Now You See It

Witch City Mystery #13

by Carol J. Perry

Marriage isn’t the only thing new in Lee Barrett’s life when she’s tasked with a hauntingly dangerous assignment in her job as program director for Salem, Massachusetts’s local station, WICH-TV . . .

Just married, Lee and her husband, Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, are settling into their new home when Lee is dubbed WICH-TV’s new “Historical Documentary Chief Executive.” Her first subject is the brand-newSalem International Museum, slated to be a location for traveling blockbuster exhibits, starting with “Seafaring New England.” From research to collecting artifacts of Salem’s long-ago days as a shipping capital, the project is a challenge—but when the driver of a truckload of antiquities turns up dead under a pile of fall leaves, it’s not quite the kind of challenge Lee expected . . .

Soon, Lee and Pete are dredging up clues along with a hardy crew of helpers, including Lee’s librarian aunt, Ibby, Lee’s best friend and practicing witch, River North—and of course the clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan. But when a ship model in the exhibit’s collection appears to be haunted, Lee will have to dive into her own treasure trove of psychic gifts before a killer comes to the surface to strike again . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy, Paranormal Mystery, Witches, Fiction

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

Carol J. Perry is the author of the Witch City Mystery series and the Haunted Haven series, both from Kensington Publishers. The Witch City stories take place in the magical city of Salem, Massachusetts--the "Witch City." Carol was actually born in Salem (on Halloween eve!) and knows the city well. The Haunted Haven books take place in Carol's adopted home state of Florida. As an experienced travel writer for magazines and newspapers, Carol knows her way around the Sunshine State too. The Salem books are based of course on a real city but Haven, Florida is made up of bits and pieces of some of the Sunshine State's charming older towns--bypassed by the theme parks. Readers of the Witch City books have come to know O'Ryan, a most remarkable cat. The new series introduces Finn, a lovable Golden Retriever.
Carol lives in the Tampa Bay area of Florida with her husband Dan.

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Rebecca]

DNF at 20% - didn't love how the author/characters referred to some of the others...such as "that Indian man" before even saying a name?! Also don't love the comments about MC being domesticated, though that is just a personal ICK.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to read the series because I really like most of it , the people, the plot, etc. a little bit of magic plus some kitties 💟 The annoyances I have felt with everyone of the books continues to be a bit in the constant detail of day-to-day activities. Plus it seems to be set back in the 70s it’s very old-fashioned as far as the relationships between men and women and the stuff they say, and do.

[Carlymor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee has been assigned a new title of Historical Documentary Chief Executive at Wich-TV and her first assignment is to create a documentary about the new museum exhibit exploring the maritime history of Salem. Unfortunately, on the first day of work, a driver delivering valuable pieces for the exhibit is found murdered. The guilty party was pretty obvious throughout the book but how and why weren't really clear. Lee has a couple of her "visions", which help give clues and a "haunted" ship model help solve the case. I love all of the characters in this series and really enjoy learning interesting Salem history.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now You See It by Carol Perry was my first book of hers- I loved the very fall vibe of the book summary and it did not disappoint. Lee is excited for a new role working on a Salem exhibition but a murder causes her to leap head first into investigating with her husband, police officer Pete. This was a fast read for me- I loved the scenery, the main character was so likeable and it was a fun cozy. I definitely want to read more of the stories in this series. I love stories where you’d like to be friends with the main characters. If you’re looking for a fun, fall read, look no further!

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen books in and still going strong! I love this series for it's solid mysteries, engaging and memorable characters, light touch of paranormal and, of course, O'Ryan, the cat. In this outing, Lee Barrett forays into documentary making as part of her job at WICH-TV by covering the opening of a new museum in Salem. When an armored car driver is shot delivering artifacts for the museum, Lee's job dovetails into her new husband's investigation. With both the official investigation and that led by her aunt Ibby sharing some leads, it can't be long until the case is solved. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a novella from this series and have been wanting to read one of Carol J. Perry's full-length novels ever since. The books take place in Salem, Massachusetts, and the main character is Lee Barrett. Lee is a program director and occasional field reporter who sometimes sees visions in reflective surfaces. These visions, along with her cat O'Ryan, help her solve mysteries.

Lee needs visions, observational skills, and O'Ryan's help to solve the suspicious death of a young man delivering items for a museum exhibit that Lee is covering for a special documentary. Other strange things are going on at the museum and Lee and her new husband Pete, who is a police detective, are both on the case. This book was entertaining, and I enjoyed getting to know Lee, Pete, and the other main characters better in this book. I was able to guess the identity of the killer, but I still liked the book. I definitely want to read the next book in this series.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now You See It, is another delightful book in the Witch City Series by Carol J. Perry. I love Pete, Lee, and O’Ryan the cat. Newly married and trying to settle into their after the honeymoon phase, the last thing they have on their minds is murder but… as is the usual case, Lee steps into a world of theft and murder while filming a documentary about the latest museum in Salem. This story is filled with everything fans love, and new fans will be delighted with. Read along as Lee and Pete solve another murder, while does her best to be everything she can be in the world of the paranormal, television news, and family life.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pro:
* Maritime history of Salem - good angle instead of the expected Salem tropes
* Unique way of bringing in the current crime & set of suspects
* Familiar friends and habits without feeling formulaic, the series has settled in to a comfortable community.
*
Con:
* Audiobook narrator is so over-emoting and annoying
* I don’t buy that Pete will just start discussing cases with Lee.


Thank you to Carol J. Perry, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn in Salem, Mass for a magic-infused murder mystery seemed like a great time to try a new to me author and her paranormal cozy mystery series that has caught my attention in the past.

Now You See It is the thirteenth of the Witch City series and I had little trouble picking up and starting out at this point. The author gives the backdrop of the characters, setting, and world of the series so I had no trouble getting up to speed.

Autumn in Salem which initially drew me in was a big part of the story so I was not disappointed for the seasonal element. I had a blast meeting Lee with Pete her new husband just as they were starting out as a married pair shuffling their lives together. Sometimes there is some extra drama when amateur detective and professional detective share a case, but I loved how Lee helped and shared and Pete respected what she brought to the table. Lee sees visions and has psychic gifts and he accepts this- it is well into the series by now so I would have been surprised if it was all still unresolved.

But, the fun members of the amateur detecting crew are the cat with magic abilities, O’ Ryan, and Lee’s Aunt Ibby having some witch magic. Colorful personality, Ibby is like a mother to Lee and raised her.

So besides the fall activities going on, Lee’s work has her documentary for WICH TV (don’t you love it?) set at Salem’s newest museum for a maritime-themed, Sea-Faring Exhibit. Some of the pieces for the exhibit have disappeared and there is one piece that seems to be haunted and needs them to do something about. I enjoyed that the author took the time to paint in the historical backdrop of Salem in its heyday as big-time port city as noted with the artifacts brought in. The murder mystery is over the traveling exhibit’s cargo driver’s death.

The mystery took a while to get rolling and the plot focus is not one thread, but on many moving parts so that progress isn’t always happening. I was into the characters and all the descriptions of their activities and the goings on in Salem so I didn’t mind much. I really didn’t try to solve it though I did have my suspicions that lighted on the culprit, but not for sure.

All in all, this was a gently-paced and light cozy with some magical elements. I was in the right mood for it and for the fall setting so it worked well for me. Magical cats are a huge plus. Cozy fans are definitely the target audience particularly if they enjoy historical elements and magical artifact mysteries with their murder.


My full review will post at Caffeinated Reviewer Oct 18th.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 13th book in the Witch City Mystery series and I was very surprised to find that I had not read a single one. I pick up books about witches quite a bit so I don't know how I've been missing these. This one was easy to read as a stand alone, but I'll have to go back and read through the others when I get a chance. This one was a fun cozy.

Description:
Marriage isn’t the only thing new in Lee Barrett’s life when she’s tasked with a hauntingly dangerous assignment in her job as program director for Salem, Massachusetts’s local station, WICH-TV . . .

Just married, Lee and her husband, Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, are settling into their new home when Lee is dubbed WICH-TV’s new “Historical Documentary Chief Executive.” Her first subject is the brand-newSalem International Museum, slated to be a location for traveling blockbuster exhibits, starting with “Seafaring New England.” From research to collecting artifacts of Salem’s long-ago days as a shipping capital, the project is a challenge—but when the driver of a truckload of antiquities turns up dead under a pile of fall leaves, it’s not quite the kind of challenge Lee expected . . .

Soon, Lee and Pete are dredging up clues along with a hardy crew of helpers, including Lee’s librarian aunt, Ibby, Lee’s best friend and practicing witch, River North—and of course the clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan. But when a ship model in the exhibit’s collection appears to be haunted, Lee will have to dive into her own treasure trove of psychic gifts before a killer comes to the surface to strike again . . .

My thoughts:
Let me first say that I like the characters of both Lee and her husband, Pete. They seem to make a good team and truly care about each other. O'Ryan steals the show with his amazing skills - gotta love a good cat in the picture. I liked the museum setting and the 'Seafaring New England' theme with the diverse items being shown and the blending of some of that history into the story.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on September 26, 2023.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like how the book referred to people from different cultures. I also forgot about how much Pete annoys me. I think this might be my last of this series.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to get an ARC copy of this book! With the new series Carol J Perry is putting out, I was worried this cast of characters had seen it's last crime. Needless to say, hip hip hooray for another one. This one sees Lee covering the new museum about to open, for WICH-TV. The armored truck driver ends up murdered and expensive pieces have turned up missing. Obviously, Lee, her Aunt Liby and the rest of the angels are working their angles while Pete does his cop thing as well.

I was able to guess "whodunnit" but not how it was done. A fun and engaging story worth picking up. Thank you Netgalley, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it is set in Salem, MA Perry uses a light touch with the supernatural.. Newlywed television news producer Lee and her cop husband Pete share a house with a convicted murderer (he paid is debt to society, Pete says) and a psychic at with Lee's librarian aunt, who raised her. Lee is assigned to do a documentary on the opening of a new museum and its opening exhibition, which will feature rare and precious artifacts. Lee befriends two sisters--"Irish twins" with similar appearance but different tastes and prospects--whose family artifacts are included. When it turns out that both of them knew a murdered armored car driver who was delivering museum exhibits--but none were stolen, excluding robbery as a motive--the police begin to suspect the younger sister. Lee wonders if she is being framed.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth novel, but it’s still going strong with every book that comes along. Each one of the overall lives of the characters move on with major milestones and don’t stagnate which I love. O’Ryan gets to shine a little more in this one, too, which I enjoyed. I’m a little sad that Lee and Pete are living apart from her aunt, but that would probably be a little weird if they did live together. This was a fun mystery just like the books before even if the mystery was a little more convoluted than normal. All in all, this was a great addition to the series, and I hope there are at least thirteen more. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Red Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now You See It is the 13th book to the Witch Series Mystery but this one you can read without reading the other ones. I truly enjoyed reading this fall cozy mystery by Carol J. Perry. I enjoyed the characters but the cat was so amazing and sassy. This had the perfect fall vibe and I could just imagine walking through their cozy fall town. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC read in exchange for the honest review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this series from the beginning & thought the series was over. I was pleasantly thrilled to learn there was another adventure and truly hope for many more! The location setting is a favorite with loveable characters & every reader will hope O'Ryan will walk through their door!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now You See It is the 13th installment of The Witch City Mystery series by Carol J. Perry. I love this series and was happy to be able to read an ARC from NetGalley. With every new book in the series, it's like a return trip to Salem, MA, to visit old friends such as Lee, Pete, River, Aunt Ibby and of course O'Ryan, the intuitive orange tabby. The Witch City Mystery series is a great read not just at Halloween, but any time of the year.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the synopsis, I didn’t live this book as much as I thought I would but it still worth reading. Hopefully the series will grow and improve

[Carla Eacret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the storyline, always includes bits of historical facts

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 bk 54. I had to first of all read back through all 12 of the prior books. Reading her other series set in Florida messed with my mystery series memory. Having accomplished that I delighted in reading Now You See It. Post Honeymoon/Married life agrees with Lee and her police officer husband. Lee has been promoted and again wears a new hat at the tv station, but shortly after the book opens, the boss gives her an additional assignment. She is to create a documentary on the opening of a new museum in Salem, one with an initial exhibit dedicated to Salem's Shipping past. Instead of shipbuilding lessons think instead of the wealth of the Indies brought to Salem. Jewels, gems, daggers, and historical pieces of arts. Add to that mix, the death of an armoured van driver, two sisters who look alike, but don't, new friends and old. I loved that Francine the white cat reappears in this book. What a joy to read! Now I must wait till the next title.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent mystery, but I really hate the MC now referring to herself as Mrs. [husband’s full name] and suddenly worrying about learning to cook and taking on what sounds like more than her share of the cleaning. They both work full time, and she has years of professional work behind her under her own name. This regressive depiction of their marriage is depressing. Also don’t love references to “the Indian man,” especially when the race of other characters is not mentioned.

[Lali & Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

So sad. The Witch City mystery series has been an automatic read for me for years, but #12 was a 3 star read and if I wasn't reading #13 for a challenge, I would have DNFed it. Lee is settling into married life, and her new home, with husband and police detective Pete Mondello. Her duties at WICH-TV in Salem, Massachusetts, include program director and occasional field reporter and now she is being asked to add "Historical Documentary Chief Executive" to her list of job titles. Her first assignment is to document the opening of Salem's new museum space which will host traveling exhibits, the first of which focuses on New England's maritime history.

The mystery centers around the murder of a truck driver who was delivering a load of items to a local abandoned bank branch where they are to be safely stored until they can be moved to the museum. But the police don't unwrap any of the items; they just check off the manifest and say, "yep, it's all here. This murder can't be related to a robbery." Maybe they should open the packages and make sure that everything is at it should be. But, no. Lee goes to the museum with her handy-dandy press pass and a volunteer lets her in. See, he's helping out to get free access to the museum once it opens. And since THERE IS NO MUSEUM DIRECTOR, he proceeds to show her around. (By the way, the volunteer's name is George Washington so later when the cat O'Ryan is giving clues he can go to Lee's purse to get a dollar bill she had left on top. See, George Washington. He's on the dollar bill.) So a museum set to house millions of dollars worth of rare historical items-including a million dollar jade bowl and maharajah jewels from India-has no director? But I guess it doesn't need one, because the people who are donating the items just go in and set up their own displays, like a flea market or craft show. Just wandering around, looking at stuff, and you know, hanging out. This includes two sisters, Kitsue and Fiona, who look very similar and in school, used to switch places with one another. Hmmm... wonder if that will feature in the plot? Fiona is an inventor. She's invented all kinds of cool stuff, but doesn't have the money to apply for patents. Hmmm... She's helping the Indian history professor (we know he's Indian because every time he shows up in the book we are reminded--this is the INDIAN. Even at the end of the book when he has featured in numerous scenes, the author still reminds us, "We're delighted to welcome our Indian friend as a fellow New Englander!") set up his display of jewels in a tall rotating tube. Later, we learn that there was no top on the tube. I mean, why would you put a top on it. After all, it's tall. Nobody could ever get in there. Eventually the murder is solved. But not until Lee arranges a sting operation to reveal who has been stealing items from the exhibits. Which she does without clearing it with her police detective husband? He's proud of her for thinking of it. Okay.

But worse than the ridiculous plot is the fact that over the last two books, Lee's personality has undergone a major change. She was always very career focused, and she still is, but she is also trying to be the perfect wife. A big deal is made at the beginning of the book about her going by Mrs. Pete Mondello. Do people still do that? And there's lots of scenes in the kitchen with her trying to cook something. As Pete says when he finds her in the kitchen, "You look so cute when you're being domestic." Was he always this bleh and I just didn't notice? Later he comments on how nice it is coming home to her and all the home-cooked meals. Then, there's a scene where she comes home from work to clean the house and it is mentioned several times that she is swiffering the kitchen. Um, she has a full-time job too. What's going on? Their relationship seems as dated as the TV Guide sitting on their coffee table. (Yes, they have a physical TV Guide. And Lee has a Betty Crocker Cookbook. To make those delicious meals for Pete.)

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Now You See It by Carol J. Perry

Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐ stars

In Now You See It, Lee Barrett, recently married to Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, takes on a new and exciting role as WICH-TV's "Historical Documentary Chief Executive." Thrilled about her first project, Lee eagerly delves into the world of the Salem International Museum, a fascinating institution that is about to open its doors to the public.

However, as Lee immerses herself in her research and documentation tasks, little does she know that danger lurks in the shadows. A shocking turn of events unfolds when the lifeless body of the driver responsible for transporting the precious antiquities is discovered beneath a seemingly harmless pile of autumn leaves.
Determined to uncover the truth and bring justice to the deceased, Lee partners up with her supportive husband Pete, her ever-wise Aunt Ibby, their loyal friends, and the enigmatic clairvoyant cat O'Ryan.

Together, this formidable team embarks on an enthralling journey to unravel the mystery surrounding the tragic demise and the eerie circumstances that surround it. Their quest for answers leads them to the uncharted territory of a haunted ship model, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their already compelling investigation.

Set against the backdrop of Salem, Massachusetts, Now You See It captures the essence of this historically rich and supernaturally charged locale. Author Carol J. Perry masterfully transports readers to a world teeming with secrets, where the past intertwines with the present, and where paranormal phenomena intertwine with everyday life.

The characters in this installment of the Witch City Mystery series are not only likable but also highly relatable. Lee Barrett, in particular, shines as a captivating protagonist who skillfully balances her psychic abilities with her unwavering determination to solve perplexing mysteries. Perry's skillful character development makes it effortless for readers to connect with and root for these lovable individuals as they navigate through a web of intrigue.

Perry's writing style is both engaging and enjoyable. With a skillful blend of dialogue and descriptive passages, she effortlessly paints vivid pictures in the reader's mind, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the story's unfolding events.

While Now You See It boasts well-constructed mysteries that keep readers guessing, some may find the pacing a bit sluggish at times. Certain scenes tend to be unnecessarily prolonged, which can disrupt the overall flow of the narrative and momentarily detract from the excitement.

Moreover, one notable drawback of this book is its excessive repetition of past events and character traits. While providing necessary context can be helpful for readers who are new to the series or may have forgotten certain details, the constant reiteration can become tiresome for those who have been following Lee Barrett's adventures since the beginning.

Despite these minor flaws, Now You See It remains an entertaining addition to the Witch City Mystery series. It offers readers an enjoyable escape into the enchanting world of Salem's supernatural secrets, where questions beg to be answered and where danger lurks around every corner. With its captivating characters and masterfully crafted setting, this book is sure to keep fans of mystery and paranormal fiction intrigued until the very end.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[L.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now You See It
(Witch City 13)
Carol J. Perry


Lee is baack! Along with Aunt Ibby, O’Ryan, and her new husband Detective Pete Mondello.
Lee is given a new task by Mr. Doan. Lee has three days to clear the deck on her regular production duties to five shows. Because starting the Tuesday, after Labor Day. She and Francine are being tasked as the new Historical Documentary team. Their job will be to spend the next three weeks chronicling the startup to the opening of the new Salem International Museum.

We have a murder before the assignment can even begin. Lee doesn’t find out until that night. River plays a larger part in this book. Theft, murder, mistaken identity, and family betrayal. This mystery has it all and more!

5*****


Book 13 features Lee, Aunt Ibby, Pete, River, and last but most important the amazing O’Ryan.

Prior helpful series information.
A Triple Layer Halloween Murder is a short Halloween time glimpse into the life of our favorite WICH-TV reporter Maralee, it takes place before ‘Til Death, book 12 in the Witch City series, and can be found in the Halloween Cupcake Murder Anthology. While the series does not need to be read in order, I have enjoyed watching Lee grow and change as a character. If you would like to jump into the start of Maralee’s current status begin with See Something (Witch City 11).

#Netgalley #Nowyouseeit #witchcity #caroljperry #cozy #2023



Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now You See It by Carol J. Perry has readers traveling to Salem, Massachusetts where Lee Barrett finds herself with a new job title. Of course, this new assignment is added to her other duties (you must juggle many hats when working at WICH-TV). I like the characters in this series. I have been reading it since the beginning which has allowed me to get to know Lee, Aunt Ibby, Pete, River North, O’Ryan, and the cast of secondary characters. The author brings Salem to life by including stores, streets, and attractions from the city. I was surprised at the slow pace of the story (not normal for this series). There are also repetitive details. The mystery has many elements, and it takes time for all the details to be laid out. Lee sees some visions and gets some help from O’Ryan. I wish that Lee would accept her gift. I like that Pete and Lee collaborate (a good way to start their marriage). They also consult with Aunt Ibby. Everything wraps up quickly once all the pieces of the puzzle are in place. The proposed museum sounds like it would be an interesting place to visit. I did feel that too much of the book was devoted to the setting up of the new museum (which did not help the pacing). It was nice to check in with the newlyweds and to see how O’Ryan was adjusting to his new home. It’s cute that O’Ryan can go between his new home and Aunt Ibby’s thanks to the cat doors. Now You See It is a witchy tale with a new museum, a dead driver, curious cat clues, a tarot card reading, an obliging aunt, and contented newlyweds.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: This series has never failed to entertain. Between Lee, her aunt, Pete who is now her husband, best friend River and of course O’Ryan, the wonder cat the stories are always interesting and well paced with just the right combination of supernatural and good old investigative reporting and police work.

Lee is loving married life. She enjoys her job as Program Director but longs to return to her first love, in front of the camera. She gets her chance when the station decides to do a documentary about a new museum that will celebrate Salem’s maritime history with fantastic displays. The excitement is marred when the delivery driver who brought some of the exhibits to the museum is murdered with his own gun. What flummoxes everyone is nothing appears to have been stolen. Why was he killed and who is the killer.

As she is caught up with the preparations of the exhibits, Lee gets a chance to meet many of the people involved. When it comes to light that there have been things stolen and one of those volunteers is arrested, it does not sit right. But Pete needs proof to make another arrest. Thanks to a team effort and some very specific clues from O’Ryan, the perp is brought to justice. But not before supplying hours of reading enjoyment. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Drebbles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lee Barrett Mondello is excited about her newest assignment for WICH-TV – doing a documentary about the new Salem International Museum which will feature several exhibits about Salem’s past. Her excitement, however, is dimmed when a driver of a truckload of antiques is murdered. Lee’s husband, Detective Sergeant Pete Mondello, is on the case but Lee - along with the help of her aunt and friends, a vision or two, and her clairvoyant cat, O’Ryan – is there to help. But will they be able to handle the truth when it is revealed?

Set in Salem, Massachusetts, “Now You See It” is the nicely done thirteenth book in Carol J. Perry’s Witch City cozy mystery series. I love everything about this series – from the Salem setting to Lee and her relationship with Pete and her aunt to her ability to see things in mirrors to O’Ryan the cat who has powers of his own. The concept of the new museum is a great one – I wish it existed in real life because it sounds like a wonderful place to visit if it were real! The mystery itself was well done – truthfully I found it pretty easy to figure out who the killer was but there were still some surprises in the book and even though I figured out some things I did find the solution to be sad.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Jae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee is enjoying her status as a newlywed, but she finds herself missing the excitement of her field reporter days with WICH-TV. When she's tasked with producing a documentary on the opening of a new historical museum in Salem, Lee jumps at the chance. Before Lee even begins her assignment, however, the driver of the armored vehicle delivering items to the museum is murdered. As nothing was missing from the shipment, there appears to be no motive for the crime. The police are stumped, including Lee's husband, Detective Pete Mondello. When Lee begins having visions related to the crime, she informs Pete, but nothing she sees seems to be helping. After a valuable dagger is brazenly stolen from the museum, Lee is drawn further into the tangled web of a crafty criminal.

I really liked this book. It was fun to go with Lee out on assignment again, especially since her assignment landed her right in the middle of an investigation. Characterizations were flawless, from familiar characters to those newly introduced. The storyline was well-paced and sensible. The author dropped just enough hints and clues to allow me to figure out who dunnit before Lee did. Woo!

Very good book, five stars.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, O'Ryan saves the day!! That cat is a true hero! Love him!

The latest in the Witch City Mystery series has newlyweds Lee and Pete fixing up their new house, while Lee is offered the opportunity to direct, produce, and host a documentary on a new museum space opening in Salem and the first exhibition to be held there.

The paranormal aspect is really light in this one, consisting of 3 or 4 of Lee's visions and one tarot reading by River, and of course, O'Ryan - but he's not really paranormal, he's just an amazing cat! Still, an enjoyable story, and a solid mystery that comes together pretty neatly.

Except - Lee drops many hints about getting ready to try to conceive; River mentions fertility in her reading and it's kind of glossed over, but is referenced again at the end, when Lee comes right out and tells us. Sigh. I don't see how this series can be good with a baby involved. I hate to say it, but the next book will probably have to be my last. Either they have a baby, or they struggle with their fertility - neither of which is a compelling story to me. It's disappointing, but hey, I will have read 14 books in the series after this next one. Maybe that will be enough.

[Chaitra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't think these go through an editing process because I listened to the audiobook and I swear I heard something like "Oh, Fiona didn't go to the murdered guy's funeral, in fact, she called him 'that man', but she was his girlfriend!!!!~~#!!" before forgetting all about it and having Scott dig up the "fact" that he even had a girlfriend. It's one thing to miss that a door was opened on one page and opening it all over again in the next, but this is crucial to this crappy mystery.

Also, what kind of crazy setup is this museum anyway? Is there no curator? How were the exhibits selected? I think my copy also missed some information about why an Indian History professor was overseeing the setup of Indian jewels. Why display them in Salem? He's from India, sure, but that doesn't make him know how to display crown jewels. Which is quite obvious because apparently, he's setting them up in some kind of revolving display that has no top. There's no security either, items go missing and the professor is the one who finds out. This is just boggling.

O'Ryan is still a darling, but he can't carry this series anymore. I'm reading one more chapter of one more book but if Lee is still simpering like a 50s housewife, I'm done with this series.