Review: Some Like it Witchy

I started this series a couple of years ago and look forward to each new installment to the series.  I think I enjoy them so much because they remind of the old T.V. show, "Bewitched," minus the nose twitching.

Synopsis from Amazon

The Enchanted Village is abuzz when the old Tavistock house finally goes up for sale. Darcy’s friend Curecrafter Cherise Goodwin is hoping she will have the winning bid on the home, but Darcy can’t shake the feeling that something bad is about to happen—and her magical instincts are usually right.

Sure enough, while Darcy and Cherise are looking at the property, they discover real estate agent Raina Gallagher stone-cold dead on the floor. Clutched in her hand is a gemstone amulet and, on the wall above her, a large red A. While Raina had no shortage of enemies, there’s also a dark legend about the house itself. To track down the killer, Darcy must unlock the secrets of both the deceased and the estate—and she’ll need to act fast, because revenge is a deal that never closes.…

My thoughts

These are happy books.  I know that sounds odd since there is usually at least one murder in each of them but it's the truth. Each and every one of the characters you come into contact with adds to the atmosphere of the story.  They are almost all eccentric and full of personality and make me smile often, even laugh out loud on occasion.  Darcy is perfect as the main character and sleuth for the Elder.  She is nosy, yet extremely likable, with plenty of wit and just a bit of attitude. 

The books are a perfect blend of mystery and magic with just the slightest bit of romance thrown in.  This one in particular is one of my favorites with a well thought out back story.  I loved trying to figure out who the murderer was and this time my guess was wrong! I was truly surprised when it was finally revealed who the killer was.

Everything works out in the end, as it does it most of the series.  I like it that way.  I like knowing that when I curl up to read a Wishcraft Mystery, I am going to be completely engrossed in the story and walk away happy, eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

                                                                                            

Double Review: The Job and The Scam

Just finished two books in the Fox and O'Hare series by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg on Audible. These are the third and fourth book in the series.  Years ago, I used to love the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich and I know that thousands of people adore them, but after about book ten, I started to get bored. There was no growth to the characters and I felt like I was just reading the same plot over and over again.  I picked up the first book in the Fox and O'Hare series in the hopes that it would hold the finer attributes of Evanovich's writing style and bring something fresh with the addition of Goldberg.  They are definitely a winning combination, at least for now (who knows what will happen by book ten!) Presently, I love these books and I am hooked.  

How to describe them?  I guess you could call them FBI crime thrillers with sass. The crew of characters is irresistible. Not only do we have Nick Fox and Kate O'Hare, but also several unique and thoroughly enjoyable sidekicks that help out when needed.  Humor and sarcasm are abundant, and of course there is a decent amount of heated tension and bickering between Nick and Kate. Overall, these are fun reads with lots of action and nothing too deep or disturbing.  Great beach or weekend reads.  I'm sure many a driver gave me an odd look as I walked with my earbuds and a big stupid grin on my face.  Worth it. :)

Click on any of the links below to see the teasers on Amazon:

The Heist (Book 1)

The Chase (Book 2)

The Job (Book 3)

The Scam (Book 4)

Review: Nightfall

So, I was browsing in the bookstore while waiting for my son and his friends to come out of the movie theater when Nightfall caught my eye.  I had never read anything by this author before but I loved the cover and the teaser sounded promising. Normally, I try not to buy hardcover books due to their cost, but I figured my son could read it too so it would be worth the money.

Synopsis from Amazon:
On Marin’s island, sunrise doesn’t come every twenty-four hours—it comes every fourteen years. Now the sun is just a sliver of light on the horizon. The weather is turning cold and the shadows are growing long. Because sunset triggers the tide to roll out hundreds of miles, the islanders are frantically preparing to sail south, where they will wait out the long Night. Marin and her twin brother, Kana, help their anxious parents ready the house for departure. Locks must be taken off doors. Furniture must be arranged. Tables must be set. The rituals are puzzling—bizarre, even—but none of the adults in town will discuss why it has to be done this way. Just as the ships are about to sail, a teenage boy goes missing—the twins’ friend Line. Marin and Kana are the only ones who know the truth about where Line’s gone, and the only way to rescue him is by doing it themselves. But Night is falling. Their island is changing.


What did I think? Well, I liked it.  It was different and the plot was fairly original although I did have some deja vu here and there of other popular stories/fairy tales. The characters were likable and as before they were even left behind, I began developing theories.  While my basic idea of what was going to happen when night fell was correct, the story ended up being a bit more fantastical than I originally thought.  There were some imaginative creatures and an added mystery/subplot involving one of the main characters in the story which was quite interesting.  All in all, the book was fun and unique with a decent amount of adventure and suspense.  My 12 year old son is now enjoying it as well, and while he usually has one book at home and one at school, he is enjoying this one enough to be traveling with it back and forth.  I would have liked to have seen a bit more of an ending but maybe there will be a sequel in the future that will answer my lingering questions and ideas about what happens to the characters next.