The Late-Night Witches by Auralee Wallace

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Late-Night Witches" the first instalment in Auralee Wallace’s new Paranormal series filled with authentic family dynamics, self-discovery, and an unforgettable Halloween showdown. I loved Wallace’s other witch series and was saddened when it was cancelled by the publisher.

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"You'll fall deeply in love with this enchanting and cozy book, so much so that you’ll want to return to it every fall just to experience it again!"—New York Times bestselling author Breanne Randall

An enchantingly warm and funny novel about family, love lost and found, discovering who you are, and how difficult it is to slay a vampire from the beloved national bestselling author of the TikTok sensation In the Company of Witches.

Cassie Beckett’s life is anything but magical. With a wild younger sister, three unruly kids, and an absent husband, she’s really not looking forward to the witching month of October. At least the gorgeous, foggy Prince Edward Island is always quiet.

That is, until the vampires arrive.

As the creatures sink their teeth into Cassie’s tenuous grip on normalcy, she’s forced to come face-to-face with long–disregarded family secrets. The legacy gifts her with power, but also a lofty responsibility: rid the island of vampires, or let them win. (Both options suck, in more ways than one.)

Armed with her family, newfound friends, and a baby in a spectacularly garlicky onesie, Cassie must learn what it is to be a witch and how to fight for what she loves before time runs out. Because on Halloween night, the stakes will be higher than ever before...and it’s up to Cassie to finish what the witches that came generations before her started.

This book is ideal for the Halloween season or anytime you want a light, adventurous read with cozy spooky vibes. With its fast-paced plot and engaging characters, it's a great choice for fans of magical realism and women's fiction.  

It is perfect for fall reading, with its blend of magic, family, and self-discovery. Cassie Beckett's journey is relatable and engaging, especially as she explores her magical abilities and navigates her complex family dynamics.  The Beckett women - Cassie, Eliza, and Dorcas - are the heart of the book, and their relationships with each other are authentic and endearing. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, and the community comes together in a heartwarming way to face the vampire threat.

The setting of Prince Edward Island is fantastic and I could picture it in my mind, and the humor is well-timed and effective. The story has a cozy, nostalgic feel reminiscent of Practical Magic and Buffy. 

I want a sequel maybe there will be one as Werewolfves were mentioned…

I want more of Dorcas, Eliza , Sadie and I want to see Cassie thriving with her new coven of misfits.  Wallace delivers a perfect blend of humor, heart, and bite—literally.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

Tails from the Crypt by Sarah Fox

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “Tails” from the Crypt” by Sarah Fox  the 3rd instalment in the "Magical Menagerie Mystery series”.  Once again Sarah Fox has a winner on her hands and I can’t wait for book 4. Sarah’s books are an automatic preorder even without reading the blurb on what the book is about, I just love her writing style.  I’m hoping there will be more of her other series in 2025.  (Sweet Confections series, Literary Pub Mystery series as well as the Pancake House Mystery series)

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Halloween, magic and a touch of romance. Return to the charming coastal town of Twilight Cove with the latest instalment in USA Today bestselling author Sarah Fox's enchanting Magical Menagerie Mystery series!

A harmless trick . . . or a deadly treat?

Fall is in full swing and the town of Twilight Cove is preparing for its annual Pumpkin Glow! Georgie Johansen, her gorgeous boyfriend Callum and her Auntie O are also getting ready for their animal sanctuary’s Trail of Terror. But when a new, and rather unpleasant, resident stops at nothing to take over the town, the enemies she makes are numerous . . . and lethal!

Finding the woman’s body in the woods is shocking enough. The news that Georgie’s best friend is top of the suspect list is another level entirely. Georgie’s never needed the secret abilities of her wonderful dogs, Flossie and Fancy, more than she does right now. Especially when it’s clear that someone doesn’t want an amateur sleuth poking around. Revealing the victim’s secrets could be the key to finding the killer. After all, everyone has a skeleton in their closet . . .

Can Georgie save the town from a real Halloween horror show? 

This delightful cozy mystery series with a magical twist is perfect for fans of Sofie Kelly, Amanda Flowers, Wendy Corsi Staub and Gretchen Rue!

I loved it!  I really enjoyed visiting Twilight Cove, Oregon and the animal sanctuary again especially during the annual Pumpkin Glow and the sanctuary’s Trail of Terror. A new, and rather unpleasant, resident stops at nothing to take over the town, the enemies she makes are numerous . . . and lethal! 

Sarah is very good at descriptive writing so you feel like you’re right there walking amongst the woods, on the beach or walking main street and seeing the picturesque stores.  I know I would love to live there and be part of Georgie’s friend group.

Who wouldn’t want to hang out with two magical dogs named  Fancy and Flossie, a kitten named Stardust, a great horned owl named Euclid, and all the Sanctuary animals (including two new donkeys). Another thing I enjoy is the budding relationship between Georgie and Callum.

I wasn't surprised by what happened to Genevieve Newmont! Having all those suspects drew me in it was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Georgie did. 

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Severn House and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Please join the conversation and comment below.  Have you read… If so what did you think/like

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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The Antique Store Detective and the Deadly Inheritance by Clare Chase

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Antique Store Detective and the Deadly Inheritance” the 3rd instalment in The Bella Winter Mystery series by Clare Chase set in Hope Eaton, Shopshire England. 

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A mysterious death and a missing ruby necklace… it’s clearly a case for antique store owner and amateur sleuth Bella Winter! 

Nobody was surprised when Clemmie Crowe passed away – she’d been sick for a long time. But Bella Winter isn’t sure it’s as simple as it seems. Why was Clemmie so agitated the day she died – and why did she ask a local policeman to call on her?

Bella’s certain Clemmie knew something about her relatives, the powerful Powell family. They used to own half of Hope Eaton, but now they’re planning to sell what remains… Including the Steps Café, owned by Bella’s best friends.

The sale has to be stopped. Where else will Bella get her sausage sandwiches? Perhaps Clemmie’s secret will be enough to put a spanner in the works. So when matriarch Althea Powell invites her to value their possessions, Bella jumps at the chance. She can find some gems, investigate Clemmie’s death, and stymie the sale all at once.

It seems to be going swimmingly… until it’s proved that Clemmie was murdered, and Althea’s priceless ruby necklace vanishes. The list of suspects is as long as Bella’s arm. Was it Althea’s shady stepson, desperate for cash? His older brother, who wants to sell up? Or even her husband, who keeps changing his will?

Then Bella finds the necklace in the last place she expects, upsetting everything she thought she knew. Where there’s a will, there’s bound to be a quarrel. But can Bella figure out whose inheritance means murder, before things turn deadly for her?

A completely charming English cozy mystery. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love following the fiendish clues as Bella cracks her most puzzling case yet! 

I really like how Bella and her circle of friends find out information and gather insights into the crime and the people involved.  The story deals with greed, family dynamics, and the Hope Eaton community.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end.  I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.     

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 4!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Bookouture and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

The Mango Murders by Lucy Burdette

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "The Mango Murders" the 15th instalment in the "A Key West Food Critic" Mystery series by Lucy Burdette. This is one of my favourite foodie cozy mystery series.

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The turquoise waters of Key West are stained with pink in this explosive 15th installment of the Key West Food Critic mysteries from USA Today bestselling author Lucy Burdette.

Food critic Hayley Snow’s employer, Key Zest, is throwing the event of the season, a lavish cocktail party catered by Janet Snow, Hayley’s mother. As Hayley boards the luxurious cruise, she anticipates a smooth sailing soirée filled with shimmering cocktails, mouthwatering mango-infused delicacies, and new supporters for the e-zine. But as the boat sets sail, the festivities take a tragic turn when an explosion rocks the vessel, plunging the party guests into chaos. 

In the days that follow, Hayley learns that a local culinary entrepreneur died in the explosion and it was no accident–someone on board had a deadly agenda. With the tropical city of Key West as her backdrop, Hayley navigates a web of secrets and lies. Her investigation takes her from the shadowy corners of island politics to fierce competition between high-end event caterers and personal vendettas. 

With the clock ticking and the stakes higher than ever, Hayley must rely on her keen intuition to unmask a cunning culprit before they strike again.

I really enjoyed this story and hanging out with Haley, and celebrating Miss Gloria’s birthday!  I must say I love octogenarian Miss Gloria and all the things she does and says.  With a few surprises thrown in I can’t wait for the next book.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted and I kept second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end.   I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!

I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

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Death and the Librarian by Victoria Gilbert

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ Death and the Librarian” by Victoria Gilbert the 9th instalment in the "Blue Ridge Library Mystery" series. I really enjoyed it.

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It’s summertime in Virginia, but things are about to get out of hand when murder darkens the annual arts festival in this ninth installment of the critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mystery series, perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Miranda James.

Library director Amy Muir has always been suspicious of wealthy art dealer Kurt Kendrick. As a close family friend, the ties that bind them are strong, but his murky past is concerning, especially since he is the godfather to Amy and her husband Richard’s six-year-old twins. When a visitor to their small, historic Virginia town is found dead after publicly accusing Kurt of committing a decades-old murder, Amy is determined to prove that Kurt didn’t kill anyone, in the past or the present. But the evidence Kurt’s accuser sent to Sheriff Brad Tucker before her untimely demise indicates otherwise.

With Amy’s own aunt and other older town residents corroborating some of the details related to the first murder and a witness placing Kurt near the scene of the second crime, it seems Kurt is doomed to swift and severe justice. Amidst the fun and excitement of an arts festival that features the premiere of Richard’s new dance company, Amy faces her own challenging performance—balancing her work and family life while dancing on the edge of danger.

With family and friends harboring suspicions about Kurt and Amy bedeviled by her own wavering trust in his innocence, she must fight to uncover the truth before a hidden killer strikes again.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs, 

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A Brew for Chaos by Esme Addison

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ A Brew for Chaos” by Esme Addison the 3rd instalment in the "An Enchanted Bay Mystery".  What a great follow up to the last book, I just love the whole mermaid, magical theme in this series.

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Pumpkins, craft beer and mermaid magic! Alex Daniels must solve a puzzling serial killer cold case in the magical third Enchanted Bay Mystery, set in a cozy small coastal town.

It’s fall, and Aleksandra Daniels is settling into her new hometown of Bellamy Bay in North Carolina. She loves her job at her aunt’s herbal apothecary, and is enjoying getting to know her new boyfriend, local detective Jack Frazier. But she’s still trying to figure out her newly discovered magical powers, inherited from a mermaid ancestor.

Leaves are changing, pumpkins are being picked, and the small coastal town is caught up in the excitement of the approaching Oktoberfest and craft beer competition. But Alex’s good friend, local journalist Pepper, is more excited by the upcoming anniversary of a spooky cold case she’s helping her boss, Jonah, investigate. Back in the eighties, a serial killer nicknamed The Fisherman abducted ten local women. He was never caught, and the women never seen again.

Alex isn’t surprised when Pepper asks for her help, but she’s done solving mysteries. She’d much rather be strolling down main street with Jack, sharing a hot cup of apple cider, and that’s not going to happen if she keeps meddling in his investigations.

But when Jonah’s body is discovered on the beach, Alex is forced to reconsider. Soon, she’s caught up in a complex, troubling plot that places not just her own life, but the lives of everyone she loves, in terrible danger.

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it over 2 days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.  The setting of Bellamy Bay was nice and I am a sucker for a cozy set in North Carolina.  This series is a favourite and not just cause it centres around mermaids.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed.  

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends. I am looking forward to book 4!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Severn House and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Death at the Village Christmas Fair by Debbie Young

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Death at the Village Christmas Fair” the 3rd instalment in The Cotswold Curiosity Shop Mystery series by Debbie Young set in the Cotswold Village of Little Pride, England. 

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A BRAND NEW instalment in Debbie Young's Cosy Mystery Series

It’s been a busy year for Alice Carroll, with her Curiosity Shop opening for business, and not one but two murders shaking things up in her quaint Cotswold village. She’s looking forward to her first countryside Christmas, complete with traditional Christmas Fair and Santa Run.

But her hopes for innocent festive fun are thwarted when one of the Santa Runners steals something from her mum's knitting stall. His festive outfit makes him hard to spot, until he's found fatally injured outside the village hall with the stolen item.

Despite what the police say, Alice suspects there's more to his murder than meets the eye. She's determined to solve the mystery - including why, once more, a stranger thought something from her Curiosity Shop was worth killing for.

With the help of her charming neighbour Robert Praed, can Alice find the killer before the bells ring out this Christmas?

I devoured Debbie's latest novel, which expertly combines cozy mystery and heartwarming storytelling. Alice's character shines, and I'm eager to see her relationship with Bob Sponge unfold in future instalments. I also hope that her mum ends up moving to Little Pride.

The mystery is engaging, with clever twists keeping me on the edge. I enjoyed guessing and second-guessing the killer's identity.

Overall, this book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and heartwarming fiction. Debbie's writing is engaging, and her characters are lovable and well-crafted. I highly recommend this charming novel and look forward to the next instalment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I requested and received an advance readers copy from NetGalley and the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Tea with Jam & Dread by Vicki Delany

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing “ Tea with Jam & Dread ” by Vicki Delany the 6th instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of Vicki Delany’s books. 

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Cape Cod tearoom owner Lily Roberts leaves New England for old England to attend a party for an aristocratic centenarian—but what goes on there is anything but noble . . .

Long ago, Lily’s grandmother Rose worked as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle, and now Elizabeth, dowager countess of Frockmorton, is celebrating her one hundredth birthday. Rose still has fond feelings for her onetime employer, so a group trip to Yorkshire is planned. It’s also an opportunity for Lily to visit her boyfriend, who’s currently working in England—and to indulge in some British tea.

Much has changed, however, and the ancestral home is now a luxury hotel, which will be closed for a week to accommodate the big bash, much to the chagrin of Elizabeth’s grandson, Julien—leading Lily to overhear an argument among the younger generation about the fate of the family fortune. Little do they know that Elizabeth plans to sell the famous Frockmorton Sapphires out of the family for the first time in centuries . . .

The icing on the cake comes when the jewels suddenly vanish—and things really go nuts when a party guest dies from an allergic reaction to almonds that someone smuggled into Lily’s coronation chicken sandwiches. Now she’ll have to scour the property to find out who would commit murder in such a 

manor . . .

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.  

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end.  I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie.  

I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, and a great mystery then this series is for you.   Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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A Murder on the Mountain by Ellie Alexander

Hello my cozy friends, 

Today I am reviewing A Murder on the Mountain e by Ellie Alexander the 1st instalment in the "
Meg Reed Investigates Mystery" series.   I really enjoyed this story and found it to be a great start to a new cozy series!  This series will definitely be on my must read list.

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What’s worse than being terrified of heights when you’re a reporter for an adventure magazine? Witnessing a murder from the top of a cliff.

Meg Reed thought landing a job at Northwest Extreme magazine was her lucky break—until she realized she’d have to actually venture outdoors. Determined to fake it till she makes it, she finds herself covering an adventure race in Oregon's stunning Columbia River Gorge.

When one of the contestants plummets to their death from Angel’s Rest summit, Meg is the only witness and she knows right away it was more than just a tragic accident. With her new job on the line and a killer on the loose, Meg must overcome her fears and put her investigative instincts to work.

Armed only with her notebook, a strong mocha, and her best friends’ support, Meg throws herself into uncovering the dark secrets among the close-knit adventure racing community. And she soon discovers that sometimes the most dangerous thing about the great outdoors might just be the people in it.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, this charming cozy mystery introduces an endearing amateur sleuth who learns that solving murders could be the one outdoor activity she’s naturally good at. Perfect for fans of Tonya Kappes, Lauren Elliott and Laurie Gilmore.

A Murder on the Mountain was previously published as Scene of the Climb.

I’m a huge fan of Ellie Alexander's mysteries, so I was thrilled to dive into her new series. The setting of the Pacific Northwest and the Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking . This cleverly crafted tale masterfully weaves together two intriguing mysteries: the murder of Lenny and the cold case of her father’s accident / murder, which I suspect will be a recurring thread throughout the series. With the aid of her friends Jill and Matt , plus we can’t forget Gam, her grandmother who practices Reki and has some psychic powers.

The plot is engaging, and the characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this series debut and highly recommend it to all my fellow cozy mystery lovers - I can't wait to see what's in store for Meg in book two.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

Seven Secret Spellcasters by Lynn Cahoon

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing "Seven Secret Spellcasters " the 7th instalment in the "Kitchen Witch" Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon.

Pre-order here 

Everyone’s favorite kitchen witch is back in this new cozy mystery from New York Times bestselling author Lynn Cahoon. As Mia prepares for her transfer of powers on Halloween Eve, a murder implicates her boyfriend and his familiar . . .

Besides her witch’s training, Mia has a lot on her plate with her catering business and cooking school in the Idaho town of Magic Springs. As All Hallows Eve approaches, Mia has almost completed her apprenticeship with Grans and must decide if she will join the coven. At the same time, her boyfriend Trent’s familiar, Cerby—an adorable Maltese whose powers are far greater than his six-pound fluffy body might suggest—has flunked out of hellhound training at the werewolf camp. Something about a dragon?

What’s more, the National Office of Magical Creatures has sent an investigator to check out suspicions regarding Trent and Cerby. But when the investigator is found floating dead in the river behind Trent’s cabin with Cerby’s paw prints nearby, Mia’s boyfriend and his furry friend become murder suspects. Now she’ll have to use her own powers of investigation to save them both . . .

I love visiting Magic Springs, Idaho and catching up with Mia, Grans, Christina and Abigail. This time it’s All Hallows Eve , what could go wrong… 

 

I adore Trent’s familiar, a cute little Maltese Cerby and the things he was getting up too. Can’t wait to see what Cerby gets up to in the next book as they learn to raise a hellhound and a dragon…

I found the mystery very interesting as well as entertaining, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing till the very end. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Mia and Mia’s Morsels in book 8.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting my little blog!
I always love reading comments and getting to know my fellow cozy lovers.

Hugs,

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