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Witchcraft Mystery #3
Hexes and Hemlines
With her vintage clothing store taking off, Lily Ivory is finding that life in San Francisco suits her just fine. But her ability to sense vibrations from the past, so useful in locating secondhand gems, has landed her in the middle of a new mystery...
Lily gets called away from Aunt Cora's Closet when the police need a witch's take on a strange case. Malachi Zazi was stabbed to death in his apartment, under a ladder, surrounded by the number thirteen, a broken mirror, and a black cat—superstitions that the victim, as head of a rationalist society, was devoted to discrediting.
When the police identify a suspect from the Serpentarian Society, Lily is shocked to learn it's someone she knows. But with bad luck plaguing all its members, she begins to wonder if there's more at work than mere coincidence. And while there aren't many clues from the crime scene, Lily finds evidence of dark witchcraft and a hex on her friend's doorstep. With her friend's safety at stake, Lily is determined to use magic to find the murderer before everyone's luck runs out...
Lily gets called away from Aunt Cora's Closet when the police need a witch's take on a strange case. Malachi Zazi was stabbed to death in his apartment, under a ladder, surrounded by the number thirteen, a broken mirror, and a black cat—superstitions that the victim, as head of a rationalist society, was devoted to discrediting.
When the police identify a suspect from the Serpentarian Society, Lily is shocked to learn it's someone she knows. But with bad luck plaguing all its members, she begins to wonder if there's more at work than mere coincidence. And while there aren't many clues from the crime scene, Lily finds evidence of dark witchcraft and a hex on her friend's doorstep. With her friend's safety at stake, Lily is determined to use magic to find the murderer before everyone's luck runs out...
314 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 19, 2011
159 people are currently reading
2723 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Blackwell
39 books2,902 followersJuliet Blackwell (aka Julie Goodson-Lawes, aka Hailey Lind) started out life in Palo Alto, California, born of a Texan mother and a Yankee father. The family soon moved to what were, at the time, the sticks of Cupertino, an hour south of San Francisco. Walking to and from kindergarten every day she would indulge in her earliest larcenous activity: stealing walnuts and apricots from surrounding orchards.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
By the time she graduated middle school, the orchards were disappearing and the valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay had become the cradle of the silicon semi-conductor. A man named Steve Jobs was working in his garage in Cupertino, just down the street. Juliet's father advised his daughters to enter the lucrative and soon-to-flourish field of computers.
"Bah" said Juliet, as she went on to major in Latin American Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz (they had, by far, the best parties of any department). Rather than making scads of money in computers, she read, painted, learned Spanish and a little French and Vietnamese, lived in Spain and traveled through Europe, Mexico, and Central America. She had a very good time.
Juliet pursued graduate degrees in Anthropology and Social Work at the State University of New York at Albany, where she published several non-fiction articles on immigration as well as one book-length translation. Fascinated with other cultural systems, she studied the religions, folklore and medical beliefs of peoples around the world, especially in Latin America. Juliet taught the anthropology of health and health care at SUNY-Albany, and worked as an elementary school social worker in upstate New York. She also did field projects in Mexico and Cuba, studied in Spain, Italy, and France, worked on a BBC production in the Philippines, taught English as a second language in San Jose, and learned how to faux finish walls in Princeton, New Jersey. After having a son, moving back to California, and abandoning her half-written dissertation in cultural anthropology, Juliet started painting murals and portraits for a living. She has run her own mural/faux finish design studio in Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, for more than a decade. She specializes in the aesthetic renovation of historic homes.
Finally, to round out her tour of lucrative careers, Juliet turned to writing. Under the pseudonym of Hailey Lind, Juliet penned the Art Lover's Mystery Series with her sister Carolyn, about an ex-art forger trying to go straight by working as a muralist and faux finisher in San Francisco. The first of these, Feint of Art, was nominated for an Agatha Award; Shooting Gallery and Brush with Death were both IMBA bestsellers, and Arsenic and Old Paint is now available from Perseverance Press.
Juliet's Witchcraft Mystery series, about a witch who finally finds a place to fit in when she opens a vintage clothes shop on Haight Street in San Francisco, allows Juliet to indulge yet another interest—the world of witchcraft and the supernatural. Ever since her favorite aunt taught her about reading cards and tea leaves, Juliet has been fascinated with seers, conjurers, and covens from many different cultures and historic traditions. As an anthropologist, the author studied and taught about systems of spirituality, magic, and medicine throughout the world, especially in Latin America. Halloween is by far her favorite holiday.
When not writing, painting, or haranguing her funny but cynical teenaged son, Juliet spends a lot of time restoring her happily haunted house and gardening with Oscar the cat, who ostensibly belongs to the neighbors but won't leave her alone. He started hanging around when Juliet started writing about witches...funny coincidence.
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May 22, 2017
Hexes and Hemlines (A Witchcraft Mystery #3) by Juliet Blackwell is a fun cozy, witchy mystery. I like the supernatural and it is a nice break for the heavier books to read a cozy book once in a while so this is perfect. It is a easy and fun read that kept me entertained.
July 15, 2019
..
Excerpt from book:
"Creative energy is very powerful. For people, making arts and crafts brings up a kind of relaxed concentration, similar to meditation, allowing the positive energy to flow through your hands and into the item you're working on."
This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"Lily gets called away from her vintage clothing store to give police a witch's take on how the leader of a rationalist society could be murdered, surrounded by superstitions he discredited.
Evidence points to dark witchcraft. Lily's determined to use magic of her own to find the murderer before everyone's luck runs out."
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
San Francisco vintage clothing store owner Lily Ivory must put her more magical abilities to good use in this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Witchcraft series.
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
Excerpt from book:
"Creative energy is very powerful. For people, making arts and crafts brings up a kind of relaxed concentration, similar to meditation, allowing the positive energy to flow through your hands and into the item you're working on."
This cozy mystery takes place in San Francisco, California and has a heavy dose of witchcraft that blends myth and legend together with the paranormal aspects. In this introductory installation of Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mystery, the reader is introduced to Lily Ivory, who is confronted with a ghost, a demon, jealous boyfriend, and demon possessed people.
Book Blurb:
"Lily gets called away from her vintage clothing store to give police a witch's take on how the leader of a rationalist society could be murdered, surrounded by superstitions he discredited.
Evidence points to dark witchcraft. Lily's determined to use magic of her own to find the murderer before everyone's luck runs out."
Juliet Blackwell is the pseudonym for a mystery author who, together with her sister, wrote the Art Lover's Mystery series, which includes Shooting Gallery, Brush with Death, and the Agatha Award-nominated Feint of Art. A former anthropologist and social worker, Juliet currently resides in Oakland, California.
San Francisco vintage clothing store owner Lily Ivory must put her more magical abilities to good use in this mystery in the New York Times bestselling Witchcraft series.
The series seems to contain legitimate aspects of the craft. The content is captivating and compelling most of the time. There are small bits where you may feel discombobulated by the twists, turns, and change of scenery without proper explanation. But overall, it is a very entertaining mystery in the paranormal genre. Its ability to captivate my attention and urge me to read quickly earned it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars from me.
“An excellent blend of mystery, paranormal, and light humor.”—The Romance Readers Connection
Note: I was able to read this series through the Amazon Prime - Kindle Unlimited Program.
October 8, 2022
A complex plot that ties together surprisingly well at the very end. The authors' talent for meticulous description that brings people, places, and vintage clothing into sharp focus extends here to acts of magic, especially spell-casting because now there are three powerful witches in the picture.
First there's Lily Ivory, who narrates the whole series. She's still relatively new to San Francisco and still keeps her status as a natural-born witch under wraps as she runs her vintage clothing shop at Haight & Ashbury, the hippie hub of the late 1960s. And still somewhat reluctantly, she reveals more of her powers and her backstory to the reader. We learn about her horrendous traumas growing up in Jarod, Texas, having been forced to leave town before she finished high school and before her Nahuatl-speaking grandmother Graciela could complete her witch training. She tells us
Next, there's Aidan, who's been in the series from the beginning. Declaring himself to be the most powerful witch on the West Coast, he acts like the master of everything supernatural in the city of San Francisco, or at least the enforcer of a pact that keeps different kinds of supernaturals apart. That turns out to be important to this story, because the mystery is all about magical crossovers. Aidan's a difficult person at best, but now he's training Lily to use some of her natural powers.
Also, Oscar reports (telepathically?) to Aidan, who gave him to Lily in the first place, and Sailor works for Aidan but wants to be free from him. Aidan's powers are both magical and political, you see, and his hold on Oscar and Sailor makes Lily's relationships with them pretty complicated. She has become simply resigned to being spied on.
Finally, a new power and by all signs a very malevolent one, named Doura. She works for Mike Perkins, whose company is developing a technique for regaining one's youth; secretly it relies on dark magic that drains youth from some and stores it up to sell to others. Doura and her sidekick Tracy are part of the household of a strange older man who styles himself the High Prince of Darkness, and his formal name is the odd-sounding Prince High Zazi. He lives in a Victorian house painted all black, inside and out, and his past notoriety in the city has faded to a familiar oddity.
For some reason I didn't quite get, Doura and Tracy are involved with this guy's son Malachi Zazi, who grew up in that house and rebelled against his father by becoming an outspoken debunker of everything supernatural. He founded the Septenarian Society, dedicated to that purpose, and through them several other people get into our story, especially Bronwyn's son-in-law Gregory and the three adult children of a fabulously wealthy U.S. senator up for re-election. I told you this story is complex, didn't I?
Well, as you know from reading the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page), Malachi enters as a corpse (in paragraph two, page one!) and Lily's associate on the police force, Carlos Romero, calls her in for advice on the crime scene. That's because the Septenarian Society meets in a way that violates all the superstitions they can think of, so that they can get their message across that none of those things (black cats, the thirteenth of anything, etc.) do any harm. And guess what? Many of the members have been having a string of bad luck. Hmm.
Lily doesn't know that Gregory is involved until he becomes a Person of Interest (having argued with Malachi) and Bronwyn seeks Lily's help. But Bronwyn and her daughter Rebecca are on the outs, and Rebecca is violently opposed to witchcraft and Bronwyn's association with Lily. So Lily's friendship with Bronwyn will really be tested.
Lily is a strong person, not just a powerful witch, and she resists going to the dark side as her father did. In her heart she adheres to her grandmother Graciela's side of witchcraft, identifying herself as a link in a long chain of curanderas or witches who heal. But she recognizes the darkness within that she inherited from her father, and sometimes under pressure of events she gives in to it...a little. And she knows how to cast a curse.
This book was hard to put down, but boy, I wish I had taken notes on the first go-round. I think you'll enjoy it more if you do, just to keep the different characters and events in mind. Strongly recommended in any case. 4.5 rounded up.
First there's Lily Ivory, who narrates the whole series. She's still relatively new to San Francisco and still keeps her status as a natural-born witch under wraps as she runs her vintage clothing shop at Haight & Ashbury, the hippie hub of the late 1960s. And still somewhat reluctantly, she reveals more of her powers and her backstory to the reader. We learn about her horrendous traumas growing up in Jarod, Texas, having been forced to leave town before she finished high school and before her Nahuatl-speaking grandmother Graciela could complete her witch training. She tells us
Some people say witches can't blush. Not true. I can't cry, and I can't sink in water. But I sure as heck blush when I've got cause. And I too often have cause.And later she says
I might be a dead loss at scrying, and I can't talk to ghosts worth a damn, but I'm an expert at botanicals.Isolated while she roamed the world, using her witch powers surreptitiously to pay her way, she continues to build friendships for the first time in her life in San Francisco. We've already met Bronwyn the herbalist who shares space with her, Maya her assistant, enigmatic Sailor, and Oscar the goblin-gargoyle mix who doesn't work too well as a witch's familiar. Now we meet Bronwyn's kids, especially Imogen, the eight-year-old who's tutoring Lily in algebra for her GED.
Next, there's Aidan, who's been in the series from the beginning. Declaring himself to be the most powerful witch on the West Coast, he acts like the master of everything supernatural in the city of San Francisco, or at least the enforcer of a pact that keeps different kinds of supernaturals apart. That turns out to be important to this story, because the mystery is all about magical crossovers. Aidan's a difficult person at best, but now he's training Lily to use some of her natural powers.
Also, Oscar reports (telepathically?) to Aidan, who gave him to Lily in the first place, and Sailor works for Aidan but wants to be free from him. Aidan's powers are both magical and political, you see, and his hold on Oscar and Sailor makes Lily's relationships with them pretty complicated. She has become simply resigned to being spied on.
Finally, a new power and by all signs a very malevolent one, named Doura. She works for Mike Perkins, whose company is developing a technique for regaining one's youth; secretly it relies on dark magic that drains youth from some and stores it up to sell to others. Doura and her sidekick Tracy are part of the household of a strange older man who styles himself the High Prince of Darkness, and his formal name is the odd-sounding Prince High Zazi. He lives in a Victorian house painted all black, inside and out, and his past notoriety in the city has faded to a familiar oddity.
For some reason I didn't quite get, Doura and Tracy are involved with this guy's son Malachi Zazi, who grew up in that house and rebelled against his father by becoming an outspoken debunker of everything supernatural. He founded the Septenarian Society, dedicated to that purpose, and through them several other people get into our story, especially Bronwyn's son-in-law Gregory and the three adult children of a fabulously wealthy U.S. senator up for re-election. I told you this story is complex, didn't I?
Well, as you know from reading the blurb (reprinted at the top of this Goodreads page), Malachi enters as a corpse (in paragraph two, page one!) and Lily's associate on the police force, Carlos Romero, calls her in for advice on the crime scene. That's because the Septenarian Society meets in a way that violates all the superstitions they can think of, so that they can get their message across that none of those things (black cats, the thirteenth of anything, etc.) do any harm. And guess what? Many of the members have been having a string of bad luck. Hmm.
Lily doesn't know that Gregory is involved until he becomes a Person of Interest (having argued with Malachi) and Bronwyn seeks Lily's help. But Bronwyn and her daughter Rebecca are on the outs, and Rebecca is violently opposed to witchcraft and Bronwyn's association with Lily. So Lily's friendship with Bronwyn will really be tested.
Lily is a strong person, not just a powerful witch, and she resists going to the dark side as her father did. In her heart she adheres to her grandmother Graciela's side of witchcraft, identifying herself as a link in a long chain of curanderas or witches who heal. But she recognizes the darkness within that she inherited from her father, and sometimes under pressure of events she gives in to it...a little. And she knows how to cast a curse.
This book was hard to put down, but boy, I wish I had taken notes on the first go-round. I think you'll enjoy it more if you do, just to keep the different characters and events in mind. Strongly recommended in any case. 4.5 rounded up.
November 9, 2018
Oh, I'm just so in love with this series! I pick up a book, and just read it right through! Although the "witchcraft" is a bit on the odd side, the characters are engaging and fun, they are multilayered (very few "all good" or "all bad" guys here. As in real life, there are many shade of gray. Oscar, the familiar, is just entrancing, as well.
July 12, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Lily Ivory is a witch working in a clothing store when she is asked to help investigate a murder with her witches skills. Everything speeds up ☝ from there with lots of action and misdirection leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of witch adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
Lily Ivory is a witch working in a clothing store when she is asked to help investigate a murder with her witches skills. Everything speeds up ☝ from there with lots of action and misdirection leading to the conclusion. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of witch adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡😮
November 5, 2017
Loved this one too. Onto the next one!
August 2, 2012
I am still liking this series, although this book has me a bit confused about where it's going to go from here.
Lily Ivory is a witch. And for most of her life she's kept that under wraps, because it hasn't done her any favours to let people know about her powers, and she's been running from place to place most of her life to avoid complications.
But now, Lily's decided to stay put in San Francisco, where she runs her vintage clothing shop Aunt Cora's Closet in the famous hippy Haight Ashbury area. She also somhow seems to keep getting caught up in murders and mayhem.
This time around Lily's been asked to look at a murder scene that is filled with bad luck symbols - broken mirrors, ladders to walk under - the works. But Lily doesn't sense anything. And that is the weirdest thing of all since she always senses SOMETHING.
Then, when Lily's employee Bronwyn asks her to look into the same murder because her son-in-law is involved and could be under suspicion, and a hex is left for Bronwyn shortly thereafter, Lily realizes something nasty is going on and she's determined to get to the bottom of it no matter who tries to stop her!
The character of Lily clearly has a very complicated back-story, and as the series progresses, we get a bit more information about it, but I think the author has a plan for how future books will play out and the readers have to keep coming back if they want the full story.
Lily seems to have very unique perspectives on right and wrong and what her powers entitle her to do, and that is different from most fiction about witches. Lily also doesn't have full control of her powers because of her unfortunate childhood - her mother didn't want her to be a witch and tried to exorcise her at 17 leading to a bad scene and a fast run out of town.
So Lily needs friends and help with her powers. There are several magical people in town who might be able to help Lily in this area. The only problem is that she doesn't trust any of them.
Overall, this series is a fun, easy read, with interesting stories and characters with a nice combination of uniqueness and conflictions. I will continue with this series as I am enjoying it.
Lily Ivory is a witch. And for most of her life she's kept that under wraps, because it hasn't done her any favours to let people know about her powers, and she's been running from place to place most of her life to avoid complications.
But now, Lily's decided to stay put in San Francisco, where she runs her vintage clothing shop Aunt Cora's Closet in the famous hippy Haight Ashbury area. She also somhow seems to keep getting caught up in murders and mayhem.
This time around Lily's been asked to look at a murder scene that is filled with bad luck symbols - broken mirrors, ladders to walk under - the works. But Lily doesn't sense anything. And that is the weirdest thing of all since she always senses SOMETHING.
Then, when Lily's employee Bronwyn asks her to look into the same murder because her son-in-law is involved and could be under suspicion, and a hex is left for Bronwyn shortly thereafter, Lily realizes something nasty is going on and she's determined to get to the bottom of it no matter who tries to stop her!
The character of Lily clearly has a very complicated back-story, and as the series progresses, we get a bit more information about it, but I think the author has a plan for how future books will play out and the readers have to keep coming back if they want the full story.
Lily seems to have very unique perspectives on right and wrong and what her powers entitle her to do, and that is different from most fiction about witches. Lily also doesn't have full control of her powers because of her unfortunate childhood - her mother didn't want her to be a witch and tried to exorcise her at 17 leading to a bad scene and a fast run out of town.
So Lily needs friends and help with her powers. There are several magical people in town who might be able to help Lily in this area. The only problem is that she doesn't trust any of them.
Overall, this series is a fun, easy read, with interesting stories and characters with a nice combination of uniqueness and conflictions. I will continue with this series as I am enjoying it.
August 21, 2016
I don't know what it is about this series, but I get a kick out of it. A cozy, supernatural, witchy mystery is just what I need when I have read too many heavy books in a row, and Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries fit the bill to a tee.
I love San Francisco, and what better town for the shenanigans of a spunky witch, her pig/gargoyle/goblin familiar, an unwilling psychic, a questionable warlock, a sceptic police officer, as well as an unbelieving journalist. Add in a great secondhand/vintage clothing store, and you've got a great setting and host of characters for a cozy mystery.
This one is a bit slower than the first two, but the reader is given a bit more in way of character development, and back stories of those characters. We are starting to see why Lily hasn't finished her training, why Max is so sceptical, Sailor's story is also coming to light, as well as Bronwyn's and Oscar's. Love these characters and I am looking forward to #4!
*very slight spoiler*
Being a huge cat lover, I wish Lily had found a way to keep the cat.
I love San Francisco, and what better town for the shenanigans of a spunky witch, her pig/gargoyle/goblin familiar, an unwilling psychic, a questionable warlock, a sceptic police officer, as well as an unbelieving journalist. Add in a great secondhand/vintage clothing store, and you've got a great setting and host of characters for a cozy mystery.
This one is a bit slower than the first two, but the reader is given a bit more in way of character development, and back stories of those characters. We are starting to see why Lily hasn't finished her training, why Max is so sceptical, Sailor's story is also coming to light, as well as Bronwyn's and Oscar's. Love these characters and I am looking forward to #4!
*very slight spoiler*
Being a huge cat lover, I wish Lily had found a way to keep the cat.
November 11, 2011
Lily Ivory is pulled away from her vintage clothing store, Aunt Cora’s Closet, to give the police a witch’s take on a strange crime scene. Rationalist Malachi Zazi has been found stabbed to death in his apartment surrounded by symbols of the very bad luck he was trying to disprove. When a suspect from his own Serpentarian Society is identified by the police Lily is shocked to find that it’s someone she knows. As bad luck strikes all of the Serpentarian Society members, Lily begins to wonder if it’s coincidence or if something darker is in play.
Juliet Blackwell’s Hexes and Hemlines is one of those light mysteries that are perfect for a summer beach read or a slow weekend. The murder plot gets a bit lost in Lily worrying about her shop and her employees as well as descriptions of various vintage clothes that were lost on me. There were also a few nitpicky little things, like the author taking a full paragraph to describe one of the love interest guys’ eyes both times it comes up. Aside from that the writing is fairly tight and it makes for a fast read.
There were nitpicky things though such as the bit where Lily mentioned having a thing with snakes. This kept coming up and kept coming up but didn’t resolve until late in the story with a flow shattering expository passage. The descriptions for Max’s eyes didn’t sit right with the rest of the story. The first time could have been passed off as Lily being caught off guard at seeing him again, but the second time just felt out of place. It seems a bit funny, but Hexes and Hemlines could have also safely dropped a good deal of the talk about magic. It got to a point where it almost felt like Blackwell thought her audience would forget that Lily’s a witch if they weren’t reminded every few pages. The repetition took something away from it for me, so it wound up feeling like a clue by four hanging over every problem.
All said Hexes and Hemlines is a decent weekend mystery. It’s not terribly memorable but it’s also a fun, quick read. I doubt that I would read another book in this series, but I would give a non-magic mystery series by Blackwell a try. I’m giving this one a three out of five for being entertaining if somewhat forgettable.
Juliet Blackwell’s Hexes and Hemlines is one of those light mysteries that are perfect for a summer beach read or a slow weekend. The murder plot gets a bit lost in Lily worrying about her shop and her employees as well as descriptions of various vintage clothes that were lost on me. There were also a few nitpicky little things, like the author taking a full paragraph to describe one of the love interest guys’ eyes both times it comes up. Aside from that the writing is fairly tight and it makes for a fast read.
There were nitpicky things though such as the bit where Lily mentioned having a thing with snakes. This kept coming up and kept coming up but didn’t resolve until late in the story with a flow shattering expository passage. The descriptions for Max’s eyes didn’t sit right with the rest of the story. The first time could have been passed off as Lily being caught off guard at seeing him again, but the second time just felt out of place. It seems a bit funny, but Hexes and Hemlines could have also safely dropped a good deal of the talk about magic. It got to a point where it almost felt like Blackwell thought her audience would forget that Lily’s a witch if they weren’t reminded every few pages. The repetition took something away from it for me, so it wound up feeling like a clue by four hanging over every problem.
All said Hexes and Hemlines is a decent weekend mystery. It’s not terribly memorable but it’s also a fun, quick read. I doubt that I would read another book in this series, but I would give a non-magic mystery series by Blackwell a try. I’m giving this one a three out of five for being entertaining if somewhat forgettable.
January 8, 2020
I'm ready for the next one, a witch who is an outsider, determined and has interesting companions. I like how the background and details are revealed.
October 11, 2016
This series is so addicting I’m speeding right through them! Juliet Blackwell has a new follower in me, so glad “she found me”. I started this series because I absolutely loved her two latest books, “The Paris Key” and “Letters from Paris”. To my delighted kiddy witchy surprise it turned out she has a series whose protagonist is a Witch, a white Witch, named Lily Ivory. Perfect reading for this time of the year don’t you think?! (Halloween is my favorite Holiday).
So much to love about Lily Ivory. Her background, her vintage shop “Cora’s Closet”, her mentors, her friends, her love of gardening and herbs, and the men in her life (Aidan, Sailor and Max), oh the men! But my most favorite character is her “familiar” Oscar, who has actually made me laugh out loud with his antics. The stories are all set in San Francisco. I personally have never been to San Francisco but after reading three of her books, I’ve bumped it up to the top of my “travel bucket list”. Grabbing a cup of java at “Coffee to the People” in “The Haight” must surely be a one of a kind experience.
Each book starts with a mystery and ends with a mystery, setting it up for the next book in the series. I love that! The downfall is that when I’m finished with the series what am I to do!?!?! I am fascinated by the inclusion of so many details about paranormal activity and the craft. I know it is a fictional book but can’t help being intrigued and wonder how close to the truth it all is.
I am truly enjoying the series. A quick and easy read…nice change of pace and get away from the norm for me.
So far the only negative are the covers...a little too juvenile. I would have not chosen the book by it's cover had I not read "The Paris Key" which I did choose because of the cover.
This review is based on the first three books in the series.....stay tuned for the rest!
So much to love about Lily Ivory. Her background, her vintage shop “Cora’s Closet”, her mentors, her friends, her love of gardening and herbs, and the men in her life (Aidan, Sailor and Max), oh the men! But my most favorite character is her “familiar” Oscar, who has actually made me laugh out loud with his antics. The stories are all set in San Francisco. I personally have never been to San Francisco but after reading three of her books, I’ve bumped it up to the top of my “travel bucket list”. Grabbing a cup of java at “Coffee to the People” in “The Haight” must surely be a one of a kind experience.
Each book starts with a mystery and ends with a mystery, setting it up for the next book in the series. I love that! The downfall is that when I’m finished with the series what am I to do!?!?! I am fascinated by the inclusion of so many details about paranormal activity and the craft. I know it is a fictional book but can’t help being intrigued and wonder how close to the truth it all is.
I am truly enjoying the series. A quick and easy read…nice change of pace and get away from the norm for me.
So far the only negative are the covers...a little too juvenile. I would have not chosen the book by it's cover had I not read "The Paris Key" which I did choose because of the cover.
This review is based on the first three books in the series.....stay tuned for the rest!
January 30, 2016
Listened/Read for Fun (Tantor/Paperback)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell while not being my favorite in the series was still a pretty darn good read!
Overall Thoughts
1: While this wasn't my favorite in the series. I still had a really good time reading it.
2: The more I read this series, the more I wished I could find a vintage clothing shop near me.
3: The side characters make this series. I was a little sad that I didn't get enough of them.
4: Lily is whip smart!
5: Need more Sailor! (and Oscar to boot)
Audio Thoughts
Xe nails Lily! She brings her to life and adds a richness to the character. She does a really good job with all the characters--making them unique and fun. I really enjoy this series on audio.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 3.50
Audio Rating: 4.50 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished: Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell while not being my favorite in the series was still a pretty darn good read!
Overall Thoughts
1: While this wasn't my favorite in the series. I still had a really good time reading it.
2: The more I read this series, the more I wished I could find a vintage clothing shop near me.
3: The side characters make this series. I was a little sad that I didn't get enough of them.
4: Lily is whip smart!
5: Need more Sailor! (and Oscar to boot)
Audio Thoughts
Narrated by: Xe Sands /Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins / Publisher: Tantor Audio
Xe nails Lily! She brings her to life and adds a richness to the character. She does a really good job with all the characters--making them unique and fun. I really enjoy this series on audio.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
May 30, 2018
I don't know...this series just isn't for me. I usually like witchy/paranormal cozy mysteries but for some reason I just don't like Juliet Blackwell's writing (I seem to be in the minority here). I may try the next in this series, but this may be it for me. Too many other books out there for me to read.
December 3, 2016
This is kind of a fun series
February 21, 2023
Still loving the series.
June 24, 2022
Binge-read the first few books during time of duress--macbook off at the spa getting physical therapy and hip replacement surgery, so to speak. Great fun. I'm giving them all 4.5 rounded up!
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
I may come back and give more details but not now. I mean I already spent a half-hour writing some and then lost them so not doing it over right now.
Xe Sands does a terrific job of narration, too.
October 26, 2019
Wow...Lily went through some crap in her past. Looking forward to seeing more of it because you know there is more. We also get to see what's up with Sailor's past and a few new details about Aidan. I'm loving Sailor.
July 4, 2018
This is my favorite one, so far! I love all the local stuff.
September 16, 2018
Loved! Beginning to really love all of our main characters and who I ship seems to change with almost every book which never happens!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
Another installment in the latest antics of vintage clothing shop owner Lily Ivory. While it was interesting, there were too many characters, and the story line was not well constructed. Starts with dead man on a table, appears ritualistic, interesting lay out in the room and positioning of the body. It begs you to continue reading to learn what happened and why, but by the last page, you don't actually get the answers to the original questions. This one is way off the mark. Sorry.
March 31, 2023
The main character gets drawn into asking questions about a person who seemed to embrace the devil or at least evil spirits.
March 15, 2018
I really enjoy this series. I love Oscar the "pig"
April 19, 2022
Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell is where Lily is worrying about whether or not Max can handle her being a witch.
Will Lily figure out what happened to Malachi Zazi?
Lily Ivory
Lily Ivory is our sleuth, and I feel bad for her. She is a natural witch trying to figure things out for herself. Well, mainly with finding her place to call home, as that has been hard. Lily is a sweet person, albeit a bit naive when it comes to certain situations. She has a familiar named Oscar, and we learn more about him which is nice. Living above a place that is potentially your wardrobe is fantastic because she would be a walking billboard for her store. Lily is an excellent character, and I can't wait to see how everything plays for her. Especially with either Aidan or Max.
Malachi Zazi
Our victim is a man named Malachi Zazi, and at first, the police are confused about how they found him. Especially for Lily as she couldn't feel anything around him. Lily investigates him because she's a bit weirded out when she can't feel anything and even more when it's found out that someone else she cares about is affected by Malachi being deceased. Malachi's life was weird, and I felt sad once it all came out about why he was gone and how he was living his life.
Five Stars
My rating for Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell is five stars, and I'm recommending it to anyone that loves an excellent cozy paranormal mystery. Lily Ivory is one of my favorite characters. I like how Ms. Blackwell spends time on her research whenever she's doing one of these stories, as you can genuinely feel it. The magic system she has created for these characters is fantastic. Ms. Blackwell has done a superb job with everything for this story. I mainly got caught up in the red herrings that I didn't think who the actual culprit was.
I'm off to read In a Witch's Wardrobe now.
Other Books in the Witchcraft Mystery Series
Will Lily figure out what happened to Malachi Zazi?
Lily Ivory
Lily Ivory is our sleuth, and I feel bad for her. She is a natural witch trying to figure things out for herself. Well, mainly with finding her place to call home, as that has been hard. Lily is a sweet person, albeit a bit naive when it comes to certain situations. She has a familiar named Oscar, and we learn more about him which is nice. Living above a place that is potentially your wardrobe is fantastic because she would be a walking billboard for her store. Lily is an excellent character, and I can't wait to see how everything plays for her. Especially with either Aidan or Max.
Malachi Zazi Our victim is a man named Malachi Zazi, and at first, the police are confused about how they found him. Especially for Lily as she couldn't feel anything around him. Lily investigates him because she's a bit weirded out when she can't feel anything and even more when it's found out that someone else she cares about is affected by Malachi being deceased. Malachi's life was weird, and I felt sad once it all came out about why he was gone and how he was living his life.
Five Stars
My rating for Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell is five stars, and I'm recommending it to anyone that loves an excellent cozy paranormal mystery. Lily Ivory is one of my favorite characters. I like how Ms. Blackwell spends time on her research whenever she's doing one of these stories, as you can genuinely feel it. The magic system she has created for these characters is fantastic. Ms. Blackwell has done a superb job with everything for this story. I mainly got caught up in the red herrings that I didn't think who the actual culprit was.
I'm off to read In a Witch's Wardrobe now.
Other Books in the Witchcraft Mystery Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Toe Tag #1
Victim: Malachi Zazi (A)
Beachcomber Weapons: mirror shard (M)
Beachcomber Crime Scene: Bay Area (B)
Detectives: Lily Ivory (I)
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
August 6, 2012
Exiled from her native Texas, witch and vintage clothing seller, Lily Ivory, has been slowly building a new life in San Francisco. She’s developing friendships she never had in childhood, her business is growing, and she’s dealing, more or less, with the men in her life. Lily’s talent as a witch is known to at least one police inspector, so when a murdered man is found in a room filled with bad luck charms, the inspector asks for Lily’s take on the crime scene. Since the prime suspect is the son-in-law of her friend and employee, Bronwyn, Lily starts to ask questions, putting her and others in danger.
Hexes and Hemlines is the third in Juliet Blackwell’s witchcraft mysteries series, although this is the first I’ve read. The writing is intelligent and, despite lighter moments with her shape-shifting familiar, there is a serious undertone to the themes in this book. The author deftly weaves background about Lily’s life in Texas, which provides important insight to her state of mind. I have no idea if the spell-casting came from the author’s imagination or not, but they were an interesting component to this entertaining read.
Hexes and Hemlines is the third in Juliet Blackwell’s witchcraft mysteries series, although this is the first I’ve read. The writing is intelligent and, despite lighter moments with her shape-shifting familiar, there is a serious undertone to the themes in this book. The author deftly weaves background about Lily’s life in Texas, which provides important insight to her state of mind. I have no idea if the spell-casting came from the author’s imagination or not, but they were an interesting component to this entertaining read.
October 3, 2014
Check out my other listens at Eargasms Audiobook Reviews
Book three in the series takes us a touch further into everybody's back stories. Still many unanswered questions. This is definitely the slow reveal method.
I really like Lily, she is surprisingly spunky and sweet at the same time. She has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the fellas. Who should she end up with? I have my ideas but I hope this does not take over the series. I prefer the romance to be a side element in a cozy mystery.
Great story, loads of twists and turns. The paranormal elements get a touch confusing at moments, a lot of info comes at you from many directions. Just when you think you have a handle on things, they take a sharp left.
I have the audiobooks of this series, great deal on Audible. The narrator, Xe Sands, is fantastic. I love her style and her tone is perfect. She really has a way of making the story come alive, animated and dynamic read. Definitely adding her to my list of narrators to fangirl over!!
We are again left with a hint at the next books mystery. Great way to keep a reader hooked.
Book three in the series takes us a touch further into everybody's back stories. Still many unanswered questions. This is definitely the slow reveal method.
I really like Lily, she is surprisingly spunky and sweet at the same time. She has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the fellas. Who should she end up with? I have my ideas but I hope this does not take over the series. I prefer the romance to be a side element in a cozy mystery.
Great story, loads of twists and turns. The paranormal elements get a touch confusing at moments, a lot of info comes at you from many directions. Just when you think you have a handle on things, they take a sharp left.
I have the audiobooks of this series, great deal on Audible. The narrator, Xe Sands, is fantastic. I love her style and her tone is perfect. She really has a way of making the story come alive, animated and dynamic read. Definitely adding her to my list of narrators to fangirl over!!
We are again left with a hint at the next books mystery. Great way to keep a reader hooked.
May 23, 2013
The Good: Have I ever mentioned how much I love Juliet Blackwell's writing? Probably. But I really, really do. Lily takes on another mystery in Hexes and Hemlines, one revolving around magic and superstitions and possible satanic worship. While uncovering a killer, she still manages to run a successful business, become further confused by Aidan, deal with Max, befriend (sort of) Sailor, and learn more about both Voodoo and Romani magic. The mystery was amazing, Lily continues to be a great character and the magic is, well, magical.
The Bad: Lily is pretty self-aware when it comes to her lack of experience when it comes to friendship and dealing with other people, so why, oh why, does she ALWAYS think she knows what's best? Granted, she's usually right, but what would possess her to believe she would be?
The Bad: Lily is pretty self-aware when it comes to her lack of experience when it comes to friendship and dealing with other people, so why, oh why, does she ALWAYS think she knows what's best? Granted, she's usually right, but what would possess her to believe she would be?
August 11, 2015
Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell is a well- written and witty witchcraft series! I loved this book. The cover design is whimsical and playful, matching Juliet’s tone. The elementary murder mystery makes this good for a light, summer read. Although some of the author’s description was on the heavy side at times, I really enjoyed it! A very unique characteristic was Lily’s ability to read “vibes” off of clothing. I was never into vintage clothing, but after reading this, I feel like in need to look into it!
December 31, 2015
I like how Maya's mom is making reproductions of vintage patterns in larger sizes.
I like how there was more info about Lily's backstory in this book.
I wish that the titles of the books had to do with the storylines.
I kept getting confused about what color the cat was, or did Lily have two cats? I thought she had the black cat but then at the end there was a white cat? I wish she wasn't allergic to cats. Or that there was more Oscar. Can she trust him? I don't know!
I like how there was more info about Lily's backstory in this book.
I wish that the titles of the books had to do with the storylines.
I kept getting confused about what color the cat was, or did Lily have two cats? I thought she had the black cat but then at the end there was a white cat? I wish she wasn't allergic to cats. Or that there was more Oscar. Can she trust him? I don't know!
June 19, 2011
I love a good paranormal mystery and Hexes and Hemlines never had a dull moment. Juliet Blackwell created such a good story with Lily. I love love love her clothing store she owns and loves that she gets vibes from clothes that give her clues to solving murders. Hexes and Hemlines is my favorite one in the series so far and I hope they keep coming.
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