the feline characters Sammy and Elijah as well.
This is such a phenomenal series that I'll definitely stay with it!!!!
I absolutely love this series! I was looking for some-
thing new and a tad different from my usual cat detective mysteries and happened upon this series. I couldn't put it down once I started it. The characters are fascinating and the story line is so interesting. The idea of the cat narrating the mystery is great! I find myself liking Juno, Zandra's familiar, the best. I do like the feline characters Sammy and Elijah as well.
This is such a phenomenal series that I'll definitely stay with it!!!!
Read
November 20, 2023Not for me.
Amazon synopsis:
Feisty enchanted hedgehogs with eye-watering gas, a half-dragon with an attitude, and a headless corpse aren't the best things to start the day with!
But that's what we encounter in our first week working for animal control in Crimson Cove. We'd only come here to find a missing person but got more than we bargained for. As an enchanted cat, few things phase me, but even I wince when my wonderful witch, Zandra Crypt, finds a body missing its head.
When the angels are stumped over who killed Osorin Greenbow, we poke around. It doesn't take long before we find a worrying connection to the body, a dangerous gang of magical criminals, and what happened to Zandra's mother (she's the missing person.)
How will a plucky witch and a strikingly beautiful white cat (that's me) beat the gang, find the killer, and locate Zandra's mother?
Care to find out and help me solve a murder, while I share a secret or two with you?
Amazon synopsis:
Feisty enchanted hedgehogs with eye-watering gas, a half-dragon with an attitude, and a headless corpse aren't the best things to start the day with!
But that's what we encounter in our first week working for animal control in Crimson Cove. We'd only come here to find a missing person but got more than we bargained for. As an enchanted cat, few things phase me, but even I wince when my wonderful witch, Zandra Crypt, finds a body missing its head.
When the angels are stumped over who killed Osorin Greenbow, we poke around. It doesn't take long before we find a worrying connection to the body, a dangerous gang of magical criminals, and what happened to Zandra's mother (she's the missing person.)
How will a plucky witch and a strikingly beautiful white cat (that's me) beat the gang, find the killer, and locate Zandra's mother?
Care to find out and help me solve a murder, while I share a secret or two with you?
May 22, 2023
I think this is such a fun and interesting, because the mystery. There was great world building with some very humorous jobs and creatures that make up this world. I was laughing out loud at some of the Hijinx, that Juno and her which were getting up to. I loved Juno so much, and I found it interesting to see her as the narrator of the story. They had some great characters that had a lot of hard, but they also have some really evil characters too. It felt like a magical underworld. And the mysteries were really good and there was even an ongoing one that seems to be carrying on in the series. I had a good time reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2023
EVERY WITCH WAY BUT GHOULS
Magical Misfits Mysteries
K. E. O'Connor
Review by Author Roy Murry
Zanda, the witch, has a familiar cat named Juno who runs the show. This novel is a cat's world from the beginning to the end.
Yes, there is a mystery of why a human's head got blown off, but that is not what keeps the story going. All the other misfit characters, from hellhounds to ghouls, give flavor to an ordinary plot.
The conversations are cute and sometimes provocative. But overall, this is a funny story of how animals run human lives. In this case, Juno runs Zanda's life.
The background and craziness of the misfits is a well-written beginning of a series - too crazy for me. If you love cats, this book is for you.
Magical Misfits Mysteries
K. E. O'Connor
Review by Author Roy Murry
Zanda, the witch, has a familiar cat named Juno who runs the show. This novel is a cat's world from the beginning to the end.
Yes, there is a mystery of why a human's head got blown off, but that is not what keeps the story going. All the other misfit characters, from hellhounds to ghouls, give flavor to an ordinary plot.
The conversations are cute and sometimes provocative. But overall, this is a funny story of how animals run human lives. In this case, Juno runs Zanda's life.
The background and craziness of the misfits is a well-written beginning of a series - too crazy for me. If you love cats, this book is for you.
October 14, 2023
This was a cute story. I liked that the main character is Juno, the cat sort of, and that Zandra is just the sidekick. It wasn't a perspective that I was anticipating. I'm pretty curious about Juno and what it will take to get back up to scratch. I might read the next stories. I wasn't too invested in Adrienne or Osorin. It doesn't seem like Zandra had a close relationship with Adrienne so I'm not really sure why she's so invested in finding her. I also felt like Osorin was just a means for Zandra to take out the shadow gang. Like the only one who suffered from his death was Archie. I'm interested to see if Zandra dates either Torin or Finn. But I'm still on the fence about continuing.
February 15, 2023
New author to me, you know what that means! New backlist to explore! :)
This was ok, I agree with another review I read. The first chapter felt like it should have been like Chapter 3 or 4. It opened and assumed that the reader knew what was going on all ready. I had to check I had book number 1! After some research, I saw that this was a spin off series. I wish I had known that.
I should have devoured this book, with the fantasy elements and paranormal. It was just a lot for the first book. Hoping to continue on the series!
This was ok, I agree with another review I read. The first chapter felt like it should have been like Chapter 3 or 4. It opened and assumed that the reader knew what was going on all ready. I had to check I had book number 1! After some research, I saw that this was a spin off series. I wish I had known that.
I should have devoured this book, with the fantasy elements and paranormal. It was just a lot for the first book. Hoping to continue on the series!
February 15, 2023
Slow starting but picks up nicely
The first book in any series usually starts slow as it is establishing the characters and setting. This is the same, but somewhat confusing. This is the first book I gave read by this author, so I may be wrong, but UT seems to assume you already know something about the main characters, Zanda, Juno and Barney. I kept checking that I was, in fact, reading the first book. I continued to read, tho and the story line us intriguing, mysterious, a bit heart racing, and overall delightful!
The first book in any series usually starts slow as it is establishing the characters and setting. This is the same, but somewhat confusing. This is the first book I gave read by this author, so I may be wrong, but UT seems to assume you already know something about the main characters, Zanda, Juno and Barney. I kept checking that I was, in fact, reading the first book. I continued to read, tho and the story line us intriguing, mysterious, a bit heart racing, and overall delightful!
October 17, 2023
My 2-star rating (really a 2.5 star but Goodreads only does full stars) is way below my average rating and it is a bit begrudging because this book had potential. The story was solid but it very much needed additional editing to get above a 2.5 from me.
There was way too much tell vs. show. A few phrases might have been cute with one use but after 10+ very much not cute and way overused. The narration by the cat was cute in theory but overall it was overdone and taken to some odd extremes with how the familiar bond works in the story.
There was way too much tell vs. show. A few phrases might have been cute with one use but after 10+ very much not cute and way overused. The narration by the cat was cute in theory but overall it was overdone and taken to some odd extremes with how the familiar bond works in the story.
April 2, 2024
I did not downgrade this book for it, but I will do so if it happens again. Everything was good until there was a cat violence. And I do NOT mean cat on cat violence - that worked itself out. I'm getting seriously tired of authors describing animals being hurt or killed for some reason or another in their books.
As I said, all else was good. I really adore Juno and Sammy and Zandra isn't too bad. I like the concept of an Angel police department (ish) and the story was different as it came from a non-human perspective. But do stop with the animal abuse crap.
As I said, all else was good. I really adore Juno and Sammy and Zandra isn't too bad. I like the concept of an Angel police department (ish) and the story was different as it came from a non-human perspective. But do stop with the animal abuse crap.
April 6, 2025
I admit to being a cat lover so any book with cats on the cover immediately grabs my interest. This first in a series by K E Connor double grabbed me in the first few pages as it is cleverly narrated by said cat, Juno. Juno is not really a cat at all ¬– but what she is, that is for the reader to discover.
The book is a blend of witchy mystery, lots of fun, and romance (with a couple of seriously hunky men who, because this is a brilliantly original series, both have a bit of darkness about them, be it demon or dragon).
Highly recommended.
The book is a blend of witchy mystery, lots of fun, and romance (with a couple of seriously hunky men who, because this is a brilliantly original series, both have a bit of darkness about them, be it demon or dragon).
Highly recommended.
August 7, 2022
Enjoyed the very much
First of all one of my first cats was white, Snowball. I love cat stories, especially when the cat talks. Some of my cats have been meowers, telling me their life stories, but not in English.
The mystery was convoluted, but interesting.
I really felt Juno's constantly using the phrase "booping snooter" was boring. Once was funny.
I liked Zandar and Finn and would have like more of a relationship.
Fun story.
First of all one of my first cats was white, Snowball. I love cat stories, especially when the cat talks. Some of my cats have been meowers, telling me their life stories, but not in English.
The mystery was convoluted, but interesting.
I really felt Juno's constantly using the phrase "booping snooter" was boring. Once was funny.
I liked Zandar and Finn and would have like more of a relationship.
Fun story.
April 12, 2023
A little slow to start, but got Interesting
A witch and her cat familiar have a mystery to solve. If you like quirky mysteries and witches, you'll enjoy this book. One mystery leads to another, a dead body found, and a familiar who lost their human. A new job, a new town, and new friends. Got to be careful who you trust, both people and familiars. Can we figure out what the bad guys are up to before it's too late?
A witch and her cat familiar have a mystery to solve. If you like quirky mysteries and witches, you'll enjoy this book. One mystery leads to another, a dead body found, and a familiar who lost their human. A new job, a new town, and new friends. Got to be careful who you trust, both people and familiars. Can we figure out what the bad guys are up to before it's too late?
September 30, 2023
what fun!
Witches, vampires, hellhounds, oh my! Oh and the ghouls. What a well done combination. It sounds like too much in one story but it really works. This book is different from other familiar themed stories and that is what made it a great read. Don’t want to give away the story so I’ll just say I love the focus on kindness that prevails and conquers Love it all and I look forward to the next book
Witches, vampires, hellhounds, oh my! Oh and the ghouls. What a well done combination. It sounds like too much in one story but it really works. This book is different from other familiar themed stories and that is what made it a great read. Don’t want to give away the story so I’ll just say I love the focus on kindness that prevails and conquers Love it all and I look forward to the next book
December 31, 2023
This was an ok read. The story was interesting and there were some characters that were engaging. The main character though was a bit flat. The self-righteous tone of the cat/demi goddess narrator was annoying. And if I read the sentence, "I wrinkled my booping snooter" one more time! Or toe beans or murder mittens. Cutesy names are irritating enough, but then to have it repeated ad nauseum - just no!
March 4, 2024
Every witch way but Ghouls MMM#1
I loved this book. The witch and her cat and their magical bond . And the mystery they had to solve was interesting. The witch and her familiars bond is what kept me going through finishing the book . I’ve not read a book yet with the bond those 2 shared, heart warming. I loved it . I’m ready to go on to the next one to see their next adventure and to also see if she finds her mother. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book. The witch and her cat and their magical bond . And the mystery they had to solve was interesting. The witch and her familiars bond is what kept me going through finishing the book . I’ve not read a book yet with the bond those 2 shared, heart warming. I loved it . I’m ready to go on to the next one to see their next adventure and to also see if she finds her mother. Five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 25, 2025
Cat-led Story
Zandra is a young witch who moves to Crimson Cove along with her familiar, Juno, to find her mother. Juno is currently a cat, and also the narrator of this book. Working for animal control, they meet many people, and some are criminals.
The first in a series, this story deals with Zandra and Juno trying to find out how someone died, and gets them involved with a serious criminal element.
With humour, wisdom and clever investigating, this is an enjoyable story.
Zandra is a young witch who moves to Crimson Cove along with her familiar, Juno, to find her mother. Juno is currently a cat, and also the narrator of this book. Working for animal control, they meet many people, and some are criminals.
The first in a series, this story deals with Zandra and Juno trying to find out how someone died, and gets them involved with a serious criminal element.
With humour, wisdom and clever investigating, this is an enjoyable story.
May 8, 2022
I had a good time reading this first-in-a-series story. The characters are fun and the plot was complicated enough to keep me reading well after bedtime. Told from a cat's perspective, it's an interesting concept for this new series. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and couldn't resist adding it to my growing library!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book and couldn't resist adding it to my growing library!
May 23, 2022
A fun read
This book took on an unique twist. The story is told by a witch's familiar, a beautiful white cat named Juno. Juno is actually an ancient demi goddess but she's keeping that knowledge to herself. Her bond with her witch is special and instead of a snarky familiar you find in other books this familiar builds up her witch's self assurance.
This book took on an unique twist. The story is told by a witch's familiar, a beautiful white cat named Juno. Juno is actually an ancient demi goddess but she's keeping that knowledge to herself. Her bond with her witch is special and instead of a snarky familiar you find in other books this familiar builds up her witch's self assurance.
August 3, 2022
Zandra and Juno
Zandra is looking for her mother who took a hurried vacation that nobody knew about. Juno is working really hard to get Zandra up to speed because a powerful gang are taking over their small town and people and animals are dying. The two of them together are full of magic and very brave. Will they accomplish what they've set out to do?
Zandra is looking for her mother who took a hurried vacation that nobody knew about. Juno is working really hard to get Zandra up to speed because a powerful gang are taking over their small town and people and animals are dying. The two of them together are full of magic and very brave. Will they accomplish what they've set out to do?
August 10, 2022
Wow such a unique read.
Witches and familiars along with angels makes for a hard to put down book
Feels like you are right there in the !middle of all the action. Saving a small town from a gang and solving a !murder while looking for a missing mother puts this book a must read.
Witches and familiars along with angels makes for a hard to put down book
Feels like you are right there in the !middle of all the action. Saving a small town from a gang and solving a !murder while looking for a missing mother puts this book a must read.
August 10, 2022
A new town for Zandra
I felt like I had walked into a movie that I had missed the first 15 minutes of for the first part of the book. It tuned into a pretty good story but really wasn't my kind of book. I have the next one and I hope now that I have the background, it will be a better read.
I felt like I had walked into a movie that I had missed the first 15 minutes of for the first part of the book. It tuned into a pretty good story but really wasn't my kind of book. I have the next one and I hope now that I have the background, it will be a better read.
December 14, 2022
Great start!
I’m loving this new series! What a wonderful start! I really like that Zandra’s job isn’t in a bakery or flower shop. Working with animal control to rescue magical animals and familiars is awesome. It’s a bit strange to read the book from the familiar’s point of view, but even Juno isn’t a typical familiar. Fun, intense and surprising book.
I’m loving this new series! What a wonderful start! I really like that Zandra’s job isn’t in a bakery or flower shop. Working with animal control to rescue magical animals and familiars is awesome. It’s a bit strange to read the book from the familiar’s point of view, but even Juno isn’t a typical familiar. Fun, intense and surprising book.
October 22, 2023
Audiobook review.
An enchanting series starter.
I loved the setting in a fascinating world, the wonderful characters, and the highly entertaining story with its startling twists and suspense. Most of all I loved Juno and her relationship with her “wonderful witch”.
The narration by Emily Durante is brilliant.
An enchanting series starter.
I loved the setting in a fascinating world, the wonderful characters, and the highly entertaining story with its startling twists and suspense. Most of all I loved Juno and her relationship with her “wonderful witch”.
The narration by Emily Durante is brilliant.
January 28, 2024
Fair
Needs to not lean on her other series. This is a spin off series and if you're not familiar with it you'll be a tad lost. I also found it hard to believe that the bad guys know she's gunning for them and they don't go after our heroine. I mean, come on! Small town and you let the gang know you're out to get them and they just shrug it off? I don't think so.
Needs to not lean on her other series. This is a spin off series and if you're not familiar with it you'll be a tad lost. I also found it hard to believe that the bad guys know she's gunning for them and they don't go after our heroine. I mean, come on! Small town and you let the gang know you're out to get them and they just shrug it off? I don't think so.
September 7, 2024
A fun familiar mystery
Loved Juno’s personality and her support of her witch. A few fun twists and interesting moments. I want to see what this bonded pair solves next.
And for the love of all that is holy or not, lose the booping snooter. So distracting. It pulled me out of the story and doesn’t fit her character.
Loved Juno’s personality and her support of her witch. A few fun twists and interesting moments. I want to see what this bonded pair solves next.
And for the love of all that is holy or not, lose the booping snooter. So distracting. It pulled me out of the story and doesn’t fit her character.
June 1, 2022
fun but confusing at times
I really enjoyed this book. However, it was hard for me to stay on track with which character was the cat and which was Zandra. It will take some getting used to
I really enjoyed this book. However, it was hard for me to stay on track with which character was the cat and which was Zandra. It will take some getting used to
July 25, 2022
Crypt witches continued?
I remember Sandra but I'm lost on the timeline. So much time has passed leaving a gap of what's transpired. Trying to get and stay vested in these new characters. On to book 2
I remember Sandra but I'm lost on the timeline. So much time has passed leaving a gap of what's transpired. Trying to get and stay vested in these new characters. On to book 2
January 8, 2023
Readable
Complex storyline with good characters a little magic a pinch of romance and a lot of snark, discover not all the good guys are good and the bad boys can sometimes surprise you. The downside for me, I found the writing style a bit pedestrian, Baz.
Complex storyline with good characters a little magic a pinch of romance and a lot of snark, discover not all the good guys are good and the bad boys can sometimes surprise you. The downside for me, I found the writing style a bit pedestrian, Baz.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews