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Myrtlewood Mysteries #1-3
Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus: Books 1-3
Welcome to the enchanted village of Myrtlewood, where magic brews in every cup of tea and mystery lurks around every corner. Join Rosemary Thorn and her teenage daughter, Athena, as they unravel the mysteries of Thorn Manor and the strange happenings in their new home. From mysterious disappearances to fiery Beltane celebrations, nothing is as it seems in this whimsical magical small town. With a good dollop of humour and a main character facing the challenges of midlife, the Myrtlewood Mysteries will leave you spellbound.
This Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus *note that this is all three books in one paperback volume, not three separate books as the Kindle cover image suggests
This Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus *note that this is all three books in one paperback volume, not three separate books as the Kindle cover image suggests
776 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2022
1729 people are currently reading
1601 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
April 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, it was a fun read. I will admit both Rosemary and Athena drove me crazy at times but that is what made it interesting, can't wait read more of the series
February 5, 2024
hard to rate
I have to start by saying the premise of the story and the basic story line are fascinating. The various holidays and rituals are well researched. The story is grammatically correct with no noticeable errors. Many of the secondary characters were well written and a bit fascinating.
My issue was the main characters, especially the mother. Usually, authors use a bit of comedy when writing characters who passed TSTL several ideas ago. I don’t understand why the mother was written the way she was. I sincerely hope neither the author or her mother were single parents like her main character. She flies back and forth between being a brainless twit to being a controlling monster. Both parent types are damaging to the children.
The daughter, begins the book as the sensible, keep a good grip on reality, overly responsible child. She feels like she has to be the adult because her mother is incapable but at the same time resents the fact her mother keeps her in the dark making life even more difficult. Even at her worst acting out teen behavior she is more like a sulking 10 year old than a teen who actually has reason for acting out. From the beginning of the book it is clear she is tired of taking care of her mother and just wants a normal life.
I think the constable is intended to be a bit of comic relief but is too heavy handed to really be funny.
I know these three books take place over just over 3 months but mom becomes a paranoid,controlling dictator who is completely ruled by her fears, both real and imaginary. I just had a hard time with moms behavior. She could use a few weeks in a locked ward to work through everything in a safe environment.
I had a really hard time rating this because there was so much variability between the three books that make up this collection. They really ranged from a 3 star to a 5 star which made it somewhat difficult to rate them. I would suggest the reader keeps going when it seems like the book may end up dnf. It really was worth continuing and despite my feelings about several of the characters I do want to read the next book.
I have to start by saying the premise of the story and the basic story line are fascinating. The various holidays and rituals are well researched. The story is grammatically correct with no noticeable errors. Many of the secondary characters were well written and a bit fascinating.
My issue was the main characters, especially the mother. Usually, authors use a bit of comedy when writing characters who passed TSTL several ideas ago. I don’t understand why the mother was written the way she was. I sincerely hope neither the author or her mother were single parents like her main character. She flies back and forth between being a brainless twit to being a controlling monster. Both parent types are damaging to the children.
The daughter, begins the book as the sensible, keep a good grip on reality, overly responsible child. She feels like she has to be the adult because her mother is incapable but at the same time resents the fact her mother keeps her in the dark making life even more difficult. Even at her worst acting out teen behavior she is more like a sulking 10 year old than a teen who actually has reason for acting out. From the beginning of the book it is clear she is tired of taking care of her mother and just wants a normal life.
I think the constable is intended to be a bit of comic relief but is too heavy handed to really be funny.
I know these three books take place over just over 3 months but mom becomes a paranoid,controlling dictator who is completely ruled by her fears, both real and imaginary. I just had a hard time with moms behavior. She could use a few weeks in a locked ward to work through everything in a safe environment.
I had a really hard time rating this because there was so much variability between the three books that make up this collection. They really ranged from a 3 star to a 5 star which made it somewhat difficult to rate them. I would suggest the reader keeps going when it seems like the book may end up dnf. It really was worth continuing and despite my feelings about several of the characters I do want to read the next book.
September 24, 2023
Such a GREAT series!
I really enjoyed these books. The characters are all quite engaging and I love the setting! It’s also an easy read, but at the same time it challenged me to do a little bit of added research of my own, which was an added delight. I will be reading the rest of the series and have a strong suspicion that I’ll be devastated when I come to the end. If you enjoy paranormal fiction I highly recommend it!!
I really enjoyed these books. The characters are all quite engaging and I love the setting! It’s also an easy read, but at the same time it challenged me to do a little bit of added research of my own, which was an added delight. I will be reading the rest of the series and have a strong suspicion that I’ll be devastated when I come to the end. If you enjoy paranormal fiction I highly recommend it!!
February 16, 2024
I just love this series. Rosemary is a great combination of Hot mess, reluctant warrior and Bulldozer!! Her mouth gets her into trouble but it lends itself to som rather awkward but RIDICULOUSLY funny moments as well as plunging her into hot water!!! Her relationship wirh her teen daughter is reminiscent of ALL mom and teen relationships but once you throw in a dose of Magic, it creates a spectrum of chaos into this already harried situation! The cast of characters are wonderful. EVEN the Evil ones LOL. Written perfectly, you despise them but love their clever wit and the depths they will plunge to do their worst!! The setting of Myrtlewood is the perfect backdrop. Very much like a quaint storybook little village where everyone knows you, but interferes, whether you like it or not!!! each book somehow rallies NEW spectacular Dangers to the village and the solution involves magical creatures with many UNLIKEY alliances!! I can't wait to read the next few books! Such fun and always. Iris has so many great tales, I SUGGEST YOU READ THEM ALL!
December 19, 2022
I absolutely adore paranormal cozies, and that is what this series is a little bit more of than anything else. Rosemary and Athena are such a cute mother/daughter duo with Rosemary a little ditzy and Athena more grown-up. We learn this might have to do with Dain (her ex), but that is a thread left for another than the first one in the series. There is very little blood or swearing (so little I don’t even remember it), and of course with the magic in the title, there are a little bit of…well, magical-type things going on. This series isn’t perfect, but I just love how the author dropped little things in that are unexplained, but she goes on to explain them in other books in the series. They are like little seeds waiting to grow. All in all, this is a fun series, and I can’t wait to see what’s coming next! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
December 6, 2024
This book is pretty well written, and has such a good story line. I had high hopes for it. However, the two main characters are terrible. The mother acts completely idiotic, ranging from mildly entertaining in the idiocy, to “I’m going to bang my head against the wall if she does one more stupid thing”. Her parenting is terrible in the book, going from not having a single care about what her daughter does, to completely controlling her, back and forth constantly. The daughter starts out very level headed and then meets a boy who turns her thinking level to that of her mothers. I hated this book series. If it wasn’t for how well written it was and had so much promise, I would have given it one star. I couldn’t even completely finish the second book, because I started dreading picking up my kindle to read. So so done with it.
June 20, 2024
Late Again
I think I should change my user name to “Late Again” as it seems that lately I have been playing catch up on my choice of books. Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus vol 1 was not my first experience of the talent that is Iris Beaglehole in fact it was my third. Reading is about two main items - first to educate, reading is one way to broaden our knowledge. The second item is enjoyment, some things are dry to read others are an enjoyable, Myrtlewood is enjoyable. Please spare a thought for those who are unable to read for one reason or another, think what they are missing and hope you can enable others to share your fun. Second omnibus is coming my way. Take care and share happiness.
I think I should change my user name to “Late Again” as it seems that lately I have been playing catch up on my choice of books. Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus vol 1 was not my first experience of the talent that is Iris Beaglehole in fact it was my third. Reading is about two main items - first to educate, reading is one way to broaden our knowledge. The second item is enjoyment, some things are dry to read others are an enjoyable, Myrtlewood is enjoyable. Please spare a thought for those who are unable to read for one reason or another, think what they are missing and hope you can enable others to share your fun. Second omnibus is coming my way. Take care and share happiness.
April 18, 2024
Single mum and teenage daughter navigate life with magic
If you enjoyed watching Midsummer Murders and love fantasy books, then you are in for a real treat!
The characters are well put together, each with their imperfect quirks. They are easy to connect with, especially the dynamic relationship between a single mother and her teenage daughter. It is a joy watching all the character grow and mature as they realise their abilities and navigate modern society norms.
Each book is centred around a Pagan festival. It is clear the author has real knowledge and love for all things magical and mythical.
If you enjoyed watching Midsummer Murders and love fantasy books, then you are in for a real treat!
The characters are well put together, each with their imperfect quirks. They are easy to connect with, especially the dynamic relationship between a single mother and her teenage daughter. It is a joy watching all the character grow and mature as they realise their abilities and navigate modern society norms.
Each book is centred around a Pagan festival. It is clear the author has real knowledge and love for all things magical and mythical.
July 22, 2025
Magical Mania
Rosemary and her teenage daughter, Athena, return to Myrtlewood, and Thorn Manor after her grandmother's death. Here she again learns about magic and magical beings. Battling her own ignorance, an evil society, the fae and others who seek power, Rosemary finds herself in many predicaments.
I read this book, three stories long, and enjoyed it in the main, but I found Rosemary and Athena annoying, and despite many other more sympathetic characters, I preferred the stories when they were not dominant.
Also, I assume the author is from the US and the books are set in the UK, which led to some glaring - for an Englishwoman - errors.
Rosemary and her teenage daughter, Athena, return to Myrtlewood, and Thorn Manor after her grandmother's death. Here she again learns about magic and magical beings. Battling her own ignorance, an evil society, the fae and others who seek power, Rosemary finds herself in many predicaments.
I read this book, three stories long, and enjoyed it in the main, but I found Rosemary and Athena annoying, and despite many other more sympathetic characters, I preferred the stories when they were not dominant.
Also, I assume the author is from the US and the books are set in the UK, which led to some glaring - for an Englishwoman - errors.
October 20, 2023
I feel like I’m have a really hard time finding good books. This one was fine, except I didn’t exactly read it. I read the first nine chapters and then got annoyed with the two main characters so I skipped to the end. The mother and daughter duo were odd to say the least. The way the daughter treated the mother was exactly like a 16 year old would treat her mother, my issue however fell with the way the mother handled everything. I keep looking for books with badass women in them and have yet to find any. The mother was, in my opinion pathetic
December 6, 2023
Not enough redeeming qualities
The overall story is mildly interesting, but I struggled to engage with the characters. The dialogue seems very choppy at times, like a chat bot, often weirdly snippy. Characters inexplicably bounce between emotions from sentence to sentence. The editing, which is mostly OK to begin with, worsens significantly in book three. The ending was somewhat incoherent and kind of a let-down. Overall, it was too hard to find enjoyment for me to continue the series.
The overall story is mildly interesting, but I struggled to engage with the characters. The dialogue seems very choppy at times, like a chat bot, often weirdly snippy. Characters inexplicably bounce between emotions from sentence to sentence. The editing, which is mostly OK to begin with, worsens significantly in book three. The ending was somewhat incoherent and kind of a let-down. Overall, it was too hard to find enjoyment for me to continue the series.
September 11, 2023
The best thing about the earlier books is the dialogue between Rosemary and Athena. Just hilarious.
The books are an easy feel good read and most of the characters are likeable.
Particularly with the later books, could use an editor. There are a lot of gramma issues, the wrong word appearing in the middle of the sentence. I read these on kindle unlimited, but had i paid for these (and they're not cheap) I wouldn't have expected this
The books are an easy feel good read and most of the characters are likeable.
Particularly with the later books, could use an editor. There are a lot of gramma issues, the wrong word appearing in the middle of the sentence. I read these on kindle unlimited, but had i paid for these (and they're not cheap) I wouldn't have expected this
April 13, 2024
An unconventional take on a heroine who is a normal person, with normal flaws and human reactions. It was the first time in a long time as a 35 year old woman that I felt less distanced from a main character due to her relatability and her understandable reactions to her life.
The story has everything I love, from traditional witchery to old gods to fae, community and support and a mother trying to navigate a relationship with a teen trying to grow. The whole series is a good fun cozy read.
The story has everything I love, from traditional witchery to old gods to fae, community and support and a mother trying to navigate a relationship with a teen trying to grow. The whole series is a good fun cozy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2025
Brilliant Series
Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus: Books 1-3 by Iris Beaglehole. Despite not having seen her grandmother for many years Rosemary finds her grandmother had left her her entire estate. Then she finds out she is a very powerful witch and that granny had bound her power. These 3 books chart how Rosemary and her daughter Athena find their power and learn how to use it and the adventures they have along the way.
Myrtlewood Mysteries Omnibus: Books 1-3 by Iris Beaglehole. Despite not having seen her grandmother for many years Rosemary finds her grandmother had left her her entire estate. Then she finds out she is a very powerful witch and that granny had bound her power. These 3 books chart how Rosemary and her daughter Athena find their power and learn how to use it and the adventures they have along the way.
June 14, 2023
Great read
This was a new to me author and I actually loved reading this box set. It was great and seem to have different perspectives on different people and creatures. However it was great I don’t think I’ll be reading book four. It didn’t hold my attention towards the end of book three.
This was a new to me author and I actually loved reading this box set. It was great and seem to have different perspectives on different people and creatures. However it was great I don’t think I’ll be reading book four. It didn’t hold my attention towards the end of book three.
October 17, 2023
A Magical Read
This was a fun easy read. The characters Iris built are relatable and interesting. The use of real pagan and non pagan witchcraft beliefs sprinkled with the flourishes of whimsy and fantasy made for entertaining world building. I love the focus on acceptance and love. I’m excited to read her next book.
This was a fun easy read. The characters Iris built are relatable and interesting. The use of real pagan and non pagan witchcraft beliefs sprinkled with the flourishes of whimsy and fantasy made for entertaining world building. I love the focus on acceptance and love. I’m excited to read her next book.
December 10, 2023
It was cute and cozy, but I found Rosemary and Athena getting on my nerves a lot. Though, that might have been intentional.
The handful of errors in the Kindle addition was a little annoying, but not enough of them to be troublesome. Just little things that made me re-read a line or paragraph here and there.
The handful of errors in the Kindle addition was a little annoying, but not enough of them to be troublesome. Just little things that made me re-read a line or paragraph here and there.
December 25, 2023
Magical Myrtlewood
Thoroughly enjoyable box set.
Lighthearted but with plenty of gripping situations/events to keep the reader hooked!
A thoroughly readable cauldron of magic, myth & folklore mixed with single parenthood, unexpected changes & good humour.
A delightful read.
I’m looking forward to returning for further mysteries/adventures of Myrtlewood.
Thoroughly enjoyable box set.
Lighthearted but with plenty of gripping situations/events to keep the reader hooked!
A thoroughly readable cauldron of magic, myth & folklore mixed with single parenthood, unexpected changes & good humour.
A delightful read.
I’m looking forward to returning for further mysteries/adventures of Myrtlewood.
May 13, 2024
So refreshing to see a single mum as the main character in an urban fantasy. I just love the relationship between Rosemary and her daughter Athena with all its realism. I can relate to both of them. There is a hint of romance, but all sweet and no spice. There's suspense and conflict, other realms, tea and cake, and a house that responds to its owner's needs. All in all, simply delightful.
September 13, 2024
I only gave this collection of books a rating of three stars for one reason, the main character Rosemary drives me nuts. Her and her daughter Athena are constantly bickering, and Rosemary's ditzy approach to magic instead of charming, starts to irritate quickly. Other than that the setting is lovely, the other characters are fine. I just want to slap the main two!
January 25, 2023
Engrossed
I got a preview of this and was hooked straight away so I had to buy it.
Easy read full of mystery, binge read all 3 and now annoyed there is no more to read at the moment.
I got a preview of this and was hooked straight away so I had to buy it.
Easy read full of mystery, binge read all 3 and now annoyed there is no more to read at the moment.
April 26, 2023
I guess it’s because I didn’t read the blurb and so didn’t necessarily end up with what I expected, but while this book is great fun it just wasn’t for me. I did get nearly to the end of the first book though. Do I win a unicorn?
September 30, 2023
Kinda blah
I gave 2 stars because there was so much back and forth between mother and daughter. I completely understood after the first 20 times. I did however enjoy the cream dependency.
I gave 2 stars because there was so much back and forth between mother and daughter. I completely understood after the first 20 times. I did however enjoy the cream dependency.
October 14, 2023
Enjoyable fantasy series for all ages
Yes there are spelling errors, but not a problem for reading . Liked the characters and fantasy realms. Nice way to switch off the brain an just relax. Definitely a lite read with humor and fantasy creatures.
Yes there are spelling errors, but not a problem for reading . Liked the characters and fantasy realms. Nice way to switch off the brain an just relax. Definitely a lite read with humor and fantasy creatures.
October 20, 2023
Engaging, Quirky Characters - Fun Read
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were often surprising and the plot had lots of twists and turns. This author has a wonderful imagination and a magical way of looking at things.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were often surprising and the plot had lots of twists and turns. This author has a wonderful imagination and a magical way of looking at things.
November 16, 2023
Entertaining
A relatively mindless read, strictly entertainment (which is a good thing). I enjoyed this as a before going to sleep sedative. Would recommend to a young or young at heart audience.
A relatively mindless read, strictly entertainment (which is a good thing). I enjoyed this as a before going to sleep sedative. Would recommend to a young or young at heart audience.
November 17, 2023
I wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t get into it. The dynamic between the mother and daughter was irksome and it was enough to put me off. The promise of the mystery of evil entities and powers long hidden wasn’t enough to make me want to continue. This is on my DNF list.
February 6, 2024
Quick reads if I’d actually sit down and stop. But alas took me forever. This book does have a few spelling errors but I enjoyed the adventures Rosemary and Athena went on. I’m not normally a witchy reader but I loved these 3 books and looking forward to finishing the series of 8.
March 29, 2024
True Blood-ish…
This series often reminded me of the true blood series. This series is suspenseful, engaging, relative, and definitely hard to put down..
this will be shelved with my “favorites” that I often read and read again.
This series often reminded me of the true blood series. This series is suspenseful, engaging, relative, and definitely hard to put down..
this will be shelved with my “favorites” that I often read and read again.
July 19, 2024
fun read
Cute stories but perhaps too much bickering between mother and daughter for my taste. Overall these books are a very good read and worth it because there is a lot of information about magic, gods and other mystical creatures.
Cute stories but perhaps too much bickering between mother and daughter for my taste. Overall these books are a very good read and worth it because there is a lot of information about magic, gods and other mystical creatures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews