Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Sunday, October 04, 2020

My Bookish Mewsings: Wolf Gone Wild & Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross

"Would you like another beer?" ~ Opening of Wolf Gone Wild

Wolf Gone Wild (Stay a Spell, #1) by Juliette Cross (2020)

Romance/Fantasy; 376 pgs

Source: Purchased

I first heard about this book from another book blogger. Just about any book involving witches and magic is sure to be a draw for me. I enjoy a good supernatural romance, and Juliette Cross is an author I have enjoyed before. Wolf Gone Wild is a bit different from Cross's other novels, this one being more of a romantic comedy. It has a strong romance element like her other novels with a bit of a mystery tied into it.

Mateo Cruz knows he has been hexed. He has not been able to shift into his wolf form for three months now. The voice of his wolf is his constant companion in his head, posing a danger to himself and others with the wolf's violent and carnal thoughts. Mateo's only hope is Evie Savoie, a local witch and hex breaker. With her family's strict no wolf policy, Evie is not too sure she should help Mateo out--but his desperation tugs at her heartstrings.

Evie is such a fun heroine. A comic book geek who has a thing for Wolverine and Star Wars. She has a kind heart and spirit. Mateo is a sweetheart, an artist, and struggles greatly to control the wolf trapped inside him. Although the reader knows instantly they belong together, it takes our two main characters a while to come to the same conclusion. And no wonder given Mateo's reservations about commitment and Evie's own past experiences in love.

The hex turns out to be more complicated than Evie or her sisters (also witches) anticipated, which causes them to try to dig deeper into its origins. I would not have minded if the mystery of the hex had been woven in a bit earlier in the novel to help build the suspense leading to the big reveal, but there definitely was plenty of tension as all the pieces fell into place towards the end.

I enjoyed Wolf Gone Wild. It was entertaining and fun--and broke me out of my reading slump. I am definitely interested in learning more about the world the author has created in her new series.

I was thinking about purple pansies when it happened. ~ Opening of Hex and Drive

Don't Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell, #2) by Juliette Cross (2020)

Romance/Fantasy;

Source: NetGalley for an honest review.

After reading Wolf Gone Wild, I excitedly dove into Don't Hex and Drive to find out which Savoie sister I would learn more about next. I really liked Evie from the first book, but I adored her introverted sister Isadora Savoie in this second book. It might have been because I could relate to her love of animals and being an introvert myself.

In Don't Hex and Drive, Isadora is literally run into by the ever charming Devraj Kumar, vampire warrior and former Bollywood star. Isadora is not going to fall head over heels for Dev no matter how hard he tries to win her over. Or that's the plan, anyway. The last thing she wants to do is get involved with the irresistible vampire who is only there to help his friend look into the sudden disappearance of women from local clubs. She is willing, however, to step up and help with the investigation. Her gifts as a Conduit prove quite valuable.

I can see why Isadora jumps to the conclusions she does about Dev right away--I mean, he does run in circles with some pretty high profile people and is famous himself. While she didn't recognize him right away, her sisters did. Underneath it all though, Dev is longing for something more than all of that. He misses having a place to call home. He's really rather down to earth and wants to prove to Isadora that there is more to him than what she believes. He certainly won me over. And I loved Isadora and Dev together.

My minor concern regarding the first book in the series did not exist in this second one. The romance is centerstage, but the mystery of the women who have disappeared is a consistent and strong plot line throughout the novel. I found Don't Hex and Drive to be a combination of sexy and suspenseful--and just a whole lot of fun. I also enjoyed spending more time with the Savoie sisters and cannot wait to find out who will be the focus of the next book in the series.

© 2020, Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Friday, October 02, 2020

Weekly Mews: So Long September and Welcome October (Please Vote in My TBR Poll!)

I am linking up to the Sunday Post hosted by Kim of Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where participants recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about. I am also linking The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance of Readerbuzz where participants discuss what they are reading and other bookish topics. I am linking up to Nicole of Feed Your Addiction's Monthly Wrap-Up Post, where any book bloggers who write monthly wrap-up posts can link up and visit other bloggers to see what they have been reading. I am linking to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews and Marlene of Reading Reality a meme in which participants share what new books came their way recently.

New to the Shelves:

I went on a bookish shopping spree with gift cards I received for my birthday this past month. I usually hold onto my gift cards and spread out my buying, but I needed the retail therapy. I earned it after last month. Haha.

Paper and Fire (The Great Library #2) by Rachel Caine

Ash and Quill (The Great Library #3) by Rachel Caine

A Songs of Wraiths and Ruin (#1) by Roseanne A. Brown

A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik

Dragon Springs Road by Janie Chang

A Single Swallow by Zhang Ling

Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

Return to Tradd Street (#4) by Karen White

Death and Daisies (Magic Garden Mystery #2) by Amanda Flower

Elementary, She Reads (Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #1) by Vicki Delany

A Grave Matter (Lady Darby Mystery #3) by Anna Lee Huber

A Study in Death (Lady Darby Mystery #4) by Anna Lee Huber

A Pressing Engagement (Lady Darby Mystery #4.5) by Anna Lee Huber

As Death Draws Near (Lady Darby Mystery #5) by Anna Lee Huber

A Brush With Shadows (Lady Darby Mystery #6) by Anna Lee Huber

What I Am Reading: I am in the middle of 15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher and enjoying it quite a bit. Although it is the third book in the Nantucket Candle Maker mystery series, it is my first time reading anything by Brecher. It is set around Halloween, and so I figured this was a good time to dive in. I am still reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Mouse is reading it with her class, and I am doing my best not to jump too far ahead of where they are. It's very hard, let me tell you. I have just started the Jack Will section, for those familiar with the book.

What I Am Watching: We are all caught up with Lucifer until the next half of season 6 drops on Netflix. In the meantime, we have started re-watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which was a favorite of my husband's and mine years ago.

Anjin and I were finally able to get back into watching the Star Wars movies, and re-watched The Last Jedi over the weekend. I am sure this weekend we will re-watch The Last Skywalker.

As a family, we really got into the first season of Julie and the Phantoms, a Netflix series. It is so good! It's a fun family show if you like comedy, music, ghosts, and teen/family drama. It is a knock-off of a Brazilian show. After watching the first season with us, Mouse immediately started watching it again on her own.

We were all happy to see The Masked Singer start up a new season, and have been watching that. We cannot watch when episodes first air, but we catch it on Hulu a day or two after.

Dare I ask if any of you caught the U.S. Presidential debate? It was not on in our house, although my husband and I have read and caught clips here and there since then. It sounds like it went just about how I expected it would.

Off the Blog: September was such a rollercoaster. More so in an emotional sense, although it was a busy one too. The last two weeks of September especially so with dress rehearsals and the final performances put on by Mouse's dance studio. Both the musical and ballet are over now, and I think all of us are more than relieved. They went as well as can be expected given the circumstances. You may remember that Mouse was one of a small few who performed from home instead of in the studio with the other kids. Mouse's musical theater instructor wrote her a lovely note of encouragement before the first Grease performance. Someone from the booster club brought over roses on opening night as well as a goody bag of snacks another night. I think that was very nice of them to do.

The county in which I reside moved up to the next tier restriction wise near the end of last month. We are now in the red, which means more businesses can start re-opening, including gyms and movie theaters and restaurants can have indoor patrons--all on a limited capacity. I for one am not rushing to get back to any of those places, and I know my husband feels the same way. I see a lot of parents demanding to know when in-person instruction in schools can begin again in the Facebook neighborhood and county groups. Our county is still in virtual mode. I have heard rumors it may happen before the end of October. It does not really affect Mouse though given she is on the year long virtual plan.

Virtual learning continues to go about as one would expect. There are a lot of challenges, some within our control and others outside of it. It's an adjustment. And not an especially easy one for many of us, is it?

As a 4th grade class assignment, Mouse had to research non-profit organizations for a cause she wanted to support, plan how to earn money for the cause, and follow through with donating the money to that organization (we haven't gotten to that last step yet). She set a goal for $100 and has already achieved it! She decided she wanted to do a chocolate chip cookie bake sale. She still has a couple of out of town orders to bake and send out, but she got all the local deliveries done.

Delivering cookies

Bookish party favors from Mouse's friend's Anne of Green Gables themed birthday party

Mouse's Roses from the Booster Club

A photo of Nina for good measure.

Here is what I finished reading in September:

Big Top Flop (Nancy Drew Clue Book, #4) by Carolyn Keene & Peter Francis
In My Attic (Magic Misfits, #1) by Lina Hansen
Don't Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell, #2) by Juliette Cross
The Haunted Library (#1) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant
Spill the Beans (Whatever After, #13) by Sarah Mlynowski
The Ghost in the Attic (The Haunted Library #2) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant
The Ghost Backstage (The Haunted Library #3) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant
The Five O'Clock Ghost (The Haunted Library #4) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant
The Secret Room (The Haunted Library #5) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant
The Rules of Magic (Practical Magic #2) by Alice Hoffman
The Ghost at the Fire Station (The Haunted Library #6) by Dori Butler Hillestad & Aurore Damant

September turned into middle grade book month as Mouse and I work our way through The Haunted Library series. It's about a ghost boy whose lost his family and has joined up with a human girl to solve ghostly mysteries--and hopefully find his family. Mouse and I also discovered the Whatever After series, which features a sister and brother who travel through a mirror into various fairy tales and have to "fix" them (after messing them up in the first place).

For my own reading, I had a lot of fun reading both In My Attic and Don't Hex and Drive. I also finished The Rules of Magic, which was wonderful. Thank you to all who voted for it in my September TBR List Poll!

September was a full blogging month. I feel like I kept up pretty well overall. I managed to get quite a few of my overdue reviews posted and have a few more coming this month. Because of Mouse's performances the last full week of September, I wasn't around as much and didn't get a review post up I had ready to go. It happens.

This Past September In Reading Mews:

Tell me what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your September? Do you have anything planned for this month?

Thank you for helping me decide what book from my TBR collection I should read next:

My TBR List is a meme hosted by the awesome Michelle at Because Reading. It’s a fun way to choose a book from your TBR pile to read. The 1st Saturday of every month, I will list 3 books I am considering reading and take a poll as to which you think I should read. I will read the winner that month, and my review will follow (unfortunately, not likely in the same month, but eventually--that's all I can promise).

Sticking with the R.I.P. XV theme for October, I thought I would tempt you (and me) with these three gems. Admittedly two have been on my TBR shelf a bit longer than the most recent release, but I can assure you, they are all books that I have been wanting to read, but just haven't made time for. Yet. So what will it be? Dark magic at a boarding school, zombie romance, or perhaps a murder solving ghost? Help me decide what to read next!

A Deadly Education (Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novik

Lesson One of the Scholomance

Learning has never been this deadly

A Deadly Education is set at Scholomance, a school for the magically gifted where failure means certain death (for real) — until one girl, El, begins to unlock its many secrets. There are no teachers, no holidays, and no friendships, save strategic ones. Survival is more important than any letter grade, for the school won’t allow its students to leave until they graduate… or die! The rules are deceptively simple: Don’t walk the halls alone. And beware of the monsters who lurk everywhere. El is uniquely prepared for the school’s dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out millions. It would be easy enough for El to defeat the monsters that prowl the school. The problem? Her powerful dark magic might also kill all the other students. [Goodreads Summary]

Warm Bodies (Warm Bodies #1) by Isaac Marion

R is having a no-life crisis—he is a zombie. He has no memories, no identity, and no pulse, but he is a little different from his fellow Dead. He may occasionally eat people, but he’d rather be riding abandoned airport escalators, listening to Sinatra in the cozy 747 he calls home, or collecting souvenirs from the ruins of civilization.

And then he meets a girl.

First as his captive, then his reluctant guest, Julie is a blast of living color in R’s gray landscape, and something inside him begins to bloom. He doesn't want to eat this girl—although she looks delicious—he wants to protect her. But their unlikely bond will cause ripples they can’t imagine, and their hopeless world won’t change without a fight. [Goodreads Summary]

Mrs. Morris and the Witch (A Salem B&B Mystery #2) by Traci Wilton
In Traci Wilton's second cozy mystery featuring a new sleuth on the Salem scene, when widowed B&B owner Charlene Morris discovers the dead body of a local Wiccan on Halloween, she and her charming ghostly partner must help the local Salem, Massachusetts, coven to find the killer.

Halloween is the biggest holiday of the year in Salem, Massachusetts--but when B&B owner Charlene Morris finds the dead body of a witch, it spells trouble...

Charlene, recently widowed, has renovated her historic mansion just in time to greet guests arriving for the town's annual Halloween festivities. She's lucky to have a helpful staff to provide support--as well as a handsome ghost named Jack standing invisibly by her side.

Unfortunately, while the revelers head out on haunted tours, have their fortunes told, or grab a drink at Brews and Broomsticks, a killer walks among them. When Charlene discovers Morganna, a local Wiccan, dead in her shop, she starts getting cozy with the local coven, looking for clues to locate the crafty culprit. Salem may be famous for the false accusations of witchery in centuries past, but this time someone is genuinely guilty--of murder... [Goodreads Summary]

Thank you for voting! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

Thursday, October 01, 2020

Where Is Your Bookmark? (A Year Ago & Today - A Peek Into 15 Minutes of Flame)

After hemming and hawing over what to read next (because sometimes having too many choices makes it hard to choose), I settled on Christin Brecher's 15 Minutes of Flame. It seems a fitting choice given the Halloween theme.

As Stella Wright's Nantucket candle store thrives, her knack for solving mysteries burns equally bright--especially when a Halloween haunted house uncovers evidence of a centuries-old murder . . .

When Stella's friend inherits a creaky, abandoned home in Nantucket, she knows it's the perfect setting for the town's annual Halloween fundraiser. A deserted, boarded-up building on the property--once used as a candle-making shop--adds to the creepy ambiance. But as Stella explores the shack's dilapidated walls, she discovers a terrible secret: the skeleton of a Quaker woman, wrapped in blood-soaked clothing and hidden deep within a stone hearth . . .

While police investigate, Stella wastes no time asking for help from friends with long ties to Nantucket's intricate history. The key to the murder may lie within a scorching 18th century love triangle that pit two best friends against one another over a dubious man. But before the case is solved, another life will be claimed--leaving Stella to wonder who in Nantucket is friend, and who is foe . . . [Goodreads Summary]

A weekly meme where readers share the first sentence of the book they are reading and say what they think. Hosted by the amazing Gillion Dumas of Rose City Reader.

Saturday morning, I was lounging in my backyard and enjoying a little sun. My chaise for such luxury was a fold-out chair, the kind with plastic straps across a metal frame where one or two bands always seem to be missing in crucial places. Even though my rear end sank a little lower to the ground than I'd prefer, I was deeply engaged with the clouds rolling above me on this late October day. [opening of 15 Minutes of Flame]

My initial thoughts: Boy, does this bring back memories. I used to have fold-out chairs like that and would lay out and watch the clouds roll by, picking out shapes and sometimes making up stories to go along with them. And late October is the perfect time as the temperatures finally begin to cool off to a comfortable temperature. As you can see, this opening makes me feel a bit nostalgic. Given this is a cozy mystery, I imagine this is the calm before the storm so to speak!

A weekly meme in which readers share a random sentence or two from page 56 or 56% of the book they are reading. Hosted by the wonderful Freda of Freda's Voice.

I pulled a tissue from the box by her bedside and handed her one.

"Thanks," said Leigh.

Rather than wipe a tear, she blew her nose. The action seemed to give her strength.

"So here it is," she said. "I think I saw a ghost."

She looked at me as if expecting me to laugh or call the cops. Instead, I nodded. [excerpt from 56% of 15 Minutes of Flame]

My thoughts: I have not reached this point in the book yet, but I can tell something must have happened to Leigh to upset her so. Did she see a ghost? Or is there a rational explanation for what she saw? And what exactly did happen?!

Have you read 15 Minutes of Flame? If not, does it sound like something you would like to read? Have you read any of the earlier books in the series?

A weekly meme in which readers look at what they were reading
last year at this time and compare it to what they are reading now.
Hosted by the great Maria from ReadingMaria.

I tend to think of cozy mysteries as making great autumn reads, so it isn't surprising that I am reading one going into October. 15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher has the advantage of being set around Halloween time. I love that it delves into the history of its Nantucket location. Although I am still early into it, I can already tell I will enjoy it.

This time last year, I read Rose Pressey's Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece (Haunted Craft Fair Mysteries #1), which had a paranormal element running through it. So another good choice for this time of year! While I found Pressey's mystery entertaining and enjoyed it overall, it was not a particular favorite. Read my bookish thoughts here.

What was the last book you read this past year around this time? How does it compare to what you are reading now? Have you read Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece? If so, what did you think?

* * *

A glimpse into what I was reading 5 years ago:

On the Road with Del & Louise: A Novel in Stories by Art Taylor

Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.

Do you read books that have an autumn theme? (submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer)

In a round about way, the answer to this week's question is yes. I sometimes like to read books set around Halloween and Thanksgiving in the fall to correspond with the holidays. Does that count?

What about you?

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Be sure and tell me what you are reading and are up to!

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

Waiting to Read Wednesday: First Grave on the Right / The Midnight Bargain / Murder in the Margins / Jingle All the Way

The Old(er)

I have an embarrassing number of unread books sitting on the shelves in my personal library. Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight and discuss those neglected books in her Books from the Backlog feature. After all, even those older books need a bit of love! Not to mention it is reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!

First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1) by Darynda Jones (2011)

This whole grim reaper thing should have come with a manual.
Or a diagram of some kind.
A flow chart would have been nice.

Charley Davidson is a part-time private investigator and full-time grim reaper. Meaning, she sees dead people. Really. And it's her job to convince them to "go into the light." But when these very dead people have died under less than ideal circumstances (like murder), sometimes they want Charley to bring the bad guys to justice. Complicating matters are the intensely hot dreams she's been having about an entity who has been following her all her life...and it turns out he might not be dead after all. In fact, he might be something else entirely. But what does he want with Charley? And why can't she seem to resist him? And what does she have to lose by giving in?

With scorching-hot tension and high-octane humor, First Grave on the Right is your signpost to paranormal suspense of the highest order. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: I have had this one for quite a while now--acquire date unknown. I am not sure how this is still on my TBR pile and not one I have read. A grim reaper PI? Sounds right up my alley.

Have you read First Grave on the Right? Does this book sound like something you would like to read?

The New

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.

The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk

Release Date: October 13, 2020 by Erewhon

Beatrice Clayborn is a sorceress who practices magic in secret, terrified of the day she will be locked into a marital collar that will cut off her powers to protect her unborn children. She dreams of becoming a full-fledged Magus and pursuing magic as her calling as men do, but her family has staked everything to equip her for Bargaining Season, when young men and women of means descend upon the city to negotiate the best marriages. The Clayborns are in severe debt, and only she can save them, by securing an advantageous match before their creditors come calling.

In a stroke of luck, Beatrice finds a grimoire that contains the key to becoming a Magus, but before she can purchase it, a rival sorceress swindles the book right out of her hands. Beatrice summons a spirit to help her get it back, but her new ally exacts a price: Beatrice’s first kiss . . . with her adversary’s brother, the handsome, compassionate, and fabulously wealthy Ianthe Lavan.

The more Beatrice is entangled with the Lavan siblings, the harder her decision becomes: If she casts the spell to become a Magus, she will devastate her family and lose the only man to ever see her for who she is; but if she marries—even for love—she will sacrifice her magic, her identity, and her dreams. But how can she choose just one, knowing she will forever regret the path not taken? [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: What to do when your dreams are in conflict? And magic! Doesn't this sound good?! And look at that beautiful cover!

Murder in the Margins (Open Book Mysteries, #1) by Margaret Loudon

Release Date: October 27, 2020 by Berkley

The plot thickens for American gothic writer Penelope Parish when a murder near her quaint British bookshop reveals a novel's worth of killer characters.

Penelope Parish has hit a streak of bad luck, including a severe case of writer's block that is threatening her sophomore book. Hoping a writer in residence position at The Open Book bookstore in Upper Chumley-on-Stoke, England, will shake the cobwebs loose, Pen, as she's affectionately known, packs her typewriter and heads across the pond.

Unfortunately, life in Chumley is far from quiet and when the chairwoman of the local Worthington Fest is found dead, fingers are pointed at Charlotte Davenport, an American romance novelist and the future Duchess of Worthington. Charlotte turns to the one person who might be her ally for help: fellow American Pen. Teaming up with bookstore owner Mabel Morris and her new friend Figgy, Pen sets out to learn the truth and find the tricks that will help her finish her novel. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: This bookish cozy mystery calls to me and sounds like a great start to a new series. I look forward to giving this one a try.

Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber

Release Date: October 13. 2020 by Ballantine Books

A young workaholic avoiding home for the holidays discovers that you can't run away from who you are--a heartfelt Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving her hometown in rural Illinois. Now she helps run a burgeoning startup in Chicago, where her professional goals leave little time for friends...or a vacation.

When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges her to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life she's worked so hard to escape. Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise--the perfect getaway. Embarking on a weeklong tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, Everly slowly but surely begins to realize that relationships are more important than work--and just might decide to journey home just in time for Christmas Day.

Debbie Macomber's signature wintry warmth shines in this holiday delight. [Goodreads Summary]

Why I want to read this: A Christmas cruise to the Amazon sounds like a break from the traditional Christmas romance. I have heard great things about Debbie Macomber's novels and perhaps this would be a good one to start with it?

Do any of these books interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to reading?

Sunday, September 27, 2020

My Bookish Mewsings: A Spell for Trouble / Witch Hunt / In My Attic

The house at 136 Cypress Lane didn't look like trouble--quite the opposite. ~ Opening of A Spell for Trouble

A Spell for Trouble (An Enchanted Bay Mystery, #1) by Esme Addison

Crooked Lane Books, 2020

Crime Fiction/Cozy/Paranormal; 336 pgs

Source: NetGalley for an honest review.

Risk assessor Alexandra Daniels is down on her luck, having just lost her job. She decides to accept her estranged aunt's invitation to visit and help them with their business, an herbal apothecary, in Bellamy Bay. It has been years since Alex last set foot in the seaside town, her father having cut ties with that side of the family after Alex's mother's death. Alex is not prepared for what she finds in Bellamy Bay. Secrets and rumors of mermaids and vikings, witches and land disputes. When her aunt is arrested for the murder, Alex is sure she is being framed and wants to know why--and who is behind it.

I cannot resist a paranormal cozy mystery and A Spell for Trouble was just what I needed when I picked it up to read. It was full of magic and an intriguing backstory about water witches, family secrets, and ancient rivalries. Alex has no memory of her early childhood and gift for water magic. She does not want to believe it at first, and is not sure what to do with it once she realizes it is real. Alex has a perfect mix of skepticism and wonderment at her new found abilities. I really liked Alex's character, although there were a couple of moments in the novel I found myself wanting to shake some sense into her for putting herself in harm's way, but I never stopped rooting for her. The secondary characters are just as well-developed in their own right, and I really enjoyed my time in Bellamy Bay. Alexi's faithful dog is pretty awesome too.

I enjoyed the overall mystery of the novel with its twists and turns. While I guessed early one who was likely behind it all, it was still a delightful reading experience. There's a bit of romance and plenty of magic. I look forward to seeing what happens next in Bellamy Bay.

Something was in the air. ~ Opening of Witch Hunt

Witch Hunt by Cate Conte

Kensington Books, 2020

Crime Fiction/Cozy/Paranormal; 304 pgs

Source: NetGalley for an honest review

Violet Mooney, owner of The Full Moon crystal shop, has recently lost her grandmother unexpectedly, and throws herself more deeply into her work to cope. A local councilwoman seems to be out to get quite a few people in town, including Violet. When the councilwoman turns up dead after a heated and very public argument with Violet, Violet is the prime suspect for the murder. As if that isn't enough of a predicament to be in, Violet's long absent mother and a sister she never knew she had show up claiming that not only are they witches, but so is Violet. This can't be real, can it?

I love cozy cats, and this book as two! Violet is well-established and has a lot going for her. She has a lot of mixed feelings about her mother showing up after abandoning her all those years ago--and wants nothing to do with her. But her mother won't go away. Her mother, Fiona, can be a bit overbearing at times, but she means well. I adored Violet's half-sister, Zoe. She and Violet hit it off pretty well. Between the mystery of the murder of the councilwoman and the mystery surrounding Violet's past, Witch Hunt had me from the first page to the last. I found both story lines intriguing and could not wait to see how everything came together in the end. There were certainly several unexpected twists in this one! I always find it interesting to see the different ways magic manifests in cozy mysteries like this, and this one did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more by Conte in the future.

My aunt lay dead and I was lost in her life. ~ Opening of In My Attic

In My Attic (A Magical Misfits Mystery. #1) by Lina Hansen

Literary Wanderlust, 2020

Crime Fiction/Cozy/Paranormal; 182 pgs

Source: NetGalley for an honest review

Myrtle had wanted nothing more than to leave Avebury behind. But when her aunt turns up dead, possibly murdered, she has no choice but to return to the Witch's Retreat, a bed and breakfast owned and run by her aunt. Taking a leave of absence from her job as a teacher, she finds herself in over her head taking care of the bed and breakfast while at the same time looking into her aunt's death. Secrets, magical relics, rumors of witches and witch hunters, and strange happenings she cannot explain are among what Mrytle must take on.

The paranormal elements are subtly introduced in Lina Hansen's novel as obviously our heroine, Myrtle, is a non-believer. I loved the humor throughout the novel from the analogies, Harry Potter references, play on names to the farting cat. Myrtle is such a great narrator, and I enjoyed every minute of this mystery. The whodunit was easy to guess, but the how was a lot more difficult to figure out. There is a cast of quirky characters, who really help make this novel what it is. And while not what I would call a fast-paced novel, I did enjoy my time in Avebury at the Witch's Retreat. I found the world building to be extremely interesting as Myrtle uncovered the history of witches in the area and look forward to exploring it further with her in future books (which I hope there will be many of!).